The Hanoi city government will not allow shoe-shining, begging or harassment of tourists in the the pedestrian streets around Hoan Kiem lake in the city's heart, in a bid to make its tourism industry more attractive.

The Hanoi Old Quarter area. Photo: Ngoc Thanh

This is provided in the draft regulation governing behaviors on the walking space of Hoan Kiem lake and its vicinity, which is put up for public consultation by the Hanoi People's Committee.

Accordingly, people and visitors at the pedestrian streets are required dress appropriately, refrain from cursing, and behave politely.

The draft regulation also requires that people in pedestrian streets not walk pets and keep off the grass.

Besides, people are not allowed to go swimming or fishing in Hoan Kiem lake.

The Hoan Kiem walking space includes all and part of the streets that include Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Khay, Le Thai To, Le Lai, Le Thach, Tran Nguyen Han, Dinh Le, Nguyen Xi, Trang Tien, Lo Su, Hang Dau, Ho Hoan Kiem, Luong Van Can, Hang Bai, and Bao Khanh. It is open from Friday evenings throughout the weekends.

According to the People's Committee of Hoan Kiem district, the weekend pedestrian area welcomed 20,000-25,000 visitors every day, and sometimes up to 200,000 in holidays before the Covid-19 pandemic broke out.