Adjectives like "historic", "beautiful", and "full of charm" are all synonymous with the wonderful city of Hanoi. As Vietnam's capital since the mid-twentieth century, Hanoi has seen dozens of highs and lows. Nonetheless, the 21st century is proving to be incredibly prosperous for Vietnam's economy, and the capital city is seeing the lion's share of that action. Find out where to live and build your base in one of these accommodation options in Hanoi.
Overview of Hanoi
Securing accommodation in Hanoi can begin from as little as $200 if you search in the right places. As the final resting place of the late President Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known as 鈥淯ncle Ho鈥�, it's no wonder Hanoi attracted 5.7 million international tourists in 2024. This beautiful city is characterized by tree-lined streets and is home to almost 8.5 million people.
Motorbikes dictate the road here, and the sheer volume combined with the harmony of vendors and sidewalk conversations may induce culture shock for sure! The best thing to do when feeling overwhelmed by the noise or regular pace of life in Vietnam is to lean in - don't fight it. Find somewhere to sit, have a coffee, and observe. Soak it in. Trying to fight against the traffic or locals may only add to your frustration, but sitting and watching this way of life is a joy and will help you acclimate to your new surroundings.
Types of accommodation in Hanoi
Hanoi is a large city, and like any other metropolis, there is a bounty of choices in terms of accommodation. Regardless of whether you're here on business, flying in for a few days, or considering a permanent move, you will find something that suits every desire. From lakeside penthouses to hidden studio apartments, Hanoi has it all.
If you're heading to the Vietnamese capital for the first time, the best thing you can do is use internationally recognized brands like IHG or Sheraton. At least until you've got your bearings and accustomed yourself to the way of life here. Generally speaking, you will be able to find accommodation in Hanoi that meets your expectations. This applies to budget, safety, and overall peace of mind. However, it's wise to be cautious, especially if this will be your first visit to Hanoi.
Hotels
If you need a hotel for a weekend, check out the following locations for the utmost comfort and security:
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Vacation rental platforms
International platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb have cemented their reputations and are recognized globally. Their customer service includes failsafe procedures, cancellation policies, and a reviewing system to make choosing accommodation easy and stress-free.
Booking.com is mostly associated with hotels and hostels; however, they do work with many private landlords too. It is harder to arrange long-term accommodation on the Booking.com platform, but you can ask directly at the property for better results. This website offers maps of the local area and details exactly what is included in each accommodation package. Furthermore, the ratings of each establishment are clear. To avoid disappointment, double-check the volume of reviews, leaning more towards properties with 100+, preferably within the last week, and a rating over 8.
Airbnb is similar in its reputation, placing more emphasis on people staying in home-like apartments or homestay accommodation. For someone who prefers the comforts of a home versus a hotel, Airbnb is a great option. Airbnb also has a reviewing system to ensure you feel completely at ease when selecting your accommodation.
This real estate developer is the largest in Vietnam and is a subsidiary of Vingroup. They typically deal with mid-range luxury properties and are firmly established in all major cities in Vietnam. As a company, Vinhomes prides itself on quality. Many of their are equipped with smart technology, and their high standard of service contributes to their underlying principle and slogan, 鈥淲here happiness dwells鈥�. These apartments come with a higher price tag of 1,200 USD or 1,139.88 EUR.
Use a real estate agent
This is also an ideal method of finding suitable accommodation in Hanoi. Local agents will take into account your budget and other requirements before presenting you with several options. Be sure to check the reputation of any agent before you pay a deposit.
Housing websites
A quick search on Google should be all you need. However, you could also use social media and other online forums to acquire advice from the expat community. We recommend checking Facebook for current reviews of realtors and also connecting with their listings. You can look at 辞谤听.
Accommodation prices in Hanoi
Recently Hanoi has seen a considerable rise in accommodation prices. While hostels are still affordable, long-term apartments have risen in prices to match inflation and the higher standards of living happening within Vietnam. On average, a hostel dorm will be inexpensive, and currently, a studio apartment begins at 500 USD or 474.95 EUR per month. Let's dive deeper into the cost and setup of apartment leases:
Studio or one-bedroom apartment
This is one of the most common choices for accommodation in Hanoi, and prices begin from around $500 a month. A studio apartment in Hanoi is ideal for single travelers on a budget and normally includes a double bed, storage space, desk, and bathroom. There will be a countertop area you may refer to as a kitchen, and it will also normally include a rice cooker. Depending on the building, you may have to organize a water delivery, but your rent will include wifi and heating.
If you're traveling with your partner, a one-bedroom apartment might be ideal. Tower blocks are scattered all over the city, and prices can range from $600 to $1200.
Two-bedroom apartments
We have found that most expats won't rent a two-bedroom, but if you do, you can get a roommate to sublet the cost of the rent. We encourage you to consider this option only if you have two bathrooms for privacy and hygiene. Two-bedroom apartments in Hanoi range from $900 to $1600.
Houses
This type of accommodation is a favorite amongst the expat community in Hanoi, mainly because you get so much space for the rent, it's just important you like who else is living with you! Houses in Hanoi聽normally have three or four floors, and rent can be as low as $300 per month - perfect for a group to split costs.
Aside from your bedroom, everything else is shared, including the kitchen and cleaning facilities. There is normally one bathroom on each floor, and the laundry machines are typically found on the roof.
As Vietnam is a hot country, drying your laundry is done outside - you just need to plan your chores carefully during the rainy season. During the winter months in Hanoi, there are laundry services available to ensure clothes are dry and don't take a couple of days or get moldy.
