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Experts see tourism potential in Hanoi’s revived To Lich River

9/20/2025 7:28:00 AM

The revival of the To Lich River has sparked hopes among travel businesses that it could be transformed into a new cultural and tourism attraction in Hanoi.




Once a symbol of Thang Long and later Hanoi, the river became notorious in recent decades for severe pollution caused by wastewater.

 
A recent environmental restoration project has significantly improved water quality, raising expectations that it could now serve as a focal point for urban tourism.
 

Nguyen Tien Dat, vice chairman of the Hanoi Tourism Association, said that the To Lich River could become a successful inner-city waterway tourism product if it is appropriately developed. He pointed to examples such as Bangkok’s Chao Phraya, Paris’s Seine, Shanghai’s Huangpu, and Budapest’s Danube, as well as Vietnam’s Han River in Danang and the Red River tours in Hanoi.

 
With its central location, flowing through densely populated areas and major traffic routes, the river has natural advantages that could evolve it into a unique destination, comparable to Amsterdam’s canal system or Hoi An’s Hoai River.
 

Experts suggest that with adequate investment, To Lich could become a green tourism corridor, where electric boats offer sightseeing tours while visitors enjoy cultural activities along the banks, such as walking streets, outdoor performances, art exhibitions, festivals, cuisine, and craft villages.

Dat noted that river tourism appeals particularly to older travellers, children, and those seeking a relaxed experience, as it allows visitors to enjoy landscapes and culture without extensive movement. With its historical significance, the To Lich River could also serve as a living museum recounting the stories of Vietnam’s heritage.

 
However, experts warn that sustainable planning is crucial. Over 200 wastewater outlets must be fully treated, and the water supply needs to be stabilised. While West Lake currently provides water, additional sources, such as the Red River or innovative water regulation systems, will be required during the dry season. Managing the landscape along the riverbanks is another key factor.
 

Economist Dinh Trong Thinh described To Lich as modest in scale but valuable in cultural and economic terms. “If restored effectively, it could become a cultural and tourism highlight, bringing both economic benefits and identity to Hanoi,” he told Dantri/Dtinews.

At more than 13 kilometres long, the To Lich River has long been dubbed the Black River. Previous clean-up efforts had little impact, but experts now believe that the latest revival could transform it into a bridge linking culture, history, and modern urban development, supporting Hanoi’s vision of sustainable growth.

 

Source: Dtinews

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