Ngoc Khanh Lake has existed for a long time, since the time when the lake was surrounded by only simple dirt roads and dense trees, creating a wild and peaceful scene. The lake was once filled with pink lotus flowers, and every time the lotus season came, the fragrant scent spread throughout the area, creating a charming natural beauty.
In 1983, Ngoc Khanh Lake was dredged and renovated, and the surrounding urban roads gradually took shape. During the construction process, archaeologists discovered an ancient arsenal under the lake, including many objects crafted from iron and copper, especially copper alloy guns and hand-forged stone bullets. These weapons became a unique cultural mark, recalling the historical past of ancient Thang Long.
Ngoc Khanh Lake walking street, Ba Dinh district
Today, Ngoc Khanh Lake has been beautifully renovated, with clear blue water, and a system of green trees and flower gardens blooming all year round. In spring, the white Su flowers bloom; in summer, the red of the Royal Poinciana flowers and the purple of the Lagerstroemia flowers spread across the paths; in autumn, the sweet scent of the Milky Way flowers wafts through the air. The diversity of flowers creates a vibrant four-season scene, making Ngoc Khanh Lake a unique and romantic place in the West of the Capital.
Ngoc Khanh Lake walking street officially opened in early October, operating from 6pm on Friday to 12am on Sunday. Ngoc Khanh Ward People's Committee has 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 on weekends. Authorities have erected road closure barriers to ensure the safety of people visiting the walking street, and the traffic adjustment plan is expected to be piloted for 12 months. However, due to the characteristics of a new walking street, road closures and walkways are somewhat difficult for residents living nearby, which needs to be considered to ensure convenience for everyone.
The walking street space is located on Pham Huy Thong street, surrounding about 2/3 of Ngoc Khanh lake area.
Located along Pham Huy Thong Street and surrounding 2/3 of the lake area, the walking street is designed to remind of the old Giang Vo School - which used to be the place for martial arts training of Thang Long. Fighting sets are also installed around the lake, both expanding the porch and having the function of bearing weight and decoration, creating an ancient beauty for this space.
Decorative lights evoke the image of soldiers practicing martial arts in the past.
Although it has just been put into operation, Ngoc Khanh Lake walking street has not really attracted a large number of visitors. The main reason is the lack of entertainment activities, making the walking street not as attractive as other famous walking streets in Hanoi such as Hoan Kiem Lake or Trinh Cong Son. Some cafe and restaurant owners on Pham Huy Thong Street have shared that the number of visitors is not as high as expected, affecting business compared to before the walking street was established.
Ms. Ngoc Thuy, owner of a coffee shop near the walking street, shared: “Since the walking street opened, although the number of customers has increased on weekend evenings, it is mainly passersby who stroll around without actually stopping by the shop. Perhaps this area needs more entertainment activities to attract more people.” Some nearby residents also shared that, due to the walking street closing roads and traffic diversions on weekends, their movement is limited, causing a lot of inconvenience.
Many sets of fixtures are installed around the lake.
The outstanding strength of the walking street is the spacious, airy space and the natural beauty of Ngoc Khanh Lake. However, some visitors commented that the conversion of the lakeside road into a walking street is not really suitable, even reducing the attractiveness of the famous coffee street that used to attract a lot of visitors.
To attract more residents and tourists, the walking street is implementing a plan to expand activities such as OCOP markets, street art performances and cultural events on weekends or festivals. These programs not only help promote local products but also bring visitors unique experiences, contributing to increasing the attractiveness of the street.
This is the second walking street in Ba Dinh district and the 7th walking street in Hanoi.
Lake space on weekdays is usually
People use it as a place to relax and exercise.
With an investment of nearly 30 billion VND from the Ba Dinh district budget, Ngoc Khanh Lake walking street is expected to become a new cultural and entertainment destination for the people of the capital. This is a symbolic project, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Hanoi. However, for the walking street to develop sustainably and become an attractive destination, there needs to be long-term strategies to increase tourist attraction, build more entertainment spaces, unique cultural and artistic activities, to bring rich experiences to the people.
Hopefully in the future, Ngoc Khanh Lake walking street will become a bright gem in the heart of Hanoi, an ideal meeting place for those who want to find a peaceful space, relax and experience traditional culture combined with modernity.
