A small alley, but a heart that stretches a thousand miles.

Although Hanoi now has many long and wide streets, the image in cultural memory of this city remains that of "small alleys, small streets, where my house is," as in the very familiar song "Hanoi and Me" by musician Le Vinh. Countless images have depicted the simplicity of these small street corners, yet they are enough to become a characteristic feature of Hanoi. If we liken the main thoroughfares and rivers to the city's major arteries, then the small streets and alleys are the capillaries that nourish the urban body.

Heritage Magazine