That is my digital nomad information to dwelling in Hanoi. Vietnam’s capital metropolis is a implausible location for distant staff to contemplate calling their home base. It affords 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 not too long ago spent a month as a Hanoi digital nomad and beloved 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.
SEE ALSO: 10 Best Places in Vietnam for Digital Nomads
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 sometimes called the ‘Paris of the East‘ as a result of French affect discovered woven all through 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 numerous nice methods to fill your free time.
Digital Nomad in Hanoi: Private Expertise
Residing in Hanoi as a digital nomad for a month was a enjoyable expertise. It gave me loads of time to discover town, check out a number of completely different coworking spots, and discover just a little additional afield.
The numerous digital nomad scene in Hanoi lends itself to many nice facilities that distant staff can make the most of. Being a hub for tourism, English is sort of extensively understood if not at all times spoken, making for an easy day-to-day working life.
It’s refreshing to have entry to WiFi just about in all places and I really like the combo of tradition and the social atmosphere that Hanoi affords. The final cost of living additionally implies that an excellent work/ life balance is less complicated to realize than in most different locations I’ve visited (extra on this later).
Is Hanoi Secure?
When contemplating a brand new vacation spot to name dwelling, security is probably going one of many first issues to assessment. I at all times felt very secure in Hanoi, even at evening and in some very chaotic and crowded areas. Usually, it’s thought of a safe place to visit with low crime rates throughout the board.
Like anyplace, particularly in large cities, it’s advisable to take precautions with private belongings and to at all times pay attention to your environment. Making use of fundamental frequent sense when out and about ought to mitigate any security issues.
Guests must be conscious that the roads in Hanoi might 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 gentle is on – this counts for little or no in Vietnam!
Finest Areas to Reside in Hanoi
Hanoi is split into 12 urban districts with the varied neighborhoods providing completely different levels of consolation, comfort, and coworking alternatives. Listed here are my high 5 areas to base your self as a digital nomad dwelling in Hanoi.
1. Hoan Kiem District
If you happen to’re a digital nomad looking for the proper mix of historical past, tradition, and trendy facilities in Hanoi, look no additional than the Hoan Kiem District. The world additionally identified by the moniker of ‘The Old Quarter’ has an attractive attraction that draws locals, vacationers, and digital nomads alike.
The maze-like streets, centuries-old temples, and bustling markets combine seamlessly with a choice of trendy services 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 stay.
2. Oceanpark – Gia Lam
9 miles east of central Hanoi is a contemporary resort-style improvement that feels very far faraway from the bustling streets of the Previous Quarter. Ocean Park is a novel expertise, to say the least. Highrise residence blocks, 3-storey townhouses, infinite eating places, espresso outlets, and mini-marts are all constructed round an enormous man-made lake and seaside.
The white sandy seaside, the primary I’ve ever seen with a turnstile entry, is sort of spectacular and provides the entire space a tranquil vibe that you simply gained’t discover in central Hanoi. There are common buses to and from town or a taxi/Grab prices round $4-$5. Residing right here you’ll definitely expertise a unique 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 just a little of town’s full of life environment, Ba Dinh affords a extra residential and peaceable setting.
In addition to some nice coworking spots and cafes, Ba Dinh is dwelling to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and the Hanoi Botanical Gardens. With the massive Ho Tay Lake on the District’s northern edge, there’s additionally loads of pure magnificence to get pleasure from in Ba Dinh.
4. Ho Tay (West Lake)
Ho Tay, often known as West Lake, is an space constructed round Hanoi’s largest lake. There are a lot of wonderful bars and eating places lining the water’s edge that cater to Western tastes and provide a slice of ‘again dwelling’ 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 out of doors gyms, playgrounds, and fishing decks are to be discovered on the shores of the lake. A preferred ex-pat spot, Ho Tay is great for assembly like-minded vacationers and fellow digital nomads.
5. Dong Da
The Dong Da District is taken into account the tutorial hub of Hanoi. It’s an space full of youthful vitality, largely attributable to 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 scholar nature, Dong Da affords some very reasonably priced dwelling choices. Hire costs and the price of dwelling are usually 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.
How you can Discover Lodging in Hanoi
If you happen to’re planning to spend a big period of time in Hanoi, it’s essential to know the place to search for lodging and learn how to preserve prices down. Listed here are a number of of the perfect locations to look, and a few my high suggestions for saving cash.
1. Home Sitting. Utilizing websites like Trusted Housesitters has been a recreation changer in my life as a digital nomad. You possibly can alleviate all lodging prices by signing up with a house-sitting platform and securing some superb sits in Hanoi. Take a look at 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 comfortable spot for Workaway, it’s how my nomadic life began a few years in the past. If you happen to can spare a number of hours every day to show some English, assist out at a hostel, or help at a doggy daycare, for instance, you might be able to land free accommodation and meals on your keep in Hanoi.
