The Shark Dock Building, managed and operated by Hanoi Transport Corporation (Transerco), is about to be demolished after more than 30 years of existence. In recent days, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and the restaurants and cafes on Ham Thang building have become busier than ever.
At noon on March 20, the number of visitors to the Shark's Den building increased sharply. All cafes and restaurants in the building, especially the balcony area, have a direct view of Hoan Kiem Lake, often fully booked. Many guests have to wait a long time to have a seat or a deserted corner to check-in.
The manager of Highlands Coffee, the facility "Shark Bay", said: "Before the news of the Shark Bay being dismantled, the number of visitors was mostly tourists, not too crowded. Since the news spread, people have come to take souvenir photos many times, so the number of visitors has increased by about 1.5 to 2 times compared to normal days. On weekends, the number of visitors may increase by 4 times, as bustling as the Tet season".
A representative of LAIKA cafe, the facility of "Shark Hamlet", also revealed: "Currently, the restaurant has increased the number of customers by about 10% compared to before the news of the building being demolished".
As someone who often chooses Shark Ham as a gathering place for entertainment, Ms. Thu Hang (Nam Dinh) shared: "I heard that the building was about to be demolished, so today I took the opportunity to visit. Maybe this is the last time I sit down for coffee here. I feel quite regretful because this place is the place I often go to.
In recent days, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square has become a place attracting people and tourists to take photos and check-in. However, there are cases of large crowds on the road, stopping and parking in violation of regulations, and obstructing traffic.
The Traffic Police Department - Hanoi City Police recommends that people and tourists do not stop or park their vehicles, and gather in large numbers on the road and sidewalk in Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square.
Stopping or gathering in the wrong place not only poses a potential risk to disorder and traffic safety, but also causes loss of urban beauty.
People and tourists can visit Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square on weekends to take photos of the Shark House Building, when Hoan Kiem Lake walking street operates from 7pm on Friday to 7am every Sunday.
It is expected that after demolishing the Shark Dock building, the land will still use public functions. It is expected to arrange an entrance to the basement and the square stage.