It's worth mentioning that street-front properties are a little more expensive than what you'll find in the alleys. Hanoi is a labyrinth, and the wider the street is, the more economic value it boasts. Hence, street-front properties come with a higher price tag compared to an apartment that is down a side street. While you may pay on average $700 for an apartment off the main road, a street front will run closer to $900-1000. You'll also need to consider your physical fitness and mobility. While condominium apartments are located in tower blocks with elevators, most houses in Hanoi are built with stairs. Hiking up to the fifth floor several times a day is a workout in itself!
High-end apartments and condominiums
This is where you will begin splashing out the big bucks. Luxury commercial projects have been wowing Hanoi for the last decade or two, and there is no shortage of choice or clientele. A two-bedroom apartment in this range will begin at $800 a month but can soar into the thousands.
Villas and mansions
This is the most popular choice for diplomats, entrepreneurs, and the like. Prices begin from $1500 a month, and properties like this are normally situated on their grounds. Embellishments like swimming pools are standard, and smart technology complements most of the living spaces. It is rare for owners of properties like this to advertise themselves. Therefore, the best way聽迟辞听secure a villa or mansion in Hanoi聽is聽to contact a local real estate agent.
Popular districts in Hanoi
Well, determining what the best district is would depend on your personal preferences. However, finding something that meets your needs shouldn't be too difficult.
Hoan Kiem
If French architecture is your thing, Hoan Kiem is full of it. This is the city center of Hanoi, and one of its most loved assets is the Old Quarter. With cheap beer, cozy bars and nightclubs, street food, and gaudy performers, Hoan Kiem has it all.
Pros: Central location in the heart of town, lively.
Cons: Can be expensive to rent, and noisy.
West Lake (Tay Ho)
This district offers a cosmopolitan charm not found anywhere else in Hanoi. It is one of the most popular areas for foreigners to reside due to its central location, amenities, and environmental deal breakers. The 53-hectare lake should be enough to get you started. However, Tay Ho is also renowned for its dining, club culture, and naturally illuminated apartments. Living in this district is one of the pricier options.
Pros: Convenient location near bars, clubs, and restaurants, as well as stunning lakeside walks.
Cons: Saturated with expats, expensive.
Ba Dinh
If you've ever watched a documentary about the Vietnamese capital, you'll probably have seen snaps of this district already. Ba Dinh is home to some of Hanoi's most cherished cultural relics, including the Thanh Long Imperial Citadel, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Ba Dinh Square. The excessive supply of housing means that renting a property here is substantially cheaper than in West Lake or Hoan Kiem.
Pros: Abundance of history, moderately priced accommodation.
Cons: Little in the way of excitement.
Cau Giay
Many expats choose to live here because Cau Giay is home to many English language centers, both for full-time students and part-time evening/weekend tutoring, in Hanoi. There are countless high-rise buildings in this district, and it is conveniently situated right next door to West Lake. The downside is that congestion is terrible in Cau Giay due to the many office buildings.
Pros: Cheap options for accommodation close to the West Lake district.
Cons: Very noisy, lots of congestion.
Dong Da
This is the preferred choice of international students as many of Hanoi's top universities are dotted throughout this district. Student dorms in Hanoi are extremely affordable, and the Temple of Literature is within walking distance of all educational institutions.
Pros: Affordable accommodation, close to all major educational institutions, plenty of free attractions.
Cons: Nightlife activities are limited.
Other notable neighborhoods
We wanted to give a nod to these developing areas - they are slightly further from the city center but might provide the amenities and comfort you're seeking in your new home.
Royal City: With its luxurious apartments, high-end shopping mall, and numerous leisure facilities, Royal City offers a sophisticated urban lifestyle only twenty-five minutes away from the Old Quarter.
Ecopark: Surrounded by lush greenery and featuring eco-friendly living spaces, Ecopark provides a tranquil environment and a strong sense of community just outside the bustling city. This is a great neighborhood for families or singles with dogs.
Mandarin Garden: Known for its elegant architecture and comprehensive amenities, here you'll find modern living with a touch of opulence, making it an attractive choice for couples and families.
Times City: Times City offers a vibrant and convenient lifestyle with its integrated residential and commercial spaces, featuring a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, including an underground bowling alley.
Nam T峄� Li锚m: This is a popular district for Korean expats and is similar to District 7 in Ho Chi Minh City. You'll be excited to walk amongst abundant green spaces, have access to excellent schools, and enjoy delicious Bingsu on those sweltering summer nights.
Renting accommodation in Hanoi
As with any transaction of this nature, one of the most important things to remember is to keep your wits about you. If anything appears less than what's acceptable to you, try to buy yourself some time and think twice before handing over any money. In addition to this, be sure to take a thorough look at the property before you sign any rental contracts and pay anything.
A traditional lease contract will include a one-year term with a one or two-month deposit. The lease is legally meant to be in Vietnamese and English. Rent will include payment for the property, a management fee, and paying for air conditioning/hydro. To cancel a lease, you must provide at least 60 days' notice for a two-month deposit or 30 days' notice for a one-month deposit.
As a general rule of thumb, the further away the property is from the city center, the cheaper it will be. Of course, there are always exceptions.
Learning a few Vietnamese customs will also be useful. For example, it is common to remove your shoes before stepping inside a property in Vietnam. It is also common for Vietnamese people to park their motorbikes just inside the property. This is largely for security, and your landlord will probably advise you to follow suit. Remember, when in Rome, do as the Romans do!
Enjoy your stay in Hanoi
We truly hope the process of finding your dream accommodation in Hanoi is stress-free, and if you need any other information, don't forget that expat.com is packed full of information regarding networking, transportation, and how to open a bank account.
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We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
