Hà Nội's remarkable transformation after 20 years

Hà Nội is not perfect, but Hà Nội in 2024 is way better than Hà Nội in the 2000s. And with a promising plan and a generation eager to contribute and change society for the better, Hà Nội in 2034 might progress even further.
The Hà Nội skyline, captured in September 2024. VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Anh
The Hà Nội skyline, captured in September 2024. VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Anh

In 2000, the hit song 'Hà Nội of the 2000s' blasted through the airwaves in Việt Nam.

Composed by renowned musician Trần Tiến, the song depicted Tiến's romanticised vision of the capital city, which just 28 years before was battling bomber jets in a raging war.

Twenty-four years later, most of Tiến's vision has come true, but there is still much more work to do.

A better standard of living

In the first line of the song, Tiến wrote, "In the Hà Nội of the 2000s/Children wouldn't be beggars on the street".

At the turn of the millennium, poverty was still a prominent issue in Việt Nam -- and not just in Hà Nội. Back then, many impoverished families came to the capital to make a living, with some even begging as a means of livelihood.

In 2000, according to government data and the national poverty threshold, 17.2 per cent of Vietnamese households were in poverty. For Hà Nội, this number was 3 per cent in 2006.

More than twenty years later, in a June 2024 report from the Hà Nội Office for New-style Rural Area Coordination, only 0.03 per cent of households in Hà Nội are in poverty, a 100-fold reduction compared to 2006.

Nowadays, it is rare to see a beggar on the streets of the capital. The city has taken a stance on homelessness by providing shelter and care for hundreds of homeless people through the Hà Nội Centre for Social Work and Child Protection Fund.

Although Hanoians' incomes have quintupled from VNĐ2 million (US$80.51) to almost VNĐ11 million (US$440), the rise in income also brought about a new problem: wealth inequality.

Young citizens now face significant pressure living in Hà Nội due to the exponential rise in costs -- especially the cost of accommodation -- despite the gradual income increase. A number of young people have voiced their frustration about working two or three jobs simultaneously, just to live in the capital.

Hà Nội must examine this problem, and perhaps solve it by providing future generations with affordable housing options, in order to keep a talented generation contributing to the capital's development.

Mỗ Lao ward in Hà Đông, Hà Nội, which underwent a remarkable transformation from a rural to an urban area. VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Anh
Mỗ Lao ward in Hà Đông, Hà Nội, which underwent a remarkable transformation from a rural to an urban area. VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Anh

Modernised infrastructure

Another of Tiến's predictions came true when he wrote: "Houses rising high in the blue skies/But the streets and roads are still small".

Before the expansion of Hà Nội's urban area in 2008, districts such as Hà Đông and Nam Từ Liêm looked more like rural areas, with paddy rice fields all around and water buffalo crossing the streets.

Sixteen years later, and from those paddy rice fields have risen dozens of high-rise towers and luxurious urban housing projects.

The rise in skyscrapers also brought problems involving urban planning. In some areas of the city, loopholes were abused to create 'mini' apartments, which in turn create issues with fire control and prevention, as well as damaging the urban aesthetic. Old and dilapidated apartments from the 70s are also a complication that Hà Nội must deal with to protect the safety of residents.

Traffic jams in Hà Nội today are still a prominent issue, due to the size of streets in the city centre. Sure, it fits for a romantic song, but not for a hustling city with ambitions of becoming a regional business hub. Research conducted in 2023 estimated that Hà Nội suffers from an annual loss of US$1.2 billion due to traffic jams, a figure that would startle many.

But things are more promising for the future: in his song, Tiến predicted the return of the electric train after its demise in 1991. The electric train returned 30 years later, but in a new and more modern form: The Hà Nội Metro. The ambitious project is still expanding, with construction on the city's first underground urban metro underway. This project will surely transform the city more than ever, and maybe in the future, fewer vehicles will be seen on Hà Nội's streets, potentially solving the traffic jams once and for all.

