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Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel

Peridot Grand Hotel & Spa has 2 on-site restaurants, 3 bars, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and spa in Hanoi. This 5-star hotel offers a shared lounge and a concierge service.

San Grand Hotel & Spa

Ideally situated in the centre of Hanoi, San Grand Hotel & Spa features air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a restaurant. This 4-star hotel offers a bar.

Golden Rooster Hotel

Boasting a bar and on-site dining, Golden Rooster Hotel is situated in the heart of Hanoi, a 4-minute walk from Dong Xuan Market. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk as well as free WiFi.

Hanoi Center Silk Hotel & Travel

Situated within Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, Hanoi Center Silk Hotel & Travel offers modern accommodation with 43-inch cable, smart flat-screen TVs.

Classic Street Hotel

Classic Street Hotel is located on ancient Hang Be Street in Hanoi, within 5 minutes' walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Pagoda and Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

May De Ville Luxury Hotel & Spa

Located just a 2-minute stroll to Hoan Kiem Lake, May De Ville Luxury Hotel & Spa offers contemporary yet cosy rooms with free WiFi access.

Babylon Premium Hotel & Spa

Attractively set in the centre of Hanoi, Babylon Premium Hotel & Spa is within 500 metres of St. Joseph Cathedral and 600 metres of Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.

Shining Central Hotel & Spa

Conveniently located in Hanoi, Shining Central Hotel & Spa offers air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi and a terrace. This 4-star hotel offers a bar.

22Land Residence Hotel & Spa Ha Noi

Set in Hanoi, 1.5 km from Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, 22Land Residence Hotel & Spa Ha Noi offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a shared...

Rex Hanoi Hotel

Set in Hanoi, 200 metres from Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, Rex Hanoi Hotel provides concierge services and free WiFi.

Most booked hotels in Hanoi in the past month

Hanoi Paradise Center Hotel & Spa

Popular with guests booking hotels in Hanoi

GRAND HOTEL du LAC Hanoi

Hanoi Center Silk Classic Hotel & Travel

Classy Holiday Hotel & Spa

Scent Premium Hotel

Hanoi Victor Gallery Hotel & Restaurant

Amara Hanoi Hotel

Acoustic Hotel & Spa

Hanoi's best hotels with breakfast.

La Passion Hanoi Hotel & Spa

Attractively located in Hanoi, La Passion Hanoi Hotel & Spa features air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a terrace.

Nice. Great location. Linh on reception was awesome.

Hanoi Emerald Waters Hotel Valley

Featuring a shared lounge, a terrace as well as a restaurant, Hanoi Emerald Waters Hotel Valley is set in the centre of Hanoi, 300 metres from Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.

Super friendly staff, great breakfast buffet, nice room. Close to centre of Hanoi.

An amazing oasis in the midst of mad , wonderful Hanoi

La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa

Situated in Hanoi and with Thang Long Water Puppet Theater reachable within 200 metres, La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa features concierge services, allergy-free rooms, a terrace, free WiFi throughout...

Super friendly people. Located in the old quarter.

The Oriental Jade Hotel

Conveniently situated in Hanoi, The Oriental Jade Hotel provides air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi and a fitness centre. 300 metres from St.

Excellent breakfast. Afternoon tea nice, a real bonus

Acoustic Hotel & Spa has a fitness centre, terrace, a restaurant and bar in Hanoi. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers a business centre and a concierge service.

We had a wonderful stay and everything was perfect!

Bella Premier Hotel & Rooftop Skybar

Bella Premier Hotel & Rooftop Skybar is located in Hanoi's Old Quarter Area and within 1-minute walk to Thang Long Water Puppet Theater and Hoan Kiem Lake. Free WiFi can be accessed in all areas.

Perfect location, breakfast good. Close to the lake...

Hotel Emerald Waters Classy

Hotel Emerald Waters Classy provides chic and modern rooms with free WiFi in Hanoi. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, the hotel has its own restaurant, tour desk and spa for guests to relax.

Staffs is very friendly and the breakfast is great

Budget hotels in Hanoi

Golden Sun Hotel

Featuring a shared lounge, a terrace as well as a restaurant, Golden Sun Hotel is set in the centre of Hanoi, 600 metres from St. Joseph Cathedral.

Great location and steal super friendly and helpful

Top Location, clean and comfortable, good breakfast

Set in Hanoi, 400 metres from Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, Hanoi Paradise Center Hotel & Spa offers accommodation with a shared lounge, private parking, a terrace and a bar.

Location and walking distance to the heart of old quarter

It was spotless and the staff couldn’t do more for us

Excellent location. Great facilities. Friendly and helpful staff.

Hanoi L'Heritage Diamond Hotel & Spa

Located in Hanoi and with St. Joseph Cathedral reachable within 100 metres, Hanoi L'Heritage Diamond Hotel & Spa provides concierge services, allergy-free rooms, a terrace, free WiFi throughout the...

The staff were awesome. Really helpful and knowledgeable.

Aira Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa

Located in the peaceful French Quarter, Aira Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa has an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness room, and garden. The hotel is within 700 metres to St.

The staff are very friendly and the breakfast is excellent

The amenities were excellent and Anna was extremely helpful.

Hotels located in the centre of Hanoi

Cozy Fun Homestay 16

Cozy Fun Homestay 16 offers accommodation with private balconies in the centre of Hanoi. Located around 700 metres from Trang Tien Plaza, the hotel with free WiFi is also 400 metres away from St.

Minerva Premium Hotel

Located in Hanoi and with Trang Tien Plaza reachable within less than 1 km, Minerva Premium Hotel provides concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi throughout the property and a...

Family Hanoi Hotel

Family Hanoi Hotel is set in Hanoi's Old Quarter Area, 300 metres from Ngoc Son Temple. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant.

We got very nice room with balcony, hotel in center location of Hanoi old quarter.

HANZ LakeView Hotel Hanoi

Attractively set in the centre of Hanoi, HANZ LakeView Hotel Hanoi features air-conditioned rooms, a garden, free WiFi and a terrace.

HANZ Hanoi de Maison Grand

Situated in the centre of Hanoi, 600 metres from St. Joseph Cathedral, HANZ Hanoi de Maison Grand features air-conditioned rooms and free WiFi.

L'Signature Hotel & Spa

L'Signature Hotel & Spa has free bikes, shared lounge, a terrace and restaurant in Hanoi. This 4-star hotel offers a business centre and a concierge service.

It was all really nice and the location was great!

Splendid Holiday Hotel Spa

Well set in Hanoi, Splendid Holiday Hotel Spa offers 4-star accommodation close to St. Joseph Cathedral and Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.

Mr.Dong is very friendly and kind to help during my stay.

Hanoi Dalvostro Valentino Hotel & Spa

Situated in Hanoi, 400 metres from Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Dalvostro Valentino Hotel & Spa features accommodation with a terrace, private parking, a restaurant and a bar.

Super nice people. Jerry and all the staff are incredible.

FAQs about hotels in Hanoi

How much does it cost to stay in a hotel in hanoi, how much is a hotel in hanoi for this weekend, how much is a hotel in hanoi for tonight, which hotels in hanoi are good for families, what are the best hotels in hanoi near west lake, what are the best hotels in hanoi near noi bai international airport, what are the best hotels to stay in hanoi, what hotels in hanoi offer an especially good breakfast, what hotels in hanoi are good for couples, what hotels in hanoi have nice views, ancient and modern beauty.

Rich in history and tradition, the dynamic city of Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and an important cultural centre with ancient and modern beauty. Set on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi features green parks, imposing temples, picturesque lakes, interesting shopping centres and stunning architecture.  

Home to various interesting museums and attractions, this vibrant metropolis can be explored by bicycle, motorbike or even on foot. Discover the majestic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Buddhist temple of One Pillar Pagoda and the colonial building of the Grand Opera House.

The famous lake of Hoan Kiem, with the scenic small bridges and pagodas, is according to the legend the place where a turtle appeared to Le Loi Emperor and gave him a sword to fight the invaders.

Situated on the banks of the West Lake, the historic pagoda of Trấn Quốc is the oldest in Hanoi. Wander around this fascinating city, savour delicious Vietnamese dishes, explore the colourful markets and mingle with the locals.

Noi Bai International Airport is 35 km away from Hanoi and it is considered to be the biggest airport in the north of Vietnam. Booking.com offers a wide selection of hotels, hostels, apartments and guest houses in this unique city.

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What guests said about Hanoi:

Hanoi, vietnam's capital, is a bustling city known for its..., hanoi is a vibrant blend of old and new, where bustling....

The ancient old city with old historical building and unique...

Hanoi is my favourite city in Asia.

Very very busy city very much the same things on all corners.

the area around the lake and the puppet theatre was lively...

Explore guest reviews of hotels in Hanoi

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• Where to Stay in Hanoi?

Here are the best places to stay in Hanoi, the MICHELIN Guide way.

Hoteles Hanoi travel Vietnam hotels

Hanoi , the capital city of Vietnam , beckons travellers with its irresistible blend of old-world charm and contemporary allure. Whether you're planning a quick weekend escape or an extended stay, Hanoi offers a captivating journey through time, where the echoes of yesteryears seamlessly blend with the vibrancy of modern life. Nestled in historic streets and picturesque lakes straight out of a stock photo; you'll discover not only a treasure trove of cultural heritage (and plenty of decent cafés!) but also a food heaven, where every meal is as exciting as the bike-filled streets of Vietnam . Looking for a place to stay in this charismatic city? We know just the right places for you to indulge yourself.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

Capella Hanoi

Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi

JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi

After over a decade of writing for leading luxury and lifestyle publications, and dining and wining with world’s famous, this Bangkokian finds herself as a Digital Editor of the MICHELIN Guide Thailand and Vietnam. She enjoys exchanging cultural views over a glass of wine or Gin Rickey. If not on the beach, she can be found at the gym, catching a plane, or at home reading Agatha Christie’s novels.

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THE 10 BEST Hanoi Accommodation

Hanoi Accommodation

Property types, distance from, traveller rating, hotel class, popular hotels in hanoi right now.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveller ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveller Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
• Distance to city centre See properties located closest to the centre first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners

1. La Siesta Classic Ma May

2. The Oriental Jade Hotel

3. Gm Premium Hotel

4. La Siesta Premium Hang Be Hotel

5. Bespoke Trendy Hotel Hanoi

6. La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa

7. JM Marvel Hotel & Spa

8. Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel

9. AIRA Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa

10. Meritel Hanoi

11. Hanoi Allure Hotel

12. Hanoi Tirant Hotel

13. Solaria Hotel

14. Lotte Hotel Hanoi

15. La Nueva Boutique Hotel & Spa

16. Aurora Premium - A Lifestyle Hotel

17. Hanoi Boutique Hotel & Spa

18. Hanoi Emerald Waters Hotel & Spa

19. Hanoi Exclusive Hotel

20. Acoustic Hotel & Spa

21. Oakwood Residence Hanoi

22. Bella Premier Hotel & Rooftop Skybar

23. Imperial Hotel & Spa

24. Lavender Central Hotel & Spa

25. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

26. The Hanoi Club Hotel & Residences

27. Hanoi Daewoo Hotel

28. Grand Plaza Hanoi Hotel

29. Hai Bay Hotel

30. Hanoi Graceful Hotel

Hanoi Accommodations Information

Hotels near the sights.

Where to Stay in Hanoi, Vietnam: The 10 Best Hotels

Are you planning a trip to Hanoi, Vietnam , and wondering where you should book your stay? The most popular area for tourists is the Old Quarter where you’ll be within walking distance of Ho Hoan Kiem Lake, the Opera House, the night market, and countless bars and restaurants.

Check out the list of our 10 favorite hotels in and around the Old Quarter below to help you plan your trip to Hanoi.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Where to Stay in Hanoi

Most tourist attractions are centered around Hoan Kim Lake and Hanoi’s Old Quarter so that’s where we recommend you base yourself during your stay in Hanoi. You’ll have the madness and excitement of the city right on your doorstep. Plus, this is where most of Hanoi’s best hotels are located.

If you’re looking for an alternative neighborhood to stay in during your trip to Hanoi, try the French Quarter located to the south and east of Hoan Kim Lake. There you’ll find loads of old French architecture. Some of the buildings have been beautifully restored into embassies or residences while others have been left to crumble.

The third option in Hanoi is to stay north of West Lake which is much calmer and quieter than the Old Quarter. This is where many of Hanoi’s ex-pat residents choose to base themselves.

The Top 10 Hotels in Hanoi, Vietnam

1. sofitel legend metropole hanoi.

If you want to stay in the most luxurious hotel in all of Hanoi, then you must book a room at the Sofitel Legend Metropole . Not only is it a stunningly beautiful 5-star hotel, but it’s been a historic landmark since 1901. And with a prime location right near Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you’ll be close to plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops to keep you occupied.

While staying at the Sofitel, you can choose to get pampered in their lavish spa, swim in the heated swimming pool, or take a fitness class in the gym. Rooms are impeccably decorated in a classic French style and guests are provided with every amenity.

The hotel bars and restaurants are grand and the outdoor terrace is stunning. So even if you choose not to stay at the Sofitel Legend Metropole, it’s worth stopping in to see it for yourself. Or better yet, enjoy a craft cocktail in the whiskey lounge.

There’s no question that the Sofitel Legend Metropole is the most historic hotel in Hanoi and perhaps in all of Vietnam.

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2. Hanoi La Siesta Hotel Trendy

If you want to be well taken care of by a staff of friendly and attentive professionals, then the Hanoi La Siesta Hotel Trendy is the perfect hotel for you. They will go out of their way to make you feel right at home in this unique Hanoi hotel.

Rooms at the Hanoi La Siesta Hotel Trendy have unique and modern decor, amazingly comfortable beds, flat-screen television sets, and plenty of amenities. You can enjoy the on-site restaurant while enjoying views of the Old Quarter, or get a massage at the onsite spa.

Breakfast every morning is superb, and you should definitely enjoy a nightcap in the wine cellar and cigar bar!

3. La Siesta Diamond Hotel & Spa

If you’re looking for the best hotel rooftop in Hanoi, you’ll find it at La Siesta Diamond Hotel & Spa . The views are absolutely stunning and you’ll love that you are surrounded by greenery while you sip your fruity cocktails at sunset.

Rooms are simple but cozy with wooden floors and furnishings and the softest beds. You’ll sink into your bed here after a long day of wandering around Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

You can also enjoy a large breakfast spread in the morning and pamper yourself with a massage treatment in the evening. The La Siesta is one of the best values in town when it comes to Hanoi hotels.

4. Delicacy Hotel & Spa

The staff at the Delicacy Hotel & Spa go above and beyond to ensure that guests have a fabulous stay. From the moment you check in, you’ll be greeted with a cold towel and a yummy juice to cool you down from the hot Vietnamese sun. And they’ll be there to help with anything and everything you’ll need during your stay.

Rooms at the Delicacy Hotel & Spa are simple, classic, clean, and comfortable. Rooms are well equipped with enough space and amenities to ensure you have everything you need. And during your stay at this Hanoi hotel, you can enjoy the beautiful rooftop bar, the onsite spa facilities, and the delicious breakfast buffet.

5. Aira Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa

Located near the bustling bars on Hanoi’s train street, the Aira Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa is another one of the best hotels in Hanoi. Featuring a beautiful rooftop pool, a well-equipped fitness room, a peaceful garden, and a spa, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind during your trip to Vietnam!

Rooms are decorated in a colonial style with dark wooden furniture and fixtures mixed with stark white walls and bedding. The beds are so comfortable here, you won’t want to get up in the morning! Most rooms have a balcony so you can enjoy views of the city while lounging in your bathrobe.

You’ll appreciate the daily buffet breakfast and the super friendly staff who will help with anything you need.

6. JM Marvel Hotel & Spa

JM Marvel Hotel & Spa is an excellent value for your money! From the moment you walk through the front door, you’ll be welcomed with open arms and treated like family here. No matter what you need during your stay, be it room service or help to book a tour, the kind staff will be happy to assist you.

You’ll love the spacious and stylish rooms at the JM Marvel Hotel. It has a black and white theme running throughout and everything is impeccably clean. Your room will come equipped with a flat-screen television set, a small refrigerator, a kettle, and free toiletries.

The hotel is centrally located in Hanoi so you’ll be within walking distance of the main tourist sites. And every morning, they offer either a buffet or an à la carte breakfast. If you looking for the best value hotel in Hanoi then look no further than the JM Marvel.

7. Lotte Hotel Hanoi

The Lotte Hotel Hanoi is an ultra-chic, totally luxurious hotel located outside of the hustle and bustle of the Old Quarter. The rooftop bar on the 65th floor provides one of the best city views in all of Hanoi!

Rooms are very large and extremely comfortable with modern decor and every amenity. Featuring a flat-screen television set, minibar, tea and coffee bar, large bathtub, bathrobes, and a nice seating area, your room will have everything you need during your stay.

Guests love the pristine indoor and outdoor pools, the sauna facility, and the state-of-the-art fitness center. If you really want to relax during your stay, be sure to book a massage at the gorgeous onsite spa. The Japanese-style toilets are a real highlight as well!

8. Hanoi Marvellous Hotel & Spa

Most of the hotels recommended above have stylish, modern decor. But if you’re looking for a Hanoi hotel with a bit more old-world charm, then the Hanoi Marvellous Hotel & Spa is a perfect choice! Here you’ll find elegant decor, hardwood floors, unique chandeliers, and lavish velvety fabrics throughout.

The Hanoi Marvellous Hotel is conveniently located right near the Ho Hoan Kiem Lake so you can walk to all of the main tourist sites. And the staff will go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and comfortable during your stay.

Indulge in a spa treatment in the spa center to unwind at the end of the day and don’t miss the wonderful morning breakfast spread.

9. La Siesta Premium Hang Be

The first thing that stands out about the La Siesta Premium Hang Be is the striking black and white contrasting decor throughout the hotel. The rooms are exceptionally clean and comfortable, you can tell that the furnishings are brand new.

