Top 10 Most Beautifully Designed Schools in Vietnam

Chu Van An High School is a prestigious secondary school in Vietnam. Originally named Lycée du Protectorat, it was founded in Hanoi in 1908 with French architectural influences. The school was once honored by General Vo Nguyen Giap who taught here. In 1945, it was renamed Chu Van An, after a famous scholar from the Tran Dynasty. The school combines nearly a century-old French colonial architecture with modern facilities built as part of the national development project. The main building consists of three 3-story blocks (A, B, E) and two 1-story blocks (C, D), originally built during the French era and continuously renovated to maintain its historical charm while providing optimal learning conditions. The school also boasts specialized classrooms, including multimedia and science labs, a large assembly hall, sports facilities, and outdoor exercise areas. The school's library, called the Octagonal Building, dates back to 1898 and was once the residence of the French principal. After renovations in 1999, it became the school library, and additional facilities have been added to accommodate students' needs.

The predecessor of Ton Duc Thang University was Ton Duc Thang University of Technology, established under Decision No. 787/TTg-QD on September 24, 1997, by the Prime Minister. Founded by the Ho Chi Minh City Federation of Labor, the university was initially a private institution, but with rapid growth, it transitioned to a public university. On January 28, 2003, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 18/2003/TTg-QD, transforming the university into Ton Duc Thang Semi-Public University, under the direct supervision of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee. On June 22, 2006, the Vietnamese government officially recognized it as a public university, operating under a self-financing model. Ton Duc Thang University boasts a vast campus with stunning architecture, including a six-story library, a 7,500-seat stadium, and well-equipped classrooms, offering a conducive environment for both academic and practical learning. Located in a new urban area, the university makes the most of its natural surroundings by blending modern architecture with a beautiful, nature-friendly landscape.

When it comes to Amsterdam High School for the Gifted - Hanoi, it is known not only as the prestigious school of Hanoi but also for its students' exceptional achievements in national and international competitions, including the National Student Olympiad, International Mathematics Olympiad, International Physics Olympiad, and International Biology Olympiad. In addition to its outstanding academic performance, in 2010, the school won the highest national architectural award. After two years of construction, the school was completed with a solid, modern, and impressive architectural design. The main building consists of three interconnected wings: A, B, and C, linked by a multifunctional corridor, allowing easy movement between the classrooms. This area includes five floors (including the basement and parking area) and hosts classrooms from grades 6 to 12, as well as laboratories for Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and various competition teams. The school features 75 classrooms, 12 specialized rooms for various subjects, and 15 dedicated rooms for specialized classes.

Next to the classrooms is the library, computer lab, multifunctional rooms, and cafeteria for students. The principal's office is located near the main entrance, where the administration works, holds meetings, and sets regulations. There is also a 700-seat auditorium for student events and conferences. The new campus has two physical activity areas: an indoor sports complex with a basketball court, badminton courts, and a swimming pool, and an outdoor sports area with a football field, two badminton courts, a basketball court, a long jump area, a runway, and a 100-meter track. Additionally, the school provides a health room, various specialized working rooms, exam rooms for testing and grading, a 1,000 square meter experimental garden for Biology and Geography, a traditional tower, and a cafeteria.

Thang Long University, with its modern and vibrant design, offers state-of-the-art facilities aimed at ensuring students' comfort and convenience. The university can be considered one of the most beautiful campuses in Vietnam, equipped with comprehensive infrastructure and advanced technology. The campus blends beautiful, nature-friendly landscapes with vibrant flowerbeds and an abundance of greenery, creating a peaceful environment where students can study under the shade of trees while birds chirp nearby. Established in 1988 as the Thang Long Private University Center, it is a private university located in Hanoi.

Commonly referred to as TLU by students, stepping into the Thang Long University campus feels like entering a serene, picturesque campus abroad. The sight of pigeons pecking and cooing on the grounds adds to the tranquil atmosphere. The university prioritizes not only a beautiful landscape but also environmental friendliness. It boasts a special garden where students can relax, study, or socialize, and is renowned for its floral displays. Colorful flowerbeds dot the campus, enhancing its already vibrant beauty.

