National Library of Vietnam
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Hanoi National University Library

4.2
·614 reviews·, Vietnam

A historic and aesthetically pleasing library, offering vast collections and a serene study environment for students and visitors alike.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more focus.

CrowdLow
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National Library of Vietnam

Hanoi National University Library

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more focus.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic and aesthetically pleasing library, offering vast collections and a serene study environment for students and visitors alike.

4.2
(614 reviews)

"The library's beautiful atmosphere and helpful staff make it a cherished spot for academic pursuits and quiet contemplation."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Your ID for Membership

:admission_tickets: Essential for getting your membership card to borrow books.

Check Hours Before Visiting

:alarm_clock: Hours can be unpredictable; confirm before you go to avoid disappointment.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Digital Reading Room

Digital Reading Room

2nd Floor

Explore a vast collection of digital resources and academic materials in a modern, tech-enabled space.

Reddit
Periodicals Section

Periodicals Section

3rd Floor

Access a wide range of current and past newspapers and magazines, perfect for staying updated.

Reddit
Peaceful Outdoor Area

Peaceful Outdoor Area

3rd Floor

Enjoy a moment of tranquility amidst lush greenery and gentle breezes in this serene outdoor space.

Reddit
Historic Garden

Historic Garden

Front of Library

Relax under mature banyan trees in a beautiful garden, offering a shaded spot for contemplation.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Membership Card Essentials

To borrow books, you'll need a membership card. The process is straightforward, requiring ID and an annual fee. Staff are generally helpful, but be prepared for a short wait to receive your card. Reddit

Navigating Library Hours

Library hours can be inconsistent, with closures sometimes announced late. While officially closing at 8 PM, visitors may be asked to leave earlier. Check for updates to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more focus.
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Study groups gather.
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Quieter study atmosphere.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Khám phá thư viện HANU #hanu #hanoiuniversity #daihochanoi #thuvien #daihoccogivui
@truongdaihochanoi
1.1K likes • 23.9K views

Bring Your ID for Membership

:admission_tickets: Essential for getting your membership card to borrow books. Reddit

Check Hours Before Visiting

:alarm_clock: Hours can be unpredictable; confirm before you go to avoid disappointment. Reddit

“Christmas is coming—step into the Library and feel the festive sparkle in every corner!” 🎄✨ #hanulib #christmas
@hanu_library
5 likes • 186 views
Muốn A+ thì phải làm sao? Thì phải lên Thư viện HANU chứ sao! 😎💯 Study Vlog hôm nay chứng minh: Không gian đẹp + tài liệu xịn = 100% công lực học tập. 👇 Tag người bạn muốn rủ đi học cùng vào đây ngay! #HANU #Thuvien #StudyMotivation #HocTap #SinhVien
@hanu_library
15 likes • 470 views

Explore Different Floors

:world_map: Each floor offers unique resources, from digital rooms to periodicals. Reddit

Enjoy the Garden

:seedling: A peaceful spot for reflection, especially under the banyan trees. Reddit

Hanu library date 📚 cùng tui đi học bài trên thư viện buổi sáng đầu đông nhaaa 🥰🫶 #vgghaa #HANU #univlog #hoptaccungmaybelline #study
@vgghaa
340 likes • 4.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Your ID for Membership

:admission_tickets: Essential for getting your membership card to borrow books. Reddit

Check Hours Before Visiting

:alarm_clock: Hours can be unpredictable; confirm before you go to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Explore Different Floors

:world_map: Each floor offers unique resources, from digital rooms to periodicals. Reddit

Enjoy the Garden

:seedling: A peaceful spot for reflection, especially under the banyan trees. Reddit

Wifi Can Be Spotty

:iphone: Be prepared for potential connectivity issues; don't rely solely on library wifi. Reddit

Student Vlogs Showcase Vibes

:movie_camera: See study sessions and the library's aesthetic through student eyes. TikTok+2

Smart Access System

:key: Use your student ID card to access the library's intelligent gate system. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.2
(614 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Hanoi National University Library for its beautiful atmosphere, extensive collections, and helpful staff. The garden and outdoor areas offer peaceful retreats. However, some users note inconsistent Wi-Fi and unpredictable closing times, suggesting a need for better communication regarding hours. Reddit

"At the National Library, the 2nd floor is the digital reading room, and the 3rd floor houses the periodicals section. There’s also a small outdoor area on the 3rd floor. Sitting on a bench there and enjoying the breeze felt really nice. It’s worth visiting once for the experience."

Jin

"There is a beautiful garden in front of the national library with mature banyan trees providing shaded areas to sit and think. The huge bed of peace lilies had some interesting insects pollinating the flowers this morning.
To borrow books, you must have a membership card, same as other libraries, but there are often exhibitions on the first floor, showcasing books about ancient and modern Vietnamese history."

Sarah Alton

"The 1st time I come here and I really fall in love with the atmosphere of the library!
- Fee for parking: 5,000VND/ turn for motorbike. I didn’t bring enough cash, and I asked the security men and they are generous to say it’s fine for me.
- Process of making membership card: When I arrived, the staff was helpful to create member cards for the other family with a mother and 3 kids. They were so noisy but the staff was patient to make a process and ask them friendly. Then, it’s my turn and she was so gently and courteous to guide me finish the procedures. You need to bring ID or passport and pay the annual fee of 160,000 VND then wait 5 minutes, then you get the membership card.
- The staffs inside the library are very friendly and helpful, when I asked them, they asked me what I need so they can give me a clear and full instruction.
- I followed the guidances and went to the 4th floor and saw a few youngsters were reading at that time. Books were divided into numerous topics so you can easily find. However, the books are limited in some fields and I hope it will be fulfilled variously someday.

