The Hanoi Department of Transport is building a plan to ban all vehicles operating in nine streets around Hoan Kiem Lake within one month with the hope of expanding the city pedestrian zone.

Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc square area in Hanoi 

The nine streets are Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Thai To, Hang Khay, part of Trang Tien, Dinh Le, Le Thach, Le Lai, part of Hang Dau, Lo Su, and Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc square area.

The routes of some buses will be adjusted to avoid accessing the streets, but nearby bus stops will be set up to give travelers easy access to the lake area. Seven buses are likely to be affected.

According to Ngo Manh Tuan, Vice Director of the city Department of Transport, the city is calculating whether to ban all vehicles in the streets all day and night round, or within only certain hours.

The plans will be put into public discussion, and the most suitable option will be chosen, he added.

The pedestrian zone around Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake and the nearby Old Quarter is a highlight of the city’s tourism. Currently, the streets are opened walkers from Friday night to Sunday night.