Where do foreigners live & stay on tour in Hanoi?

Hanoi has many different areas. Many people may wonder where they should live.

Let’s take a moment to think about what to consider when deciding where to live. For example, points that are important to different people will vary, such as rent, transportation, public safety, shopping, and how they enjoy their vacation.

In this article, I would like to introduce the characteristics of each area based on the points to note and the test points that I introduced earlier in [Living in Hanoi] Points to consider when choosing a rental house.

Recommended Regions

Hanoi View

There are many benefits to living in a central location. There are many new shops and events, convenient shopping and dining, easy access to culture and art.

I will introduce what is now called the central areas of Hanoi, please take a look.

Ba Dinh District

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from afar

Ba Dinh district is home to the tomb of Ho Chi Minh, a Vietnamese revolutionary and politician. It is also home to many historical buildings and tourist attractions, including Hanoi’s iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the National Assembly of Vietnam, and the Vietnam Military Museum.

It is located in the center of Hanoi, so the transportation is very convenient. On the other hand, it is prone to traffic congestion but can easily reach Hanoi Railway Station, Hanoi Central Station, and Noi Bai International Airport, Vietnam’s main airport.

The area is also safe and easy to live in. There are a lot of foreigners living here, a lot of people speak English, which gives an international feel.

Ba Dinh District is home to the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh, built in 1975 to honor the achievements of Vietnam’s national hero, Ho Chi Minh. 

Cau Giay District

The modernity of Cau Giay

Cau Giay was heavily damaged by bombs and shells by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, but it was rebuilt after the war and is now one of Hanoi’s most vibrant areas. There are many condominiums that have large shopping malls attached to them. In addition, urban development has become vibrant in recent years, and many Japanese companies, including IT companies, have expanded in recent years.

Since the business district is interspersed with residential areas, there are also plenty of parks and green spaces, making it a great place to go for a walk or jog. In particular, walking with children is recommended, and the roller skating rink in the park has skates and roller skates for rent, so you can enjoy the park 

Cau Giay is an academic city that is home to universities such as Hanoi University and Vietnam University of Science and Technology, making it a popular residential area in Vietnam because it is easily accessible from the center of Hanoi and has a good living environment. There is also a Japanese school in the neighboring Nam Triem district to the west, making it a popular area for many families.

Hoan Kiem District

A close look of Turtle Tower

Hoan Kiem Lake is believed to have been created when the Red River overflowed its banks. This area is often referred to as the Old Town, where financial institutions, administrative offices, embassies, tourist attractions, etc. are located.

This is a symbol of Hanoi Lake located in the center of the city and also a place for Hanoi people to gather and relax throughout the day. The area is about 13 hectares and the circumference is about 2 km. There is a promenade and around the lake you can see historical buildings such as Hoan Kiem Pagoda, a pagoda on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake with a giant turtle statue, Hoan Kiem Pagoda and Hanoi Cathedral. It is lined with things, parks, restaurants, shops, etc.

Hoan Kiem Lake is known as a scenic spot in Hanoi and is loved by locals and tourists alike. There are many ways to enjoy the lake such as walking around the lake, boating, drinking tea and eating.

The “Hanoi Cathedral" in the picture above has a high vaulted ceiling and a majestic atmosphere. This church was built in 1868 during the French colonial period on the site of a Buddhist temple, then renovated in the current neo-Gothic style.

As you can see, this area has more hotels than local apartments or serviced apartments because of its proximity to tourist attractions. Although it is a very convenient area, there are many properties with higher rental prices than other areas.

The road around Hoan Kiem Lake becomes a walking paradise from Friday night to Sunday night, so the surrounding roads are full of many vehicles and passers-by. Despite the festive atmosphere, traffic jams often occur in this area.

The Hoan Kiem area has a lot of attractions, so it may be recommended to use it as a place to hang out for a walk on holidays.