The Cát Linh-Hà Đông metro line. VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Anh
The Cát Linh-Hà Đông metro line. VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Anh

A greener city

The average Hanoian in 2000 could name around three parks in the city: Thủ Lệ, Bách Thảo and Thống Nhất.

Twenty-four years later, that number is now 63, with the city determined to complete nine more and renovate 16 by 2024.

However, the city's green spaces need still more improvements to reach the United Nations' criteria of 10sq.m of trees per person. Hà Nội took action by planting more than 1.6 million trees from 2016 to 2020, and is committed to plant even more in the years to come.

The capital's shift to green energy is also notable, with three waste-to-power plants built and in operation since 2022. Green transportation options such as electric buses, taxis and bikes are also encouraged by the city and are currently popular among citizens.

As a resident of Hà Nội for almost 30 years, I have witnessed these remarkable changes, and it seems that we have solved almost every problem that we were fighting in 2000.

However, one major idea about problem solving is that it never ends: when you solve a problem, it creates another problem that needs to be solved, and the cycle and struggle goes on. But in that struggle, ideas are created that would better everyone's lives.

Hà Nội is not perfect, but Hà Nội in 2024 is way better than Hà Nội in the 2000s. And with a promising plan and a generation eager to contribute and change society for the better, Hà Nội in 2034 might progress even further.

Source: VNS

See also

Three breakthroughs to transform Hà Nội

Three breakthroughs to transform Hà Nội's transport infrastructure

Key projects such as ring roads and highways, along with the construction of new bridges, are expected to boost regional connectivity and promote the growth of satellite towns.
Hanoi develops as dynamic, pioneering, innovation city: Int’l media

Hanoi develops as dynamic, pioneering, innovation city: Int’l media

HANOI – Media outlets and international friends have provided accurate assessments of Hanoi's strategic vision—a dynamic city and a pioneer in innovation, integration, and sustainable development, after seven decades of construction and development (October 10, 1954-2-24).

See more news

A colourful Hà Nội welcomes Liberation Day

A colourful Hà Nội welcomes Liberation Day

Following are some photos capturing the city's atmosphere in the lead-up to the Liberation Day.
Hà Nội: a symbol of resilience and progress

Hà Nội: a symbol of resilience and progress

The Liberation Day is a pivotal moment in Việt Nam's history, symbolising the country's triumph over French colonialism and marking the beginning of a new era for the thousand-year-old city.
Expanded roads connecting Hà Nội

Expanded roads connecting Hà Nội's centre with Nội Bài Airport open to traffic

The projects have been put into operation in time for the capital city’s 70th anniversary of the Liberation Day.
Hanoi to pilot public administrative service centre

Hanoi to pilot public administrative service centre

HANOI – Hanoi authorities have sketched out a project piloting a public administrative service centre as part of the efforts to create breakthroughs in administrative reform and raise the capital city’s competitiveness and public satisfaction.
Hanoi builds more new schools to match growing educational demands

Hanoi builds more new schools to match growing educational demands

HANOI - For the 2024-2025 academic year, Hanoi's education sector continues to lead the nation in terms of scale, with nearly 2.3 million students, over 130,000 staff members, and 2,913 schools. To address the shortage of school facilities due to rapid population growth, the city has built new schools at all levels, some of which are completed on time to mark the 70th anniversary of Hanoi's Liberation (October 10, 1954- 2024).
Hanoi proposes developing intelligent transport system

Hanoi proposes developing intelligent transport system

HANOI – The Hanoi Department of Transport has asked for the municipal authorities’ approval to develop an intelligent transport system (ITS) through leasing information technology services, with a cost of over 392 billion VND (more than 15.9 million USD) sourced from the city's budget for the first phase in 2025 – 2027.
Hà Nội struggles to cope with severe flooding triggered by heavy rain

