Nguyen Du Street
Late October to Early November is the season when the street of Nguyen Du is pervaded with the amorous fragrance of blackboard tree flowers. This flower’s strong aroma is considered the distinct fragrance of Hanoi, one that has gone into poetry and captured the hearts of people: “Remember Quang Trung Street and Nguyen Du Street in those nights that are filled with the amorous fragrance of blackboard tree flowers”. Located right next to Thien Quang Lake, Nguyen Du Street is shaded by old blackboard trees that stand out with their distinct appearance and elegance just like the culture of Hanoi, the land of a thousand years of civilization. Nguyen Du is not a long street, nor is it too wide. It is the simplicity and romantic atmosphere brought along by the flower’s fragrance carried in the wind that flutters the hearts of those who are in love.
Blackboard tree flower has always been associated with Nguyen Du Street. Photo by vnq
Phan Dinh Phung Street
Elegant as the streets in Paris with two straight rows of old huge sau trees (known scientifically as dracontomelon duperreanum) on one side, Phan Dinh Phung Street has two of the widest sidewalks in Hanoi. In the graduation photography season, many young people choose Phan Dinh Phung – Hoang Dieu streets for the most beautiful angles that preserve the memories of their time in high school and college. Thus, the street this time is often filled with students wearing their white pure ao dai.
Phan Dinh Phung Street turns yellow during the season of falling leaves.
Kim Ma Street
Whether in winter or summer, whether the leaves have fallen or are still green on the trees, Kim Ma Street at the area of Diplomatic Quarter at the end of Van Bao Street still retains its own romantic beauty. The distinct features of the street are the rows of trees that change color by season. The two rows of trees bloom green in spring and turn the street purple in the summer in the color of blooming giant crape-myrtle tree flowers. Autumn comes with yellow and red leaves falling gently on green grasses bathed in yellow sunlight while winter is the season of leafless trees that evoke in the hearts of people a feeling of longing. Anyone who has a chance to go by the street during this specific period of time would find it hard not to daydream looking at the carpet of leaves.
Kim Ma Street is one of those favored destinations when it comes to taking photos.
Korean Road
Considered a favorite place of young people, Korean Road is famous for the graffiti “symbols of love” painted along the street. These drawings convey young love’s messages of school boys and girls. The love stories told through the drawings are somewhat similar to those in Korean dramas, hence the name Korean Road.
There are 3 ways to get to the Korean Road. The first is through lane 399 on Au Co Street which leads to a dike slope. The second route is through Xuan Dieu Street to lane 52 on To Ngoc Van Street, the end of which adjacent to a small road leading to the Korean Road. The third route is though a road leading to a water park by lotus ponds, then a dirt road that fits only a single vehicle, the end of which leads to a wavy concrete road in a V shape with high-pressure lamps and hand-rails on both sides, namely Korean Road.
Alluvial grounds of Red River
Reed field on alluvial grounds of Red River. Photo by cinet
The grounds are formed by fertile alluvial soils in the middle of the section of the Red River that flows through Hanoi (section from Chuong Duong Bridge to Nhat Tan Ward). Long Bien Bridge crosses over a completely different Hanoi, one that shares no similarities with the noisy and flashy inner city. These grounds are blessed with stretches of sand, white reed fields swinging in the wind, and green banana bushes that bring along a peaceful and fresh feeling. This is an ideal dating and wedding venue for couples.
Cau Tinh Lake
A morning by Cau Tinh Lake, Gia Lam. Photo by Pen
Located closely to Gia Lam Station, the newly-renovated Cau Tinh Lake forms a space that reminds one of a European neighborhood with blocks of houses reflecting on the surface of the lake. The beauty of this place has a modern sense to it, with colorful houses that look like giant cubes. The lakeside road has a narrow, curved section that allows visitors to admire the blocks of houses at a deeper angle. The surrounding area provides clear air and beautiful views, suitable for couples to stroll along. Many young people are keen on cycling around the lake early in the morning to breathe in the fresh air the place has to offer.