Looking for apt in Hanoi

Posted by byebyeseattle (1279 days ago)

Hi. I am planning on moving to Ha Noi in February/March time frame of 2005 and was wondering if anyone had recommendations for long-term apartments near the Hoan Kiem Lake area that is not too expensive. No expat package for me, but I will be looking for employment once I get there. I have been in finance at many companies, and the last of which was with Microsoft in Seattle. I also have a lot of experience in Real Estate Sales and property management that can easily lead to other types of sales positions.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated - especially on apartments for expats and such. Thanks and I hope you all are enjoying your stay in VN :)

ps...by the way, although I am a US citizen, I was born in Viet Nam. I don't speak the language fluently, but well enough to get around and be comfortable. Always looking for a fellow expat buddy (guy or gil) to hang out with tho...

Posted by ldldjr (1278 days ago)

You might want to talk to a knowledgeable rental agent - they are more into the "upscale market" but they should have a lead on the market in general. I have seen rental notices posted at the various "western food" stores, etc., so if you don't have any leads before you arrive, check out the bulletin boards at "Western Canned Foods" at 66 Ba Trieu, L's Place at 1 Xuan Dieu, and elsewhere. I am sure you realize early Feb is NOT the time to come and look for an apartment!

Good luck!

Posted by byebyeseattle (1276 days ago)

Thank you for the info. I do realize February is not an ideal month ;-) I will check out the bulleting board the the place you mentioned...hmm...maybe I can pick up some chilli and spaghetti o's too!

Do you know what kinds of prices one should expect for a decent sized one bedroom apartment with a/c and perhaps DSL connection? Thanks!

Posted by ldldjr (1276 days ago)

Unless you move into a place that already has ADSL (not likely) you will have the pleasure of learning about the hoops of trying to get it installed! That is fun!

I have no idea what apartements cost near Hoan Kim Lake. I know of a Canadian volunteer who was trying to find a place last summer for around $100 /month - she had a long search. I saw a notice of a single room for rent this morning (I think for around $100 - shared space - I did not note the details).

Will try to note such things if I see any more in the future & post them to this thread.

Posted by byebyeseattle (1275 days ago)

Thank you and I will continue to come back to this thread to search for new information. I want to thank you again for all your help, and I would be happy to buy you a beer once I am there ;) That is a good point, I wouldn't mind sharing a place with someone who is also an expat as well.

Take care.

Posted by Haley (1275 days ago)

About jobs, you can try http://www.vietnamworks.com
- a very common website of jobs.
Otherwise, there are posts of jobs here and there in some English newspapers like Vietnam News, Vietnam Investment Review, Saigon Time ect...

Your Vietnamese will be an advantage.

For the apartment, you can try http://vnexpat.com/buy_sell.asp

Welcome to Hanoi and welcome back to Vietnam!

Posted by byebyeseattle (1275 days ago)

Sweet. Thank you for the tips.

Posted by EmmaS (1265 days ago)

byebyeseattle, I should have read this first!

If you want a longer term apartment, trying emailing Liem at Hanoi House Link: hanoihomes@fpt.vn. His number is 0913 345 152, for when you are here. If you email him now with your requirements, then he can get something organised. He's absolutely wonderful and we couldn't be happier with the place we rented from him - great value and we did look around with other agents. He might also know if there are other people looking who might want to share - just an idea.

I'm actually going to L's Place tonight, so I'll let you know if anything's available on their noticeboard.