National Economics University, Hanoi
Located at 207 Giai Phong Street in Hanoi’s Hai Bà Trưng District, the National Economics University (NEU) is one of Vietnam’s leading institutions for economics, business and management. Established in 1956, it has become a centre for academic excellence and economic thought, attracting students and scholars from Vietnam and abroad.
NEU has approximately 40,000 students. Its campus includes modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries and conference halls.
Admissions and programs
NEU offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in economics, business administration, finance, banking, public management and social sciences. Its specialized institutes include the Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD) and the French-Vietnamese Center for Management Education (CFVG).
Admissions are competitive and take place annually. Information about requirements and deadlines is available through the university’s NEU Institute for Sustainable Development.
Research, international collaboration and community
NEU conducts research on economic policy, business innovation and public administration. It has more than 30 international partnerships that support student and faculty exchanges and dual-degree programs. Partners include universities in France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Canada and the USA. The CFVG offers internationally recognized MBA and master’s degrees.
Student and faculty mobility programs enable participants to study, intern and conduct research abroad, fostering global perspectives and cross-cultural understanding.
The university hosts public lectures, policy dialogues and outreach initiatives. Its alumni include prominent economists, policymakers and business leaders. In 2023, NEU hosted the 4th Asia Pacific Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management.
History and significance
The NEU Monument commemorates the university’s establishment and its legacy in Vietnam’s economic and academic advancement. It represents NEU’s mission to foster knowledge and innovation and its contribution to national development.
Hoan Kiem Lake, in central Hanoi, is associated with the legend of Emperor Le Loi. After leading Vietnam to victory, he returned a magical sword to the Golden Turtle God, giving the lake its name, which means “Lake of the Returned Sword.” Turtle Tower (Tháp Rùa), built in the 18th century on a small island in the lake, is a symbol of national pride and peace.
What to see
The NEU Monument features a modernist design with traditional Vietnamese motifs. Its sculptural centerpiece bears the university’s emblem and inscriptions, and the monument stands amid landscaped gardens.
At Hoan Kiem Lake, Turtle Tower can be viewed from the lakeshore but is not open for entry. On the lake’s northern side, the red Huc Bridge leads to Ngoc Son Temple. The lake and its surroundings are also the setting for cultural events, festivals and public performances, especially during Lunar New Year (Tet).
Practical visiting information
Location and accessibility
The NEU Monument is at 207 Giai Phong Street, Dong Tam Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, within the university campus and close to major buildings. The campus is accessible by bus, taxi or ride-hailing services, and the monument can also be reached on foot from nearby attractions.
The campus and monument are accessible to visitors with disabilities; the monument is wheelchair accessible.
Visiting hours and admission
- Campus tours Typically available Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Scheduling in advance is recommended.
- NEU Monument Open daily, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
- Admission to the monument Free.
- Hoan Kiem Lake Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; no admission ticket is required. The lake and park are free to the public.
- Turtle Tower Not open to visitors for entry; it can be admired from the lakeshore.
Guided tours, events and facilities
Tours of the monument are available through the university’s visitor center and should be booked in advance. They cover the monument’s symbolism, university history and campus architecture. The monument area occasionally hosts university ceremonies and cultural events, particularly during anniversaries.
The campus has nearby restrooms, cafes and seating areas. Around Hoan Kiem Lake, local operators offer walking tours that include the lake and its surroundings.
Visitor tips
- Spring and autumn are recommended for visiting the NEU Monument. October to April is also given as a good time, when the weather is mild.
- Photography at the monument is permitted; avoid disrupting university activities and be considerate during events.
- Modest attire is recommended at the monument.
- At Hoan Kiem Lake, comfortable shoes are useful for exploring on foot. Early morning is a good time to see locals practicing Tai Chi and avoid crowds; late afternoon is also suggested for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Bring a camera for sunrise or sunset photography at the lake.
- Respect local customs and help maintain cleanliness.
Nearby attractions and amenities
Near NEU:
- Thong Nhat Park (Lenin Park) 1 km away.
- Temple of Literature 4 km from NEU; Vietnam’s first national university.
- Vietnam National Museum of History 4 km from campus.
- Hoan Kiem Lake 5 km north of NEU.
- French Quarter Nearby, with colonial architecture and cafes.
- Dining and accommodation Restaurants, cafes and hotels are available within a 2–3 km radius.
Around Hoan Kiem Lake:
- Ngoc Son Temple On the lake’s northern side, reached via the red Huc Bridge.
- Old Quarter Streets with shops, street food and historic architecture.
- Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre A short walk from the lake.
Further information and useful links
For university information and virtual tours, visit the NEU Institute for Sustainable Development, CFVG and uniRank: NEU Map. More program and admissions information is available at the NEU Official Website.
Other resources include the Official Hanoi Tourism Website, Hoan Kiem Lake on Wikipedia and Ngoc Son Temple Information.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee for the NEU Monument?
No. Visiting the monument is free.
Are guided tours of the monument available?
Yes. Book through the university’s visitor center in advance.
Is the NEU Monument accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes. The site is designed for accessibility and is wheelchair accessible.
When is the best time of year to visit the monument?
Spring and autumn are recommended; October to April is also given as a suitable period, when the weather is mild.
Can I take photographs at the monument?
Yes. Avoid disrupting university activities and be considerate during events.
Is there an entrance fee for Hoan Kiem Lake?
No. The lake and park are free to the public.
Can visitors go inside Turtle Tower?
No. It is not open to visitors, but it can be viewed from the lakeshore.
When is a good time to visit Hoan Kiem Lake?
Early morning or late afternoon offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Early morning is also a time to see locals practicing Tai Chi.
