On the streets, workers trimmed trees, planted new ones and filled up potholes before the summit, while members of the local Civil Defence Force drove around reminding residents to keep the pavement in front of their houses free of trash and illegally parked motorcycles.

But that’s not all. As the eyes of the world have turned to Hanoi, Vietnam has seized the opportunity to promote itself as a tourist destination, in the hopes it will provide a boost to its economy – one that Kim has reportedly said he is looking to emulate.

To banker Vo Tri Thanh, who saw Kim’s motorcade from the window of his office, the summit was the talk of the town. In fact, the biggest inconvenience for him was the inability to keep away from the news.

“There’s been a lot of talking about the reform model from 1988 till now,” he said speaking of Vietnam’s sweeping market reforms, known as doi moi, as he enjoyed tea on a tiny plastic stool with his colleagues.

“There could be a lot of (lessons) for North Korea, especially on issues concerning agriculture, banking, the economy.”

Trump-Kim summit 2019: day 2 as it happened

To get a glimpse of what North Korea could look like should the country adopt Vietnam’s reforms, which are rooted in the concept of a socialist-oriented market economy, Kim would not have needed to venture far.

In the bustling Old Quarter, a must-see for any visitor to the capital, small businesses have showed off their creative side, making headlines around the world by doing a roaring trade in everything from Trump-Kim peace T-shirts to key chains; flags of Vietnam, North Korea and the US; and even paintings.

The DC gallery sold its first two summit-themed paintings on Tuesday to South Korean filmmakers, who are going to put up the paintings, one of Kim and another of Trump, in their studio as backdrops for a documentary they are making about Vietnam.

Gallery owner Nguyen Thi Bien sold the two paintings for a total of US$300, after knocking 50 per cent off the price.

“I’m happy to give a discount to those who really value the paintings, and it’s a great opportunity to promote Vietnamese art globally,” she said, standing next to a new painting of both Trump and Kim against the backdrop of a Vietnamese flag, meant to signify her wish to promote friendship and peace.

Trump-Kim summit 2019: Xi could be ‘more helpful’, says US president

Nguyen is not alone in hoping the summit will bring in more tourists to Vietnam. Hanoi Unesco Travel Club chairman Truong Quoc Hung is sure it will, and not just because of the hype around the summit, which will eventually die down.

“It is a testament that Vietnam is a safe country to visit,” he said, adding that its successful organisation will clear any worries that it might still be a somewhat dangerous place.

But while the excitement might fade, the events of the past two days will live long in the memories of Hanoi’s residents.

Crowds of them mingled with reporters in the streets surrounding the Melia and Sofitel Metropole hotels, where Kim and Trump discussed the future of US-North Korean relations, eager to get as close as possible or to catch a glimpse of either leader – even if it was just their car.

Do Thi Van, a lottery ticket seller in her late 50s, was usually stationed on Ly Thai To street, a short walk from the Metropole – but she had to move as the police cleared the area for Trump and Kim’s arrival for their first meeting.

“I didn’t mind this,” she said, smiling. In fact, on Wednesday, she made use of her free time in the morning to join the crowds that had gathered to welcome Kim.

“It was fun, a once in a lifetime opportunity.”