The walking zone surrounding the Hoan Kiem Lake in downtown Ha Noi has quickly become a hit to local and international tourists since its debut in September.
According to the Hoan Kiem district authorities, the zone draws tens of thousands of people each day with most arriving in the area at night.
Duong Quoc Tuan, chairman of the Hoan Kiem District People’s Committee, said around 1.4 million of international tourists visited the district in nine months. Of which, the number for September alone is 113,000.
Tuan said the walking zone has proved effectiveness after the trial time, creating a playground and recreation space for residents and visitors alike, while promoting historic values of Hoan Kiem Lake and its surrounding area, contributing to tourism development of the district.
The success is also attributable to the district’s efforts to ensure security and public order, keep environmental sanitation and organize various cultural and art events in the area.
The walking area around Hoan Kiem Lake spreads over 11 streets, which are 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 streets are closed to traffic from Friday night through Sunday mid-night.
The area is linked to the pedestrian streets in the Old Quarter include Hang Buom, Ma May, Dao Duy Tu, Hang Giay, Luong Ngoc Quyen, Ta Hien, Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, Hang Duong, Dong Xuan.