Hai Ba Trung District

Hai Ba Trung

The origin of the word Hai Ba Trung is two (two) Trung (sisters), and she is a respectful title for women. The name comes from the brave sisters who stood up to defend their homeland, and a shrine to them is still in the ward.

Hai Ba Trung District is also an educational center with universities and high schools such as Hanoi University of Foreign Languages and Vietnam University of Science and Technology.

It has a downtown atmosphere and you can feel the typical relaxing time of Hanoi.

I want to live like a local! If so, we recommend you to go to Cho Day in Hai Ba Trung District.

It sells a wide range of products, including fresh food, clothing, and other goods. Business hours are from 7am to about 6:30 p.m., but clothing and grocery stores usually close before evening, so if you’re looking for something, make sure you have plenty of time.

Dong Da District

Hoang Cau Lake in Dong Da

This is the area where Hanoi Railway Station of Vietnam Railways is located. Hanoi Railway Station is a very important station because it is the departure point and destination of the North-South United Railway connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi and Sapa, a mountainous area inhabited by many ethnic minorities.

Hanoi Railway Station, which is full of the spirit of tourists, is also famous as a tourist destination. I myself like the unique melancholy atmosphere and have visited it many times, and although it would be easier to get to another station, I even took the train from Hanoi station.

The Hanoi urban area started construction in 2011. There are a total of 12 stations, from the station in Dong Da district to the station in the Southwest. Currently, most of the construction work on Line 2A, has been completed and has begun commissioning. Hanoi metro planning has a total of 10 lines, with a total length of 13.1km, of which 2 lines are under construction.

In addition, there is a plan for routes (Line 2 and Line 6) connecting Noi Bai International Airport and the city.

Even in areas that take more than 30 minutes to travel into the center of Hanoi due to traffic congestion, once the subway opens, it is possible to reach Cat Linh station in about 10 minutes, which is expected to improve convenience in all areas. once.

Hanoi still retains the beautiful old days. I feel like times are changing and I feel lonely, but the pace of growth is amazing. Of course, once this area opens, land values and rents will increase so prices are expected to increase in the future. You may still have the opportunity to get a contract at a reasonable price.

Tay Ho District

Afternoon on West Lake

The West Lake area is a quiet area facing the lake, with many high-rise apartments and luxury hotels along the lake, and many foreigners and rich people live. There are also many facilities such as luxury hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. It is also popular with tourists because it is easily accessible from Noi Bai International Airport.

In particular, the area east of the lake is an area where many Westerners and Americans live, so there are very few restaurants and cafes that give this area a Vietnamese feel, making this place an area with a strange feeling.
It is also a very convenient area where English is relatively easy to communicate at convenience stores and restaurants.

Everything in West Lake has a high-end feel, but if you go into the alleys, there will be serviced apartments and local apartments, so you can live in a trendy, high-end town at a low price.

In addition, the area is home to many Vietnamese government officials and embassy officials from various countries, making it a safe and secure location. At night, there are many stylish bars overlooking the lake and the very lively shops around the lake are also full of Western people. This is also a date spot for Vietnamese people, so you can often see many couples enjoying the lake view.

Tay Ho District is a very romantic and quiet area, and it is the area that I personally recommend the most.

There are large residences that are suitable for families, and this area is recommended for a wide range of people, from single women to families.

Conclusion

In conclusion, staying in various locations around Hanoi offers foreign tourists a diverse and enriching experience. The city’s dynamic blend of traditional and modern elements ensures that there is something for everyone. Areas like the Old Quarter provide a glimpse into Hanoi’s rich history and vibrant street life, with its bustling markets and ancient architecture. Meanwhile, the French Quarter offers a more refined ambiance with its colonial buildings, upscale restaurants, and wide boulevards. For a more tranquil stay, the West Lake area presents scenic beauty and a serene environment. Each district in Hanoi has its unique charm and attractions, catering to different tastes and preferences. Overall, the city’s hospitality, combined with its cultural and historical significance, makes Hanoi a captivating destination for international travelers. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Hanoi’s diverse neighborhoods ensure a memorable visit.

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