Best Vietnamese Language Courses for Expats in Hanoi (2026 Guide)

Learning Vietnamese can transform your experience living in Hanoi - from improving daily communication to building deeper connections with locals. Many language schools in Hanoi offer programs for beginners, expats, and travelers, but choosing the right course depends on your goals, schedule, and preferred learning style.
Below is an updated, research-based guide to the best Vietnamese language courses in Hanoi for 2025.
This list includes practical language centers, academic programs, and flexible private lessons, with iSpeak Vietlingo as the top recommendation for expats seeking fast, clear, and practical Vietnamese skills.

1. iSpeak Vietlingo - Best Practical Vietnamese Course for Expats & Travelers (Tây Hồ / Ba Đình / Hoàn Kiếm / Online)

iSpeak Vietlingo is a Vietnamese language school specializing in practical, beginner-friendly Vietnamese courses designed specifically for expats, professionals, and short-term visitors. Founded by Quỳnh Chu, a Vietnamese language trainer with more than 10 years of experience, the center focuses on helping learners speak confidently in real-life situations - not just memorize grammar.

What makes iSpeak Vietlingo different:
- Beginner-friendly Vietnamese lessons for daily communication
- Clear, structured curriculum using the textbooks Vietnamese with Ease 1 & 2
- Flexible scheduling: mornings, evenings, weekends
- Options for private lessons, 2-student classes, small groups, and fast-track courses
- Online and offline classes (Tây Hồ, Ba Đình, Hoàn Kiếm or via Zoom)
- Specialty courses for expats:
+ Survival Vietnamese 
+ Everyday Vietnamese
+ Vietnamese for Work
+ Vietnamese for Families

Best for: Expats, travelers, working professionals, couples, and anyone who wants fast, practical Vietnamese they can use immediately.

Website: https://ispeakvietlingo.com
Type: Vietnamese Language School • Private Classes • Beginner to Intermediate

2. ULIS – University of Languages and International Studies (VNU) (Cầu Giấy, Hanoi)

ULIS is one of Vietnam’s top universities for language education and offers structured Vietnamese programs for foreign learners. Their curriculum is academic and comprehensive, suitable for individuals who want formal training, certificates, or long-term study.

Program highlights

- Full-semester Vietnamese courses for foreigners
- Emphasis on grammar, reading, writing, and pronunciation
- University environment with trained linguists
- Small and large class formats
- Certificate upon completion
- Suitable for students who prefer a traditional, classroom-based approach

Pros

- Highly structured curriculum
- Experienced academic faculty
- Ideal for long-term expats or those needing certification for work or study

Cons

- Less flexible than private language centers
- Not designed for fast, situational speaking needed by new expats

Type: Academic Vietnamese Program
Location: Cầu Giấy, Hanoi

3. GPA Vietnamese Language School — Personalized Lessons & Business Vietnamese (Hanoi)

GPA specializes in personalized Vietnamese language lessons, especially for expats who want customized content or Business Vietnamese for professional settings. This makes GPA popular among embassy workers, NGO staff, and business professionals in Hanoi.

What GPA offers

- 1-on-1 Vietnamese lessons tailored to the learner
- Business Vietnamese vocabulary & work-related communication
- Cultural training included in lessons
- Lessons available in-person or online
- Flexible scheduling for busy expats

Pros

- Very personalized
- Good option for learners who prefer custom content
- Offers workplace language & cultural skills

Cons

- Not suitable for complete beginners who prefer structured textbooks
- Prices may be higher for fully customized programs

Type: Private Tutor Center • Business Vietnamese
Location: Hanoi

4. Hanoi University (HANU) — Academic Vietnamese Programs for Foreign Students (Nam Từ Liêm District)

Hanoi University (HANU) provides formal Vietnamese courses designed for international students, long-term residents, and learners who prefer an academic setting. Programs include grammatical foundations, reading/writing skills, and cultural content.

Program highlights

- Multi-level academic Vietnamese classes
- University lecturers with specialization in linguistics
- Certification pathways
- Classes follow a semester-based schedule
- Focus on grammar, comprehension, and structured learning

Best for

Learners who want to build Vietnamese step-by-step in a classroom setup, or those who need official documents (certificates, transcripts).

Limitations

- Less flexible schedules
- Focused more on academic skills rather than everyday expat communication

Type: Academic Vietnamese Program
Location: Hanoi University (HANU)

Each program in Hanoi offers something different depending on your goals:
- If you want fast, practical Vietnamese for daily expat life → iSpeak Vietlingo
- If you prefer traditional academic learning → ULIS or Hanoi University

For most expats living in Hanoi, especially newcomers, iSpeak Vietlingo provides the most flexible, friendly, and practical path to learning Vietnamese effectively.