In the transitional context of Đổi Mới (Renovation - economic reform policy of Vietnam implemented since 1986), the rapid urbanization of Hanoi has resulted in its widespread narrow-lane districts, urban residential areas typically consisting of many narrow and winding lanes (ngõ). The existence of such residential districts has generated certain challenges of the city's development. From the first observation on such particular form of these districts in Hanoi, this study examines how the inhabitants of Hanoi adapt with the given living conditions such as housing, urban basic services and public space. In doing so, we have carried out the field observations as well as social survey with the households living in the narrow-lanes of three representative districts in the capitale. The findings show that in coping with the given living conditions, the inhabitants play an active role by undertaking the alternative solutions or alternatives, both technical choice and social pratices. Through their alternatives, urban residents participe directly in the production of urban space, the formation and evolution of urban morphology, the technical evolution of basic urban services like electricity, water, wastewater and solid waste, and the creation of everyday public space. Through the analyses on such social practices and their influences to the city's development, this dissertation details the urbanization of Hanoi as an urbanization of alternatives witnessed by the narrow lanes of the city.
