Khu Tập Thể - Communal Living, Hanoi Style
Secluded playgrounds, outdoor gyms, freshly made coffee, aromatic food, DIY home extensions everywhere, all within a stones throw from each other?
Public gym equipment in the communal grounds. Shaded by towering trees and laundry hung to dry.
A signature trademark of Hanoi, often overlooked, unnoticed or plainly unknown by most travellers, resides in the Khu Tập Thể of this action packed city. Literally translating to ‘Collective housing’, these were housing projects mainly to accommodate workers in state-owned industry. Popping up mainly during the 60s and 70s, these were a symbol of development within post-war Vietnam.
Dense apartments, anti-theft caging, small business. No reason to ever venture out of the estate.
Many families of the original residents still reside in these complexes. Although most of these apartments have been here for only around 50-60 years, they have seen multiple generations come and go. The worn down doors here are still open for welcoming newcomers, whether they be passing through for a short stay, or a permanent home.
