Historic, beautiful, and full of charm. Phrases like this 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.
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 “Uncle Ho”, it's no wonder Hanoi attracted 7 million foreign tourists in 2019. This city is as historic as it is hospitable and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is simply the beginning. This beautiful city is characterised by tree-lined streets and is home to almost 5 million people. Motorbikes dictate the code of the road here and the sheer amount generally contributes to the initial culture shock experienced by new visitors. They are literally everywhere!
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, dropping by for a few days, or have come to teach English, you will find something that suits your every desire. From lakeside penthouses to hidden studio apartments, Hanoi has it all. Throughout this article, we are going to discuss the numerous options available to you. Moreover, we will break down the benefits and drawbacks of each Hanoian neighbourhood.
Overview of accommodation in Hanoi
If you're heading to the Vietnamese capital for the first time, the best thing you can do is use an internationally recognised brand. 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 is applicable 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.
Booking, Airbnb, and so on…
Brands like Booking and Airbnb have been around for donkey's years and are recognised on a global scale. They have failsafe procedures, cancellation policies and a reviewing system. This has made them a favourite choice for travellers worldwide. If you don't know any locals in Hanoi who can help you with accommodation, using Booking or Airbnb is one of the wisest choices.
Booking.com is mostly associated with hotels and hostels; however, they do work with a number of private landlords too. Arranging longer-term accommodation through Booking will reduce your costs. 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 clearly visible. To avoid disappointment, try to find something that has had at least 100 reviews and maintains an average rating of above 7.
Airbnb is an online resource that connects homeowners with travellers who are searching for accommodation in that same locale. It is well-known in more than 100,000 cities across the globe and is trusted in nearly every country. Airbnb is the ideal marketplace if you're visiting a city for the first time. Renting long term will be cheaper and it's possible to find anything from shared housing to luxury accommodation. Airbnb also uses a system of reviewing, ensuring you feel completely at ease when selecting your accommodation.
If we may be so bold...Expat.com also advertises a number of properties in Hanoi. We have published listings for accommodation for rent and also for sale in most districts in Hanoi.
Vinhomes
This real estate developer is the largest in Vietnam and is a subsidiary of Vingroup. They typically deal with mid-range to luxury properties and are firmly established in all major cities in Vietnam. As a company, Vinhomes prides itself on quality. Many of their premium apartments are equipped with smart technology and their high standard of service contributes to their underlying principle and slogan, “Where happiness dwells”.
Once you're familiar with the city of Hanoi, Vinhomes would be an ideal choice for accommodation, especially if you're looking to spend a few months or even years living here.
Using local agents
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 a number of options. Be sure to check the reputability of any local agent before you pay a deposit of any kind. 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.
Private subletters in Hanoi
Subletting in Hanoi is extremely common and has practically created a new era of young, Vietnamese entrepreneurs. Most of them use social media groups to advertise their properties and it is via this method that you're likely to find great value for money. The downside is that should anything go pear-shaped, you will have little chance of retrieving your money. It is therefore prudent to be incredibly cautious and wait until you've lived here for a while before dabbling with private sub letters.
Accommodation choices for foreigners In Hanoi
If the truth be told, it's possible to find accommodation for less than $200 in Hanoi. However, this would mean sacrificing a number of comforts and also opting for the riskier option of a sublet. For upwards of $300, you'll be able to use international online platforms like Airbnb and will find something comfortable.
Studio or one-bedroom apartment
This is one of the most common choices for accommodation in Hanoi and prices begin from around $300 a month. A studio apartment in Hanoi is ideal for single travellers on a budget and normally includes a double bed, storage space, desk, kitchen and bathroom.
If you're travelling with your partner, a one-bedroom apartment might be more ideal. Tower blocks are scattered all over the city and prices can range from $300 if you're lucky to upwards of $700.
Houses in Hanoi
This type of accommodation is a favourite amongst the subletting community in Hanoi. Houses in Hanoi are normally three or four floors tall, but sometimes even more. Many westerners choose to reside in this type of property as it gives them the chance to interact with others, both foreign and local. While a single bedroom will cost as little as $200 a month, an entire house can be snapped up for between $400 and $600. This is perfect if you find a group of friends to share the costs with.
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 top floor. As Vietnam is a hot country, drying your laundry is done on the roof.
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. 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 own 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 of securing a villa or mansion in Hanoi would be to contact a local letting agent.
The best 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 centre 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, 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 and this is 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, 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 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 the many English centres 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 bad in Cau Giay due to the many office buildings.
Pros: Cheap options for accommodation close to West Lake district.
Cons: Very noisy, lots of congestion.
Dong Da
This is the preferred choice of foreign 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.
Final tips for 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 kosher, 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.
As a general rule of thumb, the further away the property is from the city centre, 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 you manage to find something suitable to accommodate you during your stay in Hanoi. This article is merely meant as a guide; however, if you require more information about the Vietnamese capital, we have produced several other posts. We cover everything from securing employment in Hanoi to opening a bank account. However, should you require further information, please don't hesitate to reach out.
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.
