Hanoi announces nine more pedestrian streets

Hanoi authorities plan to open nine more pedestrian areas in the Old Quarter in October this year.

The proposed streets are Hang Chieu, Nguyen Sieu, Dao Duy Tu (from Hang Buom to Hang Chieu), Hang Bac, Dinh Liet, and Gia Ngu, and Cau Go, Gach and Trung Yen alleys.

The streets will be closed to traffic on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7pm to 12pm in summer and from 6pm-12pm in winter.

People gathering at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square in the newly-opened pedestrian zone

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 first pedestrian streets in Hanoi – Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, Hang Duong and Dong Xuan in the Old Quarter - were inaugurated in 2004.

In 2014, six more walking streets were launched, also in the Old Quarter.