I spent an unforgettable 5 months in Hanoi, Vietnam, and here's my take on what it's like as a digital nomad in this intriguing city.

First off, I was flying solo (no pets to worry about), and I decided to stay in Tay Ho, which seems to be the go-to area for foreigners. My one-bedroom apartment was cozy and perfect for my needs. The internet throughout Hanoi is pretty solid, and getting an unlimited SIM card for just $6 a month was a treat. Wherever you go, there are tons of cafes, and they quickly became my preferred workspaces.

Now, while I don't speak Vietnamese, communication wasn't a hurdle. Many young people speak English, and those who don't are still incredibly helpful. It's a language adventure, but not a barrier.

Ah, the weather. Hanoi has its quirks. Winters are grey and chillier than you'd expect (minus the snow), while summers can get sweltering. One downside, though, is the air pollution; it's pretty intense. You're looking at an AQI of 150-200 for most days — a bit of a bummer.

What to do, you ask? Besides indulging in countless cups of potent Vietnamese coffee (seriously, it's powerful), the street food is incredible and cheap — you can get delicious meals for around $1.50. A highlight for me was cycling or running the 17.5km around Tay Ho lake. It's a fantastic way to take in the city.

What really makes Hanoi stand out is its unique atmosphere. It's like a place where past and future collide: traditional charm infused with modern hustle. I'm not usually a fan of big cities, but Hanoi is infectious, and I find myself drawn back.

If you're looking for super affordability, you're in luck. Aside from rent, $10 a day can cover your needs if you're careful with spending — the food and prices are major perks!

A few downsides? The air pollution tops the list. It's also not the best for running or walking because of the chaos, and noise is a constant companion. You might find yourself woken by anything from a rooster to a spontaneous street karaoke session.

If you love cheap, vibrant places with a distinctive vibe, Hanoi could be for you. Its cycling scene is daring but thrilling. However, it's not the place for those seeking tranquility or a big nomad community. Most expats are English teachers, but it's pretty easy to make friends.

In the end, Hanoi is a unique blend of old and new, chaos and charm — worth a visit if you're up for a real urban adventure. Just watch out for those balloons! 🎈

Two weeks in Hanoi. Really enjoyed the city. Besides, the pollution, a nice charming city. Great access to all the tourist destinations in the north Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sa Pa. WiFi is excellent. Food is excellent. People are friendly. Not a nightlife person or coworking space but it's available. Cafes are everywhere and yes egg coffee is amazing. Definitely recommend.

The most vietnamese city in Vietnam. The Old Quarter and West Lake are the highlights. If you come, try the egg coffee. Be mindful Vietnam has cracked down on visas, and it is not as friendly to foreigners. I was able to relax after I received a 5-year spousal visa.

Hanoi feels more like a "large village" than a proper city. It's also what I call "unapologetically Vietnamese" given the way most places and shops are occupied and used by locals. English penetration isn't bad, but maybe because I speak Vietnamese I never had much of a problem in Hanoi. Prices for coffee, juice, smoothies, and food are insanely affordable. I wouldn't say the locals are "friendly to a fault" and mostly have left me alone.

Yes, the old town city center is dirty, garbage on the sidewalks and streets are a common sight. Traffic is chaotic but I never found it a nightmare, no worse than other SE Asian cities I've been to. I wasn't really prepared nor never liked how "cash only" heavy Hanoi is, even higher end cocktail lounges don't accept cards.

I do not like Hanoi. I would not recommend it. I would rather go to Mexico city (cleaner and easier to get around). The driving situation is bizarre and scary. Gab app only works with cash, and honestly, most things only work with cash. The streets are dirty and disorganized. People barely speak English here (I found more english speakers in Da Nang, Vietnam). I tried to stay in Truc Bach and it was so dirty and loud that i left to West lake (which is supposed to be one of the nice area). It is a bit cleaner but still, the air quality is horrendous in this city. The internet is okay, its functional but not great. I am not a fan of the people either, so far they have scammed me and deceived me. The people in Da Nang, Vietnam are much nicer and friendly. Honestly, i would not waste a ticket or money on a long stay here. If you want to come to go to the famous attractions, cool. But i would not recommend staying here for a long time. Not a place for nomads based on my standards.

