In Photos: 'New Normal' Life in Hanoi
The daily life of Hanoians is gradually returning in autumn after Directive 22 was issued to ease Covid-19 prevention and control measures.
 |
| The streets are more crowded with people now. There is no longer a scary silence as under the time of social distancing that lasted for nearly 3 months. Photo: dantri. |
 |
| However, outdoor sports activities are still limited as no more than 10 people can be gathered and a safe distance must be maintained. Authorities had previously erected barriers to prevent people from coming to the Sword Lake sidewalks to exercise. Photo: dantri. |
 |
| Normal life has returned without restrictions on going out or checking the road permits. However, Hanoi authorities urged people to still strictly follow epidemic prevention and control measures when going outside. Photo: dantri. |
 |
| Messages about Covid-19 prevention still appear on the streets. In particular, people must always strictly adhere to wearing facemasks in public. Photo: dantri. |
 |
| There are no restrictions around Hoan Kiem Lake so people are free to move around. However, some tourist attractions still have to close. Photo: dantri. |
 |
| A busy street during rush hour in the morning in cool autumn weather. Photo: dantri. |
 |
| Activities at shopping centers (commercial centers) have been restored. In the photo, a shopping mall on Hang Bai Street (Hoan Kiem) has opened to welcome guests. Photo: dantri. |
 |
| Some fashion stories have also reopened. Photo: dantri. |
 |
| The Covid-19 pandemic has upset the daily life of Hanoians such as doing exercise, having intimate conversations on the street or buying goods. When the social distancing period ended, Hanoians transitioned to a new normal and daily life has gradually returned. Photo: dantri. |
 |
| Dinh Liet Street is busier. Many shops have started selling scarves and knitting yarn for the late autumn and winter. Photo: dantri. |
 |
| The sidewalk is no longer quiet. Photo: dantri. |
 |
| Familiar dishes such as pho, porridge, vermicelli, and junk food are being sold. Photo: dantri. |
 |
| A bustling street at Hanoi Old Quarter. Photo: dantri. |
 |
| Many pedestrians enjoy walking on Trang Tien Street. Photo: dantri. |
| In order to curb the Covid-19 pandemic, the capital applied social distancing measures under Directive 16 from July 24 onwards. The directive comprised the country’s most stringent social distancing regulations, requiring residents to stay home and only go out for basic necessities such as buying food or medicines or to work at factories or businesses allowed to open. However, outdoor exercise was banned from July 8. The capital began relaxing its coronavirus restrictions starting Sept. 21 after spending over two months under strict social distancing measures. |
 | Me Tri Green Sticky Rice: A Specialty Of Autumn In Hanoi Me Tri village, located in Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi, is famous for its tradition of producing Com or green sticky rice. After nearly 2 ... |
 | More Expats in Hanoi Receive Covid-19 Support Foreigners in Hanoi’s Dong Da district facing difficulties in the pandemic are getting more help from local authorities |
 | A Hanoian's Guide to Clean Eating Clean eating is not about eating clean or dirty food. It is about what benefical nutrition you consume. Check out 14 simple clean eating dishes ... |
Related Stories
Friendship
Friendship Order Presented to Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam
During Ambassador Denny Abdi’s tenure in Vietnam, the Vietnam–Indonesia relationship continued to be strengthened, marked by the milestone of the two countries officially upgrading their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In recognition of his contributions, the State of Vietnam has conferred the Friendship Order on the Ambassador.
November 04, 2025 | 10:59
Viet's Home
First Autumn Fair - 2025: Connecting People with Production and Business
On the evening of October 25 in Hanoi, the Opening Ceremony of the First Autumn Fair - 2025 took place with the theme "Connecting people with production and business". The event was assigned by the Prime Minister to the Ministry of Industry and Trade to preside, in coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Hanoi City People's Committee and other ministries, branches and localities.
October 26, 2025 | 13:08
Friendship
Strengthening Cooperation between Hanoi and Lichtenberg District, Germany
On the afternoon of October 22, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen received a delegation from Lichtenberg District (Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany) led by District Mayor Martin Schaefer during their visit and working session with the Hanoi People’s Committee.
October 24, 2025 | 15:40
Friendship
Hanoi’s Book and Culture Space Impresses at Frankfurt International Book Fair 2025
The 77th Frankfurt International Book Fair 2025 concluded successfully with the participation of thousands of publishers and literary works from around the world. Vietnam took part in the event with more than 1,200 book titles from over 20 publishing houses, covering a wide range of topics including culture, history, literature, general science, children’s books, digital transformation, and digital publishing.
October 20, 2025 | 10:16
Recommended
Vietnamese Herbal Tea
Multitasking and Juggling Jobs? No Big Deal. Gen Z Shares How They Stay Energized and Alert Despite Late Nights and Sleepless Hours
Energetic, multitasking, and always striving for growth, many young people today are willing to take on two or three jobs at once — not only to increase their income but also to sharpen their skills and expand their career experiences.
November 12, 2025 | 00:00
Vietnamese Herbal Tea
Fuel Up for Instant Alertness During Long Days and Late Nights
Driven, quick-thinking, and always looking for growth, today’s young professionals constantly seek out new fields to develop themselves. But when working day and night, effort alone isn’t enough. Many young people have their own “energy hacks” to stay alert, meet deadlines, boost creativity, and break through at work.
November 11, 2025 | 09:00
Vietnamese Herbal Tea
Recharge with Number 1 to Become a Better Version of Yourself
To stay energized and alert before racing to meet a project launch deadline for a major real estate development, Trần Ngọc Trà My (27, Ho Chi Minh City), a freelance MC, grabbed a bottle of Number 1 energy drink and gave herself a quick break to recharge and regain focus.
November 10, 2025 | 08:00
Viet's Home
WVIV Spreads Message “Not Alone” to Protect Children in Cyberspace
More than 77% of Vietnamese children and teenagers accessing the internet daily, the digital world offers learning opportunities but also exposes them to serious risks.
November 10, 2025 | 07:39
Popular article
Viet's Home
Vietnamese National Puppetry Attracts Thai Audiences
Within the framework of the Sithan 2025 Festival held at Khon Kaen University (Thailand) from November 2-5, the Vietnam Puppetry Theatre delegation brought many unique and rich performances, promoting the beauty of traditional puppetry art and Vietnamese culture to international friends.
November 10, 2025 | 07:17
Viet's Home
WVIV Supports 30,000 People Affected by Kalmaegi Typhoon and Flood
After causing heavy damage in the Philippines, Typhoon Kalmaegi has made landfall in Vietnam, left 5 people dead and 3 missing, along with more than half a million people in the central region to evacuate urgently, as of the morning of November 7. Tens of thousands of households are facing the risk of lack of housing, clean water and food. World Vision International in Vietnam (WVIV) has urgently deployed emergency relief activities, aiming to support about 30,000 affected people.
November 10, 2025 | 07:11
Viet's Home
Newly-launched Project Enhances Sustainable Agricultural Production Capacity for 10,000 Women
Women are often confined to caregiving roles and are rarely recognized or included in decisions related to production and consumption. They also face significant barriers to accessing capital, technical training, and leadership opportunities within their communities.
November 10, 2025 | 07:07
Expats in Vietnam
An Giang Assists Ukrainian Citizen In Safe Return Home
The An Giang Provincial Police reported that they had received a diplomatic note from the Embassy of Ukraine in Vietnam, expressing sincere gratitude for the humanitarian and timely actions taken to rescue and assist a Ukrainian citizen in returning safely to his homeland on November 5.
November 08, 2025 | 11:00