On December 18, the Friends of Vietnam Heritage (FVH) will host a city walk for those looking to explore Ba Ðình and the “French Colonial Quarter”.

From 9.30am to 12pm, the English-speaking tour will give an overview of the changes to Hà Nội that started in the French period (1869-1954). The tour will touch on the development of the education system, town planning and architecture (including that of the political and diplomatic centre) as well as other information regarding past and present Hà Nội.

Starting at Chu Văn An School (established by the French as the High School of the Protectorate, and now one of the oldest institutions for secondary education in Indochina), the group will make their way to the iconic Ba Ðình Square and discuss about the key government buildings in the area. The tour will then stroll along Chùa Một Cột Street and the surrounding avenues, passing former villas now home to various embassies. The leisurely walk will continue to Ðiện Biên Phủ and into Hoàng Diệu streets, ending at Cửa Bắc (North Gate) and the Cửa Bắc Church on Phan Ðình Phùng Street.

Cost: VNĐ70,000. Limit: 12 people. Registration: Stella, stellaciorra@hotmail.com, 01662979605. — VNS