Ten important skateboard spots in Hanoi, Vietnam
1. Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword)
Located in the heart of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is a central hub for both tourists and locals. The surrounding areas of the lake, particularly the pedestrian streets, are popular places for skateboarders to explore. The area offers smooth pavements, and its scenic beauty provides a great backdrop for skating. The lake's sidewalks, stretching along the edges of the water, feature various curbs and benches that make for good obstacles for street skaters.
Though the crowds can be a challenge, especially during weekends or holidays, the area offers a vibe of youthful energy, with locals often seen walking, biking, or skating around the lake. The smooth concrete paths along the lake’s perimeter are perfect for beginners and intermediate skaters who want to practice tricks or simply cruise around. The historical significance and serene environment also make it a great spot to take in the city’s atmosphere.
2. Tay Ho (West Lake)
Tay Ho, or West Lake, is one of the most iconic areas in Hanoi, known for its vast size and tranquil environment. The area around West Lake features wide pavements, ideal for skating. Many local skaters frequent the lakeside road for a smooth skating experience with scenic views of the water. The long, flat paths that circle the lake offer opportunities for skaters of all skill levels to enjoy a leisurely skate, while the area also has several spots where you can find ledges, stairs, and other street obstacles for a more technical session.
West Lake is particularly popular for its calm and peaceful ambiance, making it an excellent choice for skaters looking to escape the hustle and bustle of central Hanoi. With the added advantage of various coffee shops and eateries along the lake, skaters can take breaks while enjoying the beauty of Hanoi’s largest lake.
3. Truc Bach Lake
Truc Bach Lake, located to the north of Hoan Kiem, is another popular spot for skaters. The area offers a blend of narrow streets, smooth sidewalks, and low-key traffic, making it a great place for street skating. Though not as vast as West Lake, Truc Bach Lake has its own charm, with small cafes and quiet roads where skaters can cruise without the usual distractions. The lake is surrounded by old French colonial buildings, adding a touch of history to the skating experience.
The wide streets and clean pavement around the lake provide a good setting for beginners and intermediates. More advanced skaters can use the surrounding curbs, steps, and benches as obstacles to challenge their skills. Truc Bach Lake is less crowded than Hoan Kiem Lake, which makes it a more relaxed environment for skaters who want a peaceful experience.
4. My Dinh National Stadium
My Dinh National Stadium, located on the western edge of Hanoi, is not only a venue for sports events but also one of the city’s hidden gems for skateboarders. The area around the stadium has vast open spaces and smooth asphalt, ideal for cruising and practicing tricks. The large, open parking lots around the stadium also offer a perfect environment for skaters who prefer more space to practice their moves. The flat, empty lots are especially popular on weekdays when there are fewer visitors.
In addition to its open spaces, the stadium complex features stairs, ledges, and railings that can be used by street skaters. While it is primarily a sports complex, the area’s quiet nature makes it a prime location for skaters to work on their craft without worrying about heavy traffic or large crowds.
5. Long Bien Bridge
The Long Bien Bridge, one of the oldest and most iconic bridges in Hanoi, is a unique spot for adventurous skaters. Built during the French colonial period, the bridge spans the Red River, offering panoramic views of the city’s skyline and rural surroundings. Although the bridge itself is used for vehicular traffic, the surrounding areas and the bridges’ ramps provide skaters with opportunities to explore challenging terrain.
Skaters can enjoy skating around the riverbanks and navigating the old, often uneven roads that lead up to the bridge. The nearby industrial areas also provide interesting obstacles for street skaters. While skating on the bridge itself can be tricky due to traffic and limited space, the surrounding areas offer a unique mix of urban and rural landscapes for an unforgettable skating experience.
6. Hoa Lo Prison Memorial (Maison Centrale)
Skating around historical sites can be a thrilling experience, and the area around the Hoa Lo Prison Memorial (Maison Centrale) is an ideal location for skaters who want to combine culture with their passion for skating. While the prison museum itself doesn’t allow skating, the surrounding streets have wide, smooth pavements perfect for cruising.
The combination of old colonial architecture and the modern cityscape around the Hoa Lo Prison creates an exciting contrast for skaters to enjoy. The smooth paths and quiet streets allow skaters to practice their skills while also exploring the city’s deep historical roots. For street skaters, there are also benches and ledges around the area that offer perfect spots to execute tricks.
7. Ciputra Urban Area
Ciputra is a newly developed urban area on the outskirts of Hanoi, known for its modern architecture and wide streets. The area features a series of smooth roads and open spaces that make it an excellent location for skaters to cruise around and practice their skills. The wide, flat pavements are especially great for beginners who are looking to practice their balance and basic maneuvers.
Advanced skaters can take advantage of the urban design, using steps, curbs, and various obstacles as part of their skating routines. Ciputra is also home to a few local parks, where skaters can enjoy a more relaxed environment away from the busy city center. The quiet atmosphere and spacious environment make it a favorite spot for those who prefer a more peaceful experience.
8. Vietnam National Museum of History
The area around the Vietnam National Museum of History is not only a popular tourist attraction but also a great spot for skating. The museum is located in a large open square with smooth concrete paths, perfect for cruising. The space is often less crowded than other tourist spots in Hanoi, which makes it an ideal place for skaters to practice their moves.
The surroundings feature some low curbs and stairs that can be utilized for street skating. The museum’s grounds are also a great location for skaters who want to take a break and enjoy the historical artifacts while relaxing in the open space. The combination of history and skating makes this area one of the unique spots to visit in Hanoi.
9. Thang Long Imperial Citadel
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located in the heart of Hanoi. While the Citadel itself is a protected cultural site, the surrounding area offers a mix of smooth pavements and low-traffic roads perfect for street skaters. The streets near the Citadel are relatively quiet, providing an ideal environment for skaters to perform tricks without the usual disturbances of the city center.
In addition to the roads, the large, open spaces around the Citadel offer smooth, flat surfaces for cruising. The presence of historical landmarks also adds an interesting cultural dimension to the skating experience. Skaters can enjoy exploring the area while being immersed in the rich history of Hanoi.
10. Aeon Mall Long Bien
Aeon Mall Long Bien is a large shopping complex in the northeastern part of Hanoi, and its open spaces provide a great spot for both beginner and intermediate skaters. The mall features smooth sidewalks and large parking areas that are not always crowded, making it an excellent place for practicing. The wide roads and open spaces are perfect for cruising, while the smooth, even surfaces make it a safe environment for those still mastering the basics of skating.
In addition to the parking lot, Aeon Mall Long Bien also offers an urban environment with street-style obstacles such as benches and ledges. For those who enjoy skating in public spaces, this mall provides an ideal blend of convenience and fun.
Skateboarding is tribal and most locals are welcoming, but if you're new to a spot, or just passing through, have respect for the locals. Listen. Be smart. Have fun.
A human being
Art can change the world – and everybody is an artist. Those who scribble stickmen. Those who paint chapel ceilings. Those who tattoo biceps. Those who are careful with pigment on canvas. Those who create fantasy characters. Those who paint pet portraits. Those who yarn bomb. Those who write poems on crappy old cardboard.
My art lives on the bottom of skateboard decks. It's designed for you to destroy. For you, the rider, my art may come second to the deck’s ability to perform – and that’s awesome. To me, art comes first. Always.
It’s how I think. It’s who I am. It’s what I am.
A machine
This article has been created with the help of artificial intelligence platforms ChatGPT and Bard. If there are inaccuracies or there are opportunities for improvement, please let me know.
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