Behind the busy scenes in the old quarter are the dark, deep alleys.

The alleys got smaller because houses encroached on the roads.

The entrance to many alleys are covered by clothes.

Such alleys are seen in the old streets of Hang Bac, Hang Buom, Hang Duong, Hang Dao and many others.

The alleys are small, deep and dark. They are lit by lamps, even during the day.

These alleys are located in Hanoi’s center, where many people are determined to live here, although the local government has offered them spacious apartments in Hanoi’s suburbs.

Alley 44 on Nguyen Sieu Street.

The alley is sufficient for only one motorcycle.

The public space in an alley, where locals cook, wash, etc.

Alley 17 on Hang Ngang Street. A household opens a fashion shop deep in the alley, which only serves familiar customers.

The public area is not very clean.

At No. 21 Hang Ngang, a fashion shop occupies the alley road so the road is only 60cm wide.

Locals are still eager to live here.

Living in the cramped center is far better than other other places because they can earn money easily.