This page is intended to provide those planning to move to Hanoi with relevant information on living and coping with many aspects of life in this unique city from the expat perspective.

Hanoi
Area: 3.344 sq. km
Population: 6.230.000 habitants (2008).
Districts: Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Dong Da, Hai BaTrung, Tay Ho, Thanh Xuan, Cau Giay, Long Bien, Hoang Mai, Ha Dong.
Rural districts: Ba Vi, Chuong My, Dan Phuong, Dong Anh, Gia Lam, Hoai Duc, Me Linh, My Duc, Phu Xuyen, Phuc Tho, Quoc Oai, Soc Son,  Thach That, Thanh Oai, Thanh Tri, Thuong Tin,Tu Liem, Ung Hoa.
Towns: Son Tay
Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Hoa.

The capital city of Vietnam is located on the right bank of the Red River some 1760 km north of Ho Chi Minh City. It has a lot to offer to its visitors and residents alike and you will discover green spaces and beautiful lakes such as Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, and Truc Bach Lake with in the city.From the narrow streets of the old quarter to the many lakes dotting the city, Hanoi is charming and unique. Women wearing conical hats toting double baskets laden with fresh fruit or flowers, men on bicycles selling shoe laces and polish, sidewalk stalls with grilled meats and soup, all while modern stores and conveniences sprout quickly up around them. Hanoians are accommodating, curious, and often eager to help. A surprising number of people speak some English and call out "Hello!" to passersby.

Though Hanoi is a bustling city hurtling from third world status towards modernization, it is fairly safe and accessible, friendly and easy to move around in. Extremely livable, fascinating and genuine are how most expatriates describe their Hanoi living experiences. 

The cultural life in Hanoi is very interesting. Many of the well-known Vietnamese painters, musicians and writers have been trained in the best schools of Hanoi.There are many housing options in Hanoi from gated-communities to old French villas, from serviced apartments to Vietnamese houses. More and more, everything you'll need for living, household use, and school items are widely available. Supermarkets and shops stock many European and western products; art and school supplies are inexpensive and readily available. Satellite television, Internet access, and entertainment options abound. There are bowling alleys, arcades, many parks, and a water park. Fitness clubs, tennis courts, and swimming pools are convenient and music and sporting lessons are easy to arrange. Also, many cultural and arts events from symphony orchestra and ballet to the circus and water puppets bring a dynamism to city life.

The Hanoi economy is improving rapidly. In addition to the flourishing tourism, the city is confident that its other industries will continue to develop. Factories are sprouting like mushrooms around the city along with many local arts and crafts businesses. Commerce is expanding and new shops are opening everyday, such as bar and restaurants, decoration and souvenir stores and phone shops.

The most attractive place of Hanoi is its centre, around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. For a quieter lifestyle you may also be interested in the residential area near Ho Tay Lake which is much favoured by the expatriate community.