Thang Long University

Hanoi is located in the heart of the north of the country, in the northern part of Vietnam. The city is bordered to the north by the Red River, which rises in the Yunnan Mountains in China. Its urban landscape is marked by numerous lakes, wide tree-lined streets, an old market town dotted with numerous religious buildings, the old French Quarter and a rapidly expanding suburb. The imperial city of Thang Long, at the heart of the ancient citadel, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. First of all, Hanoi is a historic city that has long been known by many different names. The name Hanoi first appeared in 1831 during the reign of King Minh Mang. The name means “city within the river” because, at the time, Hanoi was situated between three rivers: the Red, Nhue and Day. Hanoi is home to some remarkable monuments and architecture, testimony to its exceptional cultural value. Hanoi is a capital of contrasts. Hanoi offers a perfect juxtaposition of past and present, where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously. Visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter also means exploring the 36 streets and corporations that make the capital so special. Here, each street is dedicated to a particular trade, and all the shopkeepers on the same street sell the same thing. Don’t forget to visit Train Street, Hanoi’s most emblematic street. It’s a very narrow shopping street, with a railway line right down the middle. The train passes by several times a day, passing shops and cafés. It’s an almost surreal spectacle that’s a must-see if you’re in Hanoi. Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) is the epicentre of old Hanoi and a sort of focal point for the city’s public life. Early in the morning, you can watch some of the locals practising Tai Chi on its banks. Around 2 kilometres west of Hoan Kiem Lake, you’ll find the Hanoi Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius, whose influence still plays an important role in Vietnamese culture.