That is my digital nomad information to residing in Hanoi. Vietnam’s capital metropolis is a unbelievable location for distant staff to think about calling their home base. It presents the proper mixture of devoted coworking spaces, tradition, and social enjoyable; working remotely in Hanoi has many advantages and I’m completely happy to share them with you right here.
I lately spent a month as a Hanoi digital nomad and liked my time there. There’s a pulsating beat to this capital city that makes it an enthralling and motivating place to work from. There are many patches of tranquility too, and in my digital nomad information to Hanoi, I’ll define all of it.
About Hanoi
Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and second most populous city behind Ho Chi Minh City. Located within the north of the nation it has a inhabitants of just below 8.5 million people.
A preferred vacationer vacation spot, Hanoi welcomes millions of visitors annually. It’s also known as the ‘Paris of the East‘ because of the French affect discovered woven all through the town. There are over a dozen lakes, many cute European-esque streets, and 1000’s of French colonial-era buildings.
Many important cultural sights add to Hanoi’s attraction as a must-visit vacation spot. The Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace, and the Grand Opera House, in addition to 9 excellent museums, are only a few examples of the various nice methods to fill your free time.
Digital Nomad in Hanoi: Private Expertise
Dwelling in Hanoi as a digital nomad for a month was a enjoyable expertise. It gave me loads of time to discover the town, check out a number of completely different coworking spots, and discover slightly additional afield.
The numerous digital nomad scene in Hanoi lends itself to many nice facilities that distant staff can reap the benefits of. Being a hub for tourism, English is sort of extensively understood if not at all times spoken, making for a simple day-to-day working life.
It’s refreshing to have entry to WiFi just about in every single place and I like the combination of tradition and the social atmosphere that Hanoi presents. The overall cost of living additionally signifies that a great work/ life balance is less complicated to achieve than in most different locations I’ve visited (extra on this later).
Is Hanoi Protected?
When contemplating a brand new vacation spot to name house, security is probably going one of many first issues to overview. I at all times felt very protected in Hanoi, even at night time and in some very chaotic and crowded areas. Generally, it’s thought of a safe place to visit with low crime rates throughout the board.
Like wherever, particularly in large cities, it’s advisable to take precautions with private belongings and to at all times concentrate on your environment. Making use of primary frequent sense when out and about ought to mitigate any security issues.
Guests ought to be conscious that the roads in Hanoi may be fairly loopy. Site visitors and freeway laws are seemingly left as much as interpretation. Be very cautious when crossing roads, even when the pedestrian inexperienced mild is on – this counts for little or no in Vietnam!
Greatest Areas to Stay in Hanoi
Hanoi is split into 12 urban districts with the assorted neighborhoods providing completely different levels of consolation, comfort, and coworking alternatives. Listed below are my high 5 areas to base your self as a digital nomad residing in Hanoi.
1. Hoan Kiem District
For those who’re a digital nomad in search of the proper mix of historical past, tradition, and trendy facilities in Hanoi, look no additional than the Hoan Kiem District. The realm additionally identified by the moniker of ‘The Old Quarter’ has an attractive allure that pulls locals, vacationers, and digital nomads alike.
The maze-like streets, centuries-old temples, and bustling markets combine seamlessly with a choice of trendy amenities and locations to base your self for a day of distant work. The Hoan Kiem District is the beating coronary heart of Hanoi and an thrilling if considerably chaotic place to dwell.
2. Oceanpark – Gia Lam
9 miles east of central Hanoi is a contemporary resort-style growth that feels very far faraway from the bustling streets of the Previous Quarter. Ocean Park is a novel expertise, to say the least. Highrise condo blocks, 3-storey townhouses, limitless eating places, espresso retailers, and mini-marts are all constructed round an enormous man-made lake and seashore.
The white sandy seashore, the primary I’ve ever seen with a turnstile entry, is sort of spectacular and offers the entire space a tranquil vibe that you simply received’t discover in central Hanoi. There are common buses to and from the town or a taxi/Grab prices round $4-$5. Dwelling right here you’ll definitely expertise a special aspect of Hanoi.