Cheep bear and party place. But only have 3-4 beautiful places to visit. I stayed 5 days and thanks! There are more beautiful places in Asia than Hanoi. I don´t think I come back. Good food and cheap but nothing more..

Could never tolerate this city beyond a couple of weeks. Always felt like an alien here because the locals are even more antisocial than southern and central Vietnamese. That is, unless they were trying to hassle me for free English lessons.

I lived in Hanoi for 3 full months and I really loved it.

Hanoi has a big foreigner district called 'Tay Ho'. If what you are looking for is somewhat foreigner(English) friendly, the spot is yours. However I preferred to stay in the Japanese area that was full of good sushi.

The charm of the city comes from the people. Vietnamese are aggressively kind and way too friendly.

I even rented a piano from a local shop, placed it at home and played it. Took private Muythai lesson from a local gym where the instructor speak no single word of English. Had beautifully tasted egg coffee from a local coffee shop and delicious bun-cha, pho and bahn mi. Went to a local market to buy fruits and veggies. Had beers and hookah in the old quarter. Made a best friend with piano teacher and my bf's barber(!).

Hanoi is the city that wonderful things happen :)

Terrible place. Don't go!

I jest. I loved my three weeks in Hanoi. Going to beer street and drinking 50 cent beer while munching on spring rolls with beautiful locals. The interesting architecture which is infinitely more beautiful than Saigon, which is an ugly city in comparison. Hanoi just has this vibe that you're actually in a foreign country. The old town is great, the prices are great, the food is great. It's a wonderful place. The downsides are the air quality and the enforced curfew for bars. The cops come out and shut down all the bars at midnight. But that doesn't mean the party stops. Everyone just goes to the underground parties after that. I think Hanoi is a great place and you all shouldn't go there.

Hanoi is great, it's bursting with culture, tasty food and beautiful people. I lived here for almost 3 months and loved it. Summer is really hot and air quality is bad so check what time of year you go! Make sure you hit up Sapa - get the overnight train, also Ninh Binh is perfect for a weekend trip!

My wife and I have been living in Hanoi now for over five months. After having lived in Japan for nine years, KOREA for four months, Kunming, China for four months and Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia for two months each we’ve decided that Hanoi is our favorite city of all (when factoring in cost of living—and probably regardless of cost-of-living). I don’t agree with the current traffic safety assessment. I walk everyday all

Over the city—on average, 10 miles a day and in every direction. I’ve personally witnessed six or seven motorcycle accidents and been hit from behind by a motorcycle while walking, sustaining painful injuries requiring months to heal. I have had direct contact with three other people involved in motorcycle accidents. Love the city and still walk every day, but safe...NO.

Meanwhile, I do agree with most of the cost factors I see listed. What amazes me is the assessment that there is “bad nightlife” here???! What?? If all you’re looking for is a place to get drunk and pick up women, maybe. But what I love most about the city is that nightlife is evident in every neighborhood, coffee shop, cafe and on every sidewalk every evening. People are out relaxing, eating, drinking and socializing everywhere I go every night, and in every neighborhood—not just in the “entertainment districts”—which almost always bore me, anyway. So I guess it depends on what kind of traveler you are.

Further, this city is resplendent with interesting architecture, historical buildings and monuments, temples, lakes and the rivers, and has a fantastic international community. I’m Caucasian but have interacted frequently with people of all races, and most frequently with the local Vietnamese community. While unfortunately it does seem that Hanoi is not freer of racism than New York, London, Tokyo, Sao Palo, or any other major city in the world I certainly feel that is less racist than many places—just my personal perception. I’ve only spoken with one person in five months (a beautiful Indian woman) who talked about feeling discriminated against, and that was in reference to getting an English teaching job. Yes, it does seem that a white face, even with non-native English, can get hired as an English teacher far more easily than an Asian or person of other racial heritage, even if that person speaks English almost like a native—as this woman did.

Ultimately I can only go by my own experience. People have been kind, mostly extremely honest, helpful and friendly and it is the Hanoians themselves who have been mostly responsible for my love affair with this city. The delicious coffee and food and interesting places to walk with no fear of being attacked, accosted or robbed have only helped. Now, if they’d just do something about the air pollution—second worst in Asia by many accounts.