Guide on Networking Options in Hanoi:
Though Hanoi is a metropolis of millions, it seems to be composed of small circles, which often intersect. Once you’ve made a few friends and attended a few events, a snowball effect will begin, and before you know it you’ll be acquainted with a variety of people and groups that share your interests.
Expat groups
Friends of Vietnam Heritage (FVH)
In collaboration with Vietnamese scholars, FVH organizes a wide range of activities, including guided walks in the Old Quarter, excursions out of Hanoi, and study groups on history, artifacts, traditional medicine, and more. No membership is required. Many types of expat residents join these activities—everyone from students and NGO workers to business-people and their spouses. Check the website for program information and schedules.
American Spouses’ Group
Tel: 043 943 2342
Email: thea.frisby@gmail.com
This group meets for informal coffee the third Tuesday of every month. Mostly wives of American businessmen and diplomatic officials in Hanoi.
British Spouses’ Group
Tel: 04 718 3951
Email: goodall@ftp.vn
A social group open to all spouses with a British connection, this group meets monthly. Call or write for information on upcoming events.
Hanoi International Women’s Club (HIWC)
The HIWC was established to promote friendship and understanding between women of different nationalities. It provides contact for social activities, is a source of information about settling in to Hanoi, and raises money for Vietnamese charities.
Business and professional organizations
American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM)
#201, Le Thang Tong, Tel: 04 934 2790
http://amchamhanoi.com
In 1994, a group of Americans founded the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam. AmCham Vietnam now has two chapters, one in Hanoi and one in Ho Chi Minh City. It is a vibrant organization that plays a key role in the commercial life of this country. AmCham’s diverse membership of over 1200 representatives of American agriculture, manufacturing, services, and the not-for-profit sector, is unified by a common commitment to mutually benefit U.S. – Vietnamese commercial relations.
AmCham Hanoi is a voluntary, non-partisan, non-profit membership organization that is funded entirely by membership and activities.
The British Business Group in Vietnam (BBVN)
G/F 25 Le Duan Blvd, District 1,HCMC
Tel : 08 3829 8430.
Email: execmgr@bbgv.org
The BBVN is based in Ho Chi Minh City, but has affiliates in Hanoi—contact the HCMC office for details.
AusCham
101 Lang Ha, Dong Da district, Tel: +84 909 710 994
http://www.auschamvn.org/
The Australian Chamber of Commerce Hanoi represents the interests of Australian businesses operating in Vietnam and promotes good relations between the Australian and Vietnamese business communities. Membership is open to Australian citizens or to people working with Australian companies in Vietnam. The group holds monthly business lunches with guest speakers, social and sporting events, and an annual Australia Day charity event.
Private clubs
The Hanoi Club
76 Yen Phu
Tel : 04 3823 8115
Email : enquiry@hanoi-club.com
http://www.hanoi-club.com
Built on the shores of The West Lake, the exclusive Hanoi Club provides a courteous and relaxing atmosphere in which all Hanoi’s dynamic men and women can socialize. It serves both as a devoted business environment, and a social and recreational retreat for members and their families. It was built to fulfill a recognized need for a first class private club to serve the recreational, sporting, and dining needs of the city’s business and social leaders, both nationals and expatriates.
Activities include swimming, golf (driving range), tennis, aerobics, with play areas for children. Annual fees start at $1380 for individuals.
American Club
19-21 Hai Ba Trung
Tel: 04 824 1850
Email: amclub@ftp.vn
The American club is open to all expats in Hanoi. It has open grassy space for children to play, and organizes basketball and volleyball for adults and children. They also have board games, a pool table, darts, ping pong, and a large-screen TV and DVD library.
Country clubs
Hanoi Golf Club
A championship 18-hole golf course with corporate and individual memberships starting at $12,000 entry fee and $600/year membership dues.
Club Address:
Minh Tri Commune
Soc Son District
HaNoi
Business Office:
Room 902, 9 th Floor,
Daeha Business Center, 360 Kim Ma
Tel: 04 771 4021
E-mail: hanoigolfoffice@fpt.vn; hanoigolf@hn.vnn.vn
The Chi Linh Golf and Country Club
An exclusive club an hour and a half east of Hanoi. It has 36 holes of international-standard golf, and is considered the best course in north Vietnam. Entry fees for the club start at $24,000, plus yearly membership dues and greens fees.
Business Office:
DAEHA Office Tower
Unit 507 – 360 Kim Ma, Ba Dinh
Hanoi
Tel: 04 3771 9006
Golf course:
Sao Do, Chi Linh, Hai Duong
Tel: 0320-3585617
Marketing Office: marketing@chilinhstargolf.com.vn
Booking Office: booking@chilinhstargolf.com.vn
Community service organizations
Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation
Near the Long Bien Market….contact them to set up a meeting.
Tel: (84-4) 3 717 2307
http://www.bdcf.org
The Blue Dragon offers a social work program to over 200 street kids and children with disabilities. They provide holistic assistance for disadvantaged children who have no other options. Volunteers are always welcome for a variety of assistance.
Humanitarian Services for Children of Vietnam (HSCV)
12 Nguyen Phuc Lai
Nguyen Phuc Lai can be found at the far end of Giang Vo off of De La Thanh
Tel: 043 514 9267
http://www.hscv.org
Humanitarian Services for Children of Vietnam (HSCV) is dedicated to serving orphans, homeless children and other children in need in Vietnam through food, shelter, clothing, health and education. They organize clothing drives through the expat community several times a year.
Other
The New Hanoian website has a bulletin board for groups formed by expats in Hanoi to pursue mutual interests. Most of these groups do not have independent websites or contact information posted, but can be accessed through the New Hanoian. Groups include photography, cooking, language exchange, music appreciation, film, bicycling, tennis and poker. All groups are free, and schedules are listed on the group web pages.
