Will Ta Hien Maintain Its Traditional Beauty?

It is a concern of many people and tourists who are interested in Hanoi old quarters and Ta Hien Street in particular when the Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board started the Ta Hien Street improvement project in November 11. The VND15 billion project is supported by the European Union (EU) and Toulouse City in France.
Ta Hien is one of few streets in Hanoi that still maintain their traditional beauty. However, when time goes by, people have changed architecture style of the houses along the street. Therefore, the street has been chosen to improve the houses along the street to reserve and promote its historical value. However, many people are worried that after being improved, will Ta Hien maintain it traditional beauty?
Ta Hien Street has attracted a lot of foreign tourists, especially backpackers. The street is well-known as a full-of-foreign-tourists street. The street is just several hundred meters long. However, there are tens of open tour companies, restaurants, hotels, bars, and small restaurants on the pavements that serve "Pho" (noodle soup), porridge, won tou noodle and even some ambarella fruits, tea cups, candies and roasted peanuts. These restaurants are always full of guests. Apart from enjoying cheap services, when visiting Ta Hien Street, tourists can experience the pace of Hanoi old quarter life. Therefore, Ta Hien Street has become a common choice of backpackers. Ta Hien can be considered one of the most important streets of Hanoi in terms of location. From Ta Hien, tourists can walk to Luong Ngoc Quyen, Hang Bac, Hang Ngang and Hang Dao - the busiest streets in Hanoi.
In the field of architecture, French said that Ta Hien is a combination of French architecture and narrow streets which are typical for Hanoi architecture style. That is why Ta Hien Street and Hanoi in general have attracted so many tourists. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain and promote the street's unique architecture and historical value. According to the Ta Hien Street improvement project, all houses along the street (from house number 5-27 and 8-18B) will be rebuilt with ironwood and according to early 19 century French architecture style. They have two floors, and all doors, windows, balconies, porch roofs, house painting colors, and position of installing air-conditioners and billboards will be in the same style.
In addition, as the street plays an important part in the city development, the road and irrigation system will be improved, as well. Road surface and pavements will be paved with natural stones.
This is the first project on improving an entire street. The investment capital will be sourced from the State Budget and people's contribution. The government will improve architecture and infrastructure system while people are responsible for interior decoration. It is estimated that the project will be completed in the third quarter of 2011.
The project is being positively responded by people living along the street. Kim Quy at number 19, Ta Hien Street, said: "We will cooperate closely with the local government to finish the project on time. I support this project. Downgraded houses will be improved, that will create a better living quality for people and facilitate their business." Apart from Kim Quy, most of people in the street support the project. However, they are all concerned how these houses are improved and will this improvement influence Hanoi's traditional beauty. Zachary, a French tourist thinks that the project will damage the common architecture of Hanoi. Mary from the US is worried about the future of the street. If only front houses along the street have been improved, it is very difficult for a new Ta Hien Street to attract visitors./.