Formerly known as Thang Long, Vietnam's present capital city was renamed Hanoi in 1831. This enchanting, traditional city is bounteous with juxtapositions and tends to be either loved or hated by its many visitors. Old meet new in many areas, thanks to a spellbinding mixture of colonialist architecture and modern innovations. The pace of life seems to approach Mach 2 at times, but on the flip side, every street is lined with greenery and garnished with a medley of locals enjoying tea and sidewalk chess matches.
Choosing your neighborhood in Hanoi
There is something in this city for everyone. Whether you are starting a business, embarking on a university course, or traveling on a tourist visa, Hanoi has you covered. Although motorbikes are one of the fastest ways of commuting between the multitudes of neighborhoods, the infrastructure of public transportation in Hanoi hopes to catch up to public demand. Below are some of the most well-known areas of Hanoi to sink your teeth into.
Hoàn Kiếm
This could rightly be described as the historical and cultural soul of Hanoi. Distinguished by masses of French colonial architecture, the Hoàn Kiếm district is home to Hanoi's Old Quarter, a rich entourage of enticing restaurants, attractions, and more. Property here is amongst the most expensive in the city due to its proximity to all the most important amenities. Hoàn Kiếm is undoubtedly one of the most action-packed areas of the city and is not recommended for expats with young children.
Tây Hồ
Predominantly regarded as the home of the expat community, it isn't hard to understand why. Stunning views of the lake bless many a breakfast table and an assortment of air-conditioned workspaces, and quiet coffee shops are never more than a five-minute drive away, making it a great place to live in. This is the most expensive part of Hanoi, with some of the more stylish apartments or developed housing. It is a very secure neighborhood, perfect for entrepreneurs and international school teachers.
Ba Đình
Another neighborhood famed for its vast selection of French architecture, Ba Đình is also the proud home of many of Hanoi's top attractions. The Military Museum, the Old Citadel, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum are some of the most noteworthy. Ba Đình is much quieter and less popular than Hoan Kiem and Tay Ho, yet it is perfectly positioned within a close range of attractions and amenities. It is ideal for an older couple or someone interested in getting away from the traffic. It's important to note that most embassies are situated in this district, too.
Đống Đa
Comprising of mostly middle-class neighborhoods, Đống Đa is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city center. One of the original four Hanoian districts and right next door to Ba Đình, Đống Đa is littered with street food vendors who serve up a terrific selection of local and foreign dishes. The Hanoi Medical University and the Foreign Trade University are located here, as well as several others. However, finding budget accommodation in this district will be challenging.
Tips for choosing accommodation in Hanoi
This article has only briefly discussed some of the most popular areas of Hanoi, and these are the ones situated closest to the city center. Before making your decision, be sure to think about connectivity, as you may need to access certain places regularly. Safety is a crucial element if you are coming here with family, or perhaps you are searching for peace and quiet outside the hustle and bustle. If you are moving to Hanoi to study, remember that most of the universities in Hanoi are located in the Đống Đa, Ba Đình and Thanh Xuân districts. Happy hunting!
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