Hanoi's Forgotten Trams: 90 Years of Leng Keng Magic
Did you know Hanoi once had trams that rang with a cheerful leng keng for nearly 90 years, from 1901 right up to the early 1990s?
Trams: The Heartbeat of Old Hanoi Streets
Back in the day, Hanoians got around mainly on bicycles and these trusty trams. They were the ride of choice for the working folks—the poor, students, and small vendors hustling through the city. That iconic bell chime, the screech of iron wheels on tracks, and those faded yellow cars became the soundtrack of life, carrying people across the bustling 36 streets of the old capital.
From Everyday Rides to Wartime Heroes
During the nationwide resistance war, as Hanoi was engulfed in smoke and fire, those tram cars turned into silent warriors. They blocked the paths of invading colonial forces amid streets choked with dust and bullets, standing firm in the chaos.
The Last Ride: A Bittersweet Goodbye
The final tram journey was something special—anyone could hop on, but it was mostly elders saying farewell. The ticket seller shouted if anyone wanted a souvenir ticket, frantically tearing them off and handing them out to folks nearby. It was a heartfelt way to preserve the final echoes of that beloved "leng keng" tram.
Memories on a Five-Cent Ticket
Today, the trams live only in memories, old photos, and stories from folks who rode to school or work on a simple five-cent ticket. They're a nostalgic piece of Hanoi's soul, gone but never forgotten.
Photos: Collected from archives
