Old Photos of Hanoi from 1954

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and the country's second largest city. Its population in 2009 was estimated at 2.6 million for urban districts, 6.5 million for the metropolitan jurisdiction.

From 1010 until 1802, it was the most important political centre of Vietnam. It was eclipsed by Huế, the imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945), but Hanoi served as the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1954.

Đám cưới tại phố Hàng Bạc - Hà Nội 1954
7-1954 Hanoi Streets crowded with people after cease-fire announced.

Events Following Signing Of Agreement At Geneva



















French nun watching over children as they play. Hanoi 1954

French soldier preparing to give money to beggars. 10-1954
10-1954 Airport standing deserted shortly before Communist takeover of city from the French
10-1954 Cars and people filling a crowded city street.
10-1954 Crowd listening to a speaker during Communist takeover of Hanoi
10-1954 People riding bicycles past government building shortly before Communist takeover of city from the French
10-1954 People standing at government building shortly before Communist takeover of city from the French

Bridge leading into the city shortly before Communist takeover from the French. 10-1954
Communist guerilla troops entering city after turnover of power by the French. 10-1954 Hanoi
French troops (foreground) leaving as Vietminh troops enter the city. 10-1954
French troops preparing to leave the city after ceding territory to Communist Vietminh guerillas. 10-1954
French troops talking with their Communist successors. Hanoi 1954
French troops, evacuating Hanoi, mirrored in a puddle as they pass in final dress review. Ha noi 10-1954
Large group civilian prisoners, mostly women being released from Hanoi camp, sitting on ground in large, square straw hats. 10-1954
Men changing flags on government building shortly before Communist takeover of city from the French. 10-1954

People eating a meal on a riverbank. 10-1954


Two children playing under posters displaying Communist leaders. Hanoi 1954
















































































































People standing near government building shortly before Communist takeover of city from the French. 10-1954

People standing on steps of Catholic church. Hanoi 10-1954

People standing on the side of a city street. 10-1954
Street standing deserted shortly before Communist takeover of city from the French. 10-1954
Vietminh soldier patrolling in front of US consulate. 10-1954 Hanoi
Vietminh soldier standing guard. Hanoi 1954
Vietminh troops celebrating after turnover of power by the French. 10-1954
10-1954 Vietminh Foreign Minister Pham Van Dong
10-1954 Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru (R) during reception with Pham Van Dong.

From 1954 to 1976, it was the capital of North Vietnam, and it became the capital of a reunified Vietnam in 1976, after the North's victory in the Vietnam war.