Every river in Hanoi carries a narrative waiting to be uncovered (Source: Collected)
1. Red River in Hanoi – the cradle of both Vietnam’s wet rice civilization
The Red River in Hanoi, also called the Cai River or Nhi Ha, is one of the most significant rivers in Vietnam, spanning 1,149 kilometers, with 556 kilometers flowing through the country. Originating from Yunnan, China, this river has played a crucial role in shaping Vietnam’s wet rice civilization for centuries. Its rich alluvial deposits have nourished crops, sustaining generations of farmers.
Beyond its agricultural importance, Hanoi Red River offers stunning natural beauty, especially during flood season when its waters take on a red hue. It was even named one of the world’s 18 most beautiful sights by Russia’s Ria Novosti magazine.
Visitors today can enjoy Hanoi river cruises along the Red River, which offers peaceful views of Hanoi’s skyline. Along its banks, you can explore iconic landmarks like the Long Bien Bridge, a symbol of the city’s resilience, and Bat Trang Pottery Village, famous for its traditional ceramic artistry.
The Red River in Hanoi, Vietnam, is the largest river flowing through the city (Source: Collected)
2. Da River
Stretching 927 kilometers, the Da River in Hanoi is the largest tributary of the Red River and supplies over 30% of its water. It enters Vietnam from the Muong Te District in Lai Chau, flowing through the provinces of Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Hoa Binh, and Phu Tho. This river not only supports local life but also plays a vital role in Vietnam’s power generation, housing some of the largest hydropower plants in Southeast Asia, including Son La and Hoa Binh.
Once known for its fierce rapids, the river has calmed in many sections, with its waters turning a serene green. Modern bridges now span their width, blending with the natural landscape.
The Da River has also become a popular eco-tourism destination. Visitors can enjoy boat trips along its waters, explore the scattered islands, or stay in riverside homestays for an authentic cultural experience. For adventure lovers, activities like kayaking and trekking in Son La and Hoa Binh offer an exciting way to take in the area’s fresh atmosphere.
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3. To Lich River in Hanoi
Although only 13.5 kilometers long, the To Lich River holds great historical importance for Hanoi. In the past, it served as one of the protective moats surrounding the Thang Long Citadel. The riverbanks were once alive with bustling markets where merchants traded goods from various regions, contributing to the city’s prosperity.
However, with urbanization, the role of the river changed. Over time, parts of the To Lich River were filled in, and it became a drainage channel for the city, leading to significant pollution. In recent years, local authorities have initiated efforts to restore this river in Hanoi.
The To Lich River is a famous river in Vietnam (Source: Collected)
4. Day River
The Day River is a 240-kilometer distributary of the Red River. It flows through several provinces, including Hanoi, Ha Nam, Ninh Binh, and Nam Dinh, before reaching the Gulf of Tonkin at Kim Son District in Ninh Binh. Historically, this river has played a vital role in shaping Vietnam’s development.
In the early 1st century, the Trung Sisters gathered their forces along the river’s upper reaches, making an oath of unity in the spring of the year 40. Their successful uprising against the Eastern Han Dynasty is one of Vietnam’s most celebrated historical events. Today, one of the largest and oldest temples dedicated to the Trung Sisters still stands near the riverbanks, honoring their legacy.
Beyond its historical importance, the Day River in Hanoi once supported local agriculture, notably mulberry cultivation and sugarcane farming. However, pollution in recent years has greatly affected the river’s health, leading local authorities to focus on restoring its waters to their former condition.
5. Cau River
Stretching 288 kilometers, the Cau River originates from Tam Tao, Cho Don District in Bac Kan Province, passing through towns like Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, Bac Ninh, and Pha Lai before reaching the Thai Binh estuary. In Hanoi, it flows through a 23-kilometer section.
Known as a major waterway connecting the midland and lowland areas of northern Vietnam, the Cau River has long served as a transportation hub, fostering economic and cultural exchanges between provinces.
Its rich basin, one of the largest in the country, supplies hundreds of millions of cubic meters of water annually for agricultural production and daily life. Beyond its economic value, the Cau River also helps maintain the ecological balance and natural landscape of the area.
Flowing steadily, the Cau River in Hanoi Vietnam sustains life around it (Source: Collected)
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6. Duong River in Hanoi
The Duong River, a 65-kilometer tributary of the Red River, connects it with the Thai Binh River. This river in Hanoi has supported agricultural production and irrigation, playing an essential role in the livelihoods of local communities.