One of the things that guests appreciate most about this hotel is the personalized customer service. The staff will go out of their way to assist with anything you need and will even call you by name!

The La Siesta Premium Hang Be has an ideal location, right in the center of the Old Quarter. But it will feel like a peaceful oasis and an escape from the busy city. And you’ll love the views and vibe of the rooftop bar. The La Siesta Premium Hang Be is one of the coolest hotels in Hanoi!

10. The Lapis Hotel

The Lapis Hotel has an absolutely stunning rooftop infinity pool! A dip in the refreshing pool is the best way to escape the midday Hanoi sun. And you’ll love soaking in the city views on one of the comfortable poolside loungers.

Rooms are spacious and simple, with luxuriously comfortable beds. You’ll melt into the feathery pillows every evening. Plus, you’ll have an electric kettle, a minibar, a flat-screen television set, bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries at your disposal.

We hope you have a wonderful stay in one of these hotels in Hanoi!

Planning a trip to Vietnam? Check out our favorite travel guides!

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About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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Where to Stay in Hanoi: The Ultimate Guide for a Memorable Stay

WONDERING WHERE TO STAY IN HANOI AND REST YOUR HEAD AFTER A DAY OF EXPLORING?

Hanoi is indeed a fantastic choice. And since we’ve been venturing through Vietnam since 2015, we’ve got some insights to share. We’ve navigated its bustling streets, delighted in the delectable pho, and experienced stays in its diverse neighborhoods.

So, where should you stay in this captivating city? We’ve got you covered. Dive in as we take you on a comprehensive virtual guide to the best spots in Hanoi!

Exploring Hanoi: Overview of the City

Welcome to Hanoi, a city buzzing with energy, culture, and history at every turn. Here’s what to expect:

• Geography: Hanoi sits on the right bank of the Red River and is divided into districts, each with its unique personality.
• Transportation: With a size of approximately 3,360 square kilometers, getting around Hanoi can be quite an adventure. You’ll see a sea of motorcycles, but don’t worry; the city has reliable public transportation options.

Buses are the cheapest, with a single trip costing around 7,000 VND (less than $0.5). Taxis and Grab (Asia’s version of Uber) are also readily available. For the most central districts, travel times rarely exceed 30 minutes.

• Climate: Hanoi experiences a tropical monsoon climate, which means hot, wet summers and dry, cool winters. The best time to visit is generally between April and November when temperatures are more moderate and rainfall is lighter.
• Culture: Hanoi is a cultural melting pot, blending influences from Chinese and French colonial history with its indigenous culture. Expect to see a fascinating mix of architectural styles, culinary traditions, and arts and crafts.
• Language: While Vietnamese is the official language, English is widely understood in most tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.

Ready to start exploring the city’s neighborhoods? Let’s dive in.

1. Hoan Kiem: Ideal for First-Time Visitors

Heading to Hanoi for the first time? Hoan Kiem is the place to be! This bustling district is the heartbeat of Hanoi, and once you’re here, you’ll see exactly why.

Why Hoan Kiem is an Excellent Choice for Newcomers

First stop, Hoan Kiem! This district is located in the heart of the city and is the perfect introduction to Hanoi for first-time visitors. Here’s why:

• Proximity to attractions: The famous Hoan Kiem Lake, the stunning Ngoc Son Temple, and the historic Old Quarter are all within walking distance.
• Nightlife: Hoan Kiem is home to Ta Hien Street, also known as ‘Beer Street.’ Here, you’ll find a lively atmosphere with street food stalls, bars, and live music.
• Accommodation options: From budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels, Hoan Kiem has an array of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s pocket. 

Best Accommodations in Hoan Kiem for All Budgets

But where do you crash after a day filled with exploring, you ask? Fret not! Hoan Kiem is home to a slew of accommodations catering to every budget.

Budget Pick

Lubi house homestay.

⭐ Rating: 9.5 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.6 | 📌 Address: Số 4, ngõ 1A Đặng Thái Thân, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Nestled in the heart of Hanoi, just a short 400-meter stroll from the magnificent Hanoi Opera House and a brief 700-meter jaunt from Trang Tien Plaza, you’ll find the welcoming Homestay. 

“All was more than perfect! Highly recommended place to stay in Hanoi.” Marcell ( Read more reviews )

Lubi House Homestay is conveniently positioned near popular attractions including St. Joseph Cathedral, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, and the serene Hoan Kiem Lake. 

Need to catch a flight? No worries! Noi Bai International is only 25 kilometers away. 

Mid-range Picks

San grand hotel – former lucien hanoi hotel & spa.

⭐ Rating: 9.4 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.5 | 📌 Address: No. 2 Cho Cau Go, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

San Grand Hotel is strategically located near popular sights like the animated Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, and the historic Hanoi Old City Gate. 

“Perfect location and although very busy outside it was very quiet inside. Great air conditioning throughout the hotel.” Mike ( Read more reviews )

Need to get to the airport? It’s a simple 24-kilometer journey to Noi Bai International from the hotel.

Hanoi Calista Hotel

⭐ Rating: 9.5 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.6 | 📌 Address: 161-163 Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Perched in the heart of Hanoi with a beautiful terrace, the Hotel is a gem just 700 meters from the awe-inspiring St. Joseph Cathedral. 

The hotel’s location also puts you within striking distance of notable attractions such as the bustling Ha Noi Railway station, the entertaining Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, and the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake. 

“Clean room, nice shower, balcony in the room, fast internet, location.” Raquel ( Read more reviews )

Need to jet off? No problem! Noi Bai International Airport is just 24 kilometers away from Hanoi Calista Hotel .

Luxury Picks

La sinfonía majesty hotel and spa.

⭐ Rating: 9.4 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.4 | 📌 Address: 1B Cau Go Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Complete with a terrace, restaurant, and bar, the Hotel and Spa holds a prime spot in Hanoi’s center, just a stone’s throw (100 meters, to be exact) from the captivating Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. 

“Beautiful hotel with a fantastic rooftop bar over looking the lake. Great location making walking around to the main attractions easy. Super clean premises and Comfy beds and amazing staff.” Paul ( Read more reviews )

Notable landmarks like Hanoi Old City Gate, Hanoi Opera House, and Hoan Kiem Lake are within close proximity, adding to the charm of your stay at La Sinfonía Majesty Hotel and Spa . 

When it’s time to fly, Noi Bai International Airport is conveniently situated just 24 kilometers from the hotel.

Scent Premium Hotel

⭐ Rating: 9.5 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.5 | 📌 Address: 31 Hang Hanh Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Situated smack-dab in the middle of the Old Quarter, the Hotel is only a brisk 2-minute walk from the serene Hoan Kiem Lake. 

Want to experience the hustle and bustle of local life? The vibrant Dong Xuan Market and the weekend night market are a mere 3-minute drive away from Scent Premium Hotel . 

“The location was good because we were close to the epicentre of many activities happening during the Mid-Autumn Festival and also close to many tourist spots…” Puay ( Read more reviews )

The Hanoi Train Station can be reached in a 10-minute drive, and if you need to catch a flight, Noi Bai International Airport is just a 35-minute drive from the hotel.

2. Hanoi Old Quarter: Perfect for Budget Travelers

Calling all savvy globetrotters! If you’re looking for a place that delivers big on culture, history, and adventure, but without breaking the bank, Hanoi Old Quarter has got you covered.

What Makes Hanoi Old Quarter a Budget-Friendly Destination

Why is Hanoi Old Quarter a paradise for budget travelers, you ask? 

Well, it’s the heart of the city, steeped in history and alive with local culture. Think narrow, bustling streets, ancient architecture, vibrant markets, and street food that’s as delicious as it is affordable.

Speaking of food, don’t miss out on trying some of Hanoi’s most iconic dishes like ‘Pho’, ‘Bun Cha’, and ‘Banh Mi’ right from street vendors. These scrumptious delights will cost you less than $2 a meal. Can you believe it?

Plus, the Old Quarter’s compact size means most of its attractions, including the famous Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, and Dong Xuan Market are within walking distance of each other. No need for expensive taxi rides when you can navigate on foot, right?

Oh, and did we mention the souvenirs? The Old Quarter is famous for its affordable shopping, with streets dedicated to specific trades, like Hang Bac for silver jewelry, or Hang Gai for silk items.

Affordable and Comfortable Accommodations in Hanoi Old Quarter

But what about lodging in this budget-friendly heaven? Fear not, the Old Quarter is home to a plethora of affordable accommodation options.

Budget Picks

Hanoi holiday hotel.

⭐ Rating: 9.0 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.4 | 📌 Address: 8 Phố Nhà Hỏa, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

The Hotel enjoys a prime location in Hanoi, just under a kilometer from the iconic St. Joseph Cathedral and a mere 11-minute walk from the mesmerizing Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. 

This 3-star hotel is less than a kilometer from the city’s bustling center and just a quick 10-minute stroll from the historic Hanoi Old City Gate. 

“Awesome location. Super friendly and helpful staff. Great facilities. Would definitely stay here again 👍🏼” Tamika ( Read more reviews )

From Hanoi Holiday Hotel , you can easily access popular landmarks like the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, the buzzing Ha Noi Railway station, and the stylish Trang Tien Plaza. 

When it’s time to leave, Noi Bai International Airport is conveniently just 24 kilometers away.

Royal Holiday Hanoi Hotel

⭐ Rating: 9.4 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.7 | 📌 Address: 19 Hang Hanh, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Situated just a hop, skip, and a jump away (less than a 1-minute walk, to be precise) from the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, the Hotel provides budget-friendly rooms with delightful views of either the lake or the vibrant city. 

A bit further out, Noi Bai International Airport is 30 kilometers away, but don’t fret! Royal Holiday Hanoi Hotel offers a convenient 2-way airport transfer service. 

“Absolutely fantastic position, just a few seconds and you are in the heart of the historical district, and less than 2 minutes to the weekend market…” Steve ( Read more reviews )

Plus, notable attractions like Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the enchanting Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre are less than a 10-minute drive away.

Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa

⭐ Rating: 9.2 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.2 | 📌 Address: 94 Ma May, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa holds a prime location, just a short 300-meter stroll from the historic Old City Gate, and a mere 500 meters from the revered Ngoc Son Temple and the bustling Dong Xuan Market. 

“Good location, clean room, staff are friendly and able to communicate well in English. There is a very beautiful rooftop bar on the 11th floor. The spa is very professional.” Sung ( Read more reviews )

As for your journey home, Noi Bai International Airport is a convenient 21 kilometers away.

Golden Legend Boutique Hotel

⭐ Rating: 9.4 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.4 | 📌 Address: 10 Chan Cam Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Nestled in the heart of the lively French Quarter, the Hotel offers guests a comfortable stay with views of the bustling streets or the city skyline. Guests can relish breakfast at the nearby Golden Legend Diamond Hotel, located just a minute’s walk away.

Staying at the Golden Legend Boutique Hotel ensures guests are in the heart of Hanoi, experiencing the authentic charm of the city. Beyond the plush amenities, the location allows easy access to major attractions, making sightseeing convenient.

“It was in the perfect location to see the things that you needed to see to get a real sense of Hanoi” Rob ( Read more reviews )

The staff, known for their impeccable service, provide tailored recommendations to enhance guests’ experiences. With an emphasis on sustainability, the hotel also takes significant steps to ensure both environmental and social impacts are positively addressed.

Hôtel du LAC Hanoi

⭐ Rating: 9.3 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.3 | 📌 Address: 35-37 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Near the hotel, you’ll find a number of popular attractions like the majestic St. Joseph Cathedral, bustling Trang Tien Plaza, and the serene Hoan Kiem Lake. 

The HOTEL du LAC Hanoi is a stylish 4-star hotel conveniently located in Hanoi. It offers a host of amenities designed to make a guest’s stay enjoyable and relaxing.

“Great position, enthusiastic and extremely good staff, lovely clean room, great breakfast selection and appealing decor.” Julie ( Read more reviews )

Rooms are equipped with desks, allowing guests to work comfortably. They come with a private bathroom fitted with a bidet and complimentary toiletries. Some rooms offer city views. Every room has a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer.

Hanoi Emerald Waters Hotel Valley

⭐ Rating: 9.4 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.5 | 📌 Address: 22 Lò Sũ, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Around Hanoi Emerald Waters Hotel Valley , you’ll find popular points of interest like the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, the historic Hanoi Old City Gate, and the impressive St. Joseph Cathedral. 

“The hotel is well located and the staff are super helpful…” Eric ( Read more reviews )

And when it’s time to say goodbye, Noi Bai International Airport is a straightforward 24 kilometers away.

3. Tay Ho (Hanoi West Lake): The Family-Friendly Option

So, you’re packing the kiddos and looking for the best place to stay in Hanoi that will cater to your family’s needs? Tay Ho, or the West Lake district, is your answer! It’s not just a place; it’s an experience that your whole family will love.

Why Families Love Staying in Tay Ho

Tay Ho, Hanoi’s West Lake district, is like a breath of fresh air. With its tranquil lake views, lush green parks, and family-friendly activities, it’s no wonder families find their happy place here. Plus, it’s a great spot to escape the bustling city life without actually leaving the city!

Did I mention the picnic spots? There’s nothing like spreading a blanket and enjoying a family meal with the stunning West Lake as your backdrop. Don’t forget to rent a paddleboat for a fun family activity!

Feeling adventurous? Take the kids to the famous Quan Thanh Temple or Tran Quoc Pagoda. It’s a history lesson come to life! Remember, these places open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Family-Oriented Accommodations in Tay Ho

When it comes to family-friendly hotels, Tay Ho doesn’t disappoint. Whether you’re looking for a budget stay or a luxury escape, you’ll find hotels designed with families in mind. Let’s discover a few favorites:

Papilio Homestay Tay Ho

⭐ Rating: 9.3 out of 10 with a location score of 9.3 | 📌 Address: 14K Ngõ 31 đường Xuân Diệu, Tay Ho, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Papilio Homestay Tay Ho , situated in the heart of Hanoi, offers guests comfortable accommodations coupled with modern amenities, all within a close proximity to various attractions.

“The room is new and clean. On the balcony, i can smell the flowers. The location is also very good, it’s convenient to explore the view of Hanoi” Siyu ( Read more reviews )

Choosing to stay at Papilio Homestay Tay Ho is more than just booking a room; it’s experiencing Hanoi from a cozy, convenient hub. Not only is the homestay nestled near key attractions like West Lake, but it also provides guests with the modern comforts of air-conditioned rooms and the added benefit of free WiFi.

Hanoi Home 2 – Lake View Apartment

⭐ Rating: 8.8 out of 10 with a location score of 9.3 | 📌 Address: Số 128 phố Vũ Miên, phường Yên Phụ, quận, Tay Ho, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Set in the heart of Hanoi, the Apartment is just 1.2 km from the tranquil West Lake and 1.8 km away from the iconic Quan Thanh Temple. 

Hanoi Home 2 – Lake View Apartment offers stunning views of the lake and a sun-soaked terrace.

Significant landmarks such as the Hanoi Old City Gate and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum are just a quick drive away, at 3.2 km and 3.3 km respectively. 

“The view of the lake, the tranquility, the practical side” Aranud ( Read more reviews )

For guests flying in, the nearest airport is Noi Bai International, situated 21 km away from the accommodation. 

Midrange Picks

The Hanoi Club Hotel & Residences

⭐ Rating: 8.5 out of 10 | 📌 Address: 76 Yen Phu Street, Tay Ho, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Perched along the serene West Lake in Hanoi, the opulent The Hanoi Club Hotel & Residences provides panoramic views of the lake.

Nearby attractions include the Tran Quoc Pagoda, just 500 meters from the hotel, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, 1.7 km away. 

“Great location in West lake area. Lovely outlook onto the lake. Rooms were spacious, clean and comfortable…” Elizabeth ( Read more reviews )

For those traveling by air, the nearest airport is Noi Bai International Airport, which is situated 18.4 km away from the property.

MoonLight Tay Ho

⭐ Rating: 9.2 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.3 | 📌 Address: 32 Phố Yên Hoa, Tay Ho, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

MoonLight Tay Ho is conveniently located near several popular attractions. West Lake and Quan Thanh Temple are easily accessible, as well as the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. 

“Everything was perfect.Hotel is located on the West Lake, very nice and safe area. Cleaning of room every second of third day.” Ankica ( Read more reviews )

For those traveling by air, Noi Bai International Airport is the nearest airport, positioned just 21 kilometers from the property.

Somerset West Point Hanoi

⭐ Rating: 9.1 out of 10 | 📌 Address: No.2 Tay Ho Road, Quang An ward, Tay Ho, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Located a stone’s throw from the serene West Lake, just 2.1 kilometers away, Somerset West Point Hanoi also provides easy access to the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which is 3.4 kilometers away. 

“Somerset is a great location for work and over weekends to wander around the lakes and visit local cafes. It is clean has a pool and gym. Staff are excellent, professional friendly and helpful …” Santiago ( Read more reviews )

For guests traveling from afar, Noi Bai International Airport is the closest, at a distance of 17 kilometers from the property.

VNAHOMES APARTHOTEL

⭐ Rating: 9.6 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.6| 📌 Address: 30 Phố Võng Thị Phường Bưởi Quận, Tay Ho, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Nestled in a strategic location, VNAHOMES APARTHOTEL is a mere 4.5 kilometers away from the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Also within proximity is the famous One Pillar Pagoda, situated just 4.6 kilometers away. 

“This hotel is incredible, i loved everything about it. The staff, location near Lake, it was a wonderful stay!” Shara ( Read more reviews )

For international travelers, Noi Bai International Airport, the closest airport, is conveniently located just 21 kilometers away.

4. Ba Dinh District: Stay Close to Everything

Picture this: Waking up in the heart of Hanoi, with historical landmarks, top-notch restaurants, and bustling local markets right at your doorstep. Sounds fantastic, doesn’t it? 

Well, that’s exactly what you get when you choose to stay in the vibrant Ba Dinh District.