3. Ba Dinh
Transferring again to a extra central location, the Ba Dinh District is the place to see wonderful examples of French colonial structure and leafy tree-lined streets. Though it maintains slightly of the town’s energetic ambiance, Ba Dinh presents a extra residential and peaceable setting.
In addition to some nice coworking spots and cafes, Ba Dinh is house to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and the Hanoi Botanical Gardens. With the large Ho Tay Lake on the District’s northern edge, there’s additionally loads of pure magnificence to take pleasure in in Ba Dinh.
4. Ho Tay (West Lake)
Ho Tay, also referred to as West Lake, is an space constructed round Hanoi’s largest lake. There are lots of wonderful bars and eating places lining the water’s edge that cater to Western tastes and supply a slice of ‘again house’ for guests.
The scenic views of the water make it a really tranquil and calming atmosphere in comparison with the usually busy streets of Hanoi. Quite a few outside gyms, playgrounds, and fishing decks are to be discovered on the shores of the lake. A preferred ex-pat spot, Ho Tay is superb for assembly like-minded vacationers and fellow digital nomads.
5. Dong Da
The Dong Da District is taken into account the academic hub of Hanoi. It’s an space stuffed with youthful vitality, principally resulting from it being the house of quite a few universities and academic establishments. This vibe is additional enhanced by a wholesome variety of cafes, bookstores, and cultural websites.
Given its pupil nature, Dong Da presents some very inexpensive residing choices. Hire costs and the price of residing are typically decrease than in central districts. It’s an space that might be very interesting to budget-conscious distant staff who search a cushty but economical life-style.
Find out how to Discover Lodging in Hanoi
For those who’re planning to spend a major period of time in Hanoi, it’s vital to know the place to search for lodging and preserve prices down. Listed below are a number of of one of the best locations to look, and a few my high suggestions for saving cash.
1. Home Sitting. Utilizing websites like Trusted Housesitters has been a sport changer in my life as a digital nomad. You may alleviate all lodging prices by signing up with a house-sitting platform and securing some superb sits in Hanoi. Try my earlier article Top 10 Must-Have Skills For Being a Successful House Sitter for extra data.
2. Workaway. I’ve at all times had a smooth spot for Workaway, it’s how my nomadic life began a few years in the past. For those who can spare a number of hours every day to show some English, assist out at a hostel, or assist at a doggy daycare, for instance, you might be able to land free accommodation and meals to your keep in Hanoi.
3. Reserving.com. I like Booking.com just because most of their listings include free cancellation and may be booked with out pre-payment. It is a important useful resource when budgeting and planning long run. After 15 bookings you’ll obtain degree 3 Genius Membership standing which grants large reductions and quite a few different perks.
4. Airbnb. A lot of you’ll have used Airbnb earlier than so this one ought to be of no shock. However do you know many hosts supply big reductions on month-long stays? I’ve seen reductions as excessive as 40-50%! Additionally, by no means be afraid to ask a bunch for some low cost should you’re planning to remain some time, if the dates are free likelihood is they’ll be open to a deal.
Value of Dwelling in Hanoi
As large metropolitan cities go, many guests will discover the price of residing in Hanoi could be very agreeable. Right here’s a breakdown of some day-to-day monetary concerns.
Eating places and Groceries
Eating out and looking for groceries is an space the place guests from locations just like the US, the UK, and Australia will see some main financial savings. There are many avenue meals and conventional Vietnamese choices accessible costing as little as $2-$3pp. Even a 3-course meal in a high-end restaurant received’t break the financial institution at $10-$15pp.
I’ve at all times been within the behavior of cooking meals at house, and it’s refreshing to see costs for issues like bread, rice, rooster, eggs, and most fruit and veggies at round 40-50% cheaper than again within the UK. Throughout the board, grocery costs are constantly and significantly cheaper in Hanoi.
Lodging Prices
A serious pull for Hanoi and Vietnam generally for guests is the low value of lodging. Whether or not you’re planning a protracted Airbnb keep, or intend to hop round completely different resort rooms, many nice low-priced choices keep a degree of high quality and nice customer support.
