Log in
Hanoi

Following CNN team’s footsteps to explore Hanoi’s icons

Unlike around 90 million results on “iconic Hanoi” on Google search tools, the icons of Hanoi, in CNN producer`s eyes, were “bustle”, “coziness” and “inspiration".

After ten days wandering around Hanoi, young CNN director Jane Sit and her team have depicted the icons of Hanoi through five authentic stories ranging from fashion, business, technology, social activities to environment. 
 
CNN's producer Jane Sit during her filming in Hanoi.
CNN's producer Jane Sit during her filming in Hanoi.
The film crew from CNN, the US cable news network, has shot the last scenes for the 30-minute “Iconic Hanoi” program series, which is projected to be broadcast this November. 

This is one of 15 films produced under an agreement between the Hanoi People’s Committee and CNN to enhance the Vietnamese capital’s recognition in the world. 

Unlike around 90 million results on “iconic Hanoi” on Google search tools, the icons of Hanoi, in Jane’s eyes, were “bustle”, “coziness” and “inspiration", the three words that the young producer used to describe the city that she visited for the first time. It seems that the last one would be what the program is supposed to deliver. 

However, the crew was also more or less astounded thorough the shooting process under “the burning heat” and “the crazy traffic” of Hanoi in the midst of scorching summer.

Hanoi is owing its particular features to the new generations who are pursuing their ideal and inspiration, Economic and Urban newspaper cited Jane as she compared her experiences in Hanoi to those in other countries during five years working as CNN’s producer.

To explore the ways that Hanoi is developing, Jane and her crew found typical stories from five characters. 

They found sustainable development in one of the most vibrant Southeast Asian countries through the story of Vu Thao, a designer with her unique fashion brand. 

Vu Thao spent years of studying the weaving and dying techniques of fabric of Vietnam’s northwestern ethnic minorities, which are made entirely from natural materials. The costumes sold at her KILOMET109 shop are created in the traditional ethnic ways but with fashionable and modern touches.  

Architect An Viet Dung was portrayed in another story of a former overseas student in Italy and Israel. He made the busy Hanoi friendlier with his “farming architecture”  of Koi Cafe combining an aquarium with reused wood pallets and the VAC library with the impressive green model of aquaponics. 

There were also other notable pieces including the pioneer electric scooter Vinfast Klara, made-in-Vietnam Bphone and KOTO, a vocational school for neglected children. 

For CNN, the Hanoi’s icon may be the spirit of the new generations, who are making efforts to preserve and promote cultural values as well as the original living environment of Hanoi and Vietnam while keeping up with the development of the city. 
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Hanoi launches digital job portal to boost labor matching

Hanoi launches digital job portal to boost labor matching

Hanoi has introduced a new digital platform designed to connect workers and employers more efficiently as the capital modernizes its labor market.

Hanoi’s 100-year master plan to shape the capital’s future growth

Hanoi’s 100-year master plan to shape the capital’s future growth

The planning must be of the highest quality so Hanoi can fully realize its distinctive potential, key opportunities and competitive advantages.

Hanoi opens 11th annual sports games celebrating unity, excellence, athletic spirit citywide

Hanoi opens 11th annual sports games celebrating unity, excellence, athletic spirit citywide

Hanoi opened the Capital Sports Games 2025 with a grand ceremony, highlighting the city’s growing sports movement, strong community participation and ambition to elevate both mass fitness and elite athletics.

Institutional breakthroughs as catalyst for Hanoi’s next leap

Institutional breakthroughs as catalyst for Hanoi’s next leap

The resolution not only empowers the city and speeds up processes but also outlines a more proactive and efficient model of urban governance for Hanoi’s future.

Hanoi commits US$230 million to curb urban flooding

Hanoi commits US$230 million to curb urban flooding

Emergency construction orders are essential to address urgent needs, including water pollution control, a stable, clean water supply, increased flows for the To Lich River and improved urban landscapes and living conditions.

Hanoi gears up for a vibrant 2026 Countdown

Hanoi gears up for a vibrant 2026 Countdown

With the energy of thousands gathering in Hanoi downtown, the Countdown 2026 promises to be an unforgettable way for people to welcome the New Year.

Hanoi launches AI-powered traffic control center for traffic violations

Hanoi launches AI-powered traffic control center for traffic violations

The system automatically detects common violations, significantly reducing the need for traffic police to be deployed directly on the streets while improving accuracy and transparency in traffic management.

Hanoi plans 10,000-hectare urban megacity with world-class stadium

Hanoi plans 10,000-hectare urban megacity with world-class stadium

The stadium’s design draws inspiration from Dong Son bronze drums and the Lac bird motif, symbolizing Vietnam’s aspiration to rise.