Hanoi: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, with more than 8 million residents in the Red River delta. It hosts the government, ministries, embassies and leading universities, and around the city are electronics plants and industrial parks drawing large foreign investors. Custom software development, tourism and services are growing, and the economy remains one of the fastest-growing in Asia.

Hanoi suits remote professionals and freelancers with a budget from $1,200 a month, English teachers, staff of international companies and embassies, entrepreneurs working with manufacturing in Vietnam, and anyone who loves street food, history and a lively Asian city without resort bustle.

Districts where expats live

• Tay Ho by West Lake - the main expat district: cafés, international schools, a lakeside promenade.
• Hoan Kiem and the Old Quarter - the historic centre by the Lake of the Returned Sword, noisy and full of tourists.
• Ba Dinh - ministries and embassies, quieter and convenient for work.
• Cau Giay and My Dinh - new towers, offices and a large Korean community.
• Long Bien and Ciputra - gated communities with villas and international schools for families.

Cost of living

The rate is about 25,966 dong per dollar on 6 October 2026. Street food is very cheap: a bowl of pho costs 40,000-60,000 dong, about $2. Imported groceries, wine and international schools cost as much as in Europe.

Practicalities: climate, air, transport

Climate. From May to September it is hot and humid at 30-35°C, with downpours and occasional typhoons. From December to February it is cool at 10-17°C and damp, and flats often lack heating. The best time is October, November, March and April. Air. In winter air pollution is among the worst in Asia, and people use air purifiers at home. Transport. Motorbikes dominate, app-based taxis and motorbike taxis are cheap, and two urban rail lines and buses operate. Noi Bai airport is 30 kilometres from the centre.

Taxes

You become a tax resident after 183 days in the country and then pay tax on worldwide income at 5% to 35%. Non-residents pay 20% on Vietnamese income. Corporate tax is 20% and VAT is 10%, with a reduced 8% rate for many goods and services until the end of 2026. More in taxes in Vietnam.

Moving and legal status

• Russian citizens need no visa for trips of up to 45 days;
• an e-visa for up to 90 days is issued online, single or multiple entry;
• long-term living requires a temporary residence card, issued on a work permit, to investors through their own company and to family members;
• Vietnam has no separate visa for remote workers, so many live on e-visas and leave the country when they expire.

We help choose the basis for status, register a company and obtain the residence card.

Hanoi or the south

Ho Chi Minh City is bigger, hot all year, with more active business and nightlife. Da Nang offers the sea, beaches and a calm pace and is chosen by remote workers and families. Hanoi wins on history, culture, four seasons and its role as capital, but loses on winter air.

Is the city worth considering

Pros: affordable living, excellent food, safe streets, fast internet, a large expat community in Tay Ho and a growing economy. Cons: polluted winter air, chaotic motorbike traffic, no remote work visa, bureaucracy and a language barrier. Hanoi suits people ready for an Asian megacity who want to live affordably in the capital.