For those who’re planning to remain in Hanoi on a long-term foundation, contemplate talking to an area letting agent. Central residences may be secured in and across the metropolis for wherever between $215 and $350 monthly. All utilities together with WiFi are available beneath $100/month on common.
My month in Hanoi was booked utilizing Airbnb and it value $550, for a one-bedroom trendy condo, with a gymnasium, entry to the seashore and a pool, and tons of native facilities. There are nice financial savings available once you e book for precisely 4 weeks or extra.
Transportation Prices in Hanoi
Discovering bus schedules or buses that stick with them is a process unto itself in Hanoi, however common public transport choices connecting the entire metropolis do exist and may be discovered with tickets costing as little as $0.30.
Grab is available and is a helpful app to obtain earlier than your journey. The South Asian equal to Uber presents protected, dependable, and tracked rides with the value proven beforehand. Quick rides value me round $1 and even my 30-minute trek into the town heart was beneath $6.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
I might strongly advise choosing up a Vietnamese SIM card while in Hanoi. Though WiFi is available in most locations, it simply makes issues a lot simpler should you can merely join by way of your knowledge when out and about.
There are quite a few large telecommunications corporations in Vietnam. Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobiphone are three of the most important. All supply vacationers SIMs with loads of knowledge – costs begin at round $5-$6 a month.
Head to an official outlet, there are many them in Hanoi and the workers are at all times fairly adept at organising non-Vietnamese talking guests with SIM playing cards there after which. Ensure you carry some type of identification with you akin to your passport.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Hanoi
Listed below are a number of of my high money-saving suggestions for Hanoi.
- Eat native. Conventional avenue meals distributors supply scrumptious meals for as little as $2pp.
- Keep in the course of the wet season. Lodging costs are identified to be considerably decrease in the course of the wet season (May to September). There’s a number of rain however the average temperature remains very high.
- Keep some time. There are large reductions for month-long stays when reserving with Airbnb. Don’t be afraid to ask for a reduction too, most hosts will doubtless contemplate it for a assured long-term reserving,
- Store native. Hanoi has many avenue markets that provide nice offers on every thing from clothes to groceries.
- Haggle. The Vietnamese famously like to haggle, particularly within the market, so don’t draw back from coming into right into a negotiation.
- Pleased hour. As a significant vacationer hub with a number of Western guests, many nice completely happy hours make the already fairly low-cost drinks even cheaper.
- Take pleasure in free sights. All of Hanoi’s lakes and pure magnificence in addition to the marvel of the Previous Quarter are free to discover. Different sights just like the Ho Chi Min Mausoleum advanced and the St. Joseph Cathedral are additionally free to enter.
- Seize Limitless. New customers of Grab are normally provided a free trial of the Limitless membership which provides much more financial savings to rides and meals deliveries.
Coworking Areas in Hanoi and WiFi Pace
There are a number of nice coworking areas for digital nomads to make the most of whereas in Hanoi. I discovered the costs to be very inexpensive and the amenities have been greater than ample for my wants.
Listed below are a number of of my favourite locations to think about basing your self for a brief (or lengthy) spell in Hanoi:
1. eSpace Coworking
For those who’re in search of a smooth {and professional} setup then head to eSpace. It has a contemporary vibe and an ideal ambiance that lends itself to a constructive office.
A wide range of snug seating choices and workspaces, wonderful WiFi, and entry to a pantry totally free tea and occasional made eSpace considered one of my favourite working areas in Vietnam. Scorching-desking costs begin at simply $80/month for twenty-four/7 utilization so it’s very inexpensive too.
2. Toon Trang Thi
If it’s extra of a day-to-day working atmosphere you’re after, contemplate Toon Trang Thi. It’s a cool coworking atmosphere in-built a powerful and historic French villa. It’s additionally ideally located for a lot of sights in Hanoi.
