A section of the Red River has become a popular gathering place for Hanoians to cool off as the temperatures keep soaring well into the 40’s.

This section of the river runs through Linh Nam Ward, Hoang Mai District and is now becoming a destination of choice, located right in the heart of Hanoi.

Every afternoon, hundreds, perhaps even thousands of people gather at the river-turned beach to dip themselves in the cool water, amidst travelling boats and ships.

Recent extreme temperatures and a lack of playground sites for children around the city have led urban people to choose this area as the perfect place to hang out and fight the heat.

However, the children playing in the river are exposed to a high risk of accidents due to boats and ferries passing through and the unpredictable currents beneath the surface that could lead to drowning.

At present, when the temperature in Hanoi can reach 45 degrees Celsius, people have few choices to try and cool off. Despite the risks, it doesn’t appear people have any intention to stop coming here until the heat lets up.

Red River turns into a beach.

Cooling off in the river.

An ideal place to fight the heat.

Attracting a lot of people.

A place to cool off and also for stone-collecting.

Many people call it Hanoi’s Do Son Beach.

Small children are under watch of adults, but the risks are high.

A ferry across to Bat Trang Village goes through the area.

River-turned beach of Hanoi.