The WC needs to be improved and the library’s boards of directors should promote “reading culture”, organize and advertise more activities to attract readers coming to raise awareness of community!"

Nhung Bui

What People Like

Beautiful atmosphere
Helpful staff
Extensive collections

What People Dislike

Inconsistent Wi-Fi
Unpredictable hours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The library is located within the Hanoi National University campus. You can reach the campus via public bus routes serving the area. Parking for motorbikes is available for a small fee of 5,000 VND. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available for motorbikes at the library for a fee of 5,000 VND. Reddit

While the library primarily serves students, visitors can obtain a membership card to borrow books and access resources. Reddit

Several bus lines serve the area around Hanoi National University, making it accessible by public transport. TikTok

The library is a prominent building on campus. Students often create vlogs showcasing their journey to and within the library. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

To get a membership card, you'll need to present your ID or passport and pay an annual fee of 160,000 VND. The process typically takes about 5 minutes. Reddit

The library's closing schedule can be inconsistent, and they may ask visitors to leave before the official closing time. It's advisable to check for any updates or announcements. Reddit

There isn't a direct entrance fee, but you'll need a membership card to borrow books. The library also has a smart access system that uses your student ID. TikTokReddit

While the primary focus is on students and members, the staff has been accommodating to families, suggesting a welcoming environment. Reddit

There's no mention of advance booking for study spots. Some students find it takes a few laps to find a good spot. TikTok

🎫 📚 Onsite Experience

The library houses a vast collection including literature, natural sciences, history, and doctoral theses. Books are categorized by topic for easy searching. TikTokReddit

While the library is equipped with Wi-Fi, users have reported that it doesn't always work reliably for everyone. Reddit

Yes, the library offers various reading rooms and study areas across its floors, including a digital reading room and spaces on the 4th floor. TikTokReddit

The library is praised for its beautiful atmosphere and aesthetic appeal, making it a popular spot for students to study and vlog. TikTok+2

The library features a smart access system, digital reading rooms, and a periodicals section. They also organize cultural and scientific events. TikTokReddit

📸 📸 Photography & Aesthetics

Yes, the library is known for its aesthetic appeal and beautiful spaces, making it a popular spot for photography and vlogs. TikTok+1

The digital reading room, the outdoor garden, and various study nooks with good lighting are popular for photos. TikTokReddit

While not explicitly forbidden, it's best to be discreet and respectful of others studying. Student vlogs often capture the ambiance. TikTok+2

The library blends modern facilities like smart access with charming, sometimes dated, architectural elements, creating a unique aesthetic. TikTok+1

The library has been decorated for holidays like Christmas, adding a festive sparkle to its ambiance. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Hanoi National University Library can be a surprisingly accommodating place for families. Staff have been noted for their patience and helpfulness when assisting families with children, even during the membership card process. Reddit While the primary focus is academic, the serene garden and the general atmosphere can offer a calm environment for a brief visit. Consider it for a quiet outing where children can observe a studious setting. Reddit

For a more engaging experience, look for any public exhibitions or events that might be held on the first floor, which often showcase books on Vietnamese history. This could provide a more interactive element for younger visitors. Remember to check the library's schedule for any such activities. Reddit

📚 Budget Travelers

Visiting the Hanoi National University Library is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers looking for a cultural and educational experience. While a membership card is required to borrow books, the cost is minimal (160,000 VND annually), and the experience of exploring a significant national library is invaluable. Reddit The parking fee for motorbikes is also very low at 5,000 VND. Reddit

Beyond borrowing books, simply exploring the library's architecture, its historical garden, and observing the studious atmosphere can be a rewarding experience. It offers a glimpse into academic life in Hanoi without significant expense. Just be mindful of the library's operating hours, which can sometimes be unpredictable. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Hub of Knowledge and History

Established in 1919, the Hanoi National University Library has a rich history, evolving from its initial naming after Pierre Pasquier to becoming the National Library of Vietnam in 1957. It houses an impressive collection of over 1 million books, journals, and magazines, including a significant number of Vietnamese works and doctoral theses. This makes it a vital cultural center for Vietnam, actively engaging in international exchanges with over 300 institutions worldwide. Reddit

The library is not just a repository of books; it's a dynamic institution that actively promotes a 'reading culture.' It organizes various events, meetings, and lectures on topics ranging from daily life and economy to history and science, featuring prominent scientists and artists as speakers. Furthermore, it serves as a training agency for the national library system, contributing to the development of librarianship in Vietnam. Reddit

Recent upgrades include the implementation of a smart access system using electronic devices integrated with library accounts, enhancing security and efficiency. Visitors can also find a digital reading room, a periodicals section, and even a small outdoor area on the 3rd floor, offering diverse ways to engage with knowledge and enjoy the surroundings. TikTokReddit+1

Student Life and Study Vibes

For students, the Hanoi National University Library is more than just a place to study; it's an integral part of their university experience. Many students create study vlogs showcasing their routines, highlighting the library's aesthetic appeal and its role in their academic success. The library's beautiful spaces and ample resources are often cited as reasons for choosing the university itself. TikTok+2

The library offers a variety of study environments, from quiet corners to collaborative spaces. While some students find it takes a few tries to locate their preferred spot, the overall atmosphere is conducive to learning. The presence of a digital reading room and a well-stocked periodicals section caters to diverse research needs. TikTok+1

Beyond academics, the library sometimes embraces festive decorations, like during Christmas, adding a touch of seasonal cheer to the study environment. This blend of academic rigor and a welcoming, sometimes festive, atmosphere makes the library a cherished space for students. TikTok