On the afternoon of January 23, the second day of the Lunar New Year, Hanoi’s Old Quarter and the pedestrian area surrounding Hoan Kiem lake is packed of vehicles and pedestrians enjoying the ambience of the new year.
The crowd begins to build up during the afternoon, with traffic congestion streching from the Old Quarter to the streets of Hang Bai, Trang Tien, Ding Tien Hoang, and Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square.
Thousands of local residents head out onto the streets to enjoy the atmosphere on the opening days of the Lunar New Year.
Several families snap photos on the banks of Hoan Kiem lake.
An old portrait painter draws a sketch of a woman besides the famous lake.
A huge number of people pay a visit to Ngoc Son Temple near Hoan Kiem lake as they pray for a propitious year ahead.
The area around the statue of Emperor Ly Thai To is also packed full of visitors.
People flock to Trang Tien street as they enjoy eating delicious ice cream during the festive occasion.