Hanoi's nude swimmers are plunging into the Red River, despite the icy winter temperatures, because they believe it to be healthy and invigorating.
Bathing in cold water
For years, many male swimmers have been attracted to the officially sanctioned nude beach on Red River. To them, nude swimming is not only a way to relax but a way of life. The beach is crowded in summer, but continues to attract devotees in winter as temperatures in Hanoi drop to around 9C.
The usual swimming time is around 3pm. The swimmers light a fire before diving in, because the water is cold and they need to quickly raise their core temperatures to avoid hypothermia. Nude cold water swimming has attracted fans of all ages, so much so that they have established a club called "Red River".
A swimmer light a fire before coming to the cold water.
Nguyen Kim, an 81-year-old from Hoan Kiem District, said he visits the beach every day. "My health was not so good when I retired. But I saw many people go to this beach to swim and exercise so I followed, and quickly felt much better.
"It has become my hobby. I feel something is amiss if I don't swim each day," Kim said.
An old man joins the club.
Another swimmer said he was a regular at the beach for five years, in all weather.
"Even though it's cold, I always feel relaxed and lighter after each swim. That's why no matter how cold it is, I and other club members still take a swim every day," he said.
Vo Tuong Khoa, deputy director of Vietnam Sport Hospital, said river bathing in winter is not for everyone. Young men in good health who exercise can cope with the cold temperatures, but older people, especially those with high blood pressure or arthritis, should be careful and get medical advice before indulging in the icy sport.
