Old Quarter (Hoàn Kiếm)
Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the old quarter north of it: "Hàng …" streets named after goods, and Đồng Xuân market.
Hoàn Kiếm Lake: right next to itNội Bài airport: about 27.5 km
Hanoi
Hanoi is Vietnam's thousand-year-old capital. French colonial architecture, lakes, temples, street food and the slow rhythm of the north. A cultural alternative to Ho Chi Minh City — less noise, more history. A centre of diplomacy and government.
Climate
Four seasons. Winter (Dec–Feb): +15°C, damp. Summer (Jun–Aug): +35°C, rainy. Best time to go: March–April and October–November.
Expats
Fewer expats than in the south. In return you get authentic Vietnam, a cheaper life and a rich cultural scene.
Pros
- Rich history
- Authentic culture
- Cheaper than Ho Chi Minh City
- French architecture
- Gateway to Ha Long
Hanoi districts: which one to choose
Since 1 July 2025 Hanoi no longer has districts (quận): the city is divided into 51 wards (phường) and 75 communes under Resolution No. 1656/NQ-UBTVQH15. Listings and locals still use the old district names, and that is how people choose where to live. Below are the two districts people search for most.
Districts on the map
Where Russian speakers live
There is no single "Russian district" in Hanoi, and there are no official figures by district. The Russian embassy is in Hanoi.
Nội Bài is 27.5 km from the centre
Nội Bài airport is in the north of Hanoi, in Nội Bài commune: about 27.5 km by road from Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Hanoi was not merged with neighbouring provinces in the 2025 reform.
Distances are by road, measured on OpenStreetMap in October 2026.
City districts
Tây Hồ
The shores of West Lake, the largest lake in Hanoi: Trấn Quốc pagoda, Phủ Tây Hồ temple and Xuân Diệu street.
Hoàn Kiếm Lake: 4.5–7.5 kmNội Bài airport: 21.5–25.5 km