Discovering Hanoi: Why It’s Hard to Say I Love You to This Charming City

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.)