A day cross will set you again round $6 or 3-day entry is out there for $9. Ever vital espresso is included and welcoming workers are at all times readily available do you have to want any help. General, this can be a very snug and inexpensive base for getting a day’s work achieved.
3. The Studying Hub
One other easy-to-use, inexpensive, and environment friendly coworking area is The Learning Hub. It’s not the most important area, however has sufficient room for 25-30 individuals to work comfortably and I by no means noticed it fully full. It’s a cute setup that feels fairly homely and welcoming.
Costs begin at round $5/day and The Studying Hub workers are open to negotiating costs for longer stays do you have to want to prolong your time there. It’s an ideal choice for an off-the-cuff morning of labor with free tea, espresso, and water included.
Greatest Cafes to Work From in Hanoi
There’s an enormous cafe tradition scene in Hanoi, and occasional is a giant deal throughout Vietnam. Unsurprisingly, there are some nice laptop-friendly cafes to situate your self for distant work. Listed below are a few of my high picks:
- Hidden Gem Cafe: That is one very cool cafe. Unbelievable murals, distinctive paintings, and artifacts plus some attention-grabbing seating ideas ought to definitely get the inventive juices flowing. There’s additionally nice espresso and pleasant workers.
- Blackbird Coffee: A extra refined and polished working atmosphere that pulls an everyday variety of distant staff. Blackbird Coffee is a really inviting however small cafe set over two flooring that has a mild move of consumers and a heat and welcoming vibe.
- Highlands @ Ocean Park: A wild card nevertheless it’s the place I based mostly myself quite a few instances. Across the stunning man-made lake, tranquil turquoise lagoon, and white sandy seashores of Ocean Park are a few wonderful Highlands Coffee retailers. It solely prices round $5 or $6 for a taxi from the town heart and presents distinctive views and a peaceful setting in Hanoi.
Actions and Issues To Do in Hanoi
I definitely didn’t become a digital nomad to only sit in entrance of a laptop computer all day. Hanoi is likely one of the nice cities to discover and there are a ton of cool actions and issues to do when the working day is thru.
1. Go to Practice Avenue
For those who’ve ever Instagrammed Hanoi, likelihood is you’re conscious of Train Street. It’s a loopy and distinctive expertise that I extremely suggest. Many small cafes and bars line a skinny however very lengthy avenue by means of which the large Ho Chi Minh Metropolis-bound practice runs each few hours.
The huge sleeper trains, which take over 33 hours to succeed in their vacation spot cross by at full pace a couple of foot from the place you sit. If you wish to get the complete expertise I’d suggest tying it in with a meals tour, click here for more information.
2. Cruise and Keep In a single day in Ha Lengthy Bay
This journey exceeded my expectations. I had at all times needed to go to iconic Ha Long Bay and I’m so happy I opted for an in a single day keep reasonably than only a day journey. It’s about 3 hours from the Previous Quarter and my journey included decide up and drop off in a cushty coach.
The ship and cabin have been luxurious and the quantity of meals and occasions included was spectacular, to say the least. Cruising round Ha Lengthy Bay at sundown with a glass of wine is an expertise I’ll always remember. Click here to see the trip I booked.
3. Sightseeing Metropolis Tour
Hanoi is a giant metropolis and getting round to see all of the sights could be a tough process. So what higher strategy to view all of it than by Soviet-era military jeep? With my military helmet on, this was a enjoyable and funky strategy to traverse the town and included all the primary sights that I’d hoped to see.
Choose up and drop off have been included, as have been lunch and drinks at a rooftop bar. It was a half day of exploring with a really educated information. It’s an effective way to tick off every thing there’s to see in Hanoi. Click here to learn more.
4. Discover the Previous Quarter
The Old Quarter covers numerous sq. footage so placed on some cozy sneakers and get exploring. Take pleasure in being immersed in a few of Hanoi’s oldest and most chaotic streets.
There are such a lot of avenue meals stalls, cool bars, cafes, eating places, and markets to find. Reduce by means of the completely different alleys and don’t panic about getting slightly misplaced, the streets at all times appear to resolve themselves! Pub Street is a good spot to choose a bar that appears good and other people look ahead to hours.