Hà Nội struggles to cope with severe flooding triggered by heavy rain

HÀ NỘI — Torrential rain, combined with continuous rising levels of the Red River on Wednesday, caused severe flooding in some streets and urban areas in Hà Nội, significantly affecting the lives and livelihoods of many residents.
Red River floods exceed Alert Level 2, disaster risk elevated in Hà Nội

Red River floods exceed Alert Level 2, disaster risk elevated in Hà Nội

The water levels have been rising rapidly, with the Red River in Hà Nội reaching 10.54 metres at midnight, just 0.04 metres above Alert Level 2. The centre has forecast that the water level will continue to climb throughout the day.
Red River flood levels surpass alert level 2, threatening vulnerable dikes in Hanoi

Red River flood levels surpass alert level 2, threatening vulnerable dikes in Hanoi

Since last night through this morning (September 11, 2024), the Red River's water level in Hanoi has continued to rise, surpassing alert level 2 and threatening the safety of vulnerable dike sections in the capital.
Hanoi: Rising Red River water levels pose flooding risk

Hanoi: Rising Red River water levels pose flooding risk

Due to prolonged heavy rains caused by Typhoon Yagi, hydroelectric reservoirs have had to open several floodgates, causing the Red River in Hanoi to rise dangerously close to warning levels.
View more
Latest Most Read
Domestic car production peaks, ensures abundant supply

Domestic car production peaks, ensures abundant supply

HÀ NỘI — Domestic car production this year has reached a new high with 38,200 cars assembled in October, according to data released by the General Statistics Office (GSO) on Wednesday.
Việt Nam ready to attract major semiconductor players with new initiatives

Việt Nam ready to attract major semiconductor players with new initiatives

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam has shown it is ready to welcome and collaborate with semiconductor companies and investors from around the globe, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyễn Chí Dũng stated at the opening of SEMIExpo Vietnam 2024 on Thursday.
Vietnam gives top priority to relations with China: PM

Vietnam gives top priority to relations with China: PM

Kunming – Developing relations with China is a consistent policy, an objective requirement, a strategic choice, and a top priority in Vietnam's foreign policy, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told Chinese Premier Li Qiang at their talks in Kunming city in China’s Yunnan province on November 7.
Hanoi attracts 1.6 billion USD in FDI in ten months

Hanoi attracts 1.6 billion USD in FDI in ten months

Hanoi attracted 58.4 million USD in foreign direct investment (FDI) in October, bringing the total in the first ten months of this year to 1.6 billion USD.
Metro line connecting capital with airport needed

Metro line connecting capital with airport needed

Residents of Hanoi increasingly yearn for a metro line linking the Noi Bai International Airport to reduce the costs and travel times for both locals and tourists.
vietnams key contributions to acmecs

Vietnam's key contributions to ACMECS

Vietnam officially joined the Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya - Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) at the first ACMECS Ministerial Meeting in Thailand in November 2004. As an active and responsible member, Vietnam has made and continues to make significant contributions to ACMECS.
vietnams role in gms economic cooperation

Vietnam’s role in GMS economic cooperation

At the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is leading a high-level delegation to the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit from November 5-8, 2024. On this occasion, he will also attend the 10th Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Summit and the 11th Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Vietnam (CLMV) Cooperation Summit and hold working sessions in China.
practical innovations

Practical innovations

Recent cooperation between InfraSen, a start-up in semiconductor technology, and MK Group, a leading company in technology, has shown an encouraging sign of unity between scientists and economists. The MK Group will help produce a thermal image core sensor of InfraSen for domestic and overseas markets. Let’s listen to insiders’ voices about semiconductor device production in Việt Nam!
seven strategic directions to lead the nation into a new era

Seven strategic directions to lead the nation into a new era

In the special feature on the new era—the era of the nation's rise—on October 31, 2024, Party General Secretary To Lam outlined seven strategic directions for the country to embark on this new phase of national development.
delicacy of ha nois autumn

