{"id":2669,"date":"2020-06-29T16:36:52","date_gmt":"2020-06-29T08:36:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=2669"},"modified":"2020-11-05T14:57:02","modified_gmt":"2020-11-05T06:57:02","slug":"hanoi-landmarks-then-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/hanoi-landmarks-then-now\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Hanoi Landmarks Then & Now – Photos That Show You How Much The City\u2019s Changed In The Past Century"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hanoi landmarks then & now, shown in photos<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Hanoi<\/b> is a known tourist destination in Southeast Asia thanks to its rich history and cultural heritage, but for us local residents, the busy lifestyles we lead today might distract us from that fact.<\/span><\/p>\n

So let\u2019s take a moment to look back at some old photos of 20th-century Hanoi to see just how much our city has changed, and appreciate the historical significance that those buildings we pass by every day on our way to work actually hold.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. Ho\u00e0n Ki\u1ebfm Lake<\/b><\/h3>\n
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It shouldn\u2019t be a surprise to many that the\u00a0 <\/span>Ho\u00e0n Ki\u1ebfm Lake<\/b> is the first place we\u2019ll mention here. After all, the lake is as iconic to the city as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the past, locals would come here to enjoy a relaxing stroll and stop by a roadside tea stall for some refreshment and a shot of <\/span>thu\u1ed1c l\u00e0o, <\/span><\/i>or Vietnamese tobacco. It seems that old habits die hard, as the exact same scenario can be spotted today.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image adapted from <\/span>manhhai<\/span><\/a> & <\/span>@mastermankin<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The simple dirt paths around the lake, however, have since been replaced by spacious sidewalks adorned with flower gardens.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span>The Turtle Tower in Hoan Kiem Lake, seen from the bank<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image adapted from <\/span>VNExpress<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>@soichiro0520<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

One lesser known fact is that there used to be a <\/span>Statue of Liberty <\/b>perched atop the Turtle Tower in the middle of the lake, but it\u2019s since been removed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Tr\u00e0ng Ti\u1ec1n Plaza\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit: <\/span>manhhai<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

While Hanoi shopaholics nowadays have no shortage of options when it comes to shopping malls, the<\/span> Tr\u00e0ng Ti\u1ec1n Plaza<\/b>, known in the past as B\u00e1ch H\u00f3a T\u1ed5ng H\u1ee3p, was all our parents had growing up. Back in the 60s, it was seen as northern Vietnam\u2019s biggest commercial hub where Hanoians would go to for all kinds of essential goods.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>@thuy.nx93<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Today, the Tr\u00e0ng Ti\u1ec1n Plaza is a luxurious building where you can find fashion items, beauty products, and accessories from renowned international brands such as Gucci, Louis Vulton, and Rolex on display for sale.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Inside the Tr\u00e0ng Ti\u1ec1n Plaza<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>@mongduyendo288<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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3. \u0110\u00f4ng Kinh Ngh\u0129a Th\u1ee5c Square<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span>Image adapted from <\/span>laodongthudo.vn<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>@sharmila8558<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Located at a massive traffic intersection connecting the Ho\u00e0n Ki\u1ebfm Lake with the Old Quarter of Hanoi, the <\/span>\u0110\u00f4ng Kinh Ngh\u0129a Th\u1ee5c Square<\/b> is the venue that most major events around the area take place.<\/span><\/p>\n

While many shops and businesses have popped up around the square now to benefit from its ideal location with plenty of passers-by, traces of the ancient houses from the area\u2019s past can still be seen.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span>Image adapted from <\/span>manhhai<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>@tranthu___<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

A notable building next to the square is <\/span>H\u00e0m C\u00e1 M\u1eadp <\/b>(Shark\u2019s Jaws), named for its multi-layered structure. Erected in 1993, it has now become home to several fancy restaurants and cafes, from which you can enjoy a clear view of the Ho\u00e0n Ki\u1ebfm Lake.<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. H\u00e0ng Ngang \u2013 H\u00e0ng \u0110\u00e0o Streets<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span>Image adapted from <\/span>manhhai<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>@mawanusa<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

