This year the spectacle and glamour of Formula 1 reaches the streets of Hanoi as the FIRST EVER Vietnam Grand Prix will be stealing the spotlight – 3rd to 5th April. As part of the celebrations, we will be bringing a touch of Amber Lounge magic with our famous After Parties. Expect all the usual Amber Lounge excitement along with a host of drivers, celebrities and influencers dancing through the night.
Vietnam GP Key information
Capital: Hanoi
Vietnam F1® GP Race Dates: 3rd April – 5th April
Amber Lounge Vietnam GP Date: 4th April – 5th April
Population: 95.5 million people
Currency: Dong (VND)
Time zone: GMT+7
Calling code: +84
Driving side: Right
Everything you need to know about the FIRST EVER F1® race in VIETNAM
The Hanoi Circuit is a creation of the circuit designer Hermann Tilke and F1’s own Motorsports division. The challenging street circuit includes 23 incredible corners, with one purpose-built area. Some parts of the circuit are directly inspired from F1’s most classic tracks, like the first corners of the Nürburgring, passing by the hill climb of Massenet in Monaco or the high-speed Esses in Suzuka! It also has the longest straight on the F1 calendar, which at 1,6km will produce some blistering speed. This is the opportunity for Formula 1® fans to experience drivers battling on one of the quickest street circuits in the world!
Each grandstand will be named in reference to country heritage, such as the Thăng Long Grandstand which references the original name of Hanoi. The pit building will be an impressive piece of Vietnamese style.
We can’t wait to get underway!
2020 F1® trivia…
2020 is the 70th F1 season (F1 was created in 1950, first race held at Silverstone the 13th of May 1950) during that period, there have been 33 champions, 108 winners, 1018 races, 764 drivers and 150 teams.
Vietnam is the 33rd country to host a Grand Prix, it will be the third round of the 2020 F1 season and will be the 1021st race in F1’s history.
Lewis Hamilton could equal Michael Schumacher’s record by winning a seventh championship this year.
If Charles Leclerc or Max Verstappen make it to World Champion, they will beat Sebastian Vettel’s record of becoming the youngest ever World Champion (23 years old), 2020 is their last chance to break this record, so no pressure boys!
By the time of the British Grand Prix (17th-19th July), Kimi Raikkonen will beat Rubens Barrichello’s race start record (322 starts).
Travelling to Hanoi GP
Noi Bai Airport (HAN) is the main airport of Hanoi, it takes around 45 minutes to get from the airport to the city centre. Travelling to Hanoi city centre is super easy, we can organise transfers for you, from private jets to ground limos and vans, let us know your requirements and we can cater for your every need. Alternatively, you can be adventurous and try a tuktuk or bike taxi.
Best, places to stay
For the ultimate weekend package, stay at the JW Marriott and take full advantage of this impeccable hotel location, with close proximity to the Hanoi Circuit and of course, Amber Lounge Vietnam GP. Please enquire for room rates.
Where to Party
Amber Lounge – Need we say more? Click to book your package.
Never miss any of the F1 action
Formula 1 General and Team Paddock Club Suites
From global access to Formula One General Paddock Club as well as Team Paddock Club, Amber Lounge Hospitality has an unparalleled dedication to continuously deliver exceptional global F1 luxury race viewing options for its clients.
Formula 1 Suites & Terraces
From private catered suites overlooking the famous Hairpin Turn at the Monaco Grand Prix to classic rooftops in Singapore we offer race viewing to meet all budgets at every F1 race.
Grandstand Race Viewing
Watch the live action of the track unfold during each straight and turn from grandstand seats that will guarantee a lively and exciting experience for you and your guests. At select circuits, grandstand seats may be paired with track-specific hospitality suites.
Vietnam must-sees…
Hoan Kiem Lake – This is a magnificent lake that surrounds the Ngoc Son Temple, perfect to enjoy peace and quiet in the middle of the crowded capital.