Delicacy of Hà Nội’s autumn

Cốm (young rice) is a delicacy of Hà Nội’s autumn, from which many popular dishes have been created, but it is also being developed in new ways by younger cooks.
Vietnam gives top priority to relations with China: PM

Vietnam gives top priority to relations with China: PM

Kunming – Developing relations with China is a consistent policy, an objective requirement, a strategic choice, and a top priority in Vietnam's foreign policy, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told Chinese Premier Li Qiang at their talks in Kunming city in China’s Yunnan province on November 7.
PM puts forth proposals to develop new-generation GMS economic corridors

PM puts forth proposals to develop new-generation GMS economic corridors

Kunming – Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh joined leaders of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and China as well as heads of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and regional and international organisations at the 8th Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) Summit which opened in Kunming city in China’s Yunnan province on November 7.
Vietnam proactively raises initiatives within CLMV

Vietnam proactively raises initiatives within CLMV

Since the establishment of the Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Vietnam (CLMV) cooperation mechanism, Vietnam has consistently acted as an active and responsible member, making significant contributions to the mechanism.
Revised Pharmacy Law only fixes tip of iceberg

Revised Pharmacy Law only fixes tip of iceberg

National Assembly (NA) deputy Phạm Khánh Phong Lan, from the HCM City delegation, spoke to Vietnamplus during the current session of the NA looking at the draft revisions to the Pharmacy Law.
Vietnam’s path to sustainable semiconductor industry

Vietnam’s path to sustainable semiconductor industry

(VEN) - Vietnam’s semiconductor industry development strategy aims to reach an annual revenue of over US$25 billion in the 2024-2030 period, US$50 billion in the 2030-2040 period, and US$100 billion in the 2040-2050 period.
Industrial production index rises 8.3 per cent in ten months

Industrial production index rises 8.3 per cent in ten months

The Industrial Production Index in October increased by 7 per cent, pushing the increase in the first 10 months to 8.3 per cent, compared to the same time last year.
Efforts to bring electricity to remote villages of Ha Giang Province

Efforts to bring electricity to remote villages of Ha Giang Province

The northern province of Ha Giang has complex terrain and a sparsely populated community, which poses many challenges to infrastructure investment, particularly in bringing electricity to remote mountainous villages. However, thanks to the efforts of local authorities and the electricity sector, Ha Giang Province is gradually realising the goal of providing electricity to all highland villages.
Vietnamese F&B industry works to catch up with green consumption trend

Vietnamese F&B industry works to catch up with green consumption trend

By promoting the use of green materials and technologies in production, Vietnam will win the world food and beverage market which is switching to the green consumption trend, according to experts.
Hanoi attracts 1.6 billion USD in FDI in ten months

Hanoi attracts 1.6 billion USD in FDI in ten months

Hanoi attracted 58.4 million USD in foreign direct investment (FDI) in October, bringing the total in the first ten months of this year to 1.6 billion USD.
Foxconn to invest US$80 million in Bắc Giang for chip manufacturing expansion

Foxconn to invest US$80 million in Bắc Giang for chip manufacturing expansion

Foxconn's Shunsin Technology Việt Nam is seeking an environmental permit for a US$80 million chip manufacturing project in Bắc Giang province.
Da Nang to invest additional 16 million USD into software park

Da Nang to invest additional 16 million USD into software park

The People's Council of Da Nang city has approved the adjusted pre-feasibility study report for the development of Software Park No 2, proposed by the municipal People's Committee.
PM receives heads of leading investment firm, authority of Qatar

PM receives heads of leading investment firm, authority of Qatar

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh have received leaders of the JTA International Investment Holding and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) in Doha as part of his official visit to the Middle Eastern country.
Việt Nam

Việt Nam's stock market moves closer to emerging market status amid key policy changes