Benefits of Staying in Ba Dinh District

Ba Dinh District isn’t just any district; it’s the political hub of Vietnam, home to government offices and embassies. But don’t let that intimidate you! It’s also rich in history, brimming with culture, and loaded with places to explore.

Fancy a walk down history lane? The iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the majestic Presidential Palace are a stone’s throw away. 

Hungry for a bite? Try mouthwatering local delicacies at street stalls lining every corner. 

And if you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, you’re in luck! From boutique fashion stores to local souvenir shops, Ba Dinh has it all.

What’s more, Ba Dinh District offers a mix of old and new, traditional and modern. Here, ancient temples sit alongside skyscrapers, and peaceful parks coexist with lively streets. There’s something for everyone in Ba Dinh!

Top Hotels in Ba Dinh District for Accessibility

When it comes to accommodation, Ba Dinh District doesn’t disappoint. Whether you’re after luxury or looking for something more budget-friendly, you’ll find it here.

Hanoi 20 Hotel & Apartment

⭐ Rating: 9.1 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.2 | 📌 Address: 93 Doi Can, Ba Dinh, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Just a short five-minute drive from the bustling Hanoi Old Quarter and the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, the Hotel is a traditional haven. 

Hanoi 20 Hotel & Apartment is advantageously situated a mere five-minute drive from the lively Dong Xuan Market and is a casual stroll away from the Ho Chi Minh Museum. 

“Very quiet surrounding. Nice and comfy hotel at only 15 mn walking distance from the hustle and bustle Hanoi center.” Forgerit ( Read more reviews )

Moreover, the Noi Bai International Airport is just a 45-minute drive, making it a convenient choice for travellers.

Libré Homestay Đào Tấn

⭐ Rating: 9.0 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.2 | 📌 Address: Số 2, Ngõ 118 Đào Tấn, Phường Cống Vị, Quận, Ba Dinh, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Libré Homestay Đào Tấn is comfortably nestled just 2.1 km away from the Vincom Center Nguyen Chi Thanh. A slightly further venture, about 3.4 km away, brings you to the famous One Pillar Pagoda. 

“Good area quiet and peaceful Inspite of a main highway near by pleasant staff and other residents overall a nice place to stay” Jipteq ( Read more reviews )

The Noi Bai International Airport is only 22 km from the homestay, ensuring your journey to and from the property is a breeze.

FTE Ba Dinh Hotel

⭐ Rating: 9.0 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.3 | 📌 Address: 268 Buoi Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Situated conveniently, the Hotel sits a mere 1.6 km away from the enlightening Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Additionally, the lively Vincom Center Nguyen Chi Thanh is just a quick 2.9 km journey from FTE Ba Dinh Hotel . 

“Beautiful hotel. Great breakfast! Staff were very nice and accomodating. Gorgeous rooftop pool!” Katherine ( Read more reviews )

The Noi Bai International Airport is conveniently located 22 km from the property, allowing for easy transitions to and from your flight. 

Hong Gia Tue Apartment

⭐ Rating: 9.2 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.3 | 📌 Address: 69 Nguyễn Trường Tộ, Trúc Bạch, Ba Dinh, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Nestled amidst the cityscape, the Apartment serves as an eco-conscious lodging choice in Hanoi, just a stone’s throw away from the historic Quan Thanh Temple. 

Hong Gia Tue Apartment promises sustainable comfort without skimping on convenient access to some of Hanoi’s top attractions. It’s easy to get to popular sites like the picturesque West Lake, the intriguing Hanoi Old City Gate, and the iconic Imperial Citadel. 

“Perfect place to stay! Friendly staff, big apartaments, lot of devices, you can do a laundry, cook a meal, everything clean and comfortable!…” Mikolaj ( Read more reviews )

Plus, Noi Bai International Airport is only 22 km away, making it an accessible option for travelers.

Lotte Hotel Hanoi

⭐ Rating: 9.0 out of 10 | 📌 Address: 54 Lieu Giai Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

This smoke-free haven is conveniently located just 1.2 km from the engaging Giang Vo Exhibition Centre and a mere 1.8 km from the enlightening Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. 

“Great breakfast. Evening canapés at the Club Lounge was very good. Great view of the lake from our room.” Tsin ( Read more reviews )

Furthermore, the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a must-see landmark, is only 2.2 km away from Lotte Hotel Hanoi . For those jetting in or out, Noi Bai International Airport is a manageable 20 km commute, making travel transitions smoother.

The Five Residences Hanoi

⭐ Rating: 9.1 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.2 | 📌 Address: 345 Doi Can Road Lieu Giai Ward, Ba Dinh, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Nestled in Hanoi and just 1.9 km away from the famed One Pillar Pagoda.

The bustling Vincom Center Nguyen Chi Thanh is merely a short 2 km stroll away, and the venerable Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is just a tad further at 2.2 km from The Five Residences Hanoi . 

“Great hotel, very nice and helpful staff. Also breakfast is good, good kitchen for lunch and diner. I can recommend :)” Josev ( Read more reviews )

For those coming or going by air, rest easy knowing that Noi Bai International Airport is a manageable 23 km from the hotel.

5. Hanoi West Lake: A Romantic Escape for Couples

Looking for a romantic getaway in the vibrant city of Hanoi? Let’s take you on a virtual journey to Hanoi’s West Lake, a gem that has stolen the hearts of countless couples with its serene waters and romantic atmosphere.

Why Couples Prefer Hanoi West Lake

Imagine walking hand in hand with your loved one along a tranquil lake, watching the sun setting behind ancient pagodas, while the evening breeze whispers tales of old. Sounds dreamy, right? 

That’s West Lake for you – Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake, offering an escape from the city buzz without leaving the city. It’s no wonder couples find this place irresistible.

Bordered by modern cafes, elegant restaurants, and historical landmarks, the area offers a plethora of activities for lovebirds. From savoring a candlelight dinner by the lake to cycling along the tree-lined pathways, there’s something for every couple to enjoy. 

And let’s not forget the romantic boat rides on the lake, a favorite among visiting pairs.

The lake’s surrounding area has an impressive mix of temples and pagodas, allowing couples to soak in the local culture. The Tran Quoc Pagoda on a small island in the middle of the lake is a must-visit, with its breathtaking architecture and serene surroundings adding to the romantic allure.

Romantic Hotels in Hanoi West Lake

Adding to the lake’s romantic appeal is a selection of top-notch hotels, known for their excellent service, luxurious amenities, and of course, stunning lake views. Here’s a handful that stands out:

Hong Ha Homestay

⭐ Rating: 10.0 out of 10 with a value for money score of 10 | 📌 Address: 31 đường 6 KTT F361 An Dương, Yên Phụ, Tay Ho, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Situated in the heart of the Tay Ho district in Hanoi, Hong Ha Homestay is just a kilometer away from the picturesque West Lake and only 1.6 km from the famous Quan Thanh Temple. 

The Hanoi Old City Gate is also easily accessible at a distance of 2.8 km from this homestay. The homestay is also just 3.2 km from the iconic One Pillar Pagoda and 3.3 km from the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum.

The famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is just 3.1 km away, and the historical Imperial Citadel is a mere 3.2 km from the homestay. 

Noi Bai International Airport, the closest to the property, is just 21 km away from the Homestay.

Homestay Vũ Miên, Tây Hồ, Ba Đình

⭐ Rating: 9.7 out of 10 with a value for money score of 10 | 📌 Address: Số 9 Ngõ 56 Vũ Miên, Tay Ho, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Nestled in the vibrant Tay Ho district of Hanoi, the homestay is set 1.1 km from the beautiful West Lake and 1.6 km from the historic Quan Thanh Temple. 

The Hanoi Old City Gate is a short 2.9 km drive away, while the renowned Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum sits just 3.1 km from the property. 

The nearest airport, Noi Bai International Airport, is 21 km from Homestay Vũ Miên, Tây Hồ, Ba Đình .

Ha Noi Truc Bach Lake View Studio

⭐ Rating: 9.3 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.8 | 📌 Address: 62 Phố Trấn Vũ, Ba Dinh, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Situated in Hanoi’s bustling Ba Dinh district, the studio offers a welcoming retreat less than 1 km from West Lake, a brisk 14-minute stroll from the Imperial Citadel, and only 1.9 km from the renowned Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. 

“- Very nice, clean, new property. – excellent location- more local area – fully functional kitchen – t.v. With Netflix – free laundry” Jatin ( Read more reviews )

Notable landmarks such as the One Pillar Pagoda, St. Joseph Cathedral, and Thang Long Water Puppet Theater are all within a comfortable distance – 1.4 km, 2.8 km, and 3.1 km respectively. The proximity to Quan Thanh Temple, just a mere 300 m away.

You’ll also find other popular attractions near the apartment, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Hanoi Old City Gate, and the Hanoi Temple of Literature. 

For those traveling by air, Noi Bai International Airport is 22 km from Ha Noi Truc Bach Lake View Studio .

The hotel is ideally located just 500 meters from the Tran Quoc Pagoda and the West Lake, offering guests a close view of one of Vietnam’s oldest temples. 

Additionally, The Hanoi Club Hotel & Residences is a brief 1.7 km journey to the renowned Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. For travelers, Noi Bai International Airport is conveniently situated only 18.4 km from the hotel.

Pan Pacific Hanoi

⭐ Rating: 8.4 out of 10 with a location score of 8.7 | 📌 Address: 1 Thanh Nien Road, Ba Dinh, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Elevated twenty stories high, Pan Pacific Hanoi offers a bird’s eye view of the West Lake (600 m away), Truc Bach Lake, and Red River. 

Located a mere stone’s throw from the city center, guests are just 3 km away from the lively Old Quarter or can enjoy leisurely lakeside walks nearby. Plus, the hotel is located at a convenient distance of 2.8 km from Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. 

“Hotel is lovely, staff are helpful, friendly and super polite. We had the pool and gym pretty much to ourselves.” Anita ( Read more reviews )

Several attractions, like the famous Hoan Kiem Lake, Ba Dinh Square, Dong Xuan, and various night markets, are all less than a 10-minute drive away.

6. Hai Ba Trung: A Deep Dive into Culture

Do you hear the rhythm of the street vendors, the soft strum of the guitar in the park, and the buzz of scooters zipping by? That’s Hai Ba Trung for you! 

It’s not just a district in Hanoi; it’s a vibrant, living embodiment of Vietnamese culture, filled with old temples, modern shops, bustling markets, and delicious street food stalls. 

Welcome to Hai Ba Trung, where every corner tells a story, every alley has a hidden gem, and the people are as warm as a bowl of pho on a rainy day.

The Cultural Richness of Hai Ba Trung

Hai Ba Trung, named after two national heroines, is the perfect place for culture enthusiasts. Here’s why:

• Historic Sites: Did you know that the district is home to the ancient Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Hanoi? Its seven-story tower is a sight to behold!
• Street Food Galore: Try Banh Mi, Pho, or the unique Bun Cha. Each dish, rich in flavor and history, will make your taste buds dance!
• Shopping: The district has a mix of local markets and shopping malls. Check out the Times City, it’s huge!
• Local Art: Wander the streets, and you’ll find an array of colorful murals and street art, a testament to the city’s creative spirit.

A day in Hai Ba Trung is like walking through a live museum of Hanoi’s culture, where the past and present coexist.

Cultural Accommodations in Hai Ba Trung

After a day of exploring, you’ll need a cozy place to rest your tired feet and recharge. Here are some culturally-rich accommodations in Hai Ba Trung that will make your stay unforgettable:

Tonkin Homestay

⭐ Rating: 9.3 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.1 | 📌 Address: 20, To Hien Thanh, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Nestled in Hanoi, just 1.2 km away from the bustling Trang Tien Plaza, you’ll find the the Homestay offering private, air-conditioned rooms. 

The property is conveniently situated just 1.3 km away from both Ba Dinh Square and Quan Su Temple. 

“We loved everything during our stay! Cozy, comfortable and quiet house. The room was spacious, clean and provided with AC and private bathroom.” Edoardo ( Read more reviews )

The nearest airport, Noi Bai International Airport, is a mere 23 km from Tonkin Homestay .

Camellia Residence Hanoi

⭐ Rating: 9.7 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.9 | 📌 Address: 295 Phố Triệu Việt Vương, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Camellia Residence Hanoi , a sustainable 4-star apartment complex, is perched just 1.3 km away from Trang Tien Plaza. 

Nearby attractions include the Hanoi Opera House, St. Joseph Cathedral, and Ha Noi Railway station, perfect for your cultural exploration. 

“Great location , easy to get around staff were super friendly and accommodating…” Barbara ( Read more reviews )

Noi Bai International Airport is the nearest, located just 26 km away from Camellia Residence Hanoi .

Muse Hanoi Boutique Apartment

⭐ Rating: 8.9 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.3 | 📌 Address: 29/44 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Situated in the cultural heart of Hanoi, in the Hai Ba Trung district, the Apartment provides air-conditioned accommodations just 2 km from St. Joseph Cathedral, 1.8 km from Ha Noi Railway Station, and a quick 2.3 km hop from Hanoi Opera House. 

“The property is new, clean, located by a park with many restaurants and shopping at walking distance. The staff is super kind…” Marisa ( Read more reviews )

Nestled only 1.7 km from Trang Tien Plaza, Muse Hanoi Boutique Apartment is 2.5 km away from The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, while the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake is only 2 km away. 

Noi Bai International Airport is the nearest, situated 26 km from the apartment.

Atlanta Residences

⭐ Rating: 9.1 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.1 | 📌 Address: 49 Hang Chuoi, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Boasting an ideal location, the property sits conveniently only 900 m away from the grand Hanoi Opera House and the intriguing National Museum of Vietnamese History. 

A mere 1 km stroll from Atlanta Residences will bring you to the bustling Trang Tien Plaza and the enlightening Vietnam Revolution Museum. 

“Great location in French Quarter, Old city at walking distance. Very professional and kind staff..” Hermijdert ( Read more reviews )

If your journey involves air travel, rest assured, as the Noi Bai International Airport is within a manageable 23 km drive from the property.

Hanvet Hotel

⭐ Rating: 9.2 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.2 | 📌 Address: Số 113 Lê Thanh Nghị, phường Đồng Tâm, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Offering a comfortable 3-star experience, the hotel stands 3.1 km from the historical Ha Noi Railway station and just 3.3 km from the lively Trang Tien Plaza. 

Wander a bit further from the property, and you’ll find the grand Hanoi Opera House just 3.9 km away. The iconic St. Joseph Cathedral is within easy reach too, located 4 km from the hotel. 

“Staff very friendly and helpful. The location of the hotel is very quiet, as it is located in a small side street (courtyard).” Beatrix ( Read more reviews )

If your adventure includes air travel, the Noi Bai International Airport is conveniently situated 28 km from the Hanvet Hotel .

7. Truc Bach: Family Comfort in the Heart of Hanoi

Let’s imagine. You’re packing your suitcases, loading up the kids, and heading for a family adventure in the heart of Hanoi. Where do you go for comfort, convenience, and that home-away-from-home feeling? Welcome to Truc Bach, folks!

Why Families Choose Truc Bach

Just a stone’s throw from Hanoi’s bustling city center, Truc Bach offers a tranquil oasis perfect for families. Why? Let me break it down for you.

• It’s safe. Nothing is more important than your family’s safety. Truc Bach is known for its secure, family-friendly environment.
• It’s convenient. Located close to popular tourist sites, you can hop, skip, and jump to Hanoi’s major attractions in no time!
• It’s packed with amenities. From lush parks to lakeside eateries, Truc Bach has everything a family could need.
• It’s calm and peaceful. After a day of city exploration, return to the serene environment of Truc Bach to recharge for your next adventure.

Truc Bach is more than a place to stay—it’s a neighborhood to experience.

Best Family Hotels in Truc Bach

A home base in Truc Bach means cozy stays and easy outings. Here are some family favorites.

HNC Premier Hotel & Residences

⭐ Rating: 9.0 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.1 | 📌 Address: 8 Lý Nam Đế, Phường Hàng Mã, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Perfectly situated in Hanoi, the 4-star lodging within a stone’s throw from notable attractions like Hanoi Old City Gate and St. Joseph Cathedral. 

Top attractions such as the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Imperial Citadel are just around the corner. 

“The hotel is at the center of Hanoi, near Old Quarter and Ba Dinh District…” Tri ( Read more reviews )

Noi Bai International Airport is the closest airport, conveniently located just 24 km from HNC Premier Hotel & Residences .

Ficus Suites

⭐ Rating: 9.3 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.4 | 📌 Address: 8 Ly Nam De, Hoan Kiem, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Centrally located, Ficus Suites offers easy access to Hanoi’s bustling attractions, including the historical Hanoi Old City Gate, the stunning St. Joseph Cathedral, and the entertaining Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. 

“The location is excellent, the rooms are comfortable.” Szilvia ( Read more reviews )

When it’s time to bid goodbye, rest assured that Noi Bai International Airport is a convenient 24 km from Ficus Suites . 

Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture

⭐ Rating: 9.2 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.1 | 📌 Address: 105 Nguyen Truong To Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

A mere 10-minute drive will lead you to iconic sites such as the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the unique One Pillar Pagoda, and the historic Bach Ma Temple. It’s your quick ticket to discover Hanoi’s rich heritage.

“Absolutely excellent location near the old quarter. Staff go above and beyond to help…” Anthony ( Read more reviews )

⭐ Rating: 9.4 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.6 | 📌 Address: 01 Alley 53, Ton That Thiep Street, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

In the heart of Hanoi, nestled amidst cityscape views, lies the sustainable apartment near the Imperial Citadel. This peaceful haven boasts tranquil street vistas and finds itself conveniently located just 1.3 km from the Hanoi Temple of Literature and a mere 1.1 km from Ha Noi Railway station.

From Zody House , a world of attractions awaits. Get lost in the creative exhibits of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum and marvel at the stunning architecture of St. Joseph Cathedral. Or, enjoy a culturally enriching experience at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater – all popular points of interest near the property. 

