STUDENT INFORMATION
HANOI
Hanoi has a long and interesting history. It has been inhabited since 3rd century BC and became the capital of the first Vietnamese dynasty that was independent from the Chinese in 1010.
From the French Colonial occupation, Hanoi has inherited its broad boulevards and French architecture, which made it a good example of a French colonial city.
Hanoi, with a population of over three million, is called the “city of lakes”, because of its many and beautiful lakes. The largest one is West Lake, around which you can also find many temples; this is therefore a nice place to spend some time. The Hoan Kiem Lake is in the centre of the town, near the Old Quarter.
The Old Quarter has the original street layout of old Hanoi. Each street has the name of the particular
trade which used to be sold there (jewellery, silk traders, etc.), although few of them remain exclusively
in their original commerce. This area is still famous for its commerce, specially its small artisans and merchants.
There you can also have a break, sit in front of one of the numerous Bia Hoi (fresh beer) establishments,
situated on the corners of many Old Quarter streets and drink its typical preservative-free light beer.
Hanoi is considered as the cultural centre of the country, thanks to the contribution every dynasty made. Even if some interesting relics have not survived because of the time and wars, we can find in Hanoi more cultural sites than in other city in Vietnam, including over 600 pagodas and temples. You shouldn’t miss the Temple of Literature, the One-Pillar Pagoda, History Museum, Flag Pole and Ancient city. You will also find here a huge variety for entertainment, like cinemas, restaurants, dance clubs, traditional and modern theatres, stadiums, etc. If you want to go shopping, you are in the right place! You can find good quality products in one of the many shops.