Local authorities will suspend the weekend pedestrian zone around Hoan Kiem Lake during the Lunar New Year or Tet from January 20 until 7:00 pm on February 3. 

Cultural activities in the pedestrian area around Hoan Kiem Lake and its surroundings. Photo: Lai Tan/ The Hanoi Times

Chairman of the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee Pham Tuan Long said the suspension is aimed at easing traffic during Tet holiday.

With its cultural, historical, landscape and architectural values, the pedestrian streets around Hoan Kiem lake and the Old Quarter are popular destinations for Hanoians and tourists, especially during holidays.

The local authorities have planned to host various culture programs and fireworks displays in this area on Lunar New Year’s Eve.

The pedestrian streets include those around Hoan Kiem Lake, its neighboring streets in the Old Quarter, such as Hang Dao, Hang Giay and Dong Xuan Night Market.

The weekend walking zone around Hoan Kiem Lake and its surroundings in central Hanoi has become a landmark, a cultural venue and a highlight of the capital, attracting thousands of visitors during the day and evening in the pre-pandemic period.

It has contributed to creating a new lifestyle for Hanoi’s people, and promoting the capital city’s image - the City for Peace.

The pedestrian streets are normally open from Friday to Sunday evenings, from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. in summer and from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. in winter.