“The house is close to many attractions in Ha Noi, but located in a more peaceful and quiet street so you can get a good rest at night.” Callam ( Read more reviews )

For your travel needs, Noi Bai International Airport is a straightforward 23 km away. And, to simplify your journey even further, the property offers a handy paid airport shuttle service.

Grand Mercure Hanoi

⭐ Rating: 9.0 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.6 | 📌 Address: 9 Cat Linh Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Positioned a mere 700 meters from the mesmerizing exhibits of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, the Grand Mercure Hanoi opens its doors as a prestigious 5-star establishment. 

Located in Hanoi’s pulsing heart, the hotel is close to numerous key attractions. It’s a stone’s throw from the Hanoi Temple of Literature and the historic Imperial Citadel. 

“Best hotel we’ve every stayed in. Very comfortable and the staff were very accommodating.” Caeron ( Read more reviews )

Need to catch a train? The Ha Noi Railway station is within easy reach. And for those flying in or out, Noi Bai International Airport is a straightforward 24 km journey away from Grand Mercure Hanoi .

Hanoian Central Hotel & Spa

⭐ Rating: 9.2 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.2 | 📌 Address: 42A Hang Cot Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Located in the lively heart of the city, Hanoian Central Hotel & Spa offers guests a unique taste of authentic Vietnamese hospitality. 

Just a breezy 10-minute stroll from the hotel will take you to the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, a perfect spot for quiet reflection. You can also enjoy the iconic Water Puppet Theater, where Vietnam’s cultural heritage springs to life in a vibrant spectacle of music and light.

Venture a bit further, and a 15-minute walk immerses you in the historical richness of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a vital landmark in Vietnam’s storied past. 

“Excellent location! Very helpful friendly staff! Fantastic large room!…” Nicole ( Read more reviews )

For guests needing to travel further afield, the Noi Bai International Airport is a 40-minute drive away. And if your travels call for a rail journey, the Hanoi Train Station is conveniently located just 2 km away.

8. Thanh Xuan: A Budget-Friendly Choice

Everyone loves to save a little cash, especially when traveling! If you’re a budget-conscious adventurer looking for an affordable yet enjoyable journey, Thanh Xuan district in Hanoi should be on your bucket list.

Reasons to Choose Thanh Xuan for Budget Travelers

Why pick Thanh Xuan when planning a budget-friendly trip to Hanoi? The answer is simple – it’s the perfect blend of comfort and affordability. 

Thanh Xuan is known for its cost-effective living standards that don’t compromise on the quality of experiences. Imagine relishing delicious street food, exploring charming local markets, or immersing yourself in traditional Vietnamese culture without burning a hole in your pocket!

Want more reasons? Thanh Xuan is well-connected with the rest of Hanoi, making it a convenient base for traveling to other parts of the city. Public transportation is readily available and reasonably priced. 

Plus, Thanh Xuan is home to many local attractions that are either free or have a low entry fee, such as the local parks and temples.

Accommodations in Thanh Xuan

Hanoi amore hotel & travel.

⭐ Rating: 9.2 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.0 | 📌 Address: 105 Vũ Tông Phan, Khương Trung, Thanh Xuân, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Hanoi Amore Hotel & Travel is conveniently located a mere 6.1 km away from the renowned Vietnam Fine Arts Museum and just a bit further, 6.2 km, from the historical Hanoi Temple of Literature. 

“Cheap and nice hotel. Near a really good seafood place within 30m.” Yang ( Read more reviews )

The closest airport to the hotel is the Noi Bai International Airport, which is at a manageable distance of 28 km.

Max Diamond Hotel

⭐ Rating: 9.2 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.3 | 📌 Address: 1 Ngõ 68 Phố Triều Khúc, Thanh Xuân, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

The Max Diamond Hotel is located in Hanoi, 6 km away from the Vincom Center Nguyen Chi Thanh, offering picturesque city views. This 3-star accommodation boasts various amenities, such as a 24-hour front desk, an ATM, a shared kitchen, room service, and currency exchange services.

Rooms at the hotel are equipped with essentials for a comfortable stay. Each room has a desk, air conditioning, a safety deposit box, and a flat-screen TV. Notable attractions close to the hotel include the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum (7.1 km away) and the Hanoi Temple of Literature (7.2 km away). Noi Bai International is the nearest airport, 30 km from the hotel, which also offers a paid airport shuttle service.

“Lovely spacious room. Slightly out from the tourist centre of Hanoi but we enjoyed seeing the more local side of the city…” Cameron ( Read more reviews )

In terms of surroundings, the hotel is close to various attractions like Thanh Qúy Hair Salon, Vườn hoa Thanh Xuân Bắc, and Văn Quán Lake Park. It’s also near popular cafes and restaurants such as Supremacy and Cafe Yến.

As for facilities, the Max Diamond Hotel offers a wide range of amenities, from daily housekeeping and ironing services to an on-site minimarket and vending machines. For guests’ convenience, the hotel staff can communicate in both English and Vietnamese.

VinhomesRoyalCity

⭐ Rating: 9.0 out of 10 with a value for money score of 10 | 📌 Address: 72A Đường Nguyễn Trãi, Thanh Xuân, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

In the heart of Hanoi and just within a 5 km radius of the bustling Vincom Center Nguyen Chi Thanh, lies the sustainable apartment. 

“Clean, beautiful, spacious, new, modern facilities and pleasant good service” Nga ( Read more reviews )

Not too far away, the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum waits to mesmerize you at a distance of 5.2 km. The Hanoi Temple of Literature is also within reach at 5.3 km from VinhomesRoyalCity . 

For jet-setters, the Noi Bai International Airport is conveniently located 29 km away. 

FSB Homestay – Vinhomes Royal City

⭐ Rating: 10.0 out of 10 with a value for money score of 10 | 📌 Address: 72 Đường Nguyễn Trãi, Thanh Xuân, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Nestled just 5 km from Vincom Center Nguyen Chi Thanh, the Homestay offers a sustainable living experience in the vibrant heart of Hanoi. 

Situated 5.9 km away is the Ha Noi Railway Station, and the Imperial Citadel is just 6 km from the property. 

The Noi Bai International Airport is a convenient 29 km away, making FSB Homestay – Vinhomes Royal City an ideal base for your Hanoi adventures.

9. Cầu Giấy: The Road Less Travelled

Ever wondered what’s off the beaten path in Hanoi? Cầu Giấy is your answer. 

Not your typical tourist hotspot, this district offers a unique mix of local flavor and adventurous exploration. So, if you’re the kind of traveler who loves to experience a city as the locals do, Cầu Giấy is a destination you shouldn’t miss.

Why Adventurous Travelers Choose Cầu Giấy

Why should an intrepid traveler like you venture to Cầu Giấy? 

For starters, it’s not as crowded as the typical Hanoi tourist traps. This means you get to experience the city at a leisurely pace, taking in the culture without having to rub elbows with hundreds of other tourists.

Here’s another cool thing about Cầu Giấy. It’s a treasure trove of hidden gems. 

Fancy sampling street food loved by the locals? Yearning to visit shops filled with local crafts? All these await you in Cầu Giấy. What’s more, you get to do all this exploration without breaking the bank.

Unique Stays in Cầu Giấy

Newsky serviced apartment.

⭐ Rating: 9.5 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.6 | 📌 Address: Số 1B, Ngõ 69 Trần Quốc Hoàn, Cau Giay, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Situated just 1.6 km from the renowned Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, the eco-conscious Apartment offers 3-star lodging in Hanoi’s vibrant Cau Giay district. 

The bustling Vincom Center Nguyen Chi Thanh is a mere 4.1 km away, while the iconic My Dinh Stadium is at a distance of 4.6 km from Newsky Serviced Apartment . 

“Excellent stay. Smart TV with Netflix YouTube etc. Helpful staff. Well-equipped kitchen. A+” Connor ( Read more reviews )

The Noi Bai International Airport is conveniently located just 23 km from Newsky Serviced Apartment.

Granda Lake View Hotel & Apartment

⭐ Rating: 9.4 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.6 | 📌 Address: Phố Trung Kính Số 10, ngõ 43, Cau Giay, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

The Hotel & Apartment is situated only 2.2 km from Vincom Center Nguyen Chi Thanh, 4 km from Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, and a short 5.6 km trip to Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. 

Whether you fancy visiting the Hanoi Temple of Literature or catching a game at My Dinh Stadium, both are conveniently located just 5.6 km away. 

“The view on the lake is wonderful. No matters when: in the morning or in the evening. It’s beautiful. Bed is comfy…” Bonifacy ( Read more reviews )

And when it’s time to leave, you’ll find Noi Bai International Airport is a manageable 25 km from Granda Lake View Hotel & Apartment .

Halo Hanoi Hotel

⭐ Rating: 9.2 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.3 | 📌 Address: Số 33 ngõ 71 phố Đỗ Quang- phường Trung Hòa- quận, Cau Giay, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Imagine a haven nestled in Hanoi, just 2.8 km from Vincom Center Nguyen Chi Thanh. 

Ready for more sightseeing? The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum and the Hanoi Temple of Literature are both a mere 4.9 km away from Halo Hanoi Hotel . 

“Service was great, very helpful and accommodating staff: rooms were great…” Anh ( Read more reviews )

And when it’s time to return home, Noi Bai International Airport is just 27 km from the hotel.

SMARANA Hanoi HERITAGE

⭐ Rating: 9.7 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.7 | 📌 Address: Phường Dịch Vọng Hầu, Quận Cầu Giấy Số 5, Ngõ 82/1 Dịch Vọng Hậu, Cau Giay, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

An oasis of elegance and tranquility just 2.4 km away from the intriguing Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. 

When you’re ready to explore, the My Dinh Stadium is just a 3.6 km trip away, and the Vincom Center Nguyen Chi Thanh is a mere 4.2 km from SMARANA Hanoi HERITAGE . 

“The deco and atmosphere in this hotel is second to none! It’s amazing. The room we had was lovely and they decorated it lovely.” Rhian ( Read more reviews )

When it’s time to say goodbye, Noi Bai International Airport is conveniently located just 25 km from the accommodation.

The Bloom Hanoi

⭐ Rating: 9.1 out of 10 with a value for money score of 9.2 | 📌 Address: 36 Phố Dịch Vọng Hậu, Cau Giay, Hanoi | 💵 Cost: Check rates and availability

Step into The Bloom Hanoi , an eco-friendly haven nestled in Hanoi, just a short 2.3 km away from the captivating Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. 

When you’re ready to explore the city, Vincom Center Nguyen Chi Thanh is just 4.1 km away, and My Dinh Stadium is a mere 4.4 km from The Bloom. 

“Luxurious and quiet place to stay in Cau Giay district. Fancy toilet, bath with heating lamps. The room is well cleaned…” Jane ( Read more reviews )

When it’s time to head home, Noi Bai International Airport is conveniently located just 25 km away. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Where to Stay in Hanoi

What is the best zone to stay in hanoi.

The Old Quarter is often considered the best area to stay in Hanoi. Brimming with historic charm, vibrant street life, and tantalizing street food, it’s where the city’s heart beats the loudest. Another popular choice is the French Quarter, where you’ll find beautiful French-colonial architecture and high-end shopping. If you’re a nature lover, consider staying near the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake. For modern comforts and business facilities, the Tay Ho (West Lake) and Ba Dinh districts might be your best bet.

What is the most popular district in Hanoi?

The Old Quarter is undeniably the most popular district in Hanoi. It’s famed for its historic architecture, bustling street markets, and rich cultural heritage. The streets are a labyrinth of shopping opportunities, with vendors selling everything from traditional silk garments to aromatic street food. The Hoan Kiem district, where the Old Quarter is located, is also home to popular attractions like the Hanoi Opera House and Hoan Kiem Lake, making it a hit with tourists and locals alike.

How many days are sufficient to visit Hanoi?

Most visitors find that a 3 to 5-day trip is enough to experience the main attractions of Hanoi. This allows ample time to explore the Old Quarter, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, discover the Temple of Literature, and perhaps even squeeze in a traditional water puppet show. If you plan to take day trips to places like Halong Bay or the ancient town of Ninh Binh, you might want to extend your stay to a week.

What is the center of Hanoi?

The heart of Hanoi is often considered to be the Hoan Kiem District, specifically the area around Hoan Kiem Lake. This scenic lake is a hub of activity, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the tranquil green space in the midst of the city. The Old Quarter, known for its bustling street life and historic charm, also forms part of this central district. It’s in Hoan Kiem that you’ll find many of Hanoi’s most famous landmarks, including the Hanoi Opera House and Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Hanoi

Whether you’re seeking luxury in the French Quarter, vibrant local life in the Old Quarter, or the tranquil beauty of West Lake, Hanoi’s diverse districts cater to all kinds of travelers. 

With this ultimate guide, choosing where to stay in Hanoi has become a breeze, promising an unforgettable experience tailored to your interests and preferences. 

Safe travels!

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𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝟭𝟬 𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 Hotels in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi Hotels

Property types, distance from, traveller rating, hotel class, popular hotels in hanoi right now.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveller ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveller Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
• Distance to city centre See properties located closest to the centre first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners

1. La Siesta Classic Ma May

2. The Oriental Jade Hotel

3. Gm Premium Hotel

4. La Siesta Premium Hang Be Hotel

5. Bespoke Trendy Hotel Hanoi

6. La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa

7. JM Marvel Hotel & Spa

8. Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel

9. AIRA Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa

10. Meritel Hanoi

11. Hanoi Allure Hotel

12. Hanoi Tirant Hotel

13. Solaria Hotel

14. Lotte Hotel Hanoi

15. La Nueva Boutique Hotel & Spa

16. Aurora Premium - A Lifestyle Hotel

17. Hanoi Boutique Hotel & Spa

18. Hanoi Emerald Waters Hotel & Spa

19. Hanoi Exclusive Hotel

20. Acoustic Hotel & Spa

21. Oakwood Residence Hanoi

22. Bella Premier Hotel & Rooftop Skybar

23. Imperial Hotel & Spa

24. Lavender Central Hotel & Spa

25. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

26. The Hanoi Club Hotel & Residences

27. Hanoi Daewoo Hotel

28. Grand Plaza Hanoi Hotel

29. Hai Bay Hotel

30. Hanoi Graceful Hotel

Hanoi Hotels Information

Hotels near the sights.

• La Siesta Classic Ma May
• The Oriental Jade Hotel
• Gm Premium Hotel
• La Siesta Premium Hang Be Hotel
• Bespoke Trendy Hotel Hanoi
• La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa
• JM Marvel Hotel & Spa
• Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
• AIRA Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa
• Meritel Hanoi

Best hotels in Hanoi

This list of the best hotels in Hanoi has been curated according to their location, style, rooms, facilities and dining options. Here is our selection of the best places to stay in Hanoi.

All hotels have been independently reviewed by our expert writers, who are usually hosted on a complimentary basis. We will earn a commission if you book via the links below, but this never affects our rating.

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Silk Path Boutique Hanoi

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Hotel de l'Opera

Essence Hanoi Hotel & Spa

Apricot Hotel

Where to Stay in Hanoi: Hanoi, Vietnam’s Best Areas to Stay

Where to Stay in Hanoi: Advice from an expat in Hanoi about the best neighborhoods to stay in Hanoi, Vietnam! (Plus 20 Hanoi Hotels by District)

We created this guide in collaboration with a long-term expat in Hanoi, Rebecca McBride. We’re thrilled she agreed to share her passion and knowledge of Hanoi as our local city expert for this Where to Stay in Hanoi Guide, and hope it helps with your Hanoi trip planning!

The capital of Vietnam is the perfect example of a country in transition, with the juxtaposition of old and new adding to the fascination of this bustling city.

I first set foot upon the streets of Hanoi as an impressionable teenager, guided by a mother who had already fallen hard for a city you either love or hate. Amazed by its rawness, I quickly followed in my mom’s footsteps, getting swept up in a world so very different from my western upbringing.

A decade later and Hanoi still holds a special charm over me, as I live, work and miraculously ride my motorbike through the crazy buzz of traffic.

Hanoi is simultaneously fast and slow, easy and difficult, relaxing and exhausting. This is a city where a little research goes a long way, as choosing what to eat, where to go, and how to get there can be a tad confusing if you just aimlessly hit the streets.

However, armed with just a basic understanding of local dishes, the lay of the land and a few Vietnamese words, exploration in the city yields some of the most interesting and stimulating street scenes you’re likely to see. Get ready for sensory overload; this is Hanoi.

The Best Areas to Stay in Hanoi, Vietnam: Hanoi’s Most Popular Neighborhoods to Stay

• Hoan Kiem (The Old Quarter) – The historic soul of the city, it’s obvious why most tourists choose to stay here. Temples, old gates, and traditional shops make for a busy neighborhood that will shock your senses! From luxury hotels to backpacker hostels, there’s something for everyone here. And surely everyone can get beyond the $0.20 in many cafés and bars in the area! Hoan Kiem is the best area to stay in Hanoi if you want a convenient and cultural experience right in the centre! ( Find hotels in Hoan Kiem. ) 
• Tay Ho – Mostly an expat neighborhood, Tay Ho makes for a soft landing, culture shock wise. Modern shops and a good choice of dining and nightlife spots make this a convenient area for tourists. And for a glimpse into the more traditional side of Hanoi, visit the very colorful Flower Market. Tay Ho is the best area to stay in Hanoi if you’d like a western-feeling enclave in the city, while still being conveniently located for exploring Hanoi! ( Find hotels in Tay Hoy. ) 
• Ba Dinh – Home to many of the city’s most visited attractions (Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, the Military Museum and the Old Citadel), this area is well-located close to the Old Quarter, but far less popular as a place to stay. If you want quieter streets and a still central location, Ba Dinh might be a great neighborhood to stay in Hanoi. ( Find hotels in Ba Dinh. ) 

Off the Beaten Path Neighborhoods in Hanoi

• Truc Bach – This is a neighborhood where you can finally catch your breath. If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, this is a good place to be based. There aren’t many famous landmarks (except for Tran Quoc pagoda), but the neighborhood is filled with restaurants catering to the large expat community, and it’s a great spot to relax with a book on the lakeside. ( Find hotels in Truc Bach. )
• Hai Ba Trung – Busy and modern: this neighborhood can be summarized with these two words. Here you can find the city’s most modern movie theater, lots of clothing shops, and hip cafès. Also, the local fabric market and tailor shops on Pho Hue St. are worth visiting for something more traditional. ( Find hotels in Hai Ba Trung. ) 

Hanoi Travel Tips & Further Info

• So….Where Should You Stay in Hanoi (A Summary)?

