Getting to Trịnh Công Sơn Walking Street by motorbike from the Old Quarter is a straightforward ride: the area lies at the northern end of West Lake, next to Hồ Tây Water Park, and you can enter from lane 612 Lạc Long Quân or lane 431 Âu Cơ. The most important thing to know before you go, however, is that the walking-street format here has changed several times. It has been paused, reopened and, according to press reports from late 2023, converted into a creative cultural space with weekend activities. This guide explains where it is, which route to choose and what to check so you do not make a wasted trip.
Where is Trịnh Công Sơn Walking Street?
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According to Tiền Phong newspaper (2017), the core of the pedestrian space is Trịnh Công Sơn street together with part of lane 431 Âu Cơ and lane 612 Lạc Long Quân, right next to a lotus pond and Hồ Tây Water Park. This is the Nhật Tân area on the northern side of West Lake, a moderate ride from the Old Quarter.
The area sits between two major roads: on the Red River side is Âu Cơ, the dyke road, and on the lake side is Lạc Long Quân, which runs around the western and northern shores of West Lake. That gives you two main ways in, depending on where you start and how comfortable you are on busy roads. Since 2025 Hanoi no longer has districts and many ward names have changed, so when searching on a map, use street names, lane numbers and landmarks such as Hồ Tây Water Park rather than old ward names.
Opening status: what to know before you go
The Trịnh Công Sơn pedestrian space has a fairly eventful history, according to published reports:
- 2017: the pedestrian space opened, running from 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday each week, with a parking area set up just outside before the entrance (Tiền Phong).
- May 2022: it reopened after a pause during the pandemic, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays, with more than 20 cultural and food stalls (Kinh tế & Đô thị).
- February 2023: it was paused again for repairs because visitor numbers were low (Tiền Phong).
- November 2023: the press reported that the area had become a creative cultural space open on Saturdays and Sundays, covering the road into lane 612 Lạc Long Quân, Vũ Tuấn Chiêu street and the dual road between two lotus ponds, with regular events and performances (Tiền Phong).
We have not found a newer official announcement of a fixed schedule for 2026. Before you go, check the local ward’s announcements or local news to see whether anything is on that weekend and at what time. Without an event, the area is still a pleasant place for a stroll around the lotus ponds, but you will not find a lively walking-street atmosphere.
Popular routes from the Old Quarter
Route 1: around West Lake via Lạc Long Quân (easiest)
From the Old Quarter, ride towards Quán Thánh, take Thanh Niên between West Lake and Trúc Bạch Lake, then continue along Thụy Khuê and onto Lạc Long Quân. Follow Lạc Long Quân towards Nhật Tân Bridge and you will reach the Hồ Tây Water Park area and lane 612 Lạc Long Quân. This approach is simple and avoids the one-way service roads of Âu Cơ, so it suits riders who are new to Hanoi traffic.
Lạc Long Quân gets busy at rush hour and vehicles constantly join from side lanes. Keep a moderate speed, signal early before turning into the lane and watch for pedestrians near the water park.
Route 2: along the dyke via Yên Phụ – Nghi Tàm – Âu Cơ
If you are comfortable on the dyke road, ride Yên Phụ and Nghi Tàm, join Âu Cơ and look for the entrance to lane 431 Âu Cơ. One important point: under the traffic plan in force since 22 September 2024, reported by a Vietnamese legal news site, part of Âu Cơ’s inside-dyke service road is one-way in the Nhật Tân → Long Biên direction, and stopping and parking are banned on both sides. Lane 431 is on the inside of the dyke, the lake side, so coming from Quảng Bá you may need to cross at a signal-controlled junction or a permitted U-turn point and then follow the service road in the permitted direction. Never ride the wrong way to save time.
For more on lanes, directions and hazards, see our guide to visiting Âu Cơ Road by motorbike.
Route 3: from Cầu Giấy or Bưởi
If you are staying in the west of the city, Lạc Long Quân from the Bưởi area towards Nhật Tân Bridge is the most direct line. It runs along the western and northern shores of West Lake with plenty of lake views, but also many small junctions; ride slowly and watch for vehicles pulling out of lanes.
Parking when you arrive
When the pedestrian space is active, motorbikes are usually not allowed inside. In 2017 the parking area was set up outside before the entrance; the current arrangement may differ. On arrival, look for an attended parking point that issues tickets, do not leave your bike on the roadway and never park on the Âu Cơ service roads, where stopping and parking are banned on both sides.