The swift efforts by the Vietnamese securities regulator to eliminate pre-funding requirements have garnered praise from FTSE Russell and Morgan Stanley.
Krungsri proposes accelerating purchase of 50% of SHBFinance’s charter capital

Krungsri proposes accelerating purchase of 50% of SHBFinance’s charter capital

Ayudhya Public Bank Limited (Krungsri), a member of Japan's MUFG Group, has proposed to the Saigon - Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB) that it will speed up the acquisition of the remaining 50% of SHBFinance’s charter capital.
Finance ministry proposes two price management scenarios for year-end

Finance ministry proposes two price management scenarios for year-end

The Ministry of Finance has released two price management scenarios to control inflation until the end of the year.
Banking sector prioritises support for import-export firms

Banking sector prioritises support for import-export firms

Affordable bank credit has supported businesses in key sectors that drive the country’s economic growth, Nguyen Duc Lenh, deputy director of the State Bank of Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City office, told a conference on October 31.
The 2024 Vietwater & WETV exhibitions open in HCMC

The 2024 Vietwater & WETV exhibitions open in HCMC

The international exhibitions on water supply, sanitation, water resources and purification (Vietwater 2024) and on waste treatment and environment technology (WETV 2024) have opened in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC).
Workshop looks to address environmental management issues in industrial areas

Workshop looks to address environmental management issues in industrial areas

The State Audit Office of Vietnam (SAV) hosted a workshop in Hanoi on November 5, bringing together top auditors from ASEAN member states to share experience in handling environmental management challenges in industrial clusters and craft villages.
More accurate forecasts at all levels needed to reduce coastal disaster risk

More accurate forecasts at all levels needed to reduce coastal disaster risk

Establishing different warning levels for natural disaster risks will help minimise damage and overcome the consequences of natural disasters.
Nearly-98-million-USD environment project inaugurated in Ninh Thuan

Nearly-98-million-USD environment project inaugurated in Ninh Thuan

The Phan Rang-Thap Cham city sub-project – part of the Coastal Cities Sustainable Environment Project funded by the World Bank Group was inauguarted in the south-central province of Ninh Thuan on November 2 with improved infrastructure works that can benefit 69,000 local residents.
Practical innovations

Practical innovations

Recent cooperation between InfraSen, a start-up in semiconductor technology, and MK Group, a leading company in technology, has shown an encouraging sign of unity between scientists and economists. The MK Group will help produce a thermal image core sensor of InfraSen for domestic and overseas markets. Let’s listen to insiders’ voices about semiconductor device production in Việt Nam!
Technology “key” to attract FDI

Technology “key” to attract FDI

(VEN) - According to Nguyen Van Toan, Vice President of the Association of Foreign Investment Enterprises (VAFIE), apart from environmental factors, technology plays an important role, not only in economic development, but also in the race to attract foreign direct investment.
HCM City partners with Google for Education in digital transformation

HCM City partners with Google for Education in digital transformation

Tim Paolini, Director of Google for Education for Asia-Pacific and Middle East, had a working session with representatives of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee on November 1 to discuss cooperation orientations for digital transformation in education.
Việt Nam develops

Việt Nam develops 'purely Vietnamese' generative AI

Many businesses in Việt Nam have quickly seized the opportunity and boosted investment to master the new technology.
Metro line connecting capital with airport needed

Metro line connecting capital with airport needed

Residents of Hanoi increasingly yearn for a metro line linking the Noi Bai International Airport to reduce the costs and travel times for both locals and tourists.
Military aircraft crash in Binh Dinh: Both pilots found safe

Military aircraft crash in Binh Dinh: Both pilots found safe

Both pilots involved in a military aircraft crash, which occurred during a training flight over Tay Xuan commune in the south central province of Binh Dinh’s Tay Son district on November 6, were found safe at night of the same day.
Shortage of vaccines is due to procurement procedures: MoH