How to Get Around Hanoi

• A Note About the Hotels in This Guide

Where to Stay in Hanoi: Hoan Kiem (The Old Quarter)

Great area for: ✓ Central & Convenient ✓ Dining & Nightlife ✓ Historical & Cultural Tourism

A trip to Hanoi wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem), which functions as the historic soul of the city. Streets here are some of the oldest in the country, and even with the onslaught of the motorbike, these streets still ooze a trace of the tranquillity of bygone years.

Take note of the temples on nearly every street as well as the ancient city gates. There are also reminders of the foreign presence Hanoi has felt over the years. The most obvious feature reminiscent of the French occupation is St Joseph’s, a Roman Catholic cathedral.

In contrast to remnants of the past, time spent on Beer Corner (Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen intersection) is a great way to experience how the modern tourism industry blooms within the old quarter.

Absolute madness in terms of visual stimulation, people flock here to drink cheap beer and chat with anyone and everyone. When the police eventually shuffle people along you can continue your evening inside a bar hidden behind roller doors.

One of the most beautiful lakes in Hanoi is that of Hoan Kiem. Visit the Temple of the Jade Mountain, which is smack bang in the middle of this lake.

Keeping with the theme of water, there are two water puppet show theatres on either side of the lake. Spend 40 minutes watching a centuries-old cultural tradition that began right where you are.

There are many places to stay in this area, ranging from cheap backpacker dorms to more upmarket hotels, making it an appealing place to stay for most people who visit Hanoi. The abundance of travel agents in this area is also convenient if you’re planning onward travel.

However, the old quarter’s charm can run a little thin as the busy streets can overwhelm. If you’re looking for something more low key, consider staying in one of the quieter suburbs listed below and venturing into the old quarter as you please. If you want to be in the thick of the action, this is your neighborhood!

You can check out all the hotels in the Old Quarter here , or see our top picks below: 

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O’Gallery Premiere Hotel & Spa

9.7 / 10 on Booking.com

O’Gallery Premiere Hotel & Spa  – This 4-star is one of the most popular hotels in Hanoi, and it’s easy to see why: stunning rooms, a tranquil retreat atmosphere, and top-notch service. Past guests love that staff go above and beyond, from booking tickets to purchasing SIM cards and setting up phones. Quiet, comfortable, well-appointed rooms have tea and coffee makers, modern bathrooms and good showers, and there’s a spa and restaurant on-site. Just a 10-minute walk to Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, and the night market, this is a convenient and beautiful choice!

Check Availability & Prices on Booking.com / TripAdvisor

Hanoi Emerald Waters Hotel & Spa

9.6 / 10 on Booking.com

Hanoi Emerald Waters Hotel & Spa  – A bright, clean, and well-located 4-star hotel with neutral decor and friendly staff that earn great reviews from past guests. Rooms are modern with flat screen TVs, clean and bright bathrooms, and toiletries provided. The hotel has a restaurant, business center, and spa, and is a 5-minute walk to Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, 10 minutes to Beer Corner, and 15 on foot to Hanoi Opera House and the Revolution Museum. The Basic Rooms have an internal window and no view; if this is important to you, book a room that says ‘city view.’

Hanoi La Siesta Trendy Hotel

Hanoi La Siesta Trendy Hotel  – A 4-star boutique on a quiet street on the edge of the old quarter, this property offers a tranquil retreat within walking distance to all the action! Modern, air-conditioned rooms are well decorated, with large comfortable beds and quality linens. Past guests noted the breakfast has both western and local options, the onsite restaurant has a nice view of the city. and there’s a cocktail bar and spa on-site. St. Joseph’s Cathedral is about an 8-minute walk, and Ngoc Son Temple, Dong Xuan Market and the Old City Gate are all reachable in 15 minutes or less.

Luxury Old Quarter Hotel

Luxury Old Quarter Hotel  – A 3-star hotel that has 4-star aspirations, this small and relatively new boutique is just a 10-minute walk from the Old City Gate, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, and Dong Xuan Market. Air-conditioned rooms are modern and beautiful, with smart TVs, bathrobes and slippers. Past guests seem to love the great bath and showers, and there is also a small gym on-site. The ‘executive suites’ face the front of the hotel, which can be noisy; rooms at the back face a school, and are quieter but with less of a view.

Serenity Villa Hotel

9.1 / 10 on Booking.com

Serenity Villa Hotel  – A fresh and clean 3-star just a 2-minute walk from St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and less than 10 minutes to Ngoc Son Temple. Located at the end of a quiet street, the hotel is shielded from traffic noise, and air-conditioned rooms are well-appointed with tea and coffee, modern bathrooms, and flat screen TVs with foreign channels. The hotel is off the main road a bit, and some past guests say it was tough to roll their luggage down the street. If staff know you’re there, they will come out and help! Past guests mention friendly staff, comfortable rooms and the great location as pros of this hotel.

Hanoi Meracus Hotel 2

Hanoi Meracus Hotel 2  – Hotel 2 is a sister to Meracus Hotel 1 , directly across Hoan Kiem Lake. Both are well reviewed 3-star hotels with modern, air-conditioned rooms. At Hotel 2, rooms have hardwood floors, a safe, minibar, and bathrooms with toiletries, hairdryers and tub and shower. The restaurant is breakfast-only, and offers a la carte (rather than buffet) options. Of note, not all rooms have windows, which is not uncommon in Asia. If this is concerning, be sure to add a request when booking. A 5-to-10-minute walk to the lake, the water puppet theatre, the night market, St. Joseph’s Cathedral and more.

Looking for a Luxury Hotel in Hoan Kiem?

While most of the hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter fall squarely into the ‘mid-ranged’ price point, there are a few highly-rated 5-star luxury properties to choose from as well.

The stunning Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (9.4/10 on Booking.com) is a top choice to the east of the lake, and gets rave reviews from past guests.

Alternatively, check out the Apricot Hotel (9.1/10 on Booking.com) on the southwestern lake shore.

Where to Stay in Hanoi: Tay Ho

Great area for: ✓ Expat Living ✓ Flower Market ✓ Dining and Nightlife

Tay Ho is expat central, with arguably more foreigners roaming the streets than locals. If you’re making the trip to Tay Ho along the dyke road you’ll be treated to a 4 km long mosaic mural which was built to celebrate Hanoi’s 1000 year reign as Vietnam’s capital (1010 -2010).

Tay Ho offers some decent cafes and fun night spots. If you’ve been on the road for a while and you’re after a slice of western living then this is the place to stay. That said, you’re never too far from an authentic Vietnamese scene in Hanoi and a quick trip across the busy dyke road will land you at the flower market.

Literally truck loads of flowers are delivered here each night from surrounding plantation fields. It’s a sight worth seeing, but the action only really happens between 2 and 7am, so set your alarm!

Check out all the hotels in Tay Ho here, or see our top picks below:

Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake

8.8 / 10 on Booking.com

Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake  – A luxurious 5-star with a resort property feel to it, this hotel has a gorgeous setting on the edge of beautiful West Lake. Posh rooms with balconies offer either city, pool, or lake view, along with big bathrooms with modern walk-in showers and bath tubs. Three restaurants and two bars on-site, as well as a fitness center and seasonal outdoor pool. This is more of resort experience as it is away from the tourist hub, perfect for those looking for a peaceful atmosphere. Taxis to the Old Quarter are very cheap and will have you there in under 10 minutes for the equivalent of $3.00-$4.00 US.

Fraser Suites Hanoi

9 / 10 on Booking.com

Fraser Suites Hanoi  – 5-star self-catering apartment-style accommodation with all the amenities of a resort. A large outdoor pool, modern, and fully-equipped 24-hour gym, and an onsite restaurant with a buffet breakfast. It is also attached to a shopping complex with restaurants and a western-style supermarket, so you can easily grab some groceries for the apartment. The suites are modern and equipped with kitchens, laundry machines, and all linens, towels, and toiletries. The hotel also offers a regular complimentary shuttle bus to and from the Old Quarter, but taxis are cheap.

West Lake Home Hotel

West Lake Home Hotel  – A fairly new, modern and affordable 3-star hotel on the lake. Well-appointed air-conditioned rooms with hardwood floors, bathrooms with tub and shower, satellite TVs and coffee and tea making facilities. Onward travel and tours can be booked through the front desk, and the hotel offers a daily buffet breakfast; other restaurant choices are close by. Still a decent walk to Old Quarter sites, but a taxi in will only be about $3.00 US.

Where to Stay in Hanoi: Ba Dinh

Great area for: ✓ Central & Convenient  ✓ Quieter & Peaceful ✓ Historical & Cultural Tourism ✓ Botanical Gardens

Ba Dinh is quite a large suburb, with intricate alleyways splaying off busy roads. Many “must-see” tourist sites are here, including Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (go early), the Military Museum and the Old Citadel. Armed with a map and some sturdy shoes you can easily make a day out of exploring this area (but please, not in sticky Summer).

If you’re too hot to walk or strapped for time, use cyclos or just take a taxi. If you’re craving some down time in some green space then a couple of hours in the Botanical gardens should work wonders.

The hotels dotted throughout Ba Dinh are generally not as popular for western travellers as those in the nearby Old Quarter.

However, if you value quieter streets over close proximity to restaurants and travel agents you may consider staying in this area.

Check out all the hotels in Ba Dinh here , or see our top picks below: 

Lotte Hotel

Lotte Hotel  – Offering an ultra-lux experience, this 5-Star offers beautiful rooms with views and an observation deck 830ft up! Rooms are posh and comfortable with quality fixtures, minibar, coffee and tea making facilities, and bathrobes. The hotel features both an indoor and outdoor pool (closed on Mondays), a gym, a restaurant and bar. In the building’s attached shopping center, you’ll also find a food hall. This hotel is in the business sector, but a taxi to the Old Quarter will only run you about $3.00-$4.00 US.

Adamas Hotel

Adamas Hotel  – A clean 3-star within a 10-15 minute walk to the Old City Gate, the night market and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The hotel changed its name in 2016 from Demantoid Hotel to Adamas, which is worth noting as pasts guests said taxi drivers can get confused by the change.  Along with a new name came some nice upgrades: rooms have personal safes, satellite TV, coffee and tea making facilities, and daily bottled water. The restaurant on site serves a daily buffet breakfast.

Momizi Business Hotel

9.3 / 10 on Booking.com

Momizi Business Hotel  – This 3-star hotel provides good quality for the price and rooms that feature all the essentials. The rooms are nicely furnished with hardwood floors, a flat-screen TV, a desk, and a kettle. The hotel also features a sauna and a hot tub, which is a nice touch in the colder months (Hanoi gets chilly!). The hotel offers its guests a private shuttle to the airport (30 minutes away), which is another nice bonus on arrival and departure!

Check Availability & Prices on Booking.com   / TripAdvisor

Hanoi’s Less Visited Neighborhoods

Where to stay in hanoi: truc bach.

Great area for: ✓ Quiet Neighborhood ✓ Expat Community ✓ Lakeside

Truc Bach, a smaller region of Ba Dinh, is in many regards a suburb itself. It’s a popular place for expats to live but few tourists find their way here.

A quiet area, especially on the island of Ngu Xa, this is a nice place to catch your breath.

Truc Bach serves up lakeside coffee shops, swan paddle boats to venture onto Truc Bach lake in, the authentic Chau Long wet market and Hanoi’s best book shop (The Bookworm).

You can also grab a soft serve ice cream and enjoy the sunset from my favourite pagoda in Hanoi, Tran Quoc.

Truc Bach has an array of international and vegetarian cuisine scattered throughout the local specialties of frog hotpot and Pho Cuon (a type of noodle roll).

Accommodation around these parts tends towards a nice smattering of mid-range hotels and longer term studio apartments.

See all the hotels in Truc Bach here , or see our top picks below: 

8.8 / 10 on Booking.com

Tam Hotel  – A 3-star hotel with wooden floors, modern furniture and an incredibly helpful staff. Some of the rooms feature a balcony, in addition to a kettle and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Away from the bustle of the old town but close enough to walk to most sites of interest, the hotel is a 10-minute walk to the Old Quarter Gate and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and it’s surrounded by plenty of local restaurants and shops. It’s also a a 2-minute walk to West Lake and Truc Bach Lake.

An Nguyen Building

An Nguyen Building  – Situated in a quiet location but close to the main attractions, these apartments feature modern furniture and ensure a comfortable stay. The air-conditioned flats include a sitting area, a dining room, and a kitchen with a microwave, a fridge, and a stovetop, so it’s easy to cook all your meals at home. The hotel is a 5-minute walk to West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple, and a 15-minute walk to the famous Dong Xuan Market.

Flower Garden Hotel

Flower Garden Hotel  – Right by the lake, this hotel is a small hotel with nice rooms and a well-rated buffet breakfast. The interiors combine bold and colors and modern furnishings along with a traditional Asian-inspired decor. The rooms offer bathrobes, satellite TV, and tea and coffee making facilities. The Crystal Lotus restaurant on the roof-top offers great views over the city. The hotel is a 4-minute walk away from the lake, and a 10-minute walk from both the Chợ Đồng Xuân Market and the Ga Long Bien Train Station.

Where to Stay in Hanoi: Hai Ba Trung

Great area for: ✓ Modern ✓ Clothing Shopping 

South of Hoan Kiem, Hai Ba Trung is definitely a suburb worth visiting and one most tourists only scratch the surface of. If you’re looking for a place to shop for clothes, this is it. Leafy streets with relaxed vibes harbor cute clothing stores and coffee shops.

For a shopping splurge head to Vin Com tower where you’ll also find the city’s most modern cinema. If you prefer not to buy off the rack there’s always the local fabric market and tailor shops on Pho Hue st. The Women’s Museum is in this area as is the recently famous Obama Bun Cha restaurant.

If you prefer to stay in an area that is more developed (albeit still busy) then Hai Ba Trung may be a good option for you.

Check out all the hotels in Hai Ba Trung , or see our top picks below: 

The Ann Hanoi  – An intimate boutique hotel with very nice furnishings. The air-conditioned rooms are large and offer a seating area and a kettle. Guests can relax in the rooftop pool deck area, get work done in the business center, or stay fit in the gym. Past guests say the staff was always very attentive; the breakfast is good but has been mentioned to be a bit overpriced. The Old Quarter is a 10-minute walk away, while the Hanoi Opera House and Hoan Kiem Lake can be reached in 15 minutes on foot.

Midori Boutique Hotel

9.1 / 10 on Booking.com

Midori Boutique Hotel  – A small hotel with peaceful and quiet rooms and traditional decor, while still being located close to Hanoi’s main attractions. The rooms are well-appointed and offer air conditioning and LCD TVs with English channels. In the morning, guests can choose between a traditional Vietnamese and western breakfast. Past guests were very pleased by the attentive and helpful staff, and the comfort of the rooms. Hoan Kiem Lake can be reached with a 30-minute walk, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is 15-minutes away by scooter.

Atlanta Residences

Atlanta Residences  – Featuring modern furnishings and lots of light, these residences combine the best of an apartment and hotel, serviced with daily housekeeping. Fully-equipped kitchens, bathrooms with both a shower and a tub, and air-con in every unit. Past guests loved being in a less touristy neighborhood but close to the city attractions. Guests can reach the Hanoi Opera House in a 13-minute walk, while the Old Quarter is 30 minutes away: easy by taxi or moto taxi.

Popular Tours & Activities from Hanoi

Frequently asked questions, so where should you stay in hanoi.

Where you stay in Hanoi will largely depend on the amount of time you have, and whether you can sleep soundly with earplugs in!

• The noisy and fast paced Old Quarter is ideal if you want to be in the centre of the action and get a real feel for Hanoi’s busy street life. If you only have a couple of days, the Old Quarter is probably the best area to stay in Hanoi so you don’t feel as if you’re missing out! Find Old Quarter hotels.
• Although there are considerably less accommodation options in Truc Bach, this is a much quieter area that will call for some lake side relaxation. Still centrally located, Truc Bach is only a 5-10 minute taxi ride to sights in Ba Dinh and the Old Quarter. For those who prefer a quieter and laid back vibe, consider staying in Truc Bach. Find Truc Bach hotels.
• Those looking for a more up market experience should check out Hai Ba Trung and for an extended stay in Hanoi you may consider either Tay Ho or Truc Bach . These areas provide more creature comforts than others and longer term studio apartment rentals are common. Find Hai Ba Trung hotels or Tay Ho hotels.

Unless you’re traveling up from the south (Vietnam’s shape makes picking a travel route relatively easy) you’ll most likely fly into Noi Bai International airport.

If you’re arriving at night think about a hotel pick up, saving you the hassle of navigating city streets in the dark.

During the day, public transport into the city is a good option. Safe and cheap, the bright orange number 86 public bus leaves outside from the left hand side of the airport terminal, going roughly every 20 minutes.

Unfortunately there is a lack of dependable public transport in Hanoi other than the 86 and you will most likely find yourself in a taxi at some stage.

Taxis are cheap and usually reliable but avoid scams by always making sure the meter is switched on. The price of your journey will depend on length – rates are advertised on the outside of each cab.

Hanoi is a spider web of suburbs that stretches quite far west and east. Areas of interest are all relatively close, fanning out from the city’s historic Old Quarter.

