Experience in Hanoi, Vietnam by Mai

What is it like to live in Hanoi? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Hanoi, i would say that its an amazing, friendly city. It a muti-nationality which has anything y need, no matter where y come from. Hn has became my soul, my home since the long time ago. Hn is something y realize that y have a sweet smile anytime y thinking of. i definitely want to recommend it for living, for traveling or even for "futuring" ;)

What is the student lifestyle like in Hanoi?

Under the point of view from me,a student myself, i studied hard, i played hard. I really enjoy the student time there. Teachers are careful, friends will bring you to any corner of the street to eat the "student food" - cheap and flavorful. Dont forget to come the "Beer Corner" in Old quarter - centre of Hanoi ! im sure that you ll have the best time ever and find the best friends of life because i did :D

How much does it cost to live in Hanoi?

i must say it depends on yr hobbits, yr life style. But i would say that even with $200-$300/month, you might have a quite entertaining life in Hanoi including housing, electricity,food,transportation (motorbike mostly), drink( if y are a clubber ;) ), others fee....

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Hanoi? Is there any advice you can give?

As a Vietnamese student in Paris and as a person who actually have family business in housing in Hanoi, i would say that its not difficult at all. But to maximize yr benefits ( no middle agency fee ), you should join the some group in Facebook ( Hanoi Massive ) where Vietnamese n foreigners living in Hn can give answer to any question y have. Or FIND A VIETNAMESE FRIEND !

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Heaven if you like me - a foodie ;)
There hundreds of vendor food, on the street, infront of yr house. Food everywhere and cheap and dont 4get, they taste good enough to make yr weight becoming a serious issue,believe me !
Me - a foodie? i like everything but Pho is the only thing i can eat everyday !!!

What places would you recommend visiting in Hanoi?

Pagodas, Ho Chi Minh museum, national museum- if y like culture and architect
Old quater - if y wanna chill out after a hard day, there are food, drink, street music, club, night market...

Is it good to eat out in Hanoi? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Of course, to eat in the restaurant ( not vendor which is common in Hn ), y might have to spend from $10 - $50 per person. Hn have all things suit with yr pocket.
To have a over view of Vietnam's food with high quality, i would like to recommend Sen's buffet ( $10- $12/pax), if y like seafood, Sứ's buffet is a good choice

Is the nightlife good in Hanoi? Where is good to go?

clubber,y can go to any bar, club without any enter fee, cheap beers ( $2 - $3)
If not, take yr motorbike and take a deepth breath of Hn fresh air in night. Calm and peaceful. Or y can enjoy the young Hn when seat on the street, drink Lemon tea, eat Sunflower seed, French frites, and talk about anything y want with yr friends. Last but not least, its enjoyable !!!

What advice would you give future students heading to Hanoi?

Be aware ! Culture Shock !
millions of motorbikes in Hn, accidents all the time. ppl fighting in the street
Food ( bizzard and not "civilized" like eating dogs,cats....), its still happening,partly due to culture,but its really fading away, most of ppl do not want to do that anymore. But you will find how beautiful - Hanoi, if y really into it, put yrself in one Hanoian position
Hope that my advice s useful for anyone have idea of coming to Hanoi. Dont hesitate to send me email to have more info. you always welcome !!