Last update: Location Description - Hanoi Province

Last update: Geography

Ha Noi

Area: 921 sq. km Population: 3,082,800 habitants (2004). Administrative divisions: - Districts: Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Dong Da, Hai Ba Trung, Tay Ho, Thanh Xuan, Cau Giay, Long Bien, Hoang Mai. - Rural districts: Dong Anh, Soc Son, Thanh Tri, Tu Liem, Gia Lam. Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Hoa... GEOGRAPHY: Hanoi is the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The city is located in the Red River Delta, in the centre of North Vietnam. To the north is Thai Nguyen Province with Vinh Phuc and Ha Tay to the west and south. To the east and south east there are Bac Giang, Bac Ninh and Hung Yen provinces. Hanoi means the hinterland between the rivers (Ha: river, Noi: interior). The Red River and its tributaries flow through Hanoi covering a distance of approximately 40km. Other rivers flowing through the capital, include Duong, Cau, Ca Lo, Day, Nhue, Tich, To Lich and Kim Nguu. CLIMATE: Hanoi is situated in a tropical monsoon zone with two main seasons. Wet and dry Dry season is from October to April, it is cold and there is very little rainfall. Between January and March it is still cold but there is some light rain. Wet season is from May to September, it is hot with heavy rains and storms during this period. The average annual temperature is 23.2C (73.7F) and the average annual rainfall is 1,800mm. During winter the average temperature is 17.2C (62.9F), but can go down to 8C (46.4F). The average temperature in summer is 29.2C (84.6F, but can reach up to 39C (102.2F). The humidity level is particularly high during the summer months. CLOTHING:

Last update: Transport HANOI:

Motorcycles and bicycles are the main mode of transport Taxis and Xe Om" taxi motorbikes are widely available and vary in price. Always wear your helmet when travelling by motorbike. Streets are busy so extra vigilance is needed when crossing roads. Normal city "rush hours" occur twice a day.

TRAVELLING OUT OF TOWN: All major road, rail lines and airline routes pass through or originate from Ha Noi. The range of transport options means that it is relatively easy to get around both Viet Nam and the South-East Asian region. Road: Hanoi is: 93km from Ninh Binh 102km from Haiphong 153km from Thanh Hoa 151km from Halong 474km from Dien Bien Phu 658km from Hue 763km from Danang 1,710km from Ho Chi Minh City. Buses: There is a comprehensive bus service throughout the city with a map and website available. Most journeys cost VND 3000, some longer ones will cost VND 5000. Interprovincial buses have separate bus stations depending on the destination. Check local information for schedules and locations. Trains:

Last update: Development issues As dramatic as poverty reduction appears, certain social groups are largely excluded from the benefits being realised by most urban and lowland households. The social groups affected are: * People living in remote areas, especially ethnic minority people * Migrants from rural into urban areas * People infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. * People with disabilities. Poverty has a strong geographical dimension, with the poorest areas being the Central Highlands, Northern Mountains and North Central Coast. As a result the proportion of those living in poverty that are from ethnic minorities is growing quite rapidly. Specific policies will be required to address this, there is little evidence to suggest that any such policies have been particularly successful to date. Rural-rural migrants suffer difficulties in accessing land rights, and social support networks, whether because they are not legally registered or because of ethnic and cultural differences. Ruralurban migrants suffer difficulties in accessing employment and social services because of difficulties in obtaining legal registration. People infected or affected by HIV and AIDS are often excluded from education, training and employment opportunities largely as a result of social stigma, but also lack of effective holistic support services. People with disabilities are largely excluded from education, less than 5% receive a school-based education, and employment opportunities. These factors are leading to rising inequality in Vietnam. Inequality in incomes is increasingly reflected with access to quality education, health and other social services. However those households that have realised gains and are treated as no longer below the poverty line, remain vulnerable due to: * the rising negative impact and cost of ill health * the rising risk of crop failure as agriculture intensifies * the rising risk of environmental problems and natural disasters * increasing exposure to volatile international markets. For further information please access the country strategic plan on the website. Ha Noi is the state and political capital. The administration of the government provides a substantial amount of employment throughout the city. As the main commercial centre of the country, the range of employment covers all areas one would expect in a growing city. The tourism industry is growing and supporting increasing numbers of service and commercial outlets. Urban drift has caused some unemployment issues. GENERAL SECURITY: Feedback from the volunteers was positive, and as with any place, some common sense must prevail when it comes to the security measures required for personal belongings. If travelling late at night, it is advisable to use a taxi. Volunteer comments included the following: ": Security is not a constant concern. The streets tend not to be violent and the people are generally not aggressive."

Socio-economic groups and main occupations locally.

