In order to preserve and promote the cultural values and tourism potential of the thousand-year-old capital, Hanoi is planning to close streets in the vicinity of Hoan Kiem Lake to vehicular traffic at weekends and on some holidays and reserve them for pedestrians only starting from September 1.
According to the Department of Transport, the new regulation is effective from 7pm on Friday to midnight Sunday.
The new walking zones that run around Sword Lake and the vicinity will be connected with walking zones in the Hàng Đào-Đồng Xuân shopping area and on six other streets in the Old Quarters that are home to centuries-old houses and relics.
The map of pedestrian zones around Sword Lake. Red lines indicate the streets that will be closed to traffic
Cultural and traditional performances
A variety of cultural, tourism and service activities will take place along the walking streets to meet demand for recreation, like photo exhibitions, dragon dancing, performances of traditional musical instruments and traditional singing. At the same time, artists and artisans will have the chance to showcase their skills, like writing calligraphy or creating toy figurines.
Free Wifi access around the lake
The capital city will provide free Wi-Fi access in the Hoan Kiem Lake area where tourists can enjoy the service for up to 30 minutes after entering their phone number. Wi-Fi broadcasting stations will be installed at 21 sites around the lake.
The midnight 'curfew' in the capital will be lifted
Besides, in an explicit gesture to bring tourists more nightlife, from September 1, Hanoi also will lift a midnight curfew on restaurants, bars, cafés, karaoke parlors and. They will be allowed to remain open until 2 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