Hanoi Opera House – Built in 1911, this is one of the most stunning buildings in Hanoi, with French and Vietnamese architectural references, taking inspiration from the Paris Opera House.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – A huge granite building where the notorious Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh is interred. The Soviet-inspired construction is based on the mausoleum built for Lenin and was opened to the public in 1975.
Hoa Lo Prison – Built to imprison Vietnamese political campaigners by the French in 1913, this prison was used during the Vietnam War and named the Hanoi Hilton by American prisoners of war. The American senator John McCain (1936-2018) was imprisoned here when he served in the conflict.
One Pillar Pagoda – Built in tribute to Vietnamese Buddhist deity Quan Am, the construction took 26 years, and was completed in 1054. This historic temple, in the iconic Lotus shape, is one of the most important sites in Hanoi.
Flag Tower – Constructed in 1812 by the Nguyen Dynasty, the Flag Tower displays the Vietnamese flag atop the 41metre high building.
Lotte Observation Deck – Situated on the 65th floor of the Lotte Centre offers a magnificent panoramic view of Hanoi. The rooftop bar offers a range of cocktails.
Presidential Palace – Built to house the Governor-General of Indochina in 1900-06 by French architect Auguste Henri Vildieu, this is a magnificent example of French colonial style adjacent to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The Presidential Palace is open to the public, as are the beautiful gardens that surround it.
St Joseph Cathedral – Another example of French influence, the cathedral takes inspiration from Notre Dame de Paris in late 19th century gothic revival style. It is home to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hanoi.
A taste of Vietnam
Hanoi Weekend Night Market – Every weekend, the famous night market takes place offering typical Vietnamese street food, where visitors can indulge in tasty local treats while enjoying shows and shopping.
Banh Mi 25 – The Banh Mi specialist, you can’t miss it when you’re in Vietnam! A fusion of French and Vietnamese ingredients, this is the taste of Hanoi in a baguette!
Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn – Pho is a typical Vietnamese soup with noodles and meat. Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn is the best place to eat like a local and enjoy one of the most iconic taste experiences in Hanoi.
Bun Cha Huong Lien – Bun Cha is another flavoursome Vietnamese dish, featuring grilled pork and noodles. Bun Cha Huong Lien is the place to be if you want to eat Hanoi’s speciality, even Barack Obama came here to try it!
Giang Cafe – Giang Cafe is considered to be an important gastronomic landmark because it was founded by Mr. Nguyen Giang, the man who created the egg coffee back in 1946. If you want to taste Hanoi’s most famous speciality, raw egg yolk mixed sugar and black coffee, then Giang Cafe is the place to discover it.
Did you know…
Vietnam is the second largest coffee-producing nation after Brazil – 19% of the world’s coffee originates from here.
Incredibly, there are more than 45 million motorcycles in Vietnam, which represents about half of the country’s population! (95 million people). In comparison, due to the cost, there are only 2 million cars in the country.
New Year in Vietnam (named Tet), is celebrated around February each year because the country uses the lunar calendar instead of the Georgian. This year, Vietnam’s New Year fell on the 25th of January 2020.
Vietnam has an “S” shape and has more than 3000km coastline.
Fun facts about Hanoi
In the Vietnamese language, Ha means ‘river’ and Noi means ‘inner’. Hanoi, therefore, was named because it is located between the Red River and Nhue River.
Hanoi is one of the most ancient capitals in the world, celebrating the 1010th anniversary this year.
You can find the largest mural mosaic in the world in Hanoi, it measures 4 km.
Known colloquially as “Tube Houses”, Hanoi houses are super narrow because the land price is very expensive.
Created in 1946 by Mr Nguyen Giang, Egg Coffee is the most famous speciality of Hanoi. Egg replaced milk in the coffee, this is because before the 1970s, milk was very expensive, and Hanoi’s citizens were extremely poor. Egg coffee is made from yolk mixed with sugar; it may be an acquired taste, but it would be a shame to visit Hanoi without trying it.