On the afternoon of May 26, the Lang weather station in central Hanoi recorded 41.1 degrees Celsius, prompting residents to wait for the sun to ease before heading out to cool off.
West Lake Water Park in Tay Ho Ward drew the largest crowds, particularly between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. when discounted tickets are available. West Lake Water Park said it received around 2,000 visitors on May 26.
The lake is popular for its central location, range of attractions and affordable prices. It operates daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Ngo Van Duc, 22, traveled nearly 30 km from Bac Ninh Province to reach West Lake Water Park. He said his group of friends usually only makes the trip 2-3 times a year, during the most intense heatwaves. "We got here at 1 p.m. and plan to stay until 6 p.m. before heading home," Duc said.
More than 7 km away, a bathing area run by a veterans' association along the Red River drew about 40 swimmers in the late afternoon. The site is free of charge, and residents can swim and use the communal space freely.
Many swimmers used 5-liter water bottles as makeshift floats, tying them around their bodies when venturing further out. The improvised buoys give them something to hold onto when they tire or encounter strong currents.
Tran Manh Quan, 14, who lives on Phuc Xa Street, said he has been swimming in the river for years. He first went in during the early heatwaves in March, but May through August, when the school year ends, is the peak period when he comes out almost daily to cool off.
"It's free here. The water isn't as clear as a swimming pool, but the current keeps it clean," Quan said.
Another 7 km away, beneath Duong Bridge, large numbers of residents brought their young children out to bathe from late afternoon. Many families brought plastic jerry cans and life jackets for the children to prevent drowning.
Nguyen Hai Long, from Bo De Ward, who brought a life jacket for his son when they went bathing in the Red River, said the two of them had been coming out for three days running because of the heat.
The area beneath Duong Bridge has been a familiar cooling-off spot for Hanoi residents during prolonged hot spells for many years. By around 6 p.m., the shoreline was nearly packed with motorbikes belonging to people coming to bathe in the river.
Local authorities have installed warning signs at the site to remind residents to stay safe when entering the water.
With Hanoi's intense heat still feeling scorching at 5 p.m., the bathing area along the Red River grew increasingly crowded toward the end of the day.
Nguyen Cong Do, who lives in Viet Hung Ward, said he had been coming out to bathe for five consecutive days. "For me, swimming in the river is like a sport. It cools you down and keeps you fit," Do said.
