Hanoi

PEOPLE

Hanoi is the second most populated city in Vietnam of approximately 7.5 million citizens, the annual population growth is steadily at over 2 percent from 2012-2017 year-on-year. The GDP per capita for the capital is recorded at US$3,425 (2017). More interestingly, the city’s young population accounts for over 60% and the tendency for millennials to move home is becoming increasingly popular. This strives for greater demand for properties around the city. 

CUISINE

From high-end restaurants to affordable food stalls, Hanoi can delight you with both. Over 1,000 years of deep-rooted history, the country has undergone many changes and was strongly influence from both Western and Eastern cuisines. The city was particularly known for street food culture. Old Quarter is Hanoi is still perceived to be the best area to find a variety of authentic Vietnamese food still served to its customers whilst they sit in the iconic blue chairs. High-end gourmet restaurants are also present around the city center with French-like bistros and cafes mostly found in the Westlake area and Japanese/Korean fusion restaurants are mostly enjoyed in Ba Dinh District due to the high centralization of these communities in the respective areas.  

ATTRACTIONS

Hanoi is home to numerous centuries-old architecture and 100-year old temples. The city is most known for its famous Old Quarter with 36 streets offering enormous amount and diversity of products. Within one to two hours’ drive to the southeast from Hanoi is the UNESCO Heritage Site Trang An with charming landscapes of rice fields, lime peaks, national parks and caves. Alternatively, Halong Bay and Sapa are also easily accessible and perfect for a 2-day weekend getaway to relax from the bustling city.  

ACTIVITIES

Hanoians are famous for their lively morning activities. Local hidden markets gather up and breakfast is served from 5AM. Many locals, especially elderly have the tendency to wake at dawn and spend time walking, jogging, cycling around the lakes before the sunrise. Unlike Ho Chi Minh City, shops and stores in Hanoi usually close early at around 8-9PM; though the capital city is also home to various classy bars and pubs around Westlake and Ta Hien areas. Just 30-45 minutes from the city center towards the South, there are two private golf courses - The Van Tri Golf Club and The Sky Lake.