Hanoi strives to preserve traditional Vietnamese culture, thereby providing newcomers with a more authentic experience than Ho Chi Minh. Historic buildings like the superb Ngoc Son Temple, located on an island in the heart of the city, cannot be overlooked. It is equally difficult to imagine the thousand-year-old capital without the thousands of mopeds that ply its streets day and night or to resist the temptation of sitting on the pavement while savouring a bowl of phô, the traditional Vietnamese soup.

Tradition in Hanoi is omnipresent

The centre of the city retains much of its historical layout and architecture. Each district has its own speciality: Hang Bac for goldsmiths and silverware, Hang Lan Ong for herbal products, and Hand Ca, the fishmongers’ corner. Hanoi is also home to the Thang Long water puppet theatre, one of the few traditional playhouses still in operation in the country. This art form, which originated in the 11th century, is inspired by rice farming and local daily life.

The “city beyond the river” is bathed in water. Built on the banks of the Red River, its districts are populated by lakes, including the famous Hoàn Kiếm Lake at the epicentre of old Hanoi. Tai Chi lovers meet on the riverbanks in the early morning to practise their art, a charming custom that enchants many expatriates, an increasing number of which are French.

A strong French heritage

Vietnam is a former French colony and was the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1953. For years the dynamism of Ho Chi Minh attracted many large multinationals, but now the historic capital of Hanoi is luring more and more French companies and their employees.

 

“Hanoi is an exotic destination that people dream about,” says Clément Fagon, Regional Director for AGS in Asia. “French expatriates can take advantage of the city’s cultural wealth without losing touch with their roots.” Indeed, Hanoi is the only city in Asia where you can find real French baguettes and traditional French gastronomy, which is very popular here. It is not uncommon to hear people speak French in the streets of the city.

Some 10,000 French people live in Vietnam, most of whom have been seduced by the tranquillity and charm of Hanoi. AGS has helped 259 French families move to and from the city since the group began operating in Vietnam in 2013.

Do you need help or advice to prepare your move to Hanoi or elsewhere in Vietnam?
Contact Clément Fagon, Regional Director for AGS in Asia: clement.fagon@mobilitas.org.

The well-known event draws cyclists of all nationalities. It is an occasion that allows them to combine their love of cycling with discovering the beauty of Vietnam. Most importantly, it has a human focus: raising funds to help underprivileged Vietnamese children, from kindergarten to university.

THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19

2020 was a difficult year for Vietnam and, according to the Japan Times, the coronavirus crisis was particularly hard on communities that were already in precarious situations before the crisis. With a growth rate of 0.36%, the country managed to avoid a recession, but one must compare this to the 7.02% growth in 2019 to realise the shock to the Vietnamese economy.

VIETNAM NATURAL DISASTERS 2020

In addition to the chaos caused by COVID-19, natural disasters caused damage worth USD 1.6 billion. Vietnam was hit by 14 storms and several atmospheric depressions that triggered heavy flooding and landslides between late September and mid-November.

For this reason, the money raised by CCA is crucial in helping Vietnamese youth access education, notably through scholarships. In addition, the children will be able to attend schools which will be built in rural areas. The funds will also assist organisations focused on the integration of disabled students.

DISCOVERING PHONG NHA-KE BANG PARK

This year, CCA participants could choose between three different routes: cycling from Bao Loc to Lagi, from Phong Nha to Quang Binh, or a 30-day virtual race.

Kevin chose to ride through the Phong Nha Ke Bang national park, located between the coast and the border with Laos, but this was not without challenges. Just two weeks prior to the team’s arrival, flood water levels had reached the ceiling at the riders’ accommodation, Phong Nha Farm Stay. Thankfully, the floods subsided in time, with hosts Ben and his family doing an amazing job to repair and clean up before welcoming the team.

During the three-day journey, Kevin’s team cycled along a section of the Hô Chi Minh trail, a heavily bombed series of roads and paths used to re-supply troops during the America-Vietnam war. There they met with mine clearers from Mines Advisory Group who are working in the region. These dedicated men and women have the dangerous task of clearing the more than 800 000 tons of unexploded bombs left behind at the end of the last war. Work is ongoing.

“I expected my fourth race to be difficult. But I must admit that the 2020 edition was complicated – just like everything else in this strange year,” Kevin says. “My mountain bike broke on the first day and had to be fixed before I could continue to the next stage. On the second day, the race started early and ended at sunset, after an ascent of 1 100m over 138km. On the last day, we raced through 100km, ascending 1 000m. We were all glad to cross the finish line!”

Despite the health, climatic and logistical challenges, Kevin and his team persevered. Congratulations to all participants and see you again next year!

Contact ASG Vietnam