Phan Chu Trinh School - Primary, Secondary, and High School, designed by architect Võ Trọng Nghĩa, is renowned for its unique and innovative architecture. Nghĩa, who has won multiple international architecture awards, designed the school to embody modern and traditional values. The school won the Asian Architecture Award and the second prize at WAN Awards in 2012. The building’s smooth, S-shaped design spans over 6,000m2 across five floors, with its curves and slopes providing a sense of ease and avoiding the heaviness of concrete structures. The design also optimizes natural airflow from the surrounding forest and adapts to the tropical rains from May to November each year.

The school has developed an education model that balances tradition and modernity, offering a top-notch learning environment with high-quality education and strict discipline. Phan Chu Trinh School, located in Bình Dương, is one of the top schools in Vietnam, known for its open, safe, hygienic, and modern spaces that foster holistic development. Its S-shaped classrooms symbolize the upward growth of Vietnam, reflecting the country’s journey to new heights. Phan Chu Trinh School warmly welcomes students and parents for the new academic year, filled with hope and success.

Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted is one of the oldest schools in Ho Chi Minh City, founded in 1927. The school’s architecture is a striking representation of the Indochinese style, with red-tiled roofs, arched windows, and long corridors adorned with red bricks, creating an eye-catching and beautiful structure. In recognition of its historical significance, the city of Ho Chi Minh and the Department of Culture and Sports designated it as one of the city's 10 architectural landmarks. The building showcases a blend of Vietnamese cultural exchange and the Art Deco style, incorporating modern technical adaptations to local climate conditions. Designed by architect Ernest Hebrard, the school is a prominent example of Indochinese architecture, a style he pioneered. Initially built in 1927 under the name Collège Petrus Ký (Petrus Trương Vĩnh Ký High School), the school opened its doors in 1928 with 200 students. While originally led by a French principal, Vietnamese leadership took over in 1947 and has continued ever since.

The campus is designed with three classroom blocks and a wide corridor surrounding a central open courtyard, in the style typical of school buildings from that era. Each classroom block is two stories, with wide corridors in front of each room to allow for natural ventilation. The arches decorating the corridors give the building a rhythmic feel, reminiscent of Romanesque architecture. Instead of solid balustrades, the corridor railings are perforated or made of vented brick to enhance airflow, a departure from the solid Renaissance-style railings commonly used at the time. The principles of ventilation and natural light are carefully integrated with the layout, similar to the structure of the Văn Miếu, where central buildings are surrounded on three sides by corridors, with the fourth side opening onto a large courtyard. The building uses load-bearing walls and a steel truss roof extending outward to shield the walls and corridors from rain. The louvered windows promote ventilation, a key feature of tropical architecture, especially in school designs. The windows facing the corridors are positioned high and narrow to create a focused environment for students.

Hanoi University of Science - part of the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, is one of the leading universities in the country, specializing in fundamental sciences and high-tech applied research. The university focuses on various fields, including Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Physics, Material Science, Nuclear Technology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Meteorology, and Oceanography. In 2017, Hanoi University of Science became the first university in Vietnam to achieve accreditation and meet the education quality standards of the ASEAN University Network (AUN-QA).

The university operates across three campuses in Hanoi. The main campus is located at 334 Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan Trung, Thanh Xuan District, while additional campuses are located at 19 Le Thanh Tong Street, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem District, and 182 Luong The Vinh Street, Thanh Xuan Bac, Thanh Xuan District. Notably, the Le Thanh Tong campus houses the former Indochina University, established in 1906, a historic architectural gem designed by the renowned French architect Ernest Hébrard. This campus, built during the French colonial period, reflects the Neoclassical French architectural style and stands as a valuable cultural and historical monument, showcasing rare architectural features from the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Vietnam. Hanoi University of Science, designed by Hébrard nearly a century ago, exemplifies the fusion of Eastern and Western architectural styles, making it a significant example of Indochinese architecture.

