Complex 01 in Hanoi
Complex 01 is a new name that’s all the rage among Hanoi youth in the past couple of months. Refurbished from an old 1960s factory, the expansive complex boasts a vintage vibe that fascinates Instagrammers, while the many clothing and accessory shops, cafes, and beauty salons that now call the place home is a delight for shopaholics and casual visitors alike.
The venue also sees regular social events that draw in crowds of people coming to shop for handicrafts or catch live music performances.
An expansive space with plenty of photo opportunities
Past the entrance to the complex, you’ll find yourself in a courtyard surrounded by a 3-story U-shaped structure. The right wing is mainly occupied by offices of various companies, though the top floor is still currently empty save for a few simple chairs.
Inside a woodworking workshop at Complex 01
Yet despite its vacant state, the space still draws small crowds of people coming to take pictures, as it boasts raw brick walls and tall glass windows looking out to the back of an old apartment, making for a nice vintage-style backdrop.
The raw brick walls make for good vintage-style photo backdrops
Image credit: @taken_by_cheese
The timeworn staircases with their rusted steel steps and railings are also sought-after photo spots, as are the corridors, which open into clothing and accessories shops.
Image credit: Dang Hai Nguyen
At various corners of the building, there are also dedicated photo spaces decorated with paintings, plants, and furniture.
A popular photo spot in the complex
Do note that while casual check-ins are free of charge, a fee of VND500,000 (~USD21.66) an hour applies if you want to take pictures for commercial purposes.
Cafes with seating areas in the open
Many clothing and accessory shops are available
Meanwhile, the left wing of the complex is reserved for food & beverage joints. Currently, there are only a few drink stalls available, though several others are setting up to move in.
One of these is Sii Café, which serves a wide selection of coffee, juices, and tea ranging from VND35,000 (~USD1.52) to VND60,000 (~USD2.60).
Image adapted from @interbeso_yogurts
Another, Interbeso, specializes in healthier beverages. Drop by to grab some sữa chua hạt đác (VND35,000, ~USD1.52) – yogurt served with sugar palm tree seeds, which are thought to help boost metabolism, improve one’s complexion, and regulate blood pressure.
The cafes open into another courtyard on the second floor, which is equipped with plenty of tables for you to rest at and enjoy your drink after your photo session. An adjacent staircase leads to another seating area on the third floor, which, while still open with plenty of fresh air, has a roof for when it rains.
Complex 01 is the venue of regular social events
A live music performance
Image credit: Complex 01
As Complex 01 is a popular hangout spot for local youths, it comes as no surprise that social events are held here on a regular basis. These range from craft workshops to flea markets and live music events and more.
Earlier this month, for instance, the place saw a convention of handicraft workers who came to display their products for sale to celebrate the new year. Be sure to follow Complex 01’s Facebook page to see what it has in store for the upcoming Tết celebration, and keep yourself updated on future events.
Address: 29 Alley 31, Lane 167 Tây Sơn Str., Đống Đa District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8AM-10PM, Daily
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Cover image adapted from _thien.trangg_ , Complex 01, and The Smart Local Vietnam