Red River photos from the French era

By Phan Hanh 

The following photos of the Red River in Hanoi have been taken from old historical documents of found in France.

The 500-km river runs through nine cities and provinces of Vietnam, and has played a significant role in the life and culture of Vietnamese people. The fertile silt of the river aids in agriculture, with a delta spanning the two provinces of Thai Binh and Nam Dinh.

The river also provides water for many hydro-power plants, and even though it has gone through much change throughout history, it continues to be a source of life and beauty for the land through which it runs.

Red River photo taken in 1900

Taken in 1904

Taken in 1906

Riverboat (1907)

Houses along the banks (1910)

Workers beside Red River near Long Bien Bridge (1911)

Red River (1914)

Villages beside Red River (1926)

Fishermen (1952)

Daily life by Red River

Taken in Son Tay  

 ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA would like to recommend Taste of Ho Chi Minh Trail tour.This trip offers a stunning motorcycling route with great exploration of nature and culture of northern Vietnam. The trip is organized for first time rider and easy adventure.The legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail was the supply line used by North Vietnam to link North and South Vietnam during the American War. Soldiers, ammunition, weapons and supplies were carried by hand, bicycle and truck for hundreds of kilometers through the otherwise impenetrable jungle that covered Vietnam’s mountainous border with Laos. Recent road work that follow original sections of the trail have changed this.

Highlights: 

• Awesome scenery
• Homestay in villages
• Beautiful quiet road