As a traveler, Hanoi can be romantic, it can be liberating, or it can be chaotic. But as a resident, the city reveals its dual nature—divided yet undeniably charming!
For those unfamiliar with Vietnam, it might come as a surprise that in a country where the average income is around 3000 RMB, renting an apartment in the suburbs of Hanoi can cost up to 2700 RMB per month! [Facepalm] These prices may not be the most welcoming for residents, so what makes Hanoi still so enchanting? [Gold Medal]
The answer might only become clear after spending a significant amount of time there. (The image below captures a new community in Hanoi’s Nam Tu Liem district, where the author currently resides. It showcases the vibrant tapestry of Hanoi’s sunny and rainy days, its bustling mornings, and serene evenings.)
I totally get why it’s hard to fully express your love for Hanoi—it’s like the city wears different masks depending on your perspective. The cost of living there really hits differently when you compare it to the local income levels, and yet there’s this undeniable charm that keeps pulling you back.