In the vibrant landscape of Hanoi’s nightlife, Ba Dinh District has emerged as a must-visit destination, offering a range of unique and innovative experiences for travelers.
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| The “Truc Bach Night” event takes participants down memory lane to the Subsidy Era. Photo: Thuy Duong/The Hanoi Times |
In a series of captivating tourism initiatives, Ba Dinh District, in 2024, showcased its commitment to cultural and historical preservation. Local authorities, businesses, and residents united to create immersive experiences, with a recent highlight being the “Truc Bach Night” program from November 29 to December 1.
Held at the Dao Ngoc-Ngu Xa night street and attracting 40,000 visitors, this event offered a novel and nostalgic experience, transporting both locals and foreigners back in time to post-war Vietnam of the 1970s and 1980s, known as the Subsidy Era.
The event’s standout feature was its meticulous recreation of this historical period’s aesthetics, from vintage tramcars to neighborhood settings. For the first time, Hanoi witnessed an event venue transformed into a film set, allowing visitors to relive the memories of a bygone era.
The “Truc Bach Night” presented a unique opportunity to explore the daily street life of old Hanoi, with its century-old utility poles, public water taps, community bulletin boards, and traditional modes of transportation. It offered a vivid glimpse into the past, enhanced by artistic performances, culinary delights, and captivating stories steeped in the city’s charm.
Hanoi’s Street Museum: A Journey Through Time
At the heart of the program were the vintage tramcars, reimagined as part of the No.6 Tram Line project. Four of these tramcars, unveiled during the event, became a focal point, each with its unique culinary theme representative of Hanoi and Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage.
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| A ritual at Quan Thanh Temple, a historic site in Hanoi. Photo: Duy Minh/The Hanoi Times |
Dubbed “Hanoi’s Street Museum,” these tramcars served as cultural time capsules, enabling visitors to embark on a culinary and historical journey. The event also featured interactive community experiences under the theme “Cultural Harmony,” including demonstration shows like “The Flow of Pho” and “The Scent of Com,” along with live performances and festivals celebrating Hanoi’s subsidy era beer culture.
Through these activities, visitors connected with Hanoi’s rich history and cultural traditions, creating a space where people could relax, indulge in cuisine, and engage in artistic endeavors.
“Truc Bach Night” attracted a diverse range of visitors, from older generations reliving their past to younger ones eager to learn about the city’s past. It provided a platform for intergenerational connection and a deeper appreciation of Hanoi’s cultural evolution.
Nguyen Thuy Lien, a resident of Hoan Kiem District, dressed in vintage-style clothes, shared her enthusiasm: “The event brought me immense joy and satisfaction. It’s a chance for us to understand our grandparents’ and parents’ lives and appreciate the privileges we have today.”
Tran Hong Phuc, a 19-year-old visitor from Nam Dinh Province, expressed his excitement while donning a retro outfit: “The displays and the space here are so vivid. It helps us visualize our parents’ and grandparents’ lives before 1986 and the country’s economic reforms.”
Hanoi-born rocker Tran Van Toan, known as Tran Toan K300, also shared his sentiments: “I love the Subsidy Era concept. Hanoi is a beautiful city, and events like these showcase its true essence.”
Toan suggested making the event a weekly occurrence to educate the youth and provide a memorable experience for international visitors.
Nguyen Dan Huy, Chairman of the Truc Bach Ward People’s Committee, echoed these sentiments: “Our project aims to tell the stories of Hanoi’s culture, cuisine, professions, and lifestyle. We will continue to innovate so that visitors can actively participate and deepen their understanding of our city.”
Exploring More of Ba Dinh District’s Treasures
In addition to the Dao Ngoc-Ngu Xa night street, Ba Dinh District introduced the Ngoc Khanh Lake walking zone in early October to commemorate Hanoi’s Liberation Day. This pedestrian street evokes the historic Giang Vo Training Complex, where martial arts, military strategies, and advanced drills were once practiced during the feudal era.
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| Ngoc Khanh Lake Pedestrian Street, inspired by the historic Giang Vo military training compound. Photo: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times |
The district has prioritized infrastructure renovation and urban beautification around Ngoc Khanh Lake, incorporating elements reminiscent of the historic martial arts school. This area, spanning Giang Vo, Kim Ma, and Ngoc Khanh wards, is identified as the site of the Giang Vo School during the Later Le Dynasty, with unique designs showcasing soldiers practicing martial arts.
Ba Dinh District, known as the political center of Vietnam, boasts iconic landmarks such as Ba Dinh Square, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Presidential Palace. Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh declared the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, remains a popular destination, with a solemn flag-lowering ceremony held every evening.
The district is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, along with historic sites like the One Pillar Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, Voi Phuc Temple, and the Hanoi Flag Tower. In August 2024, Quan Thanh Temple and Voi Phuc Temple were declared National Special Relics, further emphasizing their cultural and historical significance.
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