3. Reserving.com. I really like Booking.com just because most of their listings include free cancellation and might be booked with out pre-payment. It is a important useful resource when budgeting and planning long run. After 15 bookings you’ll obtain stage 3 Genius Membership standing which grants large reductions and quite a few different perks.
4. Airbnb. Lots of you’ll have used Airbnb earlier than so this one must be of no shock. However do you know many hosts provide 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 in case you’re planning to remain some time, if the dates are free chances are high they’ll be open to a deal.
SEE ALSO: How to Become a House Sitter in Vietnam
Price of Residing in Hanoi
As large metropolitan cities go, many guests will discover the price of dwelling in Hanoi may 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 road meals and conventional Vietnamese choices accessible costing as little as $2-$3pp. Even a 3-course meal in a high-end restaurant gained’t break the financial institution at $10-$15pp.
I’ve at all times been within the behavior of cooking meals at dwelling, 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 persistently and significantly cheaper in Hanoi.
Lodging Prices
A serious pull for Hanoi and Vietnam basically for guests is the low price of lodging. Whether or not you’re planning an extended Airbnb keep, or intend to hop round completely different resort rooms, many nice low-priced choices preserve a stage of high quality and nice customer support.
If you happen to’re planning to remain in Hanoi on a long-term foundation, contemplate talking to an area letting agent. Central flats might be secured in and across the metropolis for anyplace between $215 and $350 per 30 days. All utilities together with WiFi are available in underneath $100/month on common.
My month in Hanoi was booked utilizing Airbnb and it price $550, for a one-bedroom trendy residence, with a gymnasium, entry to the seaside and a pool, and tons of native facilities. There are nice financial savings available once you ebook for precisely 4 weeks or extra.
Transportation Prices in Hanoi
Discovering bus schedules or buses that persist with them is a process unto itself in Hanoi, however common public transport choices connecting the entire metropolis do exist and might 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 affords secure, dependable, and tracked rides with the value proven beforehand. Quick rides price me round $1 and even my 30-minute trek into town middle was underneath $6.
SIM Playing cards and Information
I might strongly advise selecting up a Vietnamese SIM card while in Hanoi. Though WiFi is available in most locations, it simply makes issues a lot simpler in case you can merely join through your information 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 provide vacationers SIMs with loads of information – costs begin at round $5-$6 a month.
Head to an official outlet, there are many them in Hanoi and the employees are at all times fairly adept at establishing non-Vietnamese talking guests with SIM playing cards there after which. Ensure you convey some type of identification with you comparable to your passport.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Hanoi
Listed here are a number of of my high money-saving suggestions for Hanoi.
- Eat native. Conventional road meals distributors provide scrumptious meals for as little as $2pp.
- Keep throughout the wet season. Lodging costs are identified to be considerably decrease throughout 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 seemingly contemplate it for a assured long-term reserving,
- Store native. Hanoi has many road markets that provide nice offers on every little thing from clothes to groceries.
- Haggle. The Vietnamese famously like to haggle, particularly within the market, so don’t shrink back from coming into right into a negotiation.
- Glad hour. As a serious vacationer hub with a number of Western guests, many nice completely happy hours make the already fairly low-cost drinks even cheaper.
- Get pleasure from 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 often 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 reasonably priced and the services had been greater than ample for my wants.
Listed here are a number of of my favourite locations to contemplate basing your self for a brief (or lengthy) spell in Hanoi:
1. eSpace Coworking
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a modern {and professional} setup then head to eSpace. It has a contemporary vibe and an awesome ambiance that lends itself to a constructive office.
Quite a lot of comfy seating choices and workspaces, wonderful WiFi, and entry to a pantry without spending a dime tea and low made eSpace one in every of my favourite working places in Vietnam. Scorching-desking costs begin at simply $80/month for twenty-four/7 utilization so it’s very reasonably priced too.
2. Toon Trang Thi
If it’s extra of a day-to-day working atmosphere you might be after, contemplate Toon Trang Thi. It’s a cool coworking atmosphere inbuilt a powerful and historic French villa. It’s additionally ideally located for a lot of sights in Hanoi.
A day move will set you again round $6 or 3-day entry is out there for $9. Ever essential espresso is included and welcoming employees are at all times available do you have to want any help. Total, it is a very comfy and reasonably priced base for getting a day’s work finished.
3. The Studying Hub
One other easy-to-use, reasonably priced, and environment friendly coworking house is The Learning Hub. It’s not the most important house, however has sufficient room for 25-30 individuals to work comfortably and I by no means noticed it utterly full. It’s a cute setup that feels fairly homely and welcoming.
Costs begin at round $5/day and The Studying Hub employees are open to negotiating costs for longer stays do you have to want to lengthen your time there. It’s an awesome possibility for an informal morning of labor with free tea, espresso, and water included.
Finest Cafes to Work From in Hanoi
There’s an enormous cafe tradition scene in Hanoi, and low is an enormous deal throughout Vietnam. Unsurprisingly, there are some nice laptop-friendly cafes to situate your self for distant work. Listed here 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 employees.
