The Hanoi school landscape
The flagship is United Nations International School of Hanoi (UNIS Hanoi), founded in 1988 with UN affiliation and one of just a handful of UN-titled schools globally. British International School Hanoi (BIS Hanoi) is the BSO-accredited British IB flagship in Tay Ho. Concordia International School Hanoi serves the US-curriculum community. Hanoi International School (HIS), Singapore International School Hanoi (SIS), and St Paul American School Hanoi round out the international tier.
Hanoi is more diplomatic and government-focused than Ho Chi Minh's commercial energy. Many UN, NGO and embassy families relocate here specifically for UNIS Hanoi.
Comparing Hanoi vs HCMC for family relocation?
Hanoi is diplomatic and cooler in climate, HCMC is commercial and tropical. Our guide compares both Vietnamese cities head-to-head.
Most popular neighbourhoods for families
Tay Ho (West Lake) is the heart of expat family Hanoi, home to UNIS, BIS Hanoi, Concordia and SIS. Ciputra International City is a self-contained gated expat community with shuttle routes to multiple international schools. Ba Dinh and Hai Ba Trung appeal to families wanting central historic living. Long Bien across the Red River is the modern Vinhomes Riverside expat zone. Read our guide to living in Tay Ho with international schools. Read our guide to living in Cau Giay with international schools.
