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Ngoc Khanh Lake has a long history, dating back to the time when the area surrounding it was just a simple dirt road and overgrown with trees, creating a pristine and peaceful landscape. The lake was once filled with pink lotus flowers, and every lotus season, their fragrant scent spread throughout the region, creating a captivating natural beauty.
In 1983, Ngoc Khanh Lake was renovated and dredged, and urban roads around it gradually took shape. During the construction process, archaeologists discovered an ancient weapons cache beneath the lake, including many items made of iron and copper, especially copper alloy ceremonial guns and hand-forged stone projectiles. These weapons have become a unique cultural landmark, recalling the historical past of ancient Thang Long.
Ngoc Khanh Lake pedestrian area, Ba Dinh district
Today, Ngoc Khanh Lake has been beautifully renovated, with clear blue water and a system of trees and flower gardens that bloom year-round. In spring, the crape myrtle blossoms are a riot of white; in summer, the red of the flamboyant tree and the deep purple of the crape myrtle stretch along the pathways; and in autumn, the sweet fragrance of the milk flower permeates the air. The diversity of flowers creates a vibrant four-season landscape, making Ngoc Khanh Lake a unique and romantic spot in the western part of the capital.
The Ngoc Khanh Lake pedestrian street officially opened at the beginning of October, operating from 6 PM on Friday to midnight on Sunday. The Ngoc Khanh Ward People's Committee conducted a trial of road closures and traffic diversions on Pham Huy Thong Street, as well as alleys 535, 575, 523 on Kim Ma Street and alley 998 on La Thanh Street on weekends. Authorities erected barriers to ensure the safety of people visiting the pedestrian street, and the traffic adjustment plan is expected to be piloted for 12 months. However, due to the nature of being a newly established pedestrian zone, road closures and access points may cause some difficulties for residents living nearby, and this needs to be considered to ensure convenience for everyone.
The pedestrian zone is located on Pham Huy Thong Street, surrounding approximately two-thirds of Ngoc Khanh Lake.
Located along Pham Huy Thong street and encompassing two-thirds of the lake's area, the pedestrian street is designed to evoke the old Giang Vo school – a former martial arts training ground of Thang Long. Fighting platforms are also installed around the lake, extending the verandas while serving as load-bearing structures and decorative elements, adding a touch of antique charm to the space.
The decorative lights evoke images of soldiers practicing martial arts in the past.
Despite being newly opened, the Ngoc Khanh Lake pedestrian street has not yet attracted a large number of visitors. The main reason is the lack of entertainment activities, making it less appealing than other famous pedestrian streets in Hanoi such as Hoan Kiem Lake or Trinh Cong Son Street. Some cafe and restaurant owners on Pham Huy Thong Street have shared that the number of visitors is not as high as expected, affecting their business compared to before the pedestrian street was established.
Ms. Ngoc Thuy, the owner of a cafe near the pedestrian street, shared: “Since the pedestrian street opened, although the number of customers has increased on weekend evenings, they are mostly passersby strolling around rather than actually stopping at the cafe. Perhaps this area needs more entertainment activities to attract more people.” Some nearby residents also shared that, due to the pedestrian street's road closures and traffic diversions on weekends, their movement is restricted, causing considerable inconvenience.
Many fighting arenas are set up around the lake.
The pedestrian street's outstanding strengths are its spacious, airy atmosphere and the natural beauty of Ngoc Khanh Lake. However, some visitors have commented that converting the lakeside road into a pedestrian zone is not entirely appropriate and may even diminish the appeal of the once-popular coffee street.
To attract more locals and tourists, the pedestrian street is implementing a plan to expand activities such as OCOP markets, street art performances, and cultural events on weekends or holidays. These programs not only help promote local products but also provide visitors with unique experiences, contributing to increasing the street's appeal.
This is the second pedestrian street in Ba Dinh district and the seventh pedestrian street in Hanoi.
The lake area is usually crowded on weekdays.
People use it as a place to relax and exercise.
With an investment of nearly 30 billion VND from the Ba Dinh district budget, the Ngoc Khanh Lake pedestrian street is expected to become a new cultural and entertainment destination for Hanoi residents. This is a symbolic project, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Hanoi. However, for the pedestrian street to develop sustainably and become an attractive destination, long-term strategies are needed to enhance visitor attraction, build more recreational spaces, and create unique cultural and artistic activities to provide a rich experience for the people.
Hopefully, in the future, Ngoc Khanh Lake pedestrian street will become a shining gem in the heart of Hanoi, an ideal meeting place for those who want to find a peaceful, relaxing space and experience traditional culture combined with modernity.
