The outdoor entertainment areas on pedestrian streets around Hoan Kiem, also known as Sword Lake, are quiet with relatively few people visiting them during the hot spell.

The heat wave has driven people to commercial centres fitted with air-conditioning with large numbers of people going to the capital’s many shopping centres.

The fast food area in AEON Mall appears to be crowded.

Children enjoy playing games at the indoor entertainment area in AEON Mall.

Savico Megamall is also proving to be a popular destination among families.

Children are elated to have the chance to experience the mobile games in Savico Megamall.

The usually bustling pedestrian streets around Hoan Kiem are deserted.

Due to the hot weather few people are taking part in activities around Sword Lake.

Nghia Do park in Cau Giay district is empty at mid-day.

Nguyen Thu Thuy from Cau Giay district says she only allows her son to play outdoors for 20 minutes to protect him from the heat.

It is a similar sight in Thu Le park which has no visitors.

Workers rest in the shade in front of the entrance to Thu Le park. They note how fewer people are visiting the zoo because of the prolonged heat wave.

An indoor entertainment area for children in Thu Le park is quieter than on normal days.

In contrast, commercial centres are packed with visitors.