The additional streets will not be pedestrian only for the whole weekend. The plan is just to close them off between 18:00 and 24:00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings during winter. In summer, the vehicle ban will kick in an hour later, at 19:00, but end at midnight too.
In the original 16 streets which were designated pedestrian only, the ban applies between 19:00 on Friday right through to 24:00 on Sunday. The only exceptions are goods delivery vehicles. The original proposal to turn the Old Quarter into a pedestrian precinct came from the chairperson of the city’s People’s Committee, Nguyen Duc Chung.
The long-term aim of the ban is to highlight Hoan Kiem’s cultural heritage and attractions plus launch the likes of exercise zones and performing arts shows. Hanoi is one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations. Travellers wishing to get here cheaply and with the minimum of fuss will find 12GO ASIA the best choice when sourcing tickets.
Hanoi proposes Old Quarter weekend pedestrian precinct expansion
News in Asia
District authorities in Hanoi have submitted a proposal to expand the weekend pedestrian zone in the Old Quarter. Hoan Kiem District Municipality placed a ban on vehicular traffic on 16 streets in the quarter near Hoan Kiem Lake on 1 September and hopes to add another eight streets as soon as possible.