Many men in Hanoi are fond of swimming nude on the Red River during these hot summer days.
A nude bather on the Red River
The most popular place for nude bathers is just a few kilometres away from Hoan Kiem Lake, but it looks like a truly rural area, covered by sugarcane and maize fields. The peaceful and open atmosphere attracts many who are not afraid of exposing themselves to find a bit of cool.
No one can know for sure when the tradition of nude swimming on the Red River started. Even many elderly people living near the area have vague memories from when they were young of people doing the same thing.
Previously, it was only a few of people who came to the river to swim, and they usually wore shorts. In the last decade or so, however, most go in their birthday suits. Initially, many were shocked, but now it is taken to be normal, and the number of bathers is growing; they are of all ages and social standings.