"Dem Truc Bach" or “Truc Bach Night” offers visitors a fresh perspective on the capital with a unique blend of romance and depth.

“The event space is designed like a film set with tram cars, department stores, and historic street corners, allowing visitors to step back in time and relive the memories of this special era,” according to Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism.

Held at Pearl Island - Ngu Xa Night Food Street from November 29 to December 1, the event is a part of the “Hanoi Night 2024” tourism promotion program.

The "Truc Bach Night" area offers visitors a unique experience. Whether they are Vietnamese locals or international tourists, the peaceful portrayal of a challenging time during the subsidy era resonates deeply with everyone. Visitors are eager to learn and ask many questions such as, 'How did our grandparents and parents navigate the country's renewal period?

Visitors enjoy taking photos in a recreated living room of a Hanoi family from the subsidy period. Photos: Jenna Duong/The Hanoi Times

Lasting from 1976 to 1986, the subsidy period left an indelible mark on the hearts of Hanoians when essential goods were distributed through ration stamps.

This living room featuring an old-fashioned sofa, a black-and-white TV, a record player, and a rotary telephone appears in a well-off Hanoi family.

A tailor shop and a photo studio in the Old Quarter have been recreated.

Visitors are encouraged to dress in styles in the subsidy period and take photos to check in at the recreated space.

The tailor shop is vividly recreated, showcasing cotton fabric with blue and red peacock patterns, which were popular in Hanoi during the 1980s and 1990s for making blankets and coffee table covers.

Women’s ao dai in an old-fashioned style, featuring simple materials and subtle colors.

Men’s suits from the subsidy period were typically made of monochrome, dark fabrics such as black, gray, and dark brown.

Second-hand clothing stores were widely popular in Hanoi during the 1990s.

The space of a camera repair shop captivates photography enthusiasts.

The charming atmosphere of Truc Bach Night also draws the attention of international tourists.

Through cultural activity, young people have a great opportunity to gain insight into the subsidy period.

Meanwhile, those who have experienced hardships feel nostalgia and have a deeper appreciation for the present.