Hanoi calls it a night after sundown amid Covid restrictions

At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dinh Tien Hoang Street around iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, normally bustling at night, was completely devoid of people and vehicles.

A street section in front of Trang Tien Plaza lies empty. Authorities have been patrolling the area to fine those flouting the social distancing order without an appropriate reason.

A corner near Hoan Kiem Lake, where people often gather for physical exercise in the early mornings or evenings lies idle. Starting 8:30 p.m., streetlights in the area were turned off.

Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square occasionally saw a police vehicle passing by on patrol.

The streets lay empty in front of Hanoi Post Office, whose clock pointed to 9:25 p.m.

The iconic Ta Hien beer street stood out in stark contrast to its usual party vibe.

A long exposure photo of the O Quan Chuong area at 9 p.m. showed a lone vehicle passing through.

A lone police officer patrols Tran Quoc Toan.

The typically crowded overpass near Chuong Duong Bridge connects Long Bien and Hoan Kiem districts.

A few motorbikes were spotted on Nguyen Trai Street. The road is usually congested even at night.

An ambulance rushes through the empty streets, breaking the silence of the night.

An aerial view of the normally bustling Nga Tu So Intersection, which was nearly empty by 8 p.m.

Amid rising coronavirus concerns, Hanoi has imposed a two-week social distancing order starting July 24, requiring residents to stay at home and only go out for basic necessities such as buying food or medicines or to work at factories or businesses that are allowed to open.