Visit the Friendship Village
The Vietnam Friendship Village is located about 11 kilometers southwest of central Hanoi in Van Canh Commune, Ha Tay Province, which was formally incorporated into greater Hanoi in 2008. Despite the city’s intense urban sprawl, it is a relatively easy commute from the central district of Hanoi to the Friendship Village.
Visiting the Friendship Village is possible most of the year, except during two or three weeks surrounding Vietnam’s annual Tet celebration (Lunar New Year), which is usually sometime in late January or February. Most of the children leave the village during this holiday to go home to their families.
The best time to visit is weekdays in the late afternoon and on weekends. Children enjoy playing with visitors and some may want to practice their English or other language skills. It is often possible to interact with resident veterans as well. It is advised to email Foreign Visitor Manager, Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Ha, well in advance of your visit [friendshipvillage18398 (at) hn.vnn.vn].
Once in Vietnam, you are advised to call the village directly to confirm your visit plans, make final arrangements and get directions. It may be helpful to ask a Vietnamese-speaking friend, hotel clerk or driver to call on your behalf, and your hotel staff should also be able to help arrange transportation to and from the village if needed.
