Hanoi plans makeover and redevelopment of buildings around Hoan Kiem Lake

The area around Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake remained busy on September 7, even as the city prepared a sweeping plan to reshape some of its most familiar public spaces and buildings. Young people and visitors walked around the lake, took photographs and went about their usual activities.

Inside the Hanoi People’s Council and People’s Committee headquarters, departments continued working normally. The Hanoi Post Office also remained open, with residents using its services as usual. The current buildings and surrounding streets are among the sites covered by a proposed adjustment to the H1-1B urban zoning plan for Hoan Kiem Lake and its vicinity, along with part of the H1-1C plan.

Under the proposal, the land occupied by the city government headquarters could be restructured to accommodate a new building with nine floors above ground and four basement levels. The plan also studies dismantling the headquarters of the People’s Council and People’s Committee, the Khan Quang Do Theatre and the Children’s Palace complex. Three French-era structures, the Juvenile Prison, the Indochina Treasury and the Mayor’s Office, would be retained.

The proposed layout would organize the area along north-south and east-west axes, linking parks and plazas to the north and east with Ly Thai To Flower Garden and Hoan Kiem Lake. At the Hanoi Post Office, planners are considering removing some buildings deemed unsuitable while recalling elements of the former Bao An Pagoda within the post-office grounds. Hoa Phong Tower, on the lake’s southeastern shore, is the only surviving old structure from the former pagoda complex.

The southeastern lakeside area could gain small commercial spaces, cafes and kiosks, with Trang Tien Street serving as a stronger link between the lake and the Hanoi Opera House. Nguyen Khac Can Street and Trang Tien Alley are being studied as pedestrian areas. On the western side, the plan considers extending Nha Tho Street toward the lake and connecting it with Le Thai To Street to create an open pedestrian space, as well as a high-end hotel based on redevelopment of an existing site. Public consultation will be led by Hoan Kiem Ward in coordination with Cua Nam Ward.