Da Lat Pedagogical College was designed and constructed in 1927, showcasing a unique French neoclassical architectural style with distinct European influences. The most remarkable feature of the campus is the curved red brick classroom blocks surrounding a large courtyard, complemented by a nearby bell tower. The picturesque pine-covered hills surrounding the school enhance its modern yet timeless atmosphere. This school is considered one of the most iconic and distinctive architectural landmarks in the region. Visitors to Da Lat often make a point of visiting this famous structure. Generations of students have been educated in this beautifully designed space, making it a source of immense pride. The school was once regarded as one of the most remarkable architectural achievements of the 20th century. For those who cherish quiet, reflective spaces, the school offers a serene and peaceful environment. It also significantly contributes to the distinctive charm of the cityscape of Da Lat.

Da Lat Pedagogical College is recognized by the International Union of Architects (UIA) as one of the 1,000 most unique buildings of the 20th century. Designed and overseen by architect Moncet, the school was initially built for French children and wealthy Vietnamese families. In 1932, the school was renamed Grand Lycée de Dalat, later known as Lycée Yersin in honor of the French doctor Alexandre Yersin. The property was subsequently acquired by the Diocese of Kontum, where it became a training center for seminarians. After 1975, the school was taken over by the government and became Da Lat Pedagogical College. The classrooms, arranged in a semicircular shape, were constructed with red brick imported from Europe, and the roof was originally covered with tiles from France. These tiles have since been replaced due to their deterioration. The focal point of the building is the bell tower, which once housed a large clock, the remains of which are still visible on the brick foundation. Unfortunately, the bell and clock have since been removed during the previous regime.

RMIT University is the dream university for many Vietnamese students. RMIT is highly regarded not only for its modern teaching methods, excellent facilities, and international degree programs but also for its stunning architectural design. The campus focuses on sustainability, environmental protection, and energy efficiency. The university applies green architecture, using building materials and surface treatments that reduce noise, minimize pollution, and prevent excessive heat absorption. The first impression upon entering is one of beauty, greenery, and modernity. The infrastructure is grand, beautiful, modern, and well-equipped with all the necessary amenities. The contemporary architectural style is evident in the Academic 1 building, while the Academic 2 building stands out for its dynamic and youthful design, tailored for research, study, teaching, and administration. There is also a dedicated entertainment and event complex for students to exercise, relax, and unwind after intense study sessions.

In 2012, RMIT University completed the construction of its newest teaching building, AB2. Previously, the second phase of the university's infrastructure development was completed in 2009, which included a sports stadium, an entertainment and event complex, tennis courts, and student dormitories. In 2018, the university upgraded and rebuilt the older AB1 teaching building. The renovation project not only updated the infrastructure but also added additional student service areas to meet international academic and teaching standards. The library at the Saigon South campus, named the Beanland Library and Learning Commons, honors Professor David Beanland, the former leader of RMIT University Australia, who played a pivotal role in bringing RMIT to Vietnam.

Hue National School is a renowned institution located in the historic city of Hue. Established on October 23, 1896, it is the third oldest high school in Vietnam, following Collège Chasseloup-Laubat (founded in 1874, now Le Quý Đôn High School in Ho Chi Minh City) and Collège de Mỹ Tho (founded in 1879, now Nguyen Đình Chiểu High School in Mỹ Tho, Tiền Giang Province). The school is a popular tourist destination, known for its hospitality, and visitors can freely explore the campus, with a small fee charged only for parking. The ideal time to visit is in the afternoon when the general classes are over, and special courses like physical education are held. Sundays are open for visits anytime, as no classes are held. Hue National School is famous for the academic excellence of its students and the high standards of its faculty. It is recognized by the Vietnamese government as one of the top three high schools in the country, alongside Le Hong Phong High School in Ho Chi Minh City and Chu Van An High School in Hanoi. The school also holds a special place in Vietnamese history, as several prominent political figures, including Ho Chi Minh (Nguyễn Tất Thành) and Ngô Đình Diệm, were once students here. Hue National School is not just a point of pride for its alumni but also a symbol of the people of Hue. The school's striking architecture, with its vibrant pink-red hue and lush green surroundings, beautifully blends Eastern and Western styles.