Status-befitting makeover envisioned for iconic Hoan Kiem Lake area
The redevelopment of Hoan Kiem Lake and its surrounding area is expected to provide more recreational space, enhance the cultural and historical significance of the iconic lake, and unlock Hanoi's tourism potential.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi is studying ways to expand the public space around Hoan Kiem Lake to gradually bring the “Hoan Kiem Lake and its Vicinity” zone to life, as outlined in the Capital General Plan.
Citizens support the policy, expecting a facelift that will transform Hanoi's symbol into a natural highlight and carry the capital’s soul from the past to the present.
Changes during history
Hoan Kiem Lake bathed in the golden glow of sunset – a scene that looks like something from a dream. Photo: Huy Pham/ The Hanoi Times
Since 1954, seven city plans have been devised for Hanoi, one of the world's best cities for 2024 rated by Euromonitor International. The 1992 plan, in particular, explicitly defined the city's status and its four core zones: the Ba Dinh political center, the Old Quarter, the area around Hoan Kiem Lake, and the French Quarter. Hoan Kiem Lake and its surroundings are at the heart of the city and have received special attention since Doi moi (Renewal) in 1986. Due to their pivotal roles, plans for the Old Quarter and the Hoan Kiem Lake area have garnered significant interest from the Vietnamese people and many foreign countries.
According to Architect Dao Ngoc Nghiem, former head of the Hanoi Department of Planning and Architecture and Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association, Hoan Kiem Lake is a typical Hanoi area bearing traces of its development periods.
The detailed plan for Hoan Kiem Lake and its vicinity was approved in 1996. Besides the development direction, the 1996 plan included the renovation of several structures and streets, such as the Ham Ca Map (Shark Jaw) building on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, the Hanoi Post Office, the Hanoi People’s Committee headquarters’ façade, and the Thuy Ta House. The Politburo and the prime minister were provided input on improvements for all of the structures.
The annual Dragon Dance Festival on the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake. Photo: Huy Pham/ The Hanoi Times
"Since the 1996 plan, Hanoi has taken steps to renovate Hoan Kiem Lake and its surroundings, including the Ly Thai To Flower Garden, Trang Tien and Trang Thi streets, the Ba Kieu Temple Flower Garden, and The Huc Bridge," he said.
However, some projects were either left unexecuted or run inefficiently. Therefore, it is important to learn from both successful and unsuccessful projects to get an overall picture.
Right occasion, resolute implementation
Various types of constructions have been erected around the Hoan Kiem since the French colonial period, causing the space to become increasingly spoiled and stuffy.
Phan Dang Son, President of the Vietnam Association of Architects, said: "In line with the 'Modifying the Hanoi Capital General Plan' project, which was approved by the prime minister in late 2024, adjusting the plan and renovating the Hoan Kiem Lake area is necessary."
Recently, Hanoi began awakening the potential of the Red River islet and alluvial banks to create an ecological green axis for the capital city. Expanding the area east of Hoan Kiem Lake will connect it with existing public spaces such as the Toad Flower Garden and historical and cultural sites in the area overlooking the Red River. This is a great opportunity to create a valuable, attractive space in the Hoan Kiem Lake area.
Tourists take souvenir photos in front of the "Shark Jaws" building before its demolition later this year. Photo: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times
Strengthening tourism connectivity
According to experts, planning and redesigning the Hoan Kiem Lake area will harmoniously connect the Hoan Kiem Lake National Special Relic Site in the south with the Old Quarter, a national historical landmark in the north. This will bring the approved major plans to fruition and better serve tourism.
"Given the increasing number of visitors to Hanoi, a glaring shortcoming of the area around Hoan Kiem Lake is the lack of public parking. Urban plans have made it clear that we must exploit underground spaces to fulfill needs that the ground can no longer meet, especially concerning static traffic,” said architect Bui Xuan Tung at the Hanoi Urban Planning and Development Association.
According to the Hoan Kiem District People’s Committee, the project to renovate the area east of Hoan Kiem Lake is divided into two phases. The first focuses on constructing the above-ground section of the square and park with public funds. Meanwhile, the second phase involves constructing three basement floors under the square, which is expected to be completed on National Day on September 2.
Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square at Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. Photo: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times
Architect Hoang Dao Kinh advocated for the demolition of the ‘Shark Jaw’ building as "Hanoi's culture is defined by modesty," and the city should intervene in a mild, modest manner in the Hoan Kiem Lake area and the Old Quarter.
The iconic Hoan Kiem Lake at night. Photo: Chuyen Cua Ha Noi Group
For that reason, a space that’s too large would not suit Hoan Kiem Lake. The lake itself is 3.5 hectares wide, and excessive redevelopment would disrupt the harmonious space.
"Renovating some spaces around Hoan Kiem Lake is necessary and advisable. The electricity offices near the Hanoi People's Committee headquarters are neither unique nor beautiful, so they could be torn down,” said the architect.