Security issues

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Hanoi is a very safe city to be in, and you get used to it very quickly. The freedom to travel with any means of transport without feeling threatened or in danger is fantastic." TRAVEL: There are no travel restrictions reported for this area. WOMEN TRAVELLING ALONE: Dress modestly Some attention may be unwelcome but not threatening. A mobile phone would be an asset. Travel is deemed safe. Water supply is reliable though all Vietnam mains water is not suitable for drinking. Use only bottled water for drinking. There can be short power cuts at times of power shortages. Both European & US plugs can be used and adaptors are available if required. BANKS: A variety of banks are represented throughout the city. ATMs: Available in a variety of locations with the standard withdrawal facilities and some basic services. Withdrawal is limited to VND 2 Million per transaction. Maximum withdrawal a total of VND 10 Million per 24 hour period. Opening hours: Every weekday - check with individual branches for exact timing. They close at midday for a lunch break. Generally closed on Saturdays and Sundays but again check with local branches for exact details as tourist centres sometimes offer a weekend service. Passport as ID is mandatory for bank transactions. The General Post Office has a reliable service. Letters can take 2 -3 weeks to arrive to and from the UK. Parcels received from overseas may be held for inspection by customs. ID will be required to claim them. Main post office opening hours are circa 7am to 9.30pm. (check with your local branch). Apart from the standard postal services most GPO's offer internet and international phone call facilities, again check with your local branch. The Family Medical Clinic is primarily used by VSO but there are a range of other facilities throughout the city. A variety of dental practices are also in the city. Chemist services are available. Prescriptions are not always necessary. A variety of drugs are available over the counter. (Brand names will differ) Internet services are available in service outlets or "cafes", or through the GPO. International telephone services are available by service providers, there are a range of these throughout the city. Mobile phone coverage is also available. Postal services (see above) Travel easily facilitated. STATISTICS: Viet Nam is experiencing an expanding HIV epidemic. Cases have been reported from all provinces. The epidemic has been largely based among injecting drug users, but there are a growing number of infections due to sexual transmission. The government had previously defined HIV as a problem of socially marginalized groups (injecting

Water and electricity:

Bank

Post Office

Healthcare

Communications

HIV&AIDS

Last update: drug users and female sex workers), but is in the process of recognizing the need for a multi-sectoral response, and to mobilize all of society for HIV/AIDS prevention, and to address stigma and discrimination. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is in a concentrated epidemic stage in Viet Nam, with a national adult prevalence of 0.3%. The national HIV prevalence for injecting drug users is 30% while it is 6% for female sex workers. However, in a number of areas more than 60% of drug users are infected. TESTING FACILITIES: The Family Clinic Religion

The main religion is Buddhism. Christian religions are also represented here. Saint Joseph's Cathedral (pictured), dates back to 1886 and is a tourist attraction. The Muslim community is also represented.

Shopping, markets, supermarkets, office supplies and specialist items.

A diverse range of foods are available within Ha Noi. Local markets are in abundance from roadside stalls to large covered in areas. Almost anything can be bought in Ha Noi, though the price of some goods will reflect the fact that they are imported. English language novels are available with a few shops in the city selling new and second hand. The VSO office also has a small "library kept stocked by departing volunteers. There are many stationers throughout the city. VEGETARIANS: Vegetarians should be able to source produce within the city. There are also a few vegetarian restaurants.

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Leisure , General Socialising and Bars & Clubs

Depending on ones preferred pastimes there is an abundance of choices within Hanoi There are a broad range of options for eating out. Many restaurants also offer take-away and delivery services. Costs vary enormously, from the cheap street restaurants to dollar-priced establishments.

Hanois bars can be found all over the city. There are relatively few "late night" venues due to official restrictions. A number of cinemas operate in the city. Hanoi Cinematique, which operates on a membership basis, shows seasons of films plus a range of related activities, such as, guest presentations and social events The megaplex cinema shows the latest movies in the original language. There are several cinemas showing movies with dubbed Vietnamese. The "expat" community is large as one would expect in any city and offers many opportunities for socialising. Getting enough exercise will not be a problem with a variety of choices on offer. The opportunities for walking are ample with bike riding also a popular pastime.

Walking, exercise and sporting opportunities

Last update: Many Vietnamese people go walking, jogging, or do group aerobics and tai chi early morning or evening. It is possible to join these activities in popular public places throughout the city. During the warmer weather there are several public swimming pools and most hotels will also allow access for a fee. There are many gyms and fitness facilities to choose from. Team sports clubs exist, check local press and websites for details of venues and schedules. Sightseeing opportunities within Hanoi and the surrounding area can easily occupy a short break.

Holiday opportunities

Hanoi also characteristically contains 18 beautiful lakes such as Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, and Truc Bach Lake..., which are the lungs of the city, with their surrounding gardens and trees providing a vital source of energy.

There are many monuments with an museums to

pagodas and ancient abundance of explore.

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There are many tour services offered throughout the city and comprehensive guide books available. Transport to other popular destinations in Vietnam and internationally is easily achieved, check the transport section above. Other volunteer organisations are represented within the province. VSO currently has 15 volunteer working in Hanoi City. These numbers will vary with time, you will be given a full list of volunteers and their location on arrival in country. www.vso.org www.vietcombank.com.vn www.vn-tourism.com www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/asia/vietnam http://vietnamnews.vnanet.vn/ http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/servlet/Front? pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=10645731 21132 http://www.vietscape.com/travel/hanoi/

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