We're introducing you to some of the expats who make up Hanoi. Read on for some excellent recommendations on the best places to eat, what they miss most about home, and what is just so captivating about our city that they chose to stay. 

1. Why did you move to Hanoi?

  I previously taught in Busan, South Korea.  In addition to falling in love with life as an expat, I loved the opportunity to learn about Korean history and culture.  Growing up in the U.S., I didn’t learn a whole lot about Asian history and culture.  As such, I wanted to continue to broaden my horizons and learn about another Asian country.  I feel that the most authentic way to learn about a culture is to completely immerse oneself in daily life.  As a certified, passionate and enthusiastic teacher, I began looking for jobs at International Schools.  Ultimately, I landed a job teaching 3rd-grade students in Hanoi.  I’ll be in Hanoi until the end of this school year.

2. Do you speak much Vietnamese?

I speak minimal Vietnamese but am enjoying my weekly private lessons and am able to communicate with the locals more and more each day!

3. What was your first impression of the city?

 When I first drove in from the airport at midnight on a Friday night, I was surprised by how quiet Hanoi seemed to be!  That feeling didn’t last long.  As soon as the daylight broke, the culture shock began and it felt SO REAL!  Everything seemed different and new in a truly awesome, yet overwhelming way.  Now that I’ve been here over half a year, I’ve found the layer of calm that one discovers lies just underneath the layer of apparent chaos in Hanoi.

4. What is it about Hanoi you have grown to love?

I’ve grown to love the fact that Hanoi constantly challenges me and pushes me in new ways, ultimately forcing me to grow.  Also, the coffee shop culture, the low cost of living, and the access to just about anything I could ever need!

5. What aspect of Hanoi is the most different from your home country?

I grew up in a northern suburb of Chicago and graduated from Indiana University.  The U.S. is an extremely diverse country, so I can only speak from my own experiences.  That being said, I see 3 major differences between Hanoi and my home country.  First, Hanoi is much more polluted and crowded than anywhere I’ve lived in the U.S.  Secondly, when I drive in the U.S., I must follow strict rules.  If I’m caught breaking a rule, an armed and intimidating police officer will give me a heavy fine.  On the contrary, when I drive in Hanoi I adhere to traffic “norms” and smile at the police officers.  Thirdly, I must admit that life is just so much easier in the U.S. – it’s the land of convenience after all!

 6. What do you miss the most about your home country?

Lou Malnati’s pizza, Chipotle, and my Mom’s cooking!

 7.What is a ‘must-do’ for when you have visitors?

Bia Hoi!

8. How would you spend an average Sunday in Hanoi?

 Sleep in a bit.  Do yoga on the roof with my roomies and be a rock star teacher! Head to a Vietnamese restaurant for lunch – either a local favourite or a new place I want to try out.  Then, I’d post up at a coffee shop for a few hours to enjoy coffee, good vibes, and to do some reading and writing.  Afterwards, I’d run a few errands and eventually end up back home.  I’d finish off the day chilling in the hammock on my balcony, most likely ordering delivery as a special treat!

9. Favourite food (and location) Hanoi has to offer?

 Oooh, that’s a tough one!  I love a good bun cha and love the “green banh mi” shop between Doi Can & Kim Ma – it’s not actually called that, but that’s how I remember it.  That being said, I may be addicted to the Smoked Salmon Sandwich at Joma and would eat only Cong Coconut Coffee shakes for the rest of my life if I could.

 10. Is the pho better in Saigon or Hanoi?

I’ve only had Saigon pho outside of Vietnam, so I’m not a fair judge… but I prefer bun cha anyway!