Hanoi in 1996: Photos from Western Tourists
Cyclo on Quoc Tu Giam street, Le Duan street seen from Dong Loi hotel, people cycling through Ba Dinh Square... these are the nostalgic scenes of Hanoi in 1996.
Not being modern, crowded or bustling as present, Hanoi in 1996 has a its own unique appearance. Keep on reading to see the photos depicting Hanoi that make us feel nostalgic.
![]() |
Quoc Tu Giam Street seen from the sidewalk in front of the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam, Hanoi) in 1996. Photo: Linda Tobey |
![]() |
Cyclo on Quoc Tu Giam street. Today, this vehicle can only operate in the area around Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter. Photo: Linda Tobey |
![]() |
A corner of Le Duan street near Hanoi station seen from Dong Loi hotel (99 Ly Thuong Kiet). Photo: Linda Tobey |
![]() |
Laborers are riding bicycles on a road in Hanoi. Photo: Linda Tobey |
![]() |
People cycling on Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh Square area. Photo: Linda Tobey |
![]() |
People cycling on Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh Square area. Photo: Linda Tobey |
![]() |
A corner of the Military Museum, now it is the Vietnam Military History Museum. Photo: Linda Tobey |
![]() |
Tourists are watching the MiG-21 aircraft number 4324 at the Vietnam Military History Museum. Photo: Linda Tobey |
![]() |
A tank T-54B No. 985 at the Vietnam Military History Museum. Photo: Linda Tobey |
![]() |
The bus "Hai Au" PAZ 672U with license plate number 29C-24-99, made in the Soviet Union, was photographed at Gia Lam bus station, Hanoi in 1996. Photo: Ian Lynas |
![]() |
A corner of Giap Bat bus station in 1996. Photo: Ian Lynas |
![]() |
A Map of bus routes at Giap Bat bus station. Photo: Ian Lynas |
![]() | Vietnam News Today (Jun 8): Hanoi to Inoculate Vulnerable Adults with Fourth Dose of Covid-19 Vaccines Vietnam News Today (Jun 8): Vietnam reports 960 new Covid-19 cases, over 9,300 recoveries on June 7; Hanoi to inoculate vulnerable adults with fourth dose ... |
![]() | Canadian Writer: "Tra Da" is A Vietnam's Unsung Hero Loving Vietnam's most common beverage, "tra da" - iced green tea, Canadian writer Matthew Mike believes this drink has a superpower. |
![]() | The 12th European-Vietnamese Documentary Film Festival Kicks Off in Hanoi (and How to Watch) The 12th European – Vietnamese Documentary Film Festival will take place in Hanoi from June 3-12 after one year of suspension due to the Covid-19 ... |
Most read
Recommended

More Than 400 International Delegates Participate In 2025 Friendship Spring Tour
On March 1, the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations will coordinate with the Hanoi Department of Tourism and the People's Committee of Me Linh district to organize the 2025 Friendship Spring Tour program.
February 21, 2025 | 22:01

Resolution 57: Key to Vietnam’s Breakthrough Development
On December 22, 2024, the Politburo issued Resolution 57 on breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. For the first time, these areas have been prioritized as the “top critical breakthrough,” serving as the main driving force for rapidly developing a modern productive force, refining production relations, innovating national governance methods, advancing socio-economic development, preventing the risk of stagnation, and propelling Vietnam toward prosperity in the new era.
February 20, 2025 | 13:55

Francophone Space Launched at Hanoi Medical University
On February 17, Hanoi Medical University held the launching ceremony of the "Francophone Space", marking an important step in developing the studying and teaching of the French language and promoting international cooperation in medical education.
February 19, 2025 | 12:24

Hello Vietnam: Artists Rediscover Roots Through Art
The "Hello Vietnam" exhibition is an opportunity for Vietnamese-American artists to showcase their artistic perspectives and a journey of rediscovering their roots through each brushstroke.
February 19, 2025 | 10:56
Popular article

46 Years On: Vietnamese Sovereignty at the Northern Border Endures
The date February 17, 1979, marks the beginning of the Northern Border Defense War, a conflict that arose from territorial disputes between Vietnam and China. While a tragic moment between the two socialist nations, the justified conflict serves as an important reminder of Vietnamese sovereignty and the profound sacrifices of Vietnam's military and people.
February 19, 2025 | 10:51

Vietnam: Prosperity Through Renovation
Since the beginning of the Doi Moi (Renovation) policy in 1986, Vietnam has made remarkable progress, steadily advancing on the path of development toward prosperity. Through careful planning and leadership, Vietnam's journey toward prosperity and growth continues to inspire other nations both within and beyond the region.
February 18, 2025 | 01:06

Vietnamese Wife, Western Husband: Love Stories Born from Serendipitous Encounters
A message on a dating app, a chance meeting by Hoan Kiem Lake, or an online conversation, these are the beginnings of many beautiful love stories between Vietnamese women and their Western husbands.
February 14, 2025 | 19:37

Vietnam Hopes for Continued Cooperation with US in Fixing War Aftermath
Vietnam wants to work with the US to implement practical and effective cooperation in addressing war aftermath, contributing to the stable and long-term development of bilateral relations in line with the spirit of the joint statement on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.
February 14, 2025 | 19:34