Xin chàooooo, welcome to VIF25! To ensure your experience, we’ve prepared this guide with everything you need to know about improvising at VIF25 and enjoying Hanoi.
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FESTIVAL GUIDE
FESTIVAL GUIDE
IMPROVISING AT VIF25
IMPROVISING AT VIF25
32 shows. 32 workshops.
7 coffee discussions. 7 jams.
200+ improvisers from 15+ countries.
❤︎ 19-27 APRIL 2025 ❤︎
UPTOWN LOCATIONS
UPTOWN LOCATIONS
ATH is our main venue for workshops, shows, coffee, and jams. There is a yard where you can hang out. We will also arrange a snack table where you can stop by for an energy boost, and you're welcome to leave some snacks from your country here to share too!
Turtle Lake is only a few steps away from ATH. This is our go-to spot to hang out after every show. Well, except for the 2 Saturday after parties.
AFTER PARTYYY! For the 2 Saturdays (19 & 26 April), let's stay up a bit later and have fun at this cool place.
DOWNTOWN LOCATIONS
DOWNTOWN LOCATIONS
Being in the centre of Hanoi, the Hub hosts half of the workshops at the festival. It has a homie vibe that we're sure you'll like.
It's on the 4th floor of the Hub. You can hang out there before/after workshops. Its salted coffee, cold brew, kombucha, and ginger beer are our favs!
ESSENTIAL LINKS
ESSENTIAL LINKS
This is the gate to everything about this festival: program, activity details, code of conduct, festival guide, gift box, or even festival playlist.
This chat keeps you up-to-date with instant discussions with other improvisers and quick announcements from the organizers.
FESTIVAL PASS
FESTIVAL PASS
Once you're part of VIF25, you will receive a pass like the image above (red for instructors, yellow for improvisers, and dark gray for participants) with your name and marks for your show entrance. When folded, it has the size of a bank card that you can easily keep in your wallet.
1. WHERE & WHEN TO COLLECT?
1. WHERE & WHEN TO COLLECT?
Before your first activity, please arrange a time to go to the festival check-in desk at ATH to collect your pass. We're gonna be open 9:30 - 21:30 every day during the festival, from 14:00 Sat, 19 April to 12:00 Sun, 27 April.
2. WHAT TO USE FOR?
2. WHAT TO USE FOR?
Access shows at ATH.
Enter the after parties at Hideout.
Check in on social media & keep for memories.
ARRANGE YOUR OWN SESSIONS
ARRANGE YOUR OWN SESSIONS
1. BOOK A ROOM
1. BOOK A ROOM
If you need a practice place for your group during the festival, reach out to Châu (WhatsApp at +84 93 809 39 02) to arrange a room at ATH (free of charge).
2. BOOK A COACH
2. BOOK A COACH
This year, we have a great lineup of 22 instructors. Outside of their workshops, feel free to reach out to them to discuss if you want to have private coaching sessions for your team. Make the best out of this occasion!
Or, if you need us to consult or make the connection, reach out to Kim (WhatsApp at +84 38 433 00 63).
ENJOYING HANOI
ENJOYING HANOI
ESSENTIAL TO KNOW
ESSENTIAL TO KNOW
Entry Visa: Make sure to check if it's required for you to obtain a visa to enter Vietnam HERE.
Weather: Warm early summer temperatures 22-30°C (72-86°F).
Electricity: Vietnam uses Type A/C/F outlets (220V) - bring a universal travel adapter if needed.
Internet: Most public places have free WiFi (you can casually ask for their passwords). Viettel, Vinaphone, or Mobifone are the best 3 data providers if you consider buying a local SIM card at the airport.
Payment: BOTH card and cash. VISA and MasterCard are widely accepted at commercial places. However, cash is a must if you wanna enjoy local shops, as a lot only support cash and local bank transfers. The rate for VND is a bit crazy, though: 25,000 VND = 1 USD!
DO:
DO:
Stick to bottled, boiled, or filtered water. Avoid drinking from the tap. Best? Bring your own bottle and refill to save the environment.
Dress appropriately at religious places (shoulders and knees covered).
The traffic can be overwhelming if you're not used to it. When crossing a street, move intentionally and steadily, as drivers will adjust to your pace (sounds like improv?). Always check your surroundings, as traffic may come from multiple directions.
DON'T:
DON'T:
Don't bring or use electronic cigarettes/vapes. They're banned by law.
Don't possess or use illegal drugs. The penalties are serious.
Don't get into intense political discussions that involve the Vietnamese gov.
TRANSPORTATIONS
TRANSPORTATIONS
FROM THE AIRPORT
FROM THE AIRPORT
Noi Bai Airport is Hanoi's main airport, it's about 25km from the city center. To get to the city centre, you can choose one of these options:
BUS #86 (45.000 VND / 2 USD): You'll see the stop once you leave the arrival hall. There's a ride every 20 minutes. Show the driver on the map where you want to stop, and they'll get you there. Free WiFi is available on board.
TAXI (350.000 VND / 15 USD): There are plenty of taxis always ready at the airport. Make sure to check the price before you get into one.
RIDE APPS (300.000 VND / 12 USD): Be, Grab, and Xanh SM offer good options. Double-check the license plate to ensure it's your ride. Let's get back to the details about these apps a bit later.
AROUND THE CITY
AROUND THE CITY
The two VIF25 venues are about 20 minutes apart. To make traveling easier, you can take a ride from Grab/Be/Xanh SM. Or, you can also rent a motorbike or bicycle to move around at your own pace (make sure you can handle one).
We don't recommend taking buses inside the city, unless you have a lot of time, as their schedule is often uncertain...
RIDE HAILING SERVICES
RIDE HAILING SERVICES
Grab (Android / iOS) is the most widely used app in Southeast Asia, offering car, bike, and taxi rides along with food delivery.
Be (Android / iOS) is a popular local alternative, often cheaper, with similar ride options as Grab, but better deals for food delivery.
Xanh SM (Android / iOS) is an eco-friendly option, using electric vehicles for a greener ride around the city.
ACCOMMODATIONS
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hanoi is blessed with so many nice accommodation options. You can easily find a decent one on Booking.com or Airbnb with a budget from 12 USD per night. Anything with a score above 8/10 and proper reviews can be trusted.
We'd recommend you to stay close to ATH, as it's the main venue of the festival. However, if you want to enjoy a piece of the local life with a bit of commuting every day, a place in between ATH and The Improv Hub would be cool.
WORTH EXPLORING
WORTH EXPLORING
Food? Head to the street!
Coffee? Find local shops!
You can barely go wrong with food and coffee in Hanoi. Trà and Billy, our local liaisons, have made epic lists from their years of being in Hanoi, introducing to you places we love. Check out our 4 lists of recommendations below!
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