Shortage of vaccines is due to procurement procedures: MoH

Many localities have requested the Ministry of Health to continue acting as the central procuring authority for vaccines and to allocate them to localities.
1,400 ha Phu My port planned in Binh Dinh

1,400 ha Phu My port planned in Binh Dinh

(VEN) - On November 4, the People’s Committee of Binh Dinh Province sent an official dispatch to the Ministry of Transport proposing the additional planning of Phu My port area which will c​​over an area of 1,400 ha, belonging to Binh Dinh seaport.
Sóc Trăng’s ST25 fragrant rice awarded 5-star OCOP rating

Sóc Trăng’s ST25 fragrant rice awarded 5-star OCOP rating

Sóc Trăng Province's OCOP Council was recently granted the prestigious 5-star rating to ST25 fragrant rice from Trần Đề District, reinforcing its status as a high-quality local product.
Hà Nội’s Phú Xuyên District promotes OCOP craft village products through digital channels

Hà Nội’s Phú Xuyên District promotes OCOP craft village products through digital channels

Phú Xuyên has 231 OCOP products, with 70 per cent coming from craft villages, which helps preserve traditional culture and expand market reach.
190 businesses win Vietnam National Brand Award 2024

190 businesses win Vietnam National Brand Award 2024

A total of 359 products from 190 businesses were honoured with the National Brand Award 2024 at a ceremony held in Hanoi on November 4 evening.
Vietnamese AI firms have many chances of development

Vietnamese AI firms have many chances of development

Demand in the domestic market along with a series of new regulations and policies are supporting for the Vietnamese AI start-up community to develop.
tcty-dau-khi-vn-pv-power-2022
Famous musical star Philip Quast to perform and share experiences in Hà Nội

Famous musical star Philip Quast to perform and share experiences in Hà Nội

The famous bass-baritone singer, who is best known for his role as Inspector Javert in the stage musical Les Misérables and in the Les Misérables: The Dream Cast in Concert, will be performing his show, The Road I Took.

'Cải lương' guru performs in TV programme

People’s Artist and cải lương (reformed opera) guru Lệ Thuỷ is working in a special TV show produced by the Hồ Chí Minh City Television (HTV) and its partners.
Calligraphy exhibition highlights literary masterpieces

Calligraphy exhibition highlights literary masterpieces

The exhibition features 18 writers from all over the country. Each has a different profession, but they all share a love of Vietnamese calligraphy and a desire to spread this passion for art to as many people as possible.
VN int’l fashion week Fall/Winter 2024 prepares to open

VN int’l fashion week Fall/Winter 2024 prepares to open

Sixteen international and Vietnamese fashion designers and brands will display their latest collections at the Aquafina Việt Nam International Fashion Week (AVIFW) Fall/Winter 2024 held in Hà Nội from November 13-16.
Govt plans survey for tourism resources

Govt plans survey for tourism resources

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in coordination with the People's Committee of Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu Province, has launched a survey on tourism resources across the country.
Time Out lists Vietnam among Top 5 Memorable Christmas Escapes in Asia

Time Out lists Vietnam among Top 5 Memorable Christmas Escapes in Asia

British magazine Time Out has unveiled a list of the Top 5 Memorable Christmas Escapes in Asia, with Vietnam and its stunning natural beauty and a distinctive heritage being placed in second position.
Foreign travellers

Foreign travellers' interest in northern regions still strong after typhoon

Digital travel platform Agoda has recently revealed that traveler interest in key northern regions of Việt Nam has remained encouraging following the damage wrought by Typhoon Yagi, which made landfall on September 7.
Ninh Bình Festival to boost historical heritages of VN’s former capitals

Ninh Bình Festival to boost historical heritages of VN’s former capitals

From November 24 to 30 in Ninh Bình City and Hoa Lư District – the former capital of Việt nation from 968 to 1009 - the festival aims to portray glorious historical milestones and 'decode' the cultural values of the ancient capital.
Mobile Version