From 2004 to 2014, numerous streets in Ha Noi’s Old Quarter, including Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, Hang Duong, Hang Buom, Ma May, Hang Giay, Luong Ngoc Quyen, Ta Hien and Dao Duy Tu, were shut off to traffic at weekends’ nights, as a preparation for connecting the pedestrian space around Hoan Kiem Lake in the future.
If approved by Ha Noi authorities, the bans will go into effect from October 1 and those streets will be close from 7 PM on Friday afternoon to 12pm midnight on Monday morning in summer and from 6pm to 12pm in winter. All shops and bars in this zone will be allowed to open until 2pm.
Municipal authorities will build plans to ensure security and order, fire protection, rescue, transport management, environmental hygiene, and business management in the streets and adjacent areas. The streets are in the list of areas needing preservation and are similar to existing walking streets. The area also boasts many historical and cultural sites such O Quan Chuong and Thanh Ha communal house.
When they are launched, they help promote cultural and historical values, culinary delights, architecture, and potential for tourism in the Old Quarter and areas surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake. They are also hoped to promote walking and the use of public transport in the city.
Hanoi launched 11 more walking streets surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake earlier this month, including Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Lai, Le Thach, Dinh Le, Nguyen Xi, Trang Tien (from Ngo Quyen to Dinh Tien Hoang), Hang Khay, Le Thai To, Hang Trong (from street Joseph’s Cathedral to Le Thai To), Nha Tho and the Cathedral square.
The area is famous for serving many of Hanoi’s most famous dishes such as Bun Thang (Rice vermicelli soup served with shredded chicken, fried egg strands, meat pie and mushroom), La Vong grilled fish, Pho (noodle soup served with beef and chicken) and Bun cha (rice noodle served with grilled pork).
Hotels and restaurants abound, and many of these are being upgraded to appeal further to tourists. Hanoi’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism also plans to upgrade the historical relic sites of Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison. Along with repairing and upgrading the three attractions, the department will also enhance connectivity among them to promote tourism development in the city.
