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1. Red River rocky beach
The Red River embankment is not an unfamiliar spot for Hanoi's "Instagrammers." However, few people who come here pay attention to the "prehistoric" reed fields, usually focusing only on the charming wooden houses, yellow mustard gardens, sunflowers, and daisies.
The reeds here aren't pure white, but rather a deep yellow. Their stems are stiff, chest-high, and they grow in large clumps along the riverbank. Therefore, if you want to take some eerie photos, the reed beds along the Red River are an extremely suitable location.
Address: At the end of alley 264 Au Co Street, Nhat Tan Ward, Tay Ho District, about 2km from the center of the capital.
How to get there: You can choose to go by motorbike using Google Maps or take bus number 31, 33, 41, or 58 to Au Co Street and then walk in. However, you should go by motorbike because the walking distance is quite far, and after taking photos, you can take a leisurely stroll around West Lake.
2. Long Bien Bridge
Similar to the rocky banks of the Red River, the reeds at the foot of the Long Bien Bridge are quite dark in color, and sometimes taller than a person's head. Combined with the peaceful and simple scenery of the houses on the riverbank, walking through the reed fields will make you feel like you've wandered into an ancient village.
A picturesque field of reeds at sunset.
The ideal time to capture vintage photos here is at sunset (around 4-5 PM) when the crimson sun casts its soft light upon the vast fields of reeds, creating a dreamy and mystical, almost surreal, scene.
View of the reed field from the bridge at sunset. (Photo @anhtit.18)
Address:The area in the middle of the Red River, below the Long Bien Bridge and the Chuong Duong Bridge.
How to get there:You walk along Long Bien Bridge, and when you reach the middle of the bridge (next to the iron stairs), there will be a path for you to turn off.
3. Linh Dam Urban Area
The Linh Đàm reed field was formerly an empty plot of land, but due to being left undeveloped for a long time, it has suddenly become a beautiful field of reeds in the heart of Hanoi. The reeds here are only knee-high and pure white. Therefore, this would be a suitable "outdoor studio" for creating gentle, dreamy photo shoots.
The field of white reeds seems to sway in the wind.
Photo @gato.nth
The best time to take photos is in the morning or early afternoon, when the sunlight accentuates the pristine white color, and the gentle breeze sways the soft hues.
Address:New urban area on Linh Dam peninsula, Hoang Mai district.
How to get there:You can take bus 05, 12, or 36, or use Google Maps to get around the area, as Linh Dam urban area is easy to find and has many different routes.
4. Dan Phuong Reed Field
Dan Phuong is located quite far from the center of Hanoi, so the Lien Ha reed field is still a completely new destination known only to the young people there. The Dan Phuong reed field is a clever combination of the Red River rocky beach and the Linh Dam peninsula: the reeds are white, tall, and slender. The Dan Phuong reed field is quite large, divided into many small sections by winding dirt roads. Therefore, motorbikes are the most suitable means of transportation to get there.
Address: Lien Ha commune, Dan Phuong district.
How to get there: From the center of Hanoi, head towards Nhon, turn onto Tay Tuu, then turn left onto the Thuong Cat dike road. Follow this road to Lien Ha commune. The reed field is located right behind the commune's large carpentry workshop.
If you've arrived at the commune and still haven't seen the reed field, you should ask the locals around there.
5. The paradise of reeds in Binh Lieu – Quang Ninh
Binh Lieu is beautiful and charming in every season. But perhaps what people will remember most about this border region is the early winter days when the reeds bloom in pristine white. Binh Lieu is nearly 300 km from Hanoi, a challenging journey, but if you want to truly see a reed paradise, you must visit this place at least once.
A sunny day in Binh Lieu.
The stretch of road along the "Dinosaur's Backbone" leading to milestone 1305 is the area with the most abundant and beautiful reeds. Looking into the distance, you can see two extremes of nature: majestic, towering mountains and endless, dreamy fields of reeds.
The best places to see the reeds are at markers 1300, 1302, and 1305, located along the border belt.
When visiting Binh Lieu during the reed grass season, you can also explore other attractions such as Khe Van Waterfall, Song Mooc village, Cao Xiem peak, border markers, Hoanh Mo border gate, Na Lang bridge, etc.
Getting there: You can choose to travel by motorbike from Hanoi to Quang Ninh (approximately 7-8 hours) or take a direct bus to Binh Lieu and then rent a motorbike for the day to save time and energy.
Video introducing tourism in Binh Lieu (Source: Tuan Vo):
Note:
- For areas with tall reeds like the Red River Stone Beach or the foot of Long Bien Bridge, you should dress modestly to avoid scratches or skin irritation while taking photos.
- To get truly "artistic" photos, do some research on the weather and the scenery of the reed field to choose vintage or light and elegant outfits.