As one of the backbone streets of the Hanoi Old Quarter, the H\u00e0ng Ngang – H\u00e0ng \u0110\u00e0o Streets are always bustling with passers-by. Nowadays, however, most traditional fabric stores on these streets have been replaced by clothing, jewelry, and souvenir stores to serve visitors, though you can still find some elderly artists offering old school portrait-drawing services around.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit: <\/span>@yuntookthese<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Every weekend, the streets turn into a night market where you can come to haggle for accessories such as phone cases and selfie sticks, or snack on the many street foods on display here, from grilled kebabs to dried fruits and ice cream.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit: <\/span>@hazyrecipes<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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5. \u0110\u1ed3ng Xu\u00e2n Market<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span>Image adapted from <\/span>manhhai<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>@kiu.1312<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Built in the early 20th century, the <\/span>\u0110\u1ed3ng Xu\u00e2n Market<\/b> is a huge structure covering an area of 6,500 square meters and boasting 5 arches at its entrance. Prior to the construction of the building, the location had been a trading spot among Hanoians for a century.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span>Inside the \u0110\u1ed3ng Xu\u00e2n Market<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>@hesocha2<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Only 3 arches are still standing to this day, but the place remains a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. Not only is it a haven for shopaholics because of its hundreds of clothing and souvenir stores, but it is also well-known by foodies thanks to the plethora of street food in the area.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span>B\u00fan ri\u00eau cua, or rice noodles with broth made from freshwater crabs, in the area next to \u0110\u1ed3ng Xu\u00e2n Market<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>@minhten.ly<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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6. Hanoi Opera House<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span>Image adapted from <\/span>manhhai<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>@13.anh<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Built in 1911 in the likeness of the Palais Garnier in Paris, the <\/span>Hanoi Opera House <\/b>is known for its signature architecture. Today, the place is a popular check-in spot for local youths and is also the venue for major concerts and events.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>The 2020 Countdown Event at the Hanoi Opera House<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>Hoa Minh Thang<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

On New Year\u2019s Eve every year, the square in front of the Opera House is packed full of Hanoians who come to usher in the new year amidst music and joy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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7. Vietnam National Museum of History<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span>Image adapted from <\/span>manhhai<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>@tbao.69<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Once known as the Louis Finot Museum, this expansive three-story building was where the French Occupation kept valuable items collected from all over Indochina.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Relics on display at the museum<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>Sam zhang<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Now, the building serves as<\/span> Vietnam\u2019s National Museum of History<\/b>, where visitors can find relics dating back thousands of years to the \u00c2u L\u1ea1c Civilization, believed to be the ancestors of modern Vietnamese.<\/span><\/p>\n

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8. Train Street<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span>Image adapted from <\/span>manhhai<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>@ajmalazeez007<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

While the train track running through Hanoi has been there for decades, a unique attraction dubbed the <\/span>\u201ctrain street\u201d<\/b> popped up around one of its sections a couple of years ago and became massively popular amongst both locals and tourists.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit: <\/span>@__matt_____________<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Many residents in the area set up coffee shops next to the track, offering visitors the one-of-a-kind experience of drinking coffee while watching the train pass by right in front of their eyes, or even drinking coffee on the track itself.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, due to potential safety issues, the activity has been banned by the government, and now we can only look back at those track-squatting days with nostalgia.<\/span><\/p>\n

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9. Long Bi\u00ean Bridge<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span>Image adapted from <\/span>manhhai<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>@yujimangoo<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Next to the Ho\u00e0n Ki\u1ebfm Lake, the <\/span>Long Bi\u00ean Bridge <\/b>is another major landmark of Hanoi that has become a part of the city\u2019s memories through the years.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>@huy_hoang_xeko<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Today, even at over a century old, the bridge is still one of the main routes connecting the center of Hanoi to the outskirts of the city, and serves thousands of commuters daily. It has also become a hotspot for Instagrammers as well thanks to its old Hanoian vibes and the view of the Red River in the backdrop.<\/span><\/p>\n

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10. Qu\u00e1n Th\u00e1nh Temple<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>manhhai<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

As one of the 4 ancient temples believed to seal off evil spirits and protect Hanoi, the <\/span>Qu\u00e1n Th\u00e1nh Temple <\/b>attracts thousands of religious devotees, especially on the 1st and 15th of the Lunar month.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>Ngo Hai Anh<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The temple nowadays might look a bit out of place next to the busy streets surrounding it, but a century ago, it was a peaceful, solemn place of worship looking directly out to the West Lake.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Hanoi photos then and now<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Things are always changing in Hanoi, whether we realize it or not. But the next time you walk by the Ho\u00e0n Ki\u1ebfm Lake or pass through the Old Quarter, take a moment to think about how old these landmarks are and how many major events they have witnessed. By looking at Hanoi photos then and now, we can truly appreciate the beauty of Hanoi’s historical landmarks.<\/span><\/p>\n

For more stories, check out:<\/span><\/p>\n