$PlaybookChiang Mai
Thailand
80 Mbps
5/10
9/10
6/10
Hanoi
Vietnam
Vietnam's ancient capital — old quarter chaos, $5 pho, and a slower pace than Saigon
EasyStart Playbook
Nomad Score
7.5/10
Cost Tier
Budget ($)
Internet
70 Mbps
Safety
7.5/10
Walkability
6/10
English-Friendly
6/10
About Hanoi
Hanoi is the Vietnam that feels least changed by tourism. The 36-street Old Quarter — a tangle of ancient guild streets named for what was once sold there — remains the soul of the city, despite the motorbike density reaching near-mythical levels. For nomads, Hanoi offers one of Southeast Asia's lowest costs of living, a growing coworking scene in the Tay Ho (West Lake) neighborhood, and a cultural richness that Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang don't match. Winters are genuinely cool and misty — a refreshing break from the tropical heat that defines most of the region.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs in USD for a single digital nomad.
Rent (Studio)$380
Coworking$80
Groceries$120
Eating Out$150
Transport$30
Phone/SIM$10
Gym$20
Total Monthly$790
Visa & Stay
Visa-Free for US Citizens
Yes
Max Stay (Visa-Free)
90 days
Digital Nomad Visa
Not Available
Climate
Climate Type
subtropical
Best Months
Oct, Nov, Dec, Mar, Apr
Avoid Months
Jun, Jul, Aug
Peak summer heat and humidity — Hanoi's wet season brings intense rain, flooding in low-lying areas, and temperatures that regularly hit 38°C with high humidity.
Timezone
ICT (UTC+7)
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Language
Vietnamese
Continent
Asia
Topics & Vibes
foodhistoryculturecoworkingphotographystreet foodlakes
Is this information still accurate?
Related guides
Everything you need before and after landing in Hanoi.
Ready to get settled in Hanoi?
Follow our step-by-step acclimation playbook for your first two weeks.
Start the PlaybookSimilar cities
All cities →
Frequently Asked Questions — Hanoi
Common questions from digital nomads researching Hanoi.
Is Hanoi good for digital nomads?
Yes — Hanoi scores 7.5/10 on GetSettld's nomad index, making it an very good choice for remote workers. Vietnam's ancient capital — old quarter chaos, $5 pho, and a slower pace than Saigon. The city is rated "easy" difficulty for new arrivals, with a 6/10 English-friendliness score and 7.5/10 for safety. Internet averages 70 Mbps. Overall, Hanoi is the Vietnam that feels least changed by tourism.
How much does it cost to live in Hanoi as a digital nomad?
A typical single digital nomad can expect to spend around $790/month in Hanoi. The budget breaks down as: studio apartment rent ~$380, coworking space ~$80, groceries ~$120, eating out ~$150, local transport ~$30, phone/SIM ~$10, and gym ~$20. Overall, Hanoi is a budget-friendly destination. Costs vary depending on neighbourhood, lifestyle, and whether you cook at home.
Do US citizens need a visa to work remotely in Hanoi?
US citizens can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 90 days — no advance visa is required. There is currently no dedicated digital nomad visa for Vietnam, so most nomads work within the 90-day tourist allowance and rotate to another country to reset.
What is the internet like in Hanoi?
Internet speeds in Hanoi average around 70 Mbps, which is solid — adequate for most remote work including video calls. Dedicated coworking spaces reliably deliver faster and more stable connections than cafes or short-term apartments. If you plan to work from home, confirm fibre availability before signing a lease — co-working memberships are a reliable fallback during slower periods.
Is Hanoi safe for digital nomads?
Hanoi has a safety rating of 7.5/10 on our scale — considered very safe for digital nomads. Standard urban awareness (securing valuables, using reputable transport) is all that is needed. As with any city, basic precautions apply: use ride-hailing apps rather than unmarked taxis, don't leave laptops unattended in cafes, and be aware of your surroundings in busy tourist areas.
What is the best time of year to visit Hanoi?
The best months to base yourself in Hanoi are October, November, December, March, April. The climate type is subtropical. We recommend avoiding June, July, August — peak summer heat and humidity — Hanoi's wet season brings intense rain, flooding in low-lying areas, and temperatures that regularly hit 38°C with high humidity..
What currency is used in Hanoi and how should I handle money?
Hanoi uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cards are widely accepted in cities. For the best rates when converting USD, use Wise or Revolut rather than airport exchange kiosks. Keep some VND cash on hand for markets, transport, and smaller establishments.
Plan your trip to Hanoi
Partner links🏠
Find a place to stay
Monthly rentals, apartments & hotels in Hanoi
Search Booking.com
✈️Find cheap flights
Search hundreds of airlines for flights to Hanoi
Search Skyscanner
These are affiliate links. GetSettld earns a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Gear up for Hanoi
Tools the GetSettld community relies on — vetted, nomad-tested.
🛡️Most popular
SafetyWing
Travel & medical insurance for nomads
Flexible monthly coverage starting at $42/mo. Cancel anytime, covers 180+ countries, and pays out in USD.
Get covered
📱
Airalo
eSIM for 190+ countries
Skip the airport SIM queue. Buy a local eSIM before you land and stay connected from day one.
Get an eSIM
💸
Wise
International banking without the fees
Hold 50+ currencies, get local bank details in 10 countries, and send money at the real exchange rate.
Open a free account
🔒
NordVPN
Stay secure on public Wi-Fi
Essential for coworking spaces and coffee shops. Access home streaming services and keep your data private.
Get NordVPN
🏨
Booking.com
Monthly stays & apartments worldwide
Filter by monthly price, kitchen, and workspace. Thousands of nomad-friendly apartments not on Airbnb.
Search stays
✈️
Skyscanner
Find the cheapest flights anywhere
Compare hundreds of airlines in seconds. Set price alerts and book when the fare drops.
Search flights
These are affiliate links. GetSettld earns a commission at no extra cost to you.
Stay in the loop
New city guides, visa changes, and nomad intel — monthly, no spam.