Experience in Hanoi, Vietnam by Zen

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

A bustling city with a lot of motorbikes. The best way to navigate around is to find yourself a motorbikes, and go wherever you want in the city. Go to some small streets in the Old Quarter and you can enjoy many good food (better to check it online first). Grabbing a beer is more of a afternoon thing you do after work, not really a mid-night activity when people normally hang out with friends on the pavement drinking condense milk coffee. Would totally recommend it.

What is the student lifestyle like in Hanoi?

Time schedule is something might be of a surprise to you, but yes, we either start the day at 7 or 1 (you only study for half of a day). You will have up to 9 or 10 different subjects per semester, so exam period might be very hard. But the rest of the semester is pretty easy. Apart from these differences, student like is always full of fun!!!

How much does it cost to live in Hanoi?

Not sure because I live with my family, but 200-300 Eur (including accommodation) sounds like a decent amount to survive here.

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

Sorry.

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

Lots of different types of food, ranging from wide range of noodles of the main meals, to tons of different sweets for desert or anytime you feel hungry.

What places would you recommend visiting in Hanoi?

Old Quarter (the old town of Ha Noi) and its vicinity are the most recommended.

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

It's cheap and delicious, but beware of hygiene problem. I would not suggest you to rush out to the street to taste food from day 1, as you might suffer badly. But after a few days when you get used to the water and the food, it will be Ok.
There are many blogs or articles online telling people where to eat. Maybe some knowledge in Vietnamese is good (or ask a VN friends: we are happy to help you)

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

Normal people would go out at around 8 or 9, finding a place on the pavement of some streets to have some coffees or drinks while chitchatting with friends. (You would see so many people there at night). Club people can start from 11,12.

What advice would you give future students heading to Hanoi?

Try to pick up some VietNamese words, and prepare to make some VNese friends. It would make your life so much easier