artsy groovy hipster neighborhood for me to write some music in.

12POSTS

12 years ago

Hi there, I'm moving to Hanoi for a few months to work on some artistic research for my PHD. I've been to Hanoi before, last time was 3 years ago, but I can't remember which area I liked the best.
I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction. I'm pretty sure I want to be in Hoen Kiem right?
I'm a musician, culture lover, and not particularly fond of over the top poshness. I like cafes galleries and Bai Hoi joints. I would like to be able to walk around my neighbourhood and get everything I need while on foot. Noise dosen't bother me too much, neither does busy streets.
Hoen Kiem right? Any part of Hoen Kiem in particular?

Thanks in advance for any advice.
A

See also

Leisure activities in Ho Chi Minh City - Guide
SOME SIGNS OF THE TIMES IN VIETNAM - 52 Replies
Need some Guidance and advice - 4 Replies
Best area/neighborhood to live in - 43 Replies
Please help me to read and write Vietnamese - 10 Replies
Dog as pet in Hanoi - 14 Replies
To my future Friend :) - 1 Reply

Teacher Mark Serial expat

978POSTS

12 years ago

Luong Van Can st. is artsy fartsy.

aleos Member

12POSTS

12 years ago

artsy fartsy is right up my alley.
Thank you.
I see that it is north of the lake. Is there a particular name for this area? Something to help me get in the vicinity if I'm looking for apartments? I'm still in Malaysia for anther 3 weeks.

Thanks again.

freshair Guest

0POSTS

12 years ago

Not a neighborhood, but check out zone 9, which is all the rage right now. A while ago, all the artsy big names like tadioto and bar betta decided to move together into this one block. . A coffee shops collective/cooperative as they call themselves.

aleos Member

12POSTS

12 years ago

That is EXACTLY what I'm looking for. Thank you very very much.

What area is Zone 9 in?
"5 minute drive south of opera house" it says on one website. Is it nice to live around here?

Hoaibui Active member

26POSTS

12 years ago

Zone 9 is at 9 Tran Thanh Tong street. It's easy to get if your apartment is in Hoan Kiem (not Hoen Kiem) district.

aleos Member

12POSTS

12 years ago

haha, sorry 'Hoan' Kiem. I guess I'll liok for a place in the area. Thanks for the help everyone, by the looks of it, this Zone 9 is very much the kind of inspiring place that I would like to be close to. I will be writing some music, and there's no better way to keep the creative motor running than being around other artists. Maybe I could even do a show and or give some lectures!
I guess I better start looking for an apartment now! See you in a couple of weeks Hanoi!

Thank you guys for the advice. I really appreciate it!

aleos Member

12POSTS

12 years ago

Since I've got your guys attention, maybe I could sneak in one more question.
I've traveled around alot, and lived in Asia. I know how somethings work. One of the facts of Asia is I know I'm not going to get a 'local' price for an apartment. But I recently showed a serviced apartment advertisement to a Vietnamese friend of mine and she said "no way!, It's so expensive!"
The apartment was $500, with internet, and everything else included. And quite a cute place as well. Not posh, but cute. She said I was getting ripped off. So my question is, for my first month, what is a decent price, in the Hoan Kiem district, for a serviced apartment. Not fancy! I'm a musician, I don't need luxury. Just a a couch and a bed and some cooking things, and internet.

Hoaibui Active member

26POSTS

12 years ago

How long will you stay here?

aleos Member

12POSTS

12 years ago

#10

well, right now, I've got the idea of about three months to complete my work.
But, I do love Hanoi, and I am sure I could be convinced to stay longer.