Building bridges across the Red River creates "connecting circles" to ensure connectivity between areas on both sides of the Red River.

Architect Dao Ngoc Nghiem, former Director of Hanoi's Department of Planning and Architecture, highlights the role of the bridges and significant consideration to make them effective in the city's landscape and planning.  

Currently, there are eight bridges spanning the Red River. According to the transport planning for 2030, with a vision for 2050, Hanoi will have ten more bridges over the Red River.

"Each of the bridges over the Red River, namely Long Bien, Chuong Duong, Thang Long, Vinh Tuy, Nhat Tan, has historical significance, unique architecture, and plays an important role in connecting the outlying districts of Long Bien, Gia Lam, Dong Anh with the city center. They contribute to accelerating the city's socio-economic development, give a new face to the northern areas of the Red River, and are architectural and cultural highlights of the capital," Nghiem told The Hanoi Times.

Nghiem said the mindset of "bridges are just for crossing rivers" is no longer appropriate for a modern Hanoi. "Each bridge must be imbued with the unique culture of the thousand-year-old capital. In addition, the bridges can also aim to create practical socio-economic value," he added.

Hanoi is gradually realizing the idea of building a modern urban area facing the Red River. In the near future, bridges can be expected to play an important role in the city's development, and locals can believe that a city on both sides of the Red River will gradually take shape in the time ahead, Nghiem said.

The Red River's islet is planned to be an entertainment park. Photo: Hai Linh/The Hanoi Times

Broader view

Completing the planning of the Red River Urban Subdivision is the first and most crucial step for Hanoi to develop a modern green city, according to experts and city officials.

After more than 10 years of implementing the Capital Construction Master Plan 2030 with a Vision to 2050 approved by the Prime Minister, the city has completed all urban subdivision planning projects, including urban subdivisions along the Red River.

These projects are very important to advance the construction of a green, civilized, and modern capital, and to improve the livelihood and quality of life of local people.

For Hanoi's urban planning and architecture, the Red River is an attractive natural landscape regulating the city's space and climate while connecting the past with the present and future, identity with contemporary lifestyle.

Aware of the potential of the Red River, on March 25, 2022, the Hanoi People's Committee issued a decision on the approval of the "Red River Urban Subdivision Planning" project (section from Hong Ha Bridge to Me So Bridge), with an area of nearly 11,000 hectares within the administrative boundaries of 13 districts in the city.

The nature and main functions of the Red River Urban Subdivision in the project are defined as a flood drainage area and more than that a green belt for public works, green parks, and tourism services, where festival and tourist activities will be held.

On June 16, 2023, the Vietnamese government approved to adjust the general planning of Hanoi to 2045, with a vision to 2065. The scope of planning adjustment is applied to the administrative boundary of 29 districts with an area of over 3,350 square kilometers.