As Hanoi prepares for sweeping redevelopment along the Red River, the city faces growing questions about compensation, fairness and belonging.

After decades of developing by "turning its back on the river," Hanoi stands before a historic transformation opportunity with the Red River Landscape Boulevard project.

Hanoi has proposed sweeping governance and innovation reforms as the Vietnamese capital seeks to transition toward a technology-driven growth model.

Hanoi plans to select two adjacent communes with a combined population of around 700,000 people to pilot a new socialist commune and ward model, according to Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Vu Dai Thang.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed that neighborhood residential groups in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City should have at least 700 households, while villages in the two cities would need a minimum of 500 households.

Hanoi has proposed doubling fines for a range of violations including illegal parking and the use of sidewalks for business activities, with some repeat or serious offenses facing penalties of up to VND30 million ($1,175).

The Hanoi Emulation and Commendation Board has announced a public consultation process regarding a proposal to award the second-class Labor Order to Vu Dai Thang, chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee.

Unable to use public sidewalks as before, many Hanoi cafés are finding unusual new ways to keep customers coming back.

Ring Road 5 around the Capital Region has been identified as a national priority project, with authorities aiming to begin development during the 2026–30 period to strengthen regional transport links and support economic growth in northern Vietnam.

The Xuan Mai Urban Environment Company and Green Marble JSC on May 19 broke ground on the Nui Thoong high-tech waste treatment and waste-to-energy plant in Xuan Mai commune, Hanoi, with a total investment of about 200 million USD.

Hanoi plans to build large resettlement urban areas in Long Bien, Linh Nam and Bat Trang for residents affected by the Red River landscape boulevard project.

From bridges spanning the Red River to new ring roads and urban developments, Hanoi is accelerating site clearance for some of its largest projects in years.

A major new urban corridor project along National Highway 1A is expected to reshape Hanoi’s transport network and unlock new development space.

Hanoi’s proposal to lease portions of sidewalks for controlled commercial use is drawing mixed reactions from experts concerned about urban order and pedestrian rights.

Hanoi authorities are seeking public feedback on a draft resolution introducing new housing investment, development and support policies, including expanded incentives for experts, scientists and high-quality workers in priority sectors.

Hanoi will pilot a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in the core area of Hoan Kiem ward from July 1 before expanding according to a roadmap.

It is rare for Hanoi to make a decision capable of reshaping the development structure of the city so dramatically.

Only slightly more than 60% of lower secondary school graduates in Hanoi will have the opportunity to enter public high schools this year - a figure education experts describe as deeply concerning for a major city.

The historic campus of Hanoi University of Pharmacy at 19 Le Thanh Tong Street is set to be preserved under a “living heritage” model aimed at balancing historical conservation with the continuation of academic life.