Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital and second-most populous city of Vietnam. Known for its rich history and cultural significance, Hanoi covers an area of 3,358.6 km² and had a population of over 8.8 million as of 2025. The city boasts a strong economy, with a gross regional domestic product of US$48 billion in 2023, making it second only to Ho Chi Minh City.

Hanoi is home to many important landmarks and institutions. It hosts 78 foreign embassies, the headquarters of the Vietnam People's Army, and the Vietnam National University system. Famous sites in Hanoi include the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoàn Kiếm Lake, West Lake, and Ba Vì National Park.

The city's history dates back to 1010 when King Lý Thái Tổ established it as the capital of the imperial nation Đại Việt, naming it Thăng Long. Over the centuries, it has been renamed several times, most notably to Đông Kinh and later to Hanoi. Hanoi served as the capital of French Indochina and played a key role in Vietnam's struggle for independence, becoming the capital of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam after the August Revolution. Today, it remains a vital cultural and political center for the country.

Names

Hanoi has had many names throughout its history. It was once called Long Biên, which means "dragons interweaving," and this name inspired the Long Biên Bridge built during French colonial times. The city was named Thăng Long in 1010 when it became the capital. Arab manuscripts from the 9th to 12th century referred to the city as Luqin, a name used by Muslim traders.

Environment

Hanoi is sometimes one of the most polluted cities in the world, with very high levels of fine dust in the air. Many of its rivers and lakes are also polluted because a large amount of wastewater is discharged without treatment.

Climate

Hanoi has a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons. Summers, from May to September, are hot and humid with lots of rain. Winters, from December to February, are cool and dry. Spring and fall are mild periods between these extremes. The city receives about 1,612 millimetres of rain each year, mostly during the summer months. Average temperatures range from about 16 °C in winter to 29 °C in summer.

History

Demographics

Hanoi has grown a lot over the years. In the 1940s, it had about 132,000 people, but by 2019, the population reached over 8 million. There are more than 50 ethnic groups in Hanoi, with the Viet (Kinh) people making up most of the city's residents.

The Old Quarter of Hanoi has many family businesses that have been around for hundreds of years. After changes in economic policies, the area has seen even more growth and change.

Economy

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are expected to be among the fastest-growing cities in the world. In 2013, Hanoi contributed significantly to Vietnam's economy, with a nominal GDP of 451,213 billion VND (US$21.48 billion). The city has seen strong growth in industrial production over the years.

Agriculture in Hanoi is improving with new farming methods. The city is upgrading its infrastructure, including roads and public transportation. Hanoi has welcomed many international fast-food chains like McDonald's, Lotteria, Pizza Hut, KFC, Popeyes, Domino's Pizza, and Jolibee. Most jobs in Hanoi are in state-owned organizations, but private businesses are growing. Hanoi is also part of the historic Maritime Silk Road, connecting many important places around the world.

Development

Hanoi's development has been guided by several master plans. The first, created in 1992, aimed to build new housing and commercial areas, expand residential and industrial zones, and develop transportation links. A revised plan approved in 1998 focused on managing population growth and protecting the city's historic core.

Civil society in Hanoi grew after economic reforms in the late 1980s. Organizations here tend to focus on policy, education, and research, often working with government bodies. They differ from those in Ho Chi Minh City, which take more direct action on social issues. Many Hanoi groups rely on paid staff and struggle to collaborate with government agencies.

Landmarks

Hanoi is rich in cultural and historic sites. The French took control in 1888 and changed the city's architecture, adding to its unique heritage. The city has more cultural sites than any other in Vietnam and has over 1,000 years of history.

The Old Quarter, close to Hoàn Kiếm Lake, keeps much of its old street layout and architecture. It once had "36 streets," each focused on a specific trade like silk or jewelry. The houses here mix French and Chinese styles, showing the influence of both cultures.

Important imperial sites are mainly in Ba Đình District and Đống Đa District. These include the Temple of Literature, the oldest university in Vietnam, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Flag Tower of Hanoi. In 2004, part of the 900-year-old Hanoi Citadel was found near Ba Đình Square.

During French colonial rule from 1902 to 1945, many buildings were built in the French style. You can still see tree-lined streets and beautiful old villas. Some buildings mix French and Vietnamese styles, such as the National Museum of Vietnamese History and the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts.

Tourism

Hanoi is Vietnam's most visited city, attracting 4.8 million international visitors in 2018. It is often called the "Paris of the East" because of its French influences.

The city features many historic French colonial buildings, such as the Hanoi Opera House, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi hotel, and St. Joseph's Cathedral. The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, opened in 1997, showcases different cultures of Vietnam. Hanoi has been voted one of the world's top travel destinations by TripAdvisor.

Education

After the Communist Party of Vietnam took control of Hanoi in 1954, many new universities were built, such as the Hanoi University of Science and Technology. Some well-known universities include the University of Languages and International Studies, Electric Power University, and the University of Transport and Communications. Today, around 62% of Vietnam’s scientists live and work in Hanoi.

People in Hanoi tend to have higher education levels than those in the surrounding suburbs. In the city, about 33.8% of workers have finished secondary school, compared to 19.4% in the suburbs. Also, 21% of city workers have completed tertiary education, while only 4.1% in the suburbs have done so.

Transportation

Sports

Hanoi has many places where people can play and watch sports, such as Mỹ Đình National Stadium, Quần Ngựa Sports Palace, and Hanoi Aquatics Sports Complex. In 2009, Hanoi hosted the third Asian Indoor Games.

Hanoi was planned to host a big car race called the Formula 1 Vietnamese Grand Prix in 2020, but this had to be delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sadly, the race was never happened and was cancelled for good.

UNESCO recognition

On July 16, 1999, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization gave Hanoi the title "City for Peace." The city earned this recognition for its work in supporting community dialogue, taking good care of the environment, promoting culture, and focusing on education, especially teaching good citizenship.