- Blackbird Coffee: A extra refined and polished working atmosphere that draws a daily variety of distant staff. Blackbird Coffee is a really inviting however small cafe set over two flooring that has a delicate circulation of shoppers and a heat and welcoming vibe.
- Highlands @ Ocean Park: A wild card however it’s the place I primarily based myself quite a few occasions. Across the stunning man-made lake, tranquil turquoise lagoon, and white sandy seashores of Ocean Park are a few wonderful Highlands Coffee outlets. It solely prices round $5 or $6 for a taxi from town middle and affords distinctive views and a relaxed setting in Hanoi.
Actions and Issues To Do in Hanoi
I definitely didn’t become a digital nomad to simply 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 things to do when the working day is thru.
1. Go to Prepare Avenue
If you happen to’ve ever Instagrammed Hanoi, chances are high 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 road by which the massive Ho Chi Minh Metropolis-bound prepare runs each few hours.
The huge sleeper trains, which take over 33 hours to succeed in their vacation spot move by at full velocity a few 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 somewhat 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 had 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 an enormous metropolis and getting round to see all of the sights could be a tough process. So what higher method to view all of it than by Soviet-era military jeep? With my military helmet on, this was a enjoyable and funky method to traverse town and included all the primary sights that I’d hoped to see.
Choose up and drop off had been included, as had been lunch and drinks at a rooftop bar. It was a half day of exploring with a really educated information. It’s a good way to tick off every little thing there’s to see in Hanoi. Click here to learn more.
4. Discover the Previous Quarter
The Old Quarter covers various sq. footage so placed on some cozy footwear and get exploring. Get pleasure from being immersed in a few of Hanoi’s oldest and most chaotic streets.
There are such a lot of road meals stalls, cool bars, cafes, eating places, and markets to find. Minimize by the completely different alleys and don’t panic about getting just a little 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 the earth. Take a day journey from Hanoi to Tam Coc and uncover one other world of gorgeous waterways, historical cities, unbelievable caves, conventional villages, and breathtaking surroundings.
It’s an exquisite expertise to sail after which cycle by a few of the most stunning locations I’ve ever seen. It seems like a world away from town middle. There are a few wonderful day journeys from Hanoi however I extremely suggest the one I booked – click here to learn more.
SEE ALSO: 15 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
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 Could to September, has very high temperatures that may usually be overbearing, and frequent heavy rainfall makes it a much less favorable time to go to as a result of heat and humidity. Throughout the winter, from December to February, cooler temperatures and dry weather make Hanoi a way more comfy place.
The perfect time to go to Hanoi is throughout 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.
Execs and Cons of Residing in Hanoi
There are many positives about being a digital nomad in Hanoi however, as with anyplace on the earth, there are additionally a number of negatives to pay attention to. Listed here are my high professionals and cons to contemplate:
Execs of Residing in Hanoi
- Nice local weather. If you happen to’re not a fan of the chilly, Hanoi maintains pleasant average temperatures even throughout the winter.
- Price of dwelling. Most guests to Hanoi will discover the cost of living considerably decrease than in their very own international locations.
- Coworking services. Hanoi is a hub for digital nomads and distant staff; there are various nice coworking choices to make the most of.
- Cultural experiences. A lot of cultural sights and spectacular day journeys can be found for guests to simply expertise.
- Culinary delights. From road 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 environment 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 Residing in Hanoi
- The wet season. Throughout the rainy season (May to Septemeber) heavy downpours and even typhoons can have an effect on every day life in Hanoi. This time of 12 months additionally brings very high temperatures and high humidity.
- Chaotic site visitors. In some way the roads simply appear to work in Hanoi, however heavy site visitors and sometimes chaotic highway methods are fairly commonplace.
- Communication barrier. Though an increasing number of Vietnamese individuals converse and perceive English there’ll usually be communication points to beat when conversing with locals.
- Cultural variations. Guests to Hanoi will expertise cultural variations, comparable to utilizing chopsticks for meals and attentive service with employees standing close by as you determine what to eat, to call a pair.
Digital Nomad Visa for Hanoi
Vietnam doesn’t at the moment provide a devoted digital nomad visa. Entry situations and permitted lengths of keep rely in your nationality.
As an illustration, UK residents get pleasure from visa-free entry to Vietnam for as much as 45 days and may lengthen 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 acquire a vacationer visa, which they’ll apply for online or at worldwide entry factors. Vacationer visas sometimes vary from 1 to three months and price between $25 and $50, relying on the period of keep and the variety of entries required.
In Conclusion
Hanoi is surely one of many world’s nice cities. I shortly understood why so many guests flock there yearly. I beloved my time working remotely from Vietnam’s capital and would return in a heartbeat.
With so many coworking choices and services accessible to digital nomads, plus the additional advantage of an awesome cultural and social scene, it ticks all of the bins as a distant working location. Get pleasure from your time in Hanoi!