Aware of its importance, Vietnamese monarchs during the feudal era prioritized efforts to dredge and maintain the river’s flow, ensuring a steady water supply for farming. Villages along the Duong River have long thrived due to its waters.
The river also holds a deep cultural significance in Vietnam. It is famously featured in Hoang Cam’s renowned poem “Bên kia sông Đuống” (On the Other Side of the Duong River), which evokes nostalgic childhood memories for many generations.
Today, the Duong River remains crucial for Hanoi’s residents. The Duong Surface Water Plant treats its water, providing clean water to several inner-city districts and central areas of the capital.
7. Nhue River in Hanoi
The Nhue River is a small tributary of the Day River. It winds through the northwestern to southeastern areas of Hanoi and Ha Nam Province, with a total length of 76 kilometers, of which 63 kilometers flow through Hanoi.
Just 30 years ago, the river’s waters were clear in the dry season and rich with alluvium during the rainy season. It was a thriving ecosystem, home to a variety of aquatic life, including fish, shrimp, clams, and mussels. However, rapid urbanization and industrialization have taken a toll, and the once-vibrant river is now heavily polluted.
To tackle this issue, Hanoi has launched a major 4 trillion VND project aimed at restoring the river’s water quality by pumping cleaner water from the Red River into the Nhue River.
The Nhue River in Hanoi, Vietnam, once thriving, now faces challenges from urbanization (Source: Collected)
8. Ca Lo River
Once a tributary of the Red River, the Ca Lo River now flows as a branch of the Cau River. Spanning 86 kilometers, it meanders through Vinh Phuc Province and the Hanoi districts of Me Linh and Soc Son, eventually merging with the Cau River in Tam Giang, Bac Ninh Province.
Despite its modest size, the Ca Lo River holds a special place in the hearts of locals along its banks. It once symbolized tranquility, with its clear waters nourishing the fertile lands and supporting both agriculture and daily life.
However, the pristine river of the past is now a distant memory. Over time, the Ca Lo River has suffered from significant pollution, losing its former beauty and ecological health.
9. Tich River
Originating from the Ba Vi mountain range, the Tich River flows through several districts in Hanoi, including Ba Vi, Son Tay, Phuc Tho, Thach That, and Quoc Oai. Eventually, it converges with the Bui River at Tan Truong in Chuong My District before merging with the Day River. It spans a total length of 110 kilometers.
This river in Hanoi holds deep cultural significance, featuring in the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, a popular Vietnamese myth. It is said that Son Tinh, while passing through the fertile lands along the Tich River, taught the locals how to grow rice and introduced the traditional “hat Do” folk singing, which the village of Lieu Tuyet continues to preserve.
Over the years, however, the Tich River has faced considerable challenges. The construction of reservoirs, shrinking forest areas, and climate change have caused a reduction in water flow, particularly during the dry season. This has severely impacted agriculture and local livelihoods across eight districts in western and southwestern Hanoi.
In early 2023, efforts to restore the river were undertaken. Water from the Da River has flowed into the Tich River through Ba Vi District, providing irrigation for the surrounding areas.
The Tich River in Hanoi, Vietnam, is now undergoing restoration (Source: Collected)
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10. Kim Nguu River
The Kim Nguu River in Hanoi was historically a tributary of the To Lich River. It originally sourced its water from the To Lich River at Cau Giay and flowed through areas such as Ngoc Khanh, Giang Vo, Hao Nam, O Cho Dua, Xa Dan, Kim Lien, O Cau Den, and O Dong Mac, eventually merging back with other waterways at Van Dien.
In the past, the Kim Nguu River served as an important transportation route, supporting water-based trade and travel within Hanoi. However, over time, with the city’s rapid development and urbanization, this river in Hanoi has been repurposed as a drainage channel for inner Hanoi. What remains of the Kim Nguu River is now an open section stretching nearly 4 kilometers from O Dong Mac to Yen So Lake.
Hanoi’s rivers are far more than just geographical features; they are integral to the city’s identity, history, and daily life. From the Red River to the lesser-known tributaries, each river in Hanoi tells its own unique story, waiting for you to discover. As you explore these 10 waterways, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the historical and cultural layers that shape modern Hanoi.
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