Job Discussion Forums

asianbizarre · Joined: 12 Jun 2006 Posts: 16 Location: Saigon

I'll be relocating to Hanoi in the near future.
I'd like a private apt. with cable TV (BBC, CNN), small fridge, efficiency cooking. Easy to find? Deposit? Contract or month to month? What should I expect to pay per month? Good areas to look in?
Also, any particular pubs that are favored by the ESL teachers in town?
Thanks for the help.

kparsons · Joined: 30 Jun 2005 Posts: 63 Location: Hanoi, Vietnam

There are loads of apartments in Hanoi to suit your needs. You can find shared houses/apartments for pretty cheap -- anywhere from about $200/month. We have a private one bedroom which we pay $450/month for, but it's pretty nice and a bit different from most places.

I believe most places require you to sign a contract, but you can get out of them quite easily -- as long as you give 30 days notice. Where is more a question of your tastes. We live near school so we can walk. Many people live in the West Lake area, which is quite nice too. As you can imagine, there are loads of different areas, each w/its own appeal -- up for you to decide what's important to you.

We used a realtor to find our place (if you're interested: Hanoi House Hunter Co.,Ltd <[email protected]>). Many people put flyers up around town, and you can also check the different expat websites for postings as well.

As for pubs, we don't go out too much, but we really like Le Pub on Hang Be. Many expats hang out at The R & R on Lo Su. And there are loads of bars that seem to be quite popular on Bao Khanh. All of these places are in the Old Quarter.

Hope that answers your questions -- enjoy Hanoi!