Advice about moving to Hanoi - house, car & club

Posted by itsallgood (717 days ago)

I will be commencing a 2-3 year senior appointment in Hanoi in 2007 and am seeking information on the approximate monthly cost of a furnished, well appointed 4-5 beadroom house or 4 bedroom apartment near to the UN School. I am also keen to know the likley monthly cost of a car (4WD)and driver. Finally, any recommendations regarding business/sporting clubs would be welcome. Thanks in advance for any advice!

Posted by ldldjr (715 days ago)

UNIS is out in its own compound surrounded by nice, sterile new apartments/houses. I imagine you can find information on the internet. It always struck me as rather strange though to come to VN to live out there, but if one did not want to be in VN that is probably a good a place to live as any, and probably better than actually living in Ha Noi. If you do a bit of internet reserach you can probably find much of the information that you seek.

Posted by itsallgood (713 days ago)

Thanks so much for the advice. I note you strongly support this site and appreciate your efforts. I understand UNIS is within the Ciputra complex and assume it is the same group who provide similarly sterile accommodation around the international school in Jakarta - when living there in the late 90's, we stayed closer to town instead. I have been searching via the net, but the selection on offer seems limited -and hasn't moved much in the past few months. What areas do you recomend in Ha Noi that meet family needs yet allow you to enjoy the VN experience? Thanks again!

Posted by ldldjr (713 days ago)

Were I looking for a house, I would be inclined to look in the main part of town - but my spouse has teh contract that pays for the housing.

Many expats live in the West Lake area - Nghi Tam village, where I live, has many expat families. There are very nice houses available - by my standard. The "problem" with Nghi Tam" is that it is alleys, not roads, so you would have to walk in. A little further out, on the east side of the lake there are again many expats with families - Ciputra is even further out in that direction.

When we were preparing to come to VN almost 3 years ago we were able to locate VN rental agents online, and we looked at about a dozen houses/apartments during our first week here.

Many expats have moved on - it is that time of year. I would think that there should be lots of housing available. I know I am seeing signs here and there for newly available rental housing - and I am not looking. You might look into taking a serviced apartment for a month or so, and looking at what is available when you arrive - if you or your spouse will have time to do some house hunting.