On cost, VnExpress reports that from 15 October 2026 the motorbike fee at state-funded on-street and pavement parking points in Hanoi is 10,000 VND per visit. Event parking, private lots or nearby cafés may charge differently, so ask the price first.
When to go
- Weekend late afternoon and evening: the usual time for events when they are held, with cooler air for a stroll around the lotus ponds.
- Lotus season (roughly summer): the lotus ponds are the highlight; go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat.
- Weekdays: quieter, with little or no walking-street activity; fine if you simply want a relaxed walk.
- Rainy days: consider postponing, as lakeside roads get slippery and outdoor events are easily cancelled.
Route summary
| Starting point | Suggested route | Entrance | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Quarter | Quán Thánh – Thanh Niên – Thụy Khuê – Lạc Long Quân | Lane 612 Lạc Long Quân | Easy, lots of lake views |
| Old Quarter (via the dyke) | Yên Phụ – Nghi Tàm – Âu Cơ | Lane 431 Âu Cơ | One-way service road, no stopping |
| Cầu Giấy, Bưởi | Lạc Long Quân towards Nhật Tân Bridge | Lane 612 Lạc Long Quân | Many small junctions |
| From Nhật Tân Bridge | Off the bridge at the Lạc Long Quân junction, then Lạc Long Quân | Lane 612 Lạc Long Quân | Choose your lane early |
Pre-ride checklist
- Check the latest local announcements about weekend events and times.
- A licence valid for your bike, plus registration papers or your rental contract.
- A helmet with the strap fastened and working lights if you will ride back after dark.
- Small cash for parking and snacks.
- Your route saved in advance so you never have to stop on a service road to check your phone.
- A compact rain poncho and water in summer.
A note on expectations
Many older travel blogs still describe Trịnh Công Sơn as a lively weekend walking street with stalls and music every week. Treat those descriptions as history rather than a guarantee. Going in with flexible expectations helps: if there is an event, enjoy it; if not, the lotus ponds, the quieter lanes of Nhật Tân and the nearby lakeshore still make a pleasant evening. Combining the visit with another stop, such as West Lake or Quảng Bá flower market, ensures your ride is worthwhile either way.
Frequently asked questions
Is Trịnh Công Sơn Walking Street still open?
According to the press, the walking-street format was paused in 2023 and the area was then turned into a creative cultural space open at weekends. We have not been able to verify a newer fixed schedule, so check local announcements before you go.
Should I enter from lane 612 Lạc Long Quân or lane 431 Âu Cơ?
If you do not know the area, lane 612 Lạc Long Quân is usually easier because you avoid the one-way service road on Âu Cơ. If you use the dyke road, ride in the permitted direction and cross at a signal-controlled junction.
How long does it take from the Old Quarter?
Usually about 20–30 minutes when traffic flows, longer at rush hour or when a busy event is on.
Can I ride my motorbike inside the pedestrian area?
When pedestrian activities are running, motorbikes usually have to be parked outside. Follow the signs and the instructions of organisers or officers on site.
Is the area inside Hanoi’s low-emission zone?
According to published information, the pilot from 1 July to 31 December 2026 applies only to areas 1 and 2 of Hoàn Kiếm ward, so the Nhật Tân area is outside it. If your route passes through the Old Quarter on a weekend evening, check the rules there.
What can I combine it with?
West Lake, Quảng Bá flower market or a ride along Âu Cơ all fit nicely. See our guide to visiting West Lake by motorbike for ideas.
Renting a motorbike from Mr Tú
If you would like to explore Hanoi at your own pace, Mr Tú rents automatic scooters and semi-automatic motorbikes near the Old Quarter by the day, week or month. See our motorbike rental in Hanoi Old Quarter page or contact Mr Tú to ask about availability, the documents you need, where the bike may be ridden and the current rental conditions before you set off.
In short: Trịnh Công Sơn Walking Street lies in the Nhật Tân area between lane 612 Lạc Long Quân and lane 431 Âu Cơ, beside the lotus ponds and Hồ Tây Water Park. The easiest route is around West Lake via Lạc Long Quân; if you take the Âu Cơ dyke road, remember the one-way service road and the no-stopping rule. The opening pattern has changed over the years, so check the latest announcements before you go and park only where it is allowed.
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