Despite footpaths overloaded with everything from chicken families to metal grinding workshops, walking is a great way to see the city. If you’re not feeling up to the challenge of navigating the streets on foot, the quintessentially Vietnamese Cyclo offers you a front row seat to the cinematic street scenes.

I would only recommend jumping on a motorbike if you’re competent and confident.

A Note About Our Hotel Recommendations In This Hanoi Neighbourhood Guide

Our hope with this Where to Stay in Hanoi Guide (and our Where to Stay in Taipei , Where to Stay in Shanghai , Where to Stay in Beijing …you get the idea) is to make it easy to find the best area to stay in Hanoi for your particular travel style, goals and budget.

Hanoi is a densely populated, busy city, and it’s worth figuring out where you want to base yourself and where you want to explore!

As we hired local expert Rebecca to write this Hanoi guide, we’re a bit limited in terms of hotel knowledge…because, of course, locals don’t live in hotels! Rather than leave you to figure this out all on your own, we’ve researched and chosen some of the highest-rated hotels in each Hanoi neighborhood.

The idea with these guides is that we put the research in for you, and choose the places we personally would want to stay, and the places we felt we’d be comfortable recommending to a friend or family member, across different budget ranges.

Our aim is to help you have a fantastic vacation to Hanoi, be it a grand Southeast Asia tour or a city stop over, without spending hours on research.

We hope we’ve succeeded…but please don’t blame us if we haven’t – at the end of the day, we expect you’ll check the most recent reviews and specific conditions in the city, using our listings as a starting point and framework, and choosing then selecting the best hotel and area to stay in Hanoi for your own unique trip!

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Where to stay in Hanoi: The best areas for first-time visitors

February 19, 2023 By James Clark

Hanoi has a population of over 8 million people and is broken up into 30 administrative districts. This soon-to-be megacity is a confusing mess of streets with seemingly as many motorbikes as there are people.

If you are visiting Hanoi for the first time it may not seem apparent where the city centre is. There is a city square of sorts (Ba Dinh Square), but that is not the best area to stay.

The best area to stay in Hanoi is in Hoan Kiem district. This is the city centre and home of the old quarter. Breaking it down further, stay within the top triangular section of Hoàn Kiếm, around Hoan Kiem Lake. This is in the area bounded by the railway line on the west, Tran Quang Khai on the east, and Trang Thi to the south.

If you read nothing else from this article, just set your hotel search filter to only show hotels in Hoan Kiem. Another way to refine your search is to look for Hoan Kiem Lake on the map view of the hotel search and select from the area around the lake.

Start your search for hotels in Hanoi .

Map of where to stay in Hanoi

This map features hotels and landmarks that are featured in this article.

Hoan Kiem district

Breaking Hoan Kiem down further, there are 18 wards within the district. Those divisions are meaningless for visitors though, so the best way to approach Hoan Kiem is to view it as the Old Quarter and French Quarter.

Old Quarter

The Old Quarter is the area north of Hang Bong and Hoan Kiem Lake. It’s not an official administrative area, but the government has officially declared it as the Old Quarter . There are 36 streets in this area, named after what the street used to specialise in.

The area is a maze of streets that are easy to get lost in. The small footpaths are overtaken by businesses and bikes, and you will need to keep your wits about you as you dodge traffic from every angle. It’s an experience like no other city in Southeast Asia.

While Hanoi is the oldest capital in Southeast Asia (founded in 1010), the old city is a jumble of architectural styles with a lot of unplanned modern buildings. The magic of the Old Quarter is in the street activity and discovery of temples and old buildings among the chaos. It’s also very much a working area, with streets dedicated to specific industries. This is unlike Hoi An, where the old town has been given over to shops dedicated to tourism.

To orientate yourself, the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square serves as the gateway to the Old Quarter from the lake. The square is more of a traffic circle, and there is a big building filled with cafes and restaurants that faces the “square”.

The western side of the Old Quarter is bounded by the train line, where you can see the famous Hanoi Train Street .

Ta Hien Street (between Luong Ngoc Quyen and Hang Buom) is the Beer Street (or Pub Street). The streets surrounding this area have numerous backpacker hostels. This is the closest equivalent to Pham Ngu Lao in Ho Chi Minh City (or Khao San Road in Bangkok).

Ma May is another street with a mix of accommodation styles (from backpacker to boutique).

Finding quality cheap guesthouses in Hanoi is hard work. In my travels in Vietnam, I have found cheap guesthouses ($10-15 range) to be clean and in good condition. The cheapest rooms in Hanoi are old and a bit run down , or a windowless box down an alley . Hanoi is hot and humid in the summer, and cold and damp in the winter. I don’t have any specific recommendations because cheap places deteriorate after a few years. One thing I always look for is to make sure the room has a window. This will make a small room less depressing.

There are no big-name hotel chains in the Old Quarter because there is not enough room for big buildings (or big buses).

One of the bigger hotels in the Old Quarter area is the Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel .

Search for hotels in the Old Quarter of Hanoi .

BOOKING TIP: Once you have booked a hotel, make sure to mark it on your Google Maps. Sometimes the hotel entrances are down a little alley with a confusing numbering system.

French Quarter

The French Quarter is the informal name of the area below Hang Bong and surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake. As the name would suggest, there are many colonial-era buildings here, though it’s a bit of a stretch to say it is like Paris (as some guidebooks say). It’s slightly less chaotic than the Old Quarter, and the area east of the lake has wider straighter streets that are easier to walk around.

The great advantage of the French Quarter is the proximity to Hoan Kiem Lake. This picturesque lake features the Turtle Tower, which is one of the most familiar icons of the city. The lake is an ideal size for walking around, and on the weekends the streets around the lake become pedestrian-only.

West of the lake is St Joseph Cathedral. The area around the cathedral has many budget hotels. The streets around Ngo Huyen near the cathedral have many hostels and guesthouses, and it’s a quieter option than the Beer Street backpacker area.

Here is my review of a typical no-frills guesthouse in the alleys around Ngi Huyen .

Not far from the cathedral is the The Oriental Jade Hotel .

The French Quarter on the east side of the lake is probably where you could draw a long bow in describing Hanoi as being like Paris. The streets are a bit wider, more tree-lined, and less chaotic. The impressive Hanoi Opera House is in this area, adding some weight to Hanoi’s Parisian comparisons.

Some of the big-name 5-star hotels are in this area, including the Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi – MGallery and Hilton Hanoi Opera . The most historic is the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi . This is the hotel where Trump and Kim met .

The streets south of the lake are wider and straighter. This area was where Anthony Bourdain took President Obama for bun cha . This restaurant was likely chosen because the secret service approved of the more accessible wider roads. There was no way they would film that meet-up in the streets of the old quarter. This area is also home to my favourite chocolate cafe from Saigon ( Maison Marou ).

The Meliá Hanoi is one of the big hotels in this area.

Even though the name persists, the “French Quarter” is not an official area name (obviously). When searching on booking sites, search in the area around Hoan Kiem lake.

I have stayed at a hotel in the “French Quarter” area called Old Quarter Hotel 1961 , so the name can also be used for the area around the lake.

Search for hotels in the French Quarter of Hanoi .

Other areas to stay in Hanoi

The purpose of the Nomadic Notes Where To Stay guides is to narrow your search down to the most convenient area for first-time visitors. There are of course other areas to stay, so I have listed them here to give an overview of the city.

Ba Dinh district

Ba Dinh is the district to the west of Koan Kiem. This is the cultural heart of Hanoi, with old city institutions and famous landmarks. Hanoi’s ancient history began at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long , and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is at the aforementioned Ba Dinh Square.

The eastern section of Ba Dinh is considered part of the French Quarter, but I think the Hoan Kiem area is better for first-timers.

Ba Dinh is a district of contrasts because the western end is one of the main modern business districts of the city. There is a cluster of skyscrapers near Thu Le Park, with Lotte Hotel Hanoi being the landmark of the area. At 272 metres tall, this is the second tallest building in Hanoi.

One of the reasons I stick to Hoan Kiem (as a visitor) is that Hanoi has terrible public transport. The city is working towards building a metro system, with the first metro line in Hanoi opening in 2021.

The second line (Line 3) will stop near the Lotte tower, so this area of Ba Đình may become a new place to stay when the metro opens . I will have another look when the line opens.

One of the most oddly famous hotels in Ba Dinh is the Dolce By Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake . This is the world’s first gold-plated hotel, which are words I would not have expected to read in a hotel guide for the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Search for hotels in Ba Dinh .

Dong Da district

Dong Da is a central district south of Ba Dinh. It’s not as convenient for visitors, but I have placed it here for some comments on its future potential.

The first metro line in Hanoi (Line 2A) starts at Cat Linh on the boundary of Ba Dinh. There will be another metro line (Line 3) that will connect Cat Linh to Ha Noi Train Station.

A hotel that will benefit from metro expansion is the Pullman Hanoi , which is in front of Cat Linh Station (Line 2A) and the future Cat Linh Station (Line 3).

Line 2A is not useful for tourists, so there isn’t anywhere on the metro line that is worth staying at. I took a ride on the Line 2A metro to explore Dong Da for potential neighbourhoods that might become hotspots once Line 3 is connected to Line 2A.

Hai Ba Trung district

Hai Ba Trung District is south of Hoan Kiem. If I was going to live in Hanoi, I would have Hai Ba Trung on my shortlist. It feels more residential while retaining the old charm of Hanoi, and it’s within a reasonable walking distance to the lake and chaos of the old quarter. Thong Nhat Park is one of the biggest parks in central Hanoi.

Search for hotels in Hai Ba Trung district .

Tay Ho district (West Lake)

Speaking of living in Hanoi, the most popular area for western expats is on the western side of West Lake (Tay Ho). This area has become an enclave filled with international cafes and restaurants. If you are familiar with Ho Chi Minh City, it has a similar vibe to the expat area of Thao Dien . I call Tay Ho “The Thao Dien of Hanoi”.

If you are doing a search for hotels in Hanoi by map search, make you don’t confuse West Lake with Hoan Kiem Lake. West Lake is north of Hoan Kiem and much larger.

It’s an interesting place to visit if you have time and you want to see how expats live. I’ve been to Hanoi over ten times (I’ve lost count now) and I stayed here once to get a feel for it and to see if I would like to live here. There are not many hotels here (more apartment rentals) and it’s a pain to come and go from the Old Quarter if you are a short-term visitor.

Most accommodation types here are serviced apartments such as Somerset West Point Hanoi and Fraser Suites Hanoi .

The Sheraton Hanoi Hotel and InterContinental Hanoi Westlake are also here overlooking the lake.

West Lake is another area to watch in the future. There are some big redevelopment plans here, including the Tay Ho View project and the proposed floating opera house . Even with these additions, it won’t change the fact that this not the best area to stay for new visitors to Hanoi.

Search for hotels in Tay Ho .

Nam Từ Liêm district

Nam Tu Liem is far from the city centre and you have no business being there unless you are on business there. This area is notable for the AON Hanoi Landmark Tower, which is the tallest building in Hanoi (350 m). The tower includes the InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 .

I went there once for a conference, and I took the arduous motorbike taxi ride there from the city centre. I could see why business travellers would stay there, but if you have never been to Hanoi, then suffer the commute and stay in the city.

About James Clark

James Clark is the founder of Nomadic Notes. He has been a digital nomad since 2003, and Nomadic Notes features trip reports, train travel articles , and where to stay guides . He writes about transport and urban development at Future Southeast Asia . Subscribe to the weekly travel newsletter .

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Matador Original Series

Here Are The Best Hotels in Hanoi For An Authentic Experience

H anoi is the bustling capital of Vietnam. This storied city is known for showcasing a stunning array of centuries-old buildings with impressive architecture, and a rich culture blending Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences.

From the historic Old Quarter, where visitors can take in the scenes of centuries past on the narrow streets to the many temples, and the Đồng Xuân Market, which offers goods ranging from household items to delicious and authentic street food, there’s no shortage of activities for visitors to enjoy in town. Here’s where to spend the night in Hanoi.

Traveling to Asia? Check out Matador’s gear and accommodations guides: These Hanoi Airbnbs showcase the city’s historic quarters Everything you need in your pack to travel to Southeast Asia These are the best-located Airbnbs in Ho Chi Minh City These Tokyo Airbnbs put you in the heart of this incredible city Experience Singapore’s Coolest Neighborhoods From These Top-Rated Airbnbs Soak in Bangkok’s Epic Skyline From These Airbnbs Across the City These Hong Kong Hotels Offer Luxury and Convenience in the Big City These are the coolest Airbnbs in Laos from Luang Prabang to the countryside These Tokyo Ryokan make for the perfect traditional stay in Japan

We hope you love these Hanoi hotels! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

La Nueva Boutique Hotel Hanoi & Spa

• Address: 32 Lo Su Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Rates from: $52 per night

This property is located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter Area, just a few minutes walk from attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph Cathedral, and the Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution. The name ‘La Nueva’ means “new” in Spanish, inspired by this property’s wishes to breathe life into the Hanoi Old Quarter.

Dine at Momento Restaurant, which serves a range of Vietnamese and Western cuisine — or admire the views from Estrella Sky Bar, which serves cocktails with a breathtaking view of the Hoan Kiem Lake. The elegant wooden furnishings make the indoor spaces feel cozy, classic and tastefully old-fashioned. Rooms are air-conditioned and feature a dedicated seating area, a mini-bar, and a flat-screen TV. The hotel has its own library for guests to read or enjoy some peace and quiet, as well as a spa for booking a massage treatment or enjoying a sauna session.

La Palm Hotel

• Address: 45 Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam

This boutique, 25-room and suite property is located a short walk from the town center and attractions like the Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi Old Quarter night market, Hoan Kiem Lake, and many other restaurants and attractions.

Rooms are clean and bright, and each of the elegant rooms is equipped with air conditioning, a 32-inch TV, WiFi, and a minibar. Other perks that come with an overnight visit include a welcome drink and room upgrades upon arrival (depending on availability).

Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa

• Address: 94 Ma May, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Rates from: $92 per night

Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa is located in the Old Quarter , walkable to attractions like Old City Gate, Ngoc Son Temple, and Dong Xuan Market. The property feels peaceful despite its bustling location and hosts cozy guest rooms and suites with their own seating area, a private bathroom, and free Wi-Fi. Rooms are outfitted with flat-screen cable TVs, a safe, an electric kettle, and a mini-bar.

Dine at Red Bean Ma May, which features a traditional Southeast Asian design — including a wall decked out in rich-colored tapestries, and serving traditional Vietnamese dishes. Grab a drink at Moonlight Sky Bar, which boasts stunning city views, and features a menu with classic and signature cocktails, fine wines and spirits, and authentic Vietnamese bites. Other unique on-site amenities include a well-equipped fitness center, a sauna, a spa, and a movie theater room.

Hôtel du Parc Hanoï

• Address: 84 Tran Nhan Tong Street, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Rates from: $80 per night

The upscale Hôtel du Parc Hanoï is surrounded by Thong Nhat Park in Hai Ba Trung district in Hanoi, blending Vietnamese charm with Japanese hospitality. It’s within a 10-minute drive to attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and the Old Quarter area.

The property features two on-site restaurants, an outdoor pool, a business center, a fitness center, and a spa. Dine at the iconic Voyage on the lobby floor, which hosts nice views of the city scenes, outside or grab a cocktail at Le Salon. There’s also AZABU which serves world-class Japanese cuisine. At The Cakeshop, indulge in homemade bakery items including cakes, chocolates and cookies.

The large guestrooms are bright and spacious, boasting plenty of natural light and their own private bathrooms. Additional amenities like air-conditioning, a dedicated seating area, a safe, a cable flat-screen TV, a tea and coffee maker, and a mini-bar.

Hanoi Malo Boutique Hotel

• Address: 7 Ngo Gach Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Rates from: $75 per night

This property is tucked away into the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, within walking distance of attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, and St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

Book a treatment at the spa, or dine at the on-site restaurant, which serves breakfast each morning. The hotel feels like a classic and luxurious place to spend the night. Guest rooms feature their own private bathrooms and in-room amenities like air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a safe, a mini-bar and tea/coffee-making appliances.

Lotte Hotel Hanoi

• Address: 54 Lieu Giai Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Rates from: $116 per night

The 300-plus room Lotte Hotel Hanoi is located between the Old Quarter and the New Business District . The property hosts a modern and luxurious experience, blending the graciousness of Korean hospitality with the vibrance of Vietnamese culture. It’s less than a mile from the Giang Vo Exhibition Center, one mile from the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, and about a mile and a half from the famous One Pillar Pagoda.

Guests can enjoy a range of upscale accommodations and over-the-top on-site entertainment including an outdoor and an indoor pool, a fitness center with a spacious yoga room, an indoor golf range, a sauna facility, and a spa. Rooms are clean, bright, and artfully furnished — featuring scenic city views from large floor-to-ceiling windows. Each has its own private bathroom — as well as air-conditioning, a safe, a flat-screen TV, a mini-bar and tea and coffee-making appliances.

There are multiple top-notch restaurants on-site, but be sure to stop at the famed rooftop bar “Top of Hanoi,” which sits atop the roof of the property feeling as if it’s floating in the sky — surrounded by glass walls with a 360-degree view of Hanoi’s surrounding cityscape.

Hanoian Central Hotel & Spa

• Address: 42A Hang Cot Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Rates from: $56 per night

Hanoian Central Hotel & Spa is located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter , just a few minutes walk from Dong Xuan Market and the weekend night market. The property feels like a blend of traditional old-world Hanoi, with a modern twist.

The air-conditioned rooms offer private bathrooms and views of the street and come with amenities like a cable TV, a fridge, and an electric kettle. Dine at the on-site restaurant which serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine, or book a wellness treatment at the on-site spa. There’s a fitness center with cardio and strength training equipment, and guests can inquire about the on-site airport transfer services.

