Rare Old Map of Hanoi, 1902: Imperial City, Red River, Long Bien Bridge, Opera House, Temple of Literature

Embark on a journey through time with the exquisite "Plan de la Ville de Hanoi," a masterful creation of the Service Geographique de l'Indo-Chine, dating back to the year 1902. This cartographic treasure offers a window into the past, showcasing Hanoi, the illustrious capital of Vietnam, during a pivotal moment in its history. Under the meticulous craftsmanship of the French military mapping agency, active from 1887 to 1954, this map stands as a testament to a period of transformation. It intricately details the city's streets, buildings, and the majestic Red River that courses through its heart, all while employing a European style of drawing and French nomenclature, making it a fascinating artifact of colonial influence.

Delving deeper into the "Plan de la Ville de Hanoi," one discovers not just a map, but a narrative of urban development under French colonial rule. The map reveals a Hanoi that is beginning to mirror a European city, with broad, tree-lined avenues such as Avenue Carnot and Boulevard Henri Rivière, and significant public spaces that speak to the colonial administration's ambition to reshape the city. Landmarks like the Imperial City, the Temple of Literature, and the Opera House are meticulously marked, offering insights into the cultural fabric of Hanoi at the turn of the 20th century. This level of detail extends to the depiction of neighborhoods from the serene Grand Lac (Tay Ho) to the bustling streets of Hoan Kiem, making it a rich resource for understanding the city's diverse landscapes.

The map's historical significance is further amplified by its connection to the Exhibition of Hanoi in 1902, an event designed to showcase the achievements of French colonial rule. It reflects the transformation of Hanoi from a collection of fishing villages into a city that exudes the architectural and urban planning ideals of a European capital. The meticulous work of "le sergent Lecureur" and the Service Geographique in capturing over 30 important public facilities and 44 principal pagodas, among other urban details, underscores the comprehensive effort to document the city's evolution.

Beyond its aesthetic and historical value, the "Plan de la Ville de Hanoi" serves as a scholarly artifact, revealing the socio-political dynamics of early 20th-century Hanoi. It illustrates the imposition of a foreign urban model onto the indigenous landscape, a process that significantly altered the city's identity. This map not only charts the physical contours of Hanoi but also traces the contours of its colonial past, offering a lens through which to examine the complex interplay between colonial powers and local realities.

In conclusion, the "Plan de la Ville de Hanoi" is more than a mere map; it is a captivating chronicle of Hanoi's architectural and cultural metamorphosis under French colonial rule. For collectors, historians, and aficionados of cartography, this map is a luxury artifact that encapsulates a unique moment in the history of one of Asia's most vibrant cities. Its meticulous detail, historical context, and aesthetic beauty make it an unparalleled addition to any collection, inviting viewers to explore the rich tapestry of Hanoi's past.

Streets and roads on this map

• Avenue Carnot
• Avenue Paul Bert
• Boulevard Bonnal
• Boulevard Henri Rivière
• Boulevard Jaureguiberry
• Boulevard Rollandes
• Boulevard Sontay
• Boulevard Thang Long
• Boulevard Triệu Quốc Đạt
• Impasse Blanchard de la Brosse
• Impasse de la Pagode
• Impasse des Rapides
• Impasse du Commerce
• Impasse du Gouvernement
• Impasse du Lycée
• Impasse du Magasin
• Impasse du Marché
• Impasse du Réservoir
• Impasse du Trésor
• Impasse Richaud
• Place de la Cathédrale
• Place de la République
• Place du Marché
• Pont Doumer
• Pont Paul Bert
• Rue d'Arras
• Rue d'Autriche
• Rue de Bắc Ninh
• Rue de Berlin
• Rue de la Citadelle
• Rue de la Gare
• Rue de la Grande Armée
• Rue de la Mission
• Rue de la Pagode
• Rue de la Porte de la ville
• Rue de la Résidence
• Rue de la Tour d'Auvergne
• Rue de l'Artillerie
• Rue de l'Évêché
• Rue de l'Infanterie
• Rue de l'Intendance
• Rue de l'Opéra
• Rue de Lorraine
• Rue des Magasins
• Rue des Pavillons Blancs
• Rue du Commerce
• Rue du Consulat
• Rue du Docteur Yersin
• Rue du Grand Marché
• Rue du Lycée
• Rue du Magasin de l'Artillerie
• Rue du Marché aux légumes
• Rue du Réservoir
• Rue du Tonkin
• Rue Francis Garnier
• Rue Gambetta
• Rue Gia Long
• Rue Houdan
• Rue Kléber
• Rue Laplace
• Rue Le Hong Phong
• Rue Lyautey
• Rue Mangin
• Rue Maréchal Bugeaud
• Rue Maréchal Joffre
• Rue Maréchal Moncey
• Rue Paul Bert
• Rue Paul Doumer
• Rue Puginier
• Rue Richaud
• Rue Riviére
• Rue Rollandes
• Rue Saint-Martin
• Rue Solférino
• Rue Tôn Đức Thắng
• Rue Vaillant
• Rue Verdun
• Rue Victor Hugo

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Insets:
  • Environs de Hanói
  • Plan de la Concession Francaise de Hanói
• Illustrations:
  • Compass Rose
  • Key to symbols used on the map
• Neighbourhoods:
  • Grand Lac (Tay Ho)
  • Hoan Kiem Lake
  • Gia Lam
  • Ba Dinh
  • Dong Da
  • Hai Ba Trung
  • Hoan Kiem
  • Cau Giay
  • Thanh Xuan
  • Long Bien
  • Tu Liem
  • Soc Son
  • My Duc
  • Thanh Tri
  • Gia Lam
• Bodies of water:
  • Red River
  • To Lich River
  • Kim Ngu River
  • Thien Quang Lake
  • But Thap Pagoda Lake
  • Linh Quang Lake
  • Ngoc Khanh Lake
  • Bay Mau Lake
  • West Lake
• Parks:
  • Botanical Garden
  • Zoo
• Landmarks:
  • Imperial City
  • Temple of Literature
  • Presidential Palace
  • Opera House
  • Long Bien Bridge
  • Paul Bert Street
  • Rue du Marechal Foch
  • Rue du Colonel Angebault
  • Rue de la Citadelle
  • Rue du Tonkin
  • Rue du Yunnan
  • Rue d'Haiphong
  • Rue de la Pagode
  • Rue de la Porte de la ville
  • Rue du Marche
  • Rue du Temple de la Litterature
  • Rue du Pont de Papier
  • Rue de la Monnaie
  • Rue des Magasins Generaux
  • Rue du Commerce
  • Rue de l'Hopital
  • Rue de la Mission
  • Rue de l'Eglise
  • Rue du College
  • Rue de la Residence
  • Rue du Gouvernement

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.