here I am, writing this, hoping it might help someone like you—maybe an expat, a freelancer, a digital nomad, or just someone passing through Hanoi for a little while—find the right apartment for rent in Hoan Kiem. I didn’t expect to fall in love with Hoan Kiem. It just sort of… happened. One minute I was walking past the old book street near the lake, and the next I was dreaming of a small apartment with a window facing some leafy alley, where morning light creeps in just enough to make you want to stretch and make coffee.
And not just any apartment. The kind that feels a little like a hidden chapter in a novel you didn’t expect to be part of.
Why Hoan Kiem?
It’s funny. Most people assume it’s too noisy, too touristy. But if you look a little closer, you’ll find that it has pockets of quiet magic. Tiny balconies overflowing with potted plants. An old woman selling sticky rice at the corner every morning like she has for twenty years. A French-style building next to a noodle shop that’s open until midnight.
Living in Hoan Kiem isn’t about escaping the city—it’s about embracing it from the inside. Everything you need is within arm’s reach: cozy cafés where you’ll accidentally spend hours working (or not working), local markets full of color and chaos, yoga studios tucked into colonial villas, and those rare, golden-moment sunsets by the lake.
And if you’re lucky enough to find an apartment with a rooftop? You’ll get to hear the city hum at night—mellowed, not muted. That’s something special.
Peaceful and idyllic scenes at Hoan Kiem Lake ( thangtran480/pexel.com)
What kind of apartments are there?
There’s actually a surprising range of options when it comes to apartments for rent in Hoan Kiem. Of course, you’ll see some luxury serviced apartments near the lake with prices reaching $1,200 to $1,500 per month. They’re fully furnished, professionally managed, and yes—some of them even have a tiny gym or weekly housekeeping.
But what most people don’t tell you is that if you’re willing to explore a bit deeper—wander past the main streets into the less touristy alleys—you can find hidden gems:
- A one-bedroom on the second floor of a French colonial villa, for $500/month.
- A minimalist studio with handmade wooden furniture, tucked behind Trang Thi Street, for $400.
- Or even shared homes with locals or other expats, where the rent is under $350 and the community is priceless.
Apartments for rent in Hoan Kiem are located in a peaceful, quiet atmosphere mixed with the hustle and bustle of the city( hson/pexel.com)
If you’re planning to stay longer, landlords are usually open to a bit of negotiation—especially if you can show you’re reliable and kind. Many of them don’t list their places online. Word of mouth or working with someone who knows the area can lead to much better deals than any listing site.
What to look out for (from experience)
Here’s the thing. Hoan Kiem isn’t just a district—it’s a living museum. That also means some buildings are very old. I once viewed a studio that looked adorable online, but when I visited, the plumbing was straight out of a Kafka story. So yes, always view in person if you can.
Also, check:
- Natural light. Some houses are narrow with no windows in the living space.
- Ventilation. Old buildings + no air flow = trouble in the humid summer.
- Internet speed. Especially if you’re working online, ask to test it. Some older apartments still run on outdated lines.
- Security and noise. Hoan Kiem is lively at night. If your bedroom faces a bia hơi or karaoke bar, well… let’s just say you’ll know every word to “Hotel California” by heart.
Apartment for rent in Hoan Kiem Hanoi, great choice( tuan nguyen/pexel.com)
Bonus tips from someone who’s done the wandering
- Go apartment-hunting on foot. Some of the best finds don’t make it online. Just walk around with your eyes open—many landlords put handwritten signs in front of the gate.
- Learn a bit of Vietnamese. Even just a few words like “phòng cho thuê” (room for rent) can open a door—literally and figuratively.
- Early mornings are best for viewing apartments. You get to see how light enters, how quiet (or not) the neighborhood really is, and you’ll make a good impression on landlords who appreciate punctual people.
So… should you rent in Hoan Kiem?
If you want polished high-rises, swimming pools, and international supermarkets right downstairs, you might be happier in Tay Ho or Ba Dinh.
But if you want a real slice of Hanoi, something a little worn, a little poetic, and full of unexpected charm—then yes. Find yourself an apartment for rent in Hoan Kiem. Preferably one with a squeaky floor and a little rooftop corner where you can sip tea and wonder how you ended up here.
And when you do find it, you’ll understand what I mean.
If you want to learn more about some apartment rental services in other famous areas of Hanoi, do not hesitate to read our articles below, we guarantee it will be very useful for you:
- Apartment service in TayHo Hanoi: My Dreamy Lakeside Home and Why Naland Made It Perfect
- The Optimal Choice for Convenient Living with Serviced Apartments in Ba Dinh Hanoi for Foreigners
And if you are looking for a suitable process to get a satisfactory serviced apartment easily, you can refer to the article below to grasp some of the most important and necessary information.
Naland Apartment – Hanoi Serviced Apartments – Prestige – Quality – Customer experience is the top priority.
🏢 Address: No. 18a, Lane 31/46, Xuan Dieu Street, Tay Ho
📩 Email: hanoiresidents@gmail.com
📞 Hotline: +84 971 84 84 88
