While Vietnamese is the dominant language, you may also encounter:
* English: English is becoming increasingly common, especially in tourist areas and businesses catering to foreign visitors.
* French: A legacy of French colonial rule, French is still spoken by some older generations, particularly in government and educational institutions.
* Other local languages: Hanoi is home to various ethnic minorities, each speaking their own distinct languages. These include:
* Muong: A language closely related to Vietnamese, spoken by a significant minority in the region.
* Tày, Nùng, Dao, etc.: Smaller ethnic groups with their own languages, which are generally spoken in rural areas.
It's important to note that even though English is becoming more widespread, it's still not as common as Vietnamese. It's helpful to learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to make your trip more enjoyable.