May De Ville Legend Hotel & Spa

• Address: 23 Nguyen Sieu, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Rates from: $47 per night

This 58-room hotel is located in a great spot in the center of Hanoi near landmarks like St. Joseph Cathedral, Hoan Kiem Lake, Trang Tien Plaza, and Hanoi Opera House. The property works with the best tours lineup of local and travel and tour operators to set up excursions for guests that can range from Hanoi city tours to Halong Bay cruises, among others.

Air-conditioned rooms feature a window that opens, with a view of the city or the lake, a desk, a flat-screen TV, an electric tea pot, a minibar, a safe, and a private bathroom with a shower.

Additional offerings on-site include a fitness center, a spa hosting a lineup of relaxing services, a free continental breakfast, and a restaurant serving local specialties and international dishes.

Hanoi Brilliant Hotel & Spa

• Address: 44 P. Hàng Trống, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 10000, Vietnam
• Rates from: $65 per night

The quaint, upscale, 25-room boutique property offers a relaxing spot to spend the night amongst the romantic atmosphere of the Old Quarter, close to landmarks like the National Museum of Vietnamese History and Hoan Kiem Lake.

The hotel features rooms that are elegantly decorated with warm cherry wood furniture and rich tones of royal blue and dark brown. The air-conditioned rooms offer private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen TV, a separate comfortable living area, and a mini-bar. Some rooms boast their own private balconies with views of the city.

Book a treatment at the spa and wellness center or get some work done in the property’s business center. Dine at the on-site restaurant which serves a menu of Western and Asian dishes.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

• Address: 15 P. Ngô Quyền, Street, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
• Rates from: $272 per night

This 300-plus room 5-star property has been a timeless and luxurious landmark since 1901. It’s located in central Hanoi, near the Old Quarter just steps from the famous Hanoi Opera House and Hoan Kiem Lake. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is known for its upscale atmosphere and fabulous on-site amenities — including stellar spa services that blend Eastern and Western therapies, 24-hour room service, and a heated swimming pool. There’s also an on-site fitness center with classes, and a gift shop.

The property has been updated to feature modern amenities like air conditioning and flat-screen TVs — but still manages to maintain its original, traditional grandeur. It’s divided into two wings with the historic Metropole side combining the traditionally French and Vietnamese styles — while the more modern Opera wing features neoclassical inspiration.

There are multiple dining options on-site — including Spices Garden, which boasts a menu of Asian and Vietnamese specialties and has its own private dining room and outdoor terrace. There’s also angelina, which features classic and modern cocktails, an impressive world-class whisky collection, and European and New World recipes amongst Scottish highlands feeling decor of gold, green and blue.

Where is Hanoi in Vietnam?

Hanoi, which is also spelled Ha Noi city, is the capital of Vietnam. It’s situated in northern Vietnam on the western bank of the Red River, located about 85 miles inland from the South China Sea. It’s the second-most populous city in Vietnam, made up of 12 urban districts, one district-leveled town and 17 rural districts.

What time is it in Hanoi, Vietnam?

Hanoi, Vietnam is 11 hours ahead of New York City and eight hours ahead of Los Angeles.

What is there to do in Hanoi?

This city is extremely historic, dating back to the third century BCE. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam boasting sights of beautiful and real French colonial architecture, Buddhist, Catholic, Confucian and Taoist religious sites, and several educational museums.

Explore the Old Quarter, which has preserved the history of the city and feels like a trip back in time. There are also many temples — including Bach Ma, honoring the legendary horse, and the Đồng Xuân Market which is fun to wander around and sells many household goods and tasty street food.

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Where To Stay In Hanoi – The Best Areas For Your Travel Accommodation

Located on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi takes cues from French, Russian, and Chinese influences to give you an all-in-one experience of a lifetime! Travels can see various architectural styles and buildings, such as museums, pagodas, and even colonial-style settings.

The city is easy to explore on foot as everything is conveniently located, and visitors will always find something that peaks their interests just around every corner. Travelers will have no trouble enjoying preserved colonial buildings, the world’s largest mosaic, famous spiritual sites, ancient pagodas, and interesting and information museums. All in all, Hanoi’s got it all!

Why Travel To Hanoi?

Whether you’re keen on visiting the many spiritual temples, sitting under the same tree where Buddha found enlightenment, haggling at local markets, dancing the night away, relaxing in tranquil natural locations, or enjoying the buzz of busy city life, anything is possible on a trip to Hanoi.

While you’re busy trying to see everything there is to see, don’t forget to take time to enjoy the local cuisine: Goi Cuon (a spring roll filled with greens and meat), friend bananas, desert soup, caramel pudding, pho, Bun Cha (grilled pork and noodles), ad Bun bo Hue (lemongrass rice vermicelli noddle soup). You might also be surprised when you find out which drink is a staple at all cafes throughout Hanoi – Egg Nog Latte!  

When visiting the capital of Vietnam , it’s important to get the most out of your experience. There are plenty of places to rest your weary head after exploring the city, but only a few of these places are truly going to give you the experience you need to remember your trip fondly.

Fear not, for we’ve broken up the city into the best three areas to both explore and stay overnight: the Old Quarter, which is a thriving business center and popular tourist spot; the Ba Dinh District, which is filled with historic and famous landmarks and attractions; and the Tay Ho District, which appeals to both adventurous partygoers and nature-lovers alike!

To get an in-depth look at what the Old Quarters, Ba Dinh District, and Tay Ho District have to offer travelers – as well as the best places to stay while there – read on below!

By the way, if you want more info about Hanoi, make sure you also check this blog post: Best things to do in Hanoi Vietnam .

Now that you are convinced to travel to Hanoi, let’s check out together where to stay in Hanoi!

Where To Stay In Hanoi – Old Quarter

Outside the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long is the historical civic urban core of Hanoi called the Old Quarter. Also referred to as “the 36 streets” due to the fact that each street used to specialize in one specific type of manufacturing or commerce.

This area is actually considered to be the spiritual symbol of Hanoi which reached its peak of production under French colonial rule. There are many sights to see and tasty local cuisine to try, as well as a plethora of interesting merchandise to purchase.  

If you want to experience the best parts of the Old Quarter, head over to any of these locations and immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture and traditions: O Quan Chuong gate, Ngoc Son Temple, Bach Ma Temple, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Ancient house 87 on Ma May street. If you happen to be in the area on the weekend, be sure to stop by the Dong Xuan market to find street food, clothes, souvenirs, crafts, and even home goods!

Hanoi Centre Hostel

Located right in the heart of Hanoi, you’ll be close to all the action when you choose to stay at the Hanoi Centre Hostel . The location is ideal, the staff are friendly and helpful, and the rooms are clean and comfortable. Guests can enjoy local cuisine at the on-site restaurant and end the night with a drink at the bar.

Each room is stocked with basic amenities and features a private bathroom, and certain rooms even have seating areas and balconies! If you’re looking to meet new people and stay in one of the best locations in the Old Quarter, then Hanoi Centre Hostel is perfect for you!

To book your room today, click here: Hanoi Centre Hostel  

Hanoi Marvellous Hotel & Spa

Elegance and style come into play at the Hanoi Marvellous Hotel & Spa . Guest will be treated to great food, relaxing atmospheres, spa experiences, and dependable staff.

You can rent cars and bikes to help with exploring the area right from the reception desk, and guests with special dietary restrictions need not worry; the hotel is more than willing to provide special menus upon request. Enjoy panoramic city view of the Old Quarter, cuisine from around the world, and complimentary WiFi throughout the property!

You’re one click away from a great place to stay: Hanoi Marvellous Hotel & Spa .

Where To Stay in Hanoi – Ba Dinh

The Ba Dinh District in Hanoi is full of historical sights and architectural wonders that visitors can’t seem to get enough of. Since Ho Chi Minh declared independence from the French occupation in 1945 Ba Dinh has been Vietnam’s political nucleus and continues to be an important location within the country.

Visitors will be able to find more landmarks in Ba Dinh than anywhere else in Vietnam as well as historical monuments, famous sites, and local cultural spots. The district has a booming nightlife and shopping scene as well, making it one of the best spots to let loose and get wild!

Some of the top places that everyone should visit in Ba Dinh are: One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Quan Thanh Temple Hanoi, Cua Bac Church, Vietnam Military History Museum, Presidential Palace Hanoi, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, and the Temple of Literature. For those looking for after hours fun, the best places to visit are most definitely: Pharoah’s Bar, New Sphinx Beer Bar, Hero Club Hanoi, New Square Club Hanoi, The Unicorn Pub Hanoi, and Z Coffee Bar Hanoi.

Hanoi Sweet Family Homestay

Though it’s located right in the busiest part of the city center, Hanoi Sweet Family Homestay is a quiet place to rest your weary head after a day of immersing yourself in Vietnam’s history and partying the night away! Every room has basic amenities, plus a toaster, microwave, and kettle.

This quaint little homestay also offer a bed and breakfast option with a sun terrace that has great views of the area. This is one of the best location to stay at if you’re traveling with young ones, as they provide babysitting services and access to a playground!

Enjoy your homestay and book here: Hanoi Sweet Family Homestay .

Dragon Pearl Hotel

Dragon Pearl Hotel has everything a person who enjoys nightlife would need to enhance their stay in Hanoi, Vietnam. The on-site restaurant features both Asian and Western cuisine, and the Mimosa Wine Bar offers refreshing beverages and light snacks. Each room is decorated with modern Vietnamese decor and comes with a flat-screen TV, WiFi, safety deposit box, en suit bathroom, and other amenities.

Staff at the front desk can help with tours and sightseeing expeditions, and can also arrange for car and bike rentals to help you get around even faster!  

Save some funds for your travels and book here: Dragon Pearl Hotel .

Lotte Hotel Hanoi

If you want to spend your evenings in utter bliss and luxury while traveling through Hanoi, then you simply must book your stay at Lotte Hotel Hanoi . This gorgeous hotel encapsulates modern luxury and style and provides a heightened experience that will keep you coming back for more.

You’ll be hard pressed to want for much, as the hotel features both outdoor and indoor pools, a fitness center, sauna facilities, city view, air-conditioned rooms, minibar and hot drink making facilities, car rental and tour arrangements, airport transfers, business facilities, and more!

Have a great night’s sleep and be ready for the day by booking here: Lotte Hotel Hanoi .

Where To Stay In Hanoi – Tay Ho

The Tay Ho District is located around Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake, West Lake, and features tons of interesting historical locations, notorious nightlife areas, renown restaurants, high-standard hotels, and captivating cafes.

This high-end district isn’t all hustle and bustle; booming botanical gardens, peaceful quiet spots, and notable natural beauties can also be found along the shoreline. Though the mystery of how the lake was created in the first place has never been explained, it’s no mystery why visitors travel to this exciting, yet relaxing location time and time again.

Some of the more interesting places to visit and things to do in Tay Ho include: boat rides on the lake, floating restaurants, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, Savage Club Hanoi, The Summit Lounge, Water Puppet Theatre, Tay Ho Temple, Peach Blossom Village, Ho Tay Water Park, and Rising Sun Park. You can go from crazy busy areas to calm, serene locations all in the same day at Tay Ho!

Hanoi Friendly House

Located right near the Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi Friendly House offers guests a truly Vietnamese bed and breakfast experience. Rooms are equipped with a private bathroom and are stocked with free toiletries, and a shared lounge area and terrace are provided for extra relaxation and rest.

The hosts are always accommodating and helpful, and guests have had no issues with having their personal needs accommodated in a kind and friendly manner. Breakfast options include continental, and Asian buffet choices, and you can even get vegetarian and vegan meals at no additional cost!  

Have an authentic Vietnamese experience by booking here: Hanoi Friendly House .  

Somerset Hoa Binh Hanoi

Somerset Hoa Binh Hanoi is the perfect place to stay for active travelers! Conveniently located near all the important areas in Hanoi, as well as the airport, this apartment accommodation allows travelers to feel right at home in the heart of Vietnam. Currency exchanges and car rentals are provided at the front desk, and shuttle buses to the city center are complimentary to all guests.

Each room has a fully-equipped kitchen and living room area with flat-screen TV. Guest can also enjoy fitness and spa facilities, as well as fine dining at the on-site restaurant. You can’t take your house with your while you travel, but with Somerset Hoa Binh Hanoi you’ll easily forget you’re not in the comfort of your own home!

Living like a local during your travels with a stay at Somerset Hoa Binh is just a click away: Somerset Hoa Binh Hanoi .  

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

If you want a location with a great view of Hanoi’s West Lake, then you’ll definitely enjoy a night or two at the luxurious InterContinental Hanoi Westlake . Situated right next to the 800-year-old Golden Lotus Pagoda, this location truly brings luxury and sophistication straight to its guests.

Boasting three on-site restaurants that serve local cuisine as well as Italian dishes, an on-site bar, an on-site lounge, an on-site bakery, and in house fitness and spa facilities, guests might have a hard time leaving the property to explore the city! Thankfully many local attractions are a short walk from the hotel, allowing guests to have less travel time and more sightseeing and relaxing time!

Enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay by booking your reservation here today:  InterContinental Hanoi Westlake .

Hanoi is a great place to travel to if you want a different type of adventure. With such an interesting mix of spirituality and history added onto daily living, it’s nearly impossible not to have a good time in any area of the city.

Travelers are drawn in by the buzzing city life that awaits them every night, but also value that only a short distance away they can get away from all the noise and just enjoy the lush, vibrant, natural surroundings Vietnam is well-known for. Overall, the joining of past and present are clearly seen and appreciated everyone you look in this wonderfully unique city.

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Before starting the journey to explore Hanoi, we would like to introduce you to the Hanoi tourist map. The map includes Hanoi’s most popular destinations as well as other useful information such as restaurants, bars, and shopping addresses. We hope this will save you time and maximize your experience when you are in Hanoi. Click download for easy access and offline use when you are on the move.

Transportation in Hanoi

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There are many types of transportation that you can choose to go around Hanoi. It all depends on your itinerary, budget and purpose to pick the most suitable one. Below are all the possible options.

Buses are the most common and accessible public transportation in Hanoi with a spread-out network of more than 100 routes connecting all the districts in Hanoi and its neighboring provinces. You would probably like to spend time around the old quarter, so starting from Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan Market or O Quan Chuong Gate (Old East Gate) would be convenient.

• To go to Hoan Kiem Lake: bus number 9, 14 or 36
• To go to Dong Xuan Market: bus number 31
• To O Quan Chuong Gate: bus number 03, 11, 14, 22, 18, 34, 40

Bus tickets are cheap (7,000 VND – 9,000 VND) and paid directly to the bus driver individually. Apart from the peak hours, buses are quite empty and operate regularly. Keep some small banknotes ready and hop on the bus to get around.

Another form of public transportation that has recently been brought into use is the Metro system. At the moment, there is only one operational route which is Route 2A.

This route takes you from Cat Linh (Dong Da District) – where you can find the Temple of Literature – to Yen Nghia (Ha Dong District) which is 12km from Hanoi city center. Here, you can visit different traditional craft villages.

Ticket options:

• Tickets by turn: cost 8,000 VND – 15,000 VND (ranging from the 2 nearest stations to the whole route)
• Daily tickets: cost 30,000 VND with an unlimited number of trips per day

Metro may not be the most convenient option, but it’s still worth giving it a try as an experience watching Hanoi from above.

Ride-hailing apps

Rail-hailing market in Vietnam is generally very active with many apps for you to choose from. These services are highly trusted by locals as they save both costs and time compared to using a traditional taxi. In Hanoi, there are 3 different competitors operating: Grab, Gojek and Be .

Among the three apps, Grab is considered the most used which will shorten your waiting time as available drivers are possibly ready nearby. However, they often charge a bit higher than the other two competitors.

So, it is recommended that you install all three and compare the fares before you book to get the cheapest and fastest ride.

Note: Only in the case of going between Noi Bai Airport and the city center, it is more economical to go by traditional taxis as they are cheaper and ready at the airport.

If you are comfortable riding a motorbike then it should be the best way to explore any city in Vietnam. This gives you total freedom to go on your own schedule and easy access to go through small alleys and narrow streets to fully embrace the local lifestyle.

Motorbikes can be rented easily from your accommodation (or the hotels will surely recommend you where is the nearest place to get one) and delivered to wherever you are. Depending on the type of bikes (manual bikes or automatic bikes), the prices range from 120,000 VND – 200,000 VND (/day).

You will need a driving license and, more ideally, travel insurance to go on the road. Most of the time, you do not have to pay a deposit; however, be mindful that it is still reasonable if you are asked to (1) pay a small amount of money for a deposit or (2) to pay upfront or (3) have your passport’s photo taken (as it also works the same way for us locals).

If you are only bound around the old quarter, bicycles would be the best choice to go around and immerse in the local activities. Hanoian lifestyle is known for its chill and relaxing vibes; you will find yourself riding next to an old Vietnamese lady in her floral pyjama or parking on the sidewalk just to watch the flow of traffic and people passing by. The weather in Hanoi is convenient for riding a bike (except for the rainy summer season from May to September when the weather could be very uncomfortably hot and dry). The prices for a bicycle rent range from 50,000 VND – 100,000 VND (/day).

The narrow streets in Hanoi downtown are ideal for walking as well. If you are not in a hurry, taking a walk through the 36-street area to see the transition in the color and the goods sold would be a great experience. All in all, we recommend walking and biking to explore the old quarter; motorbikes, and ride-hailing apps for longer distances.

Hanoi weather

The weather in Hanoi is divided into four distinct seasons with each one characterizing very typical landscapes. However, being affected by the tropical monsoon, the weather patterns feature dry and rainy seasons.

The best time to visit Hanoi, though, is from January to the end of March and from October to December . During this time, the weather is pleasant and suitable for all types of activities. The temperature normally does not exceed 30 °C with a clear blue sky and a high level of cloud coverage.

May to the end of September is  considered to be the harshest time of the year. The weather is extremely hot and humid with the dry wind and pouring rains making it worse.

The weather in the transitional time of April and May is hardly predicted. Anything is possible during these months so make sure you are well prepared for all the conditions.

