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 ... |
Recommended
Viet's Home
Two US Veterans on Mission to Bring Vietnam’s Fallen Soldiers Home
For nearly a decade, Richard Magner and Bob Connor have been examining archival wartime footage, battlefield records, and the memories of US veterans to identify locations believed to contain mass graves of fallen Vietnamese soldiers. The information they have provided has contributed to the recovery of 80 sets of remains at Bien Hoa Airport and more than 200 sets of remains at Loc Ninh Airport, while also helping compile 250 case files to support search and recovery efforts.
July 16, 2026 | 10:05
Viet's Home
9 Vietnamese Students Receive Full Scholarships from Fast Retailing Foundation in Japan
On July 13, Fast Retailing Group announced that nine Vietnamese students had been awarded full scholarships from the Fast Retailing Foundation to pursue undergraduate studies at leading Japanese universities. This initiative not only opens new academic opportunities for the recipients but also contributes to strengthening educational cooperation between Vietnam and Japan.
July 15, 2026 | 14:16
Viet's Home
Many Fallen Soldiers' Remains Recovered in Da Nang and Cao Bang
As part of the 500-Day Campaign to accelerate the search, recovery, and identification of fallen soldiers' remains, task forces in Da Nang and Cao Bang discovered and recovered multiple sets of remains on July 13.
July 14, 2026 | 15:15
Viet's Home
Indian Ambassador Thanks Vietnam for Swift Response to Phu Quoc Speedboat Capsizing
Following the speedboat capsizing in the An Thoi waters (Phu Quoc Special Zone, An Giang Province) on July 11, the Indian Ambassador to Vietnam expressed profound gratitude for the close direction provided by Vietnam's senior leadership and the prompt, responsible response of the competent authorities in search and rescue operations, consular protection, and assistance for the victims' families.
July 13, 2026 | 10:33
Viet's Home
Portugal Crowned Champion of 2026 Da Nang International Fireworks Festival
On the evening of July 11 in Da Nang, Macedos Pirotecnia of Portugal was crowned champion of the 2026 Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF), held under the theme "Connected Horizons."
July 12, 2026 | 18:39
Viet's Home
Ca Mau Enhances Capacity of Officials to Effectively Mobilize International Aid
On July 9, 2026, the Union of Friendship Organizations of Ca Mau held a training course on people-to-people diplomacy and foreign non-governmental organization (NGO) affairs, with the participation of 350 officials and employees. The program aimed to update attendees on new policies and guidelines, strengthen the capacity of those engaged in foreign affairs, and thereby enhance the effectiveness of mobilizing, managing, and utilizing international aid to support the province’s socio-economic development.
July 12, 2026 | 18:20
Viet's Home
Over 50 Calls and Messages Help Search for Fallen Soldiers at Tan Son Nhat Airport
Shortly after issuing a public appeal for information on the burial sites of soldiers who were killed during the battle at Tan Son Nhat Airport in the 1968 Tet Offensive, the Ho Chi Minh City High Command received more than 50 phone calls and text messages from witnesses and local residents. The information has provided additional leads to support the verification, search, recovery, and identification of the fallen soldiers' remains.
July 10, 2026 | 08:43
Viet's Home
Palestinian Ambassador Saadi Salama Awarded "For the Cause of Culture, Sports and Tourism" Medal
On July 6 in Hanoi, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lam Thi Phuong Thanh presented the "For the Cause of Culture, Sports and Tourism" Medal to Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Palestine to Vietnam Saadi Salama.
July 07, 2026 | 15:08