5. Discover Tam Coc and the Hoa Lu & Mua Caves
Life in Hanoi could be a little loopy, however Vietnam has a few of the most unimaginable and tranquil countryside on this planet. Take a day journey from Hanoi to Tam Coc and uncover one other world of beautiful waterways, historical cities, unbelievable caves, conventional villages, and breathtaking surroundings.
It’s an exquisite expertise to sail after which cycle by means of a few of the most stunning locations I’ve ever seen. It looks like a world away from the town heart. There are a few wonderful day journeys from Hanoi however I extremely suggest the one I booked – click here to learn more.
Climate in Hanoi
Hanoi experiences a definite four-season local weather, with scorching and humid summers, cool and dry winters, and transitional intervals of spring and autumn.
Summer time, from Might to September, has very high temperatures that may typically be overbearing, and frequent heavy rainfall makes it a much less favorable time to go to because of the heat and humidity. In the course of the winter, from December to February, cooler temperatures and dry weather make Hanoi a way more snug place.
The perfect time to go to Hanoi is in the course of the transitional seasons of spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November). Throughout these intervals, the climate is mild and pleasant, with clear skies and comfy temperatures.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Hanoi
There are many positives about being a digital nomad in Hanoi however, as with wherever on this planet, there are additionally a number of negatives to pay attention to. Listed below are my high execs and cons to think about:
Professionals of Dwelling in Hanoi
- Nice local weather. For those who’re not a fan of the chilly, Hanoi maintains pleasant average temperatures even in the course of the winter.
- Value of residing. Most guests to Hanoi will discover the cost of living considerably decrease than in their very own international locations.
- Coworking amenities. Hanoi is a hub for digital nomads and distant staff; there are lots of nice coworking choices to reap the benefits of.
- Cultural experiences. A number of cultural sights and spectacular day journeys can be found for guests to simply expertise.
- Culinary delights. From avenue meals stalls promoting conventional Vietnamese delicacies to high-end worldwide eating places, Hanoi has all of it.
- Bustling atmosphere. Hanoi is a big metropolitan metropolis, and as such, has a vibrant and electrical ambiance that many will discover motivating and endearing.
- Nice social scene. There are such a lot of nice bars and cafes throughout Hanoi, catering to locals and Westerners alike.
Cons of Dwelling in Hanoi
- The wet season. In the course of the rainy season (May to Septemeber) heavy downpours and even typhoons can have an effect on each day life in Hanoi. This time of 12 months additionally brings very high temperatures and high humidity.
- Chaotic visitors. One way or the other the roads simply appear to work in Hanoi, however heavy visitors and sometimes chaotic street techniques are fairly commonplace.
- Communication barrier. Though increasingly more Vietnamese individuals converse and perceive English there’ll typically be communication points to beat when conversing with locals.
- Cultural variations. Guests to Hanoi will expertise cultural variations, akin to utilizing chopsticks for meals and attentive service with workers standing close by as you determine what to eat, to call a pair.
Digital Nomad Visa for Hanoi
Vietnam doesn’t at present supply a devoted digital nomad visa. Entry circumstances and permitted lengths of keep rely in your nationality.
As an illustration, UK residents take pleasure in visa-free entry to Vietnam for as much as 45 days and may prolong their keep for as much as 90 days by applying online earlier than arrival or at designated entry factors. This coverage applies to residents of 12 other countries as effectively.
In the meantime, residents of the USA and Canada should receive a vacationer visa, which they will apply for online or at worldwide entry factors. Vacationer visas usually vary from 1 to three months and value between $25 and $50, relying on the period of keep and the variety of entries required.
In Conclusion
Hanoi is for sure one of many world’s nice cities. I rapidly understood why so many guests flock there yearly. I liked my time working remotely from Vietnam’s capital and would return in a heartbeat.
With so many coworking choices and amenities accessible to digital nomads, plus the additional advantage of an ideal cultural and social scene, it ticks all of the bins as a distant working location. Take pleasure in your time in Hanoi!
