GARDEN (VUON HOA) HANG TRONG

Inaugurated on October 3, 2008, the Hang Trông garden, opposite the Hanoi archdiocese, has been the subject of a tug-of-war between the Catholic community and the authorities. The return of land taken by the Communists, who have held power throughout Vietnam since the end of the war in 1975 and the country's reunification, is one of the major demands of the Catholic Church, which is still subject to the regime's tight control.

On October 3, the People's Committee of Hoàn Kiêm district, Hanoi, inaugurated the Hang Trông public garden at 42, rue Nha Chung, which also includes a library. According to Mr. Hoang Công Khôi, Chairman of the Hoàn Kiêm District People's Committee, "this cultural work will be a healthy space, especially for the elderly and children, where they can come to read newspapers, have fun, practice gymnastics, to contribute to improving the spiritual life of the population of the capital in general and of the Hoàn Kiêm district in particular, especially the community of the Hang Trông district. "

Source: Vuong Linh, Le Courrier du Viêt Nam, October 6, 2008.

" On the morning of September 19, 2008, on the grounds of the Apostolic Delegation at 42 Nha Chung Street, in front of the Hanoi Archdiocese, a large troop of mobile gendarmes, law enforcement officers, Sûreté and Garde Civile agents, police dogs, was assembled to surround the Hanoi Archdiocese and Nha Chung Street, while other forces proceeded to destroy the fence, various constructions and elements of the façade of the Apostolic Delegation.

This land has been the subject of numerous claims by the archdiocese, to which there has been no response. On the evening of September 18 and the morning of September 19, 2008, television reported on a project in which the content and form of these complaints were distorted, with the aim of preparing public opinion for this act carried out in defiance of the law. "

Source: Secretariat of the Archdiocese of Hanoi, September 20, 2008.

For tourists, this peaceful garden, close to the cathedral in the heart of the city, is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital and its dense traffic. Well-kept and full of flowers, it's an interesting place to stop for a stroll, or to relax and enjoy the serenity of the place before diving back into the city.