Accommodation in Hanoi

In such major cities in Vietnam like Hanoi, there are many options of accommodation that cater for all preferences and budgets. The most convenient base to explore around is the 36-street area. Although located in the most bustling part of the city, it is possible to find very affordable and decent accommodations even on your arrival.

Here are some recommendations for accommodation in Hanoi, which are excerpted from the Vietnam travel guide book .

15 must-visit attractions in Hanoi

What is great about Hanoi is that most of the must-see attractions assemble in the city center and the rest does not stretch out too far away. The distances are totally walkable and accessible by bicycle or motorbike. Here are the top 15 must-visit attractions recommended to you.

1. The Three Lakes

Hoan Kiem Lake

Truc Bach Lake (left) and West Lake (right)

If Saigon and other southern provinces are famous for a dense system of rivers, Hanoi itself is well-known for its poetic and scenic lakes scattered around the city. The three most iconic and accessible from the Hanoi center are Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake and Truc Bach Lake.

Hoan Kiem Lake (also known as Guom Lake) is located in the heart of Hanoi and in the middle of the old quarter, which means it is super convenient for your visit.

The name which literally means Sword-returning Lake (or Sword Lake) has been linked to a historical myth dating back thousand years ago. Legend has it that a divine Golden Turtle had lent King Le Thai To a magical sword to fight and win against the invaders; and after the victory, the King returned the sword to the Golden Turtle on this very lake.

When visiting this lake, you will not only feel the breath of history but also be amazed by other attractions built within it. In the middle of the lake are Thap Rua (the Turtle Tower) and the beautiful The Huc Bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple which has unique architecture and setting.

You will only be charged 30,000 VND ($1.5) if you go inside Ngoc Son Temple (crossing The Huc Bridge is still free).

Address: Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District

West Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in Hanoi. The lake view is so magnificent that it was chosen as a base for royal holiday palaces. It explains why you can still find a lot of historical remains around the lake. 

West Lake holds its own beauty regardless of the time you visit: tranquil and misty in the early morning while lively and activity-packed in the afternoon. Recently, there is a wide range of water activities added, making it not only a place to sit down and quietly enjoy the view but also a place to take part in outdoor activities.

Swan boats rental costs from 60,000 VND to 120,000 VND (varying according to the boat sizes).

SUP rental costs 150,000 VND (half weekdays) and 300,000 VND (full weekdays);  200,000 VND (half weekends) and 400,000 VND (full weekends).

If you have your bicycle with you, riding around the lake and catching the sunset is also a good choice.

Address: Thanh Nien Street, Tay Ho District

Truc Bach Lake

Truc Bach Lake (originally a part of West Lake) is relatively smaller compared to the other two mentioned lakes, and somehow more locally preferred; however, it carries a breadth of history no less than any other location.

To the west of the lake stands the sacred Quan Thanh Temple which was built in the 11th century. This temple worships Saint Tran Vu ( Thánh Trấn Vũ ) who was said to assist many kings to defend the country.

To the east of the lake is Chau Long Pagoda (Chùa Châu Long ) where a princess of the Tran Dynasty is worshiped.

And to the north of the lake is located Than Quang Pagoda (Chùa Thần Quang ) with the largest bronze statue carved in one piece.

Probably due to its decent size, Truc Bach Lake gives a sense of intimacy, when you can watch all the activities taking place around the lake. This is also a favorite spot for locals coming for exercise and the young people gathering at the cafes, on little stools overlooking the lake view.

2. Temple of Literature

Temple of Literature is considered as one of the famous tourist destinations in Hanoi. Built-in 1070 under King Ly Thanh Tong, it is a place of worship of Confucius, Confucian scholars, scholars and sages. Temple of Literature is also considered as the first university in Vietnam, which trained talented people for the country. Up to now, the temple has become a symbol of the thousand-years civilization cradle of Vietnam. The students religiously believe that this temple is going to bring them luck for their exams. That’s why during Tết (Lunar New Year) and examination time, the temple is packed with people praying and waiting for lucky calligraphy.

• Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District
• Ticket price: 30,000 VND, free for children under 15 years old
• Opening hours: summer from 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM, winter from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

3. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum plays a political and historical role in Hanoi Capital and also in the heart of every Vietnamese – where our great former President’s corpse is preserved and remembered. The historical attraction was built on Ba Dinh Square covered with a vast green of grass and trees, giving you an instant feeling of peace and solemnity.

At this place, every morning at 6:00 AM and evening at 9:00 PM holds the flag-salute ceremony which is highly recommended to you. This experience will give a deeper understanding about how profound and sincere our gratitude is towards the Father of the country.

You are required to dress formally (no tank top and shorts are allowed) and remain silent during the ceremony. It is suggested that you arrive at the square at around 5:45 AM – 5:50 AM to find a good spot to watch the whole scene of the ceremony with soldiers marching, the flag being raised with the national anthem in the background.

To see inside the mausoleum, there are some specific regulations for opening and visiting times. The opening and visiting times vary each season as follows:

• The hot season (from 1st April to 31st October): from 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM on weekdays (excluding Mondays and Fridays) and from 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM on weekends and public holidays
• The cold season (from 1st November to 31st March): from 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM on weekdays (excluding Mondays and Fridays) and from 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM on weekends and public holidays

Note: If special occasions such as the first day of Lunar New Year, Uncle Ho’s birthday (19th May) and Independence Day (2nd September) fall on Mondays and Fridays, the attraction will be open to the public.

• Address: 19 Ngoc Ha Street, Ba Dinh District
• Ticket price: 25,000 VND

4. Hanoi 36 Streets (Hanoi Old Quarter)

Why  36 streets but not another number? According to folk beliefs, 36 is a lucky number that attracts prosperity and abundance. That explains why it permanently goes with the name Hanoi 36 Streets although the number does not exactly reflect the real number of the streets.

The highlight of the area is that each street (or Hàng ) specializes in one characteristic product and each street name indicates what products are sold. For example, Hàng Tre ( Bamboo Street ) is where you will find all the tall bamboo poles and all kinds of items made from bamboo; Hàng Bạc ( Silver Street ) sells gold and silver jewelry; etc.

The setting of streets not only shows you a traditional trading culture but also displays the unique and iconic style of architecture including a hundred of long-standing architectural and historical buildings such as temples, pagodas, assemblies and ordinary residential housing. This is also where you can sample a great variety of local foods. Cyclos, bicycles or walking are recommended to explore this area.

5. Hanoi Cathedral

Located in the city center neighboring Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Cathedral (or St.Joseph’s Cathedral) is a beautiful and historic architecture with Gothic style. The cathedral was built on the original site of Bao Thien Pagoda by the French after they entered Hanoi in 1882.

Although it is claimed to lose its vintage and weather-beaten look after the renovation, it remains a favorite gathering spot with many goods and well-decorated cafes and restaurants around. During Christmas time, the whole area is lit up with glorious lights and ornaments. If time allows, you should pay a visit at day and night time to see the different vibes it offers.

Address: 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District

6. Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison, also goes with the name “Maison Centrale”, was built in 1896 by the French to capture revolutionary soldiers against the colonial regime. The total area of the former prison is more than 12,000 m2. However, only 2,434 m2 is used for tourist purposes. The campus is divided into 4 zones: A and B (for minor crimes and warning sentences), C (for French and foreign perpetrators), and D (for serious and death-sentenced perpetrators). You will have to see with your own eyes the extreme conditions that the soldiers had to go through and how cruel the punishments were so that you can understand why the Vietnamese so explicitly and passionately show appreciation and patriotism in any events possible.

With its significant historical role, Hoa Lo Prison has become an exciting place to visit in Hanoi, attracting many domestic and foreign tourists.

• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Tickets: 30,000 VND
• Address: 1 Hoa Lo, Hoan Kiem District

7. Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market is the busiest and oldest shopping area in Hanoi, which was built in 1889 under the Nguyen Dynasty. Dong Xuan Market is the leading wholesale market in the North. There is a wide variety of items on sale here, ranging from fabrics, clothes, silk brocade, dry food, jam, confectionery, food and souvenirs to electronic appliances. Although it is a good way to learn about the trading activities of the locals, it is not recommended for souvenir shopping since, as mentioned, it aims at wholesale, so you would probably not get the best prices. 

If you are still keen on having an experience shopping at Dong Xuan Market, here are some tips:

1. It is acceptable to bargain (and bargain hard but not exceed 50% off the initial price).

2. You should go in groups and the bigger the quantity is, the bigger discount you could possibly ask for.

3. Pickpockets could take advantage of the busy and crowded scene, so make sure you always keep an eye on your belongings.

• Address: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District

8. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Hoang Thanh Thang Long (Imperial Citadel of Thang Long) is an important historical and cultural relic of Vietnam, which was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2010 when it celebrated its 1,000th anniversary. This campus is home to various imperial palaces and other ancient royal constructions under thousands of years of feudal regime and continues to be the political center of the country up to now. Some of the highlighted attractions are listed below (just to name a few):

• The Flagpole (or Hanoi Flagtower) was built in the 19th century with spiral stairs leading to the top where you can have a 360-degree view of the whole Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.
• The gates were built to the four directions which reflect the magnificence and iconic architectural style at the time.
• Dien Kinh Thien (Kinh Thien Palace) is a historic fort and former royal residence where all the significant ceremonies of the royalty took place.

Some tips and notes: 

1. In early 2022, a 90-minute night tour “Giải mã Hoàng Thành Thăng Long” (Decoding the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long) was launched – which takes you through all the significant landmarks with many worshiping and performing activities along the way. This is highly recommended not only because it is the best time to walk the citadel but also because the golden light and the tranquility yet mystique of the night will bring up a whole new experience.

• Time: Tour starts from 7:00 PM on Fridays and weekends
• Tickets: 300,000 VND ($13) for adults and 150,000 VND ($6.5) for children
• Check out their website for more information

2. The Imperial Citadel sits on a large campus, so if you visit it during the daytime, make sure you have your sun protection (hats or umbrellas) and water.

3. There are some lovely cafes on the campus where you can sit down under the shade of big trees to enjoy a drink while embracing the peaceful vibes in the air.

• Address: 19 Hoang Dieu Street, Ba Dinh District
• Opening Hours:   8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

9. Hanoi Opera House

Hanoi Opera House is known as an artistic and cultural symbol of the city. It’s also a tourist destination in Hanoi that is loved by many visitors. Hanoi Opera House is the place for many national-level performances, as well as international art performances. Coming here, you will enjoy many unique art forms, not only famous Vietnamese plays such as Tuong, Cheo and Cai Luong but also the French opera, classical Italian opera, Chinese opera and Ballet.

Unfortunately, it is not open for public visits. However, art show tickets are available from 400,000 VND, which allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of architecture and culture as well as the music and art space here. Please visit the website to update information about the performance schedule. Also, you can book early to get a good position.

• Address: 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Website: hanoioperahouse.org.vn

10. Long Bien Bridge

This is the first steel bridge built across the Red River initially to facilitate the process of colonial exploitation under the French invasion. Little did you know about this historical construction is that it used to be the second-longest bridge in the world (just ranked after Brooklyn Bridge in the U.S) and even called the horizontal version of the Eiffel in Hanoi.

Among countless bridge constructions, Long Bien Bridge remains the most iconic and is favorably nicknamed “ the historical witness ”. This is because the bridge witnessed all the bittersweet the nation went through: it survived several bombing campaigns and it bridged thousands of people from all remote and inaccessible areas to Hanoi’s Ba Dinh Square where President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence.

Long Bien Bridge is divided into two traffic lanes mostly used for light vehicles and pedestrians and a railway in the middle. Being on the bridge when the trains go by is a fascinating experience and walking on the bridge will give you a panorama view of Hanoi from a distance. Under the bridge is a lush banana island with peaceful countryside landscapes which you can access by taking the secret stairs in the middle of the bridge (possible for bicycles also).

Address: Long Bien, Hoan Kiem District

11. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

In 1969, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater was established, and it quickly became one of the most famous water puppet art venues in Vietnam. The fairy tales and Vietnam historical legends are vividly reproduced by wooden puppets and uniquely performed on water. It is an exciting experience not to be missed for visitors when visiting Hanoi. Watching a water puppet show will help you learn more about Vietnam’s traditional culture and art forms. Tickets can be booked in advance and more information can be found on the website .

Note: small charges of 20,000 VND and 60,000 VND are applied for taking pictures and recording videos.

Address: 49 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District

12. Quang Ba Flower Market

If you are a flower lover or simply looking for a night-life activity with a local breath, Quang Ba Flower Market will definitely blow your mind. Unlike other traditional markets which open throughout the day, Quang Ba Flower Market starts setting and stacking up flowers around 11:00 PM and closing at dawn at around 6:00 AM. The most bustling and lively time is from 1:00 AM – 2:00 AM. When the rest of the city is falling asleep, Quang Ba Market starts waking up, filled with laughter, bargains and fragrance, which will stimulate all your senses. Since this is a wholesale market, flowers are sold in bulk and very reasonably priced.

Depending on whether you are an early riser or a night owl, you can choose to visit the market around midnight or around 5:00 AM. This is worth getting up for and will surely bring you a unique experience.

Address: Nghi Tam, Au Co, Tay Ho District

13. One Pillar Pagoda

One-pillar Pagoda or Chua Mot Cot as it is locally known was built in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Tong and has undergone many restorations due to the destruction of wars. Legend has it that the Emperor dreamed of Deity Quan Am (or Lady Buddha) sitting on a blooming lotus and asking him to join her enlightenment journey; after the dream, he ordered to build this pagoda which resembles a lotus blossom – a Buddhist symbol for purity and enlightenment. This is where the Emperor practiced his religion and Buddhism also witnessed its flourishing and prosperity since then.

Although the pagoda is not a spectacular and large-scale construction, it has a particular historical and religious value that is totally worth a visit.

Note: on the 1st and 14th monthly (lunar calendar), there will be Buddhist ceremonies which will allow you to have a full picture of the place.

• Address: Chua Mot Cot, Doi Can, Ba Dinh District
• Price: 25,000 VND
• Opening Hours:  7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

14. Bat Trang Ceramic Village

For thousands of years, ceramic has been synonymous with Bat Trang – which is a testimony to excellent quality as well as the outstanding level of handicraft. Located on the east side of the Red River and only 15km from Hanoi center, Bat Trang Ceramic Village is a complex of ceramic museums, workshops, ancient houses and markets. Every corner of the village sets up a colorful and vintage background for your photographs. You can sign up for ceramic-making workshops which allow you to have hands-on experience and create your own piece of ceramic. The ceramic market is where you can get lovely and one-and-only ceramic items since each of them takes hours to be painted by hand by the artisans.

The attraction allows free entrance and you are only charged if you want to take on ceramic-making activities (cost starting from 30,000 VND).

From Hanoi, you can check out bus number 47A or bus 52B to go to Bat Trang. It is also easily accessed by motorbikes and there are many tourist agencies that offer a full-package tour to Bat Trang Ceramic Village which will save you from all the hassle.

Address: Gia Lam District

15. Hanoi Train Street

Hanoi Train Street (or Phung Hung Train Street) is most famous with the 2-kilometer section from Phung Hung Street to Le Duan Street, running across Tran Phu Street and Cua Dong Street. This has been recognized as a unique attraction for tourists to experience the coming together between French and Vietnamese architecture and also the local life of those residing along the railway. At the end of 2019, the street was closed down for safety purposes. In mid-2022, this route was restored to tourist activity, but visitors must ensure strict safety guidelines.

• Address: Phung Hung Street
• Train times:
• Weekdays: 7:00 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, 10:00 PM
• Weekends: 9:15 AM, 11:20 AM, 3:20 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:00 PM, 11:00 PM

10 must-try dishes in Hanoi

Hanoi – the capital of a thousand years of civilization, is the cradle of Vietnamese cuisine. In addition to the dishes that have made Vietnam famous such as Pho or Bun Cha, Hanoi still has very typical dishes. Here are the top 10 dishes you should not miss on your culinary journey in Hanoi.

Needless to say, Pho has been recognized all around the world as the soul of Vietnamese cuisine and is one of the indispensable parts associated with Vietnamese people from generation to generation. Although Pho can be found anywhere you go, it cannot be denied that Pho Hanoi – where it was originally from – is at its best.

A decent bowl of Pho requires a meticulous preparation and cooking process. Pho is made from the main ingredients such as bone-beef broth, noodles, and thinly sliced beef. What makes Pho Hanoi different from Pho in the south is that you will find lots of green onion in your bowl and there are no side green herbs (instead, it is sided with “ bánh quẩy” or hot finger-shaped soufflé).

Oftentimes, there are many types of beef you can choose from the menu, which could be confusing for your first experience. A safe option to stick to is “ Phở tái nạm” – Pho with rare lean & brisket beef  (with or without “ bò viên ” – meatballs depending on your preference).

When eating, you can add a bit of pickled garlic and homemade chili sauce to the bowl, mix it up, dip “ bánh quẩy”   in the broth then have a big bite of everything and the explosion of flavors in your mouth.

Some famous delicious Pho restaurants in Hanoi:

• 49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District (30,000 VND – 55,000 VND)
• 13 Lo Duc Street, Hoan Kiem District (40,000 VND – 60,000 VND)
• 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem District (50,000 VND – 80,000 VND)

Bun Cha is actually even more synonymous with Hanoi cuisine than Pho, which is suggested in its name. One portion of Bun Cha consists of thin noodles, grilled pork in sweet and vinegary broth, and a small basket of green herbs to balance out the meaty protein.

The essence of Bun Cha Hanoi lies among the BBQ pork which has to meet the balanced proportion of lean meat and fat before being seasoned with the right amount of herbs and spices then grilled on an open coal-fire.

When eating Bun Cha Hanoi, you will be given an extra small bowl. Take a bit of noodle, add grilled pork and some herbs, then pour in a bit of the broth. It tastes best when you have a bit of everything at the same time.

Bun Cha is available all day, however, it is ideal to eat Bun Cha for lunch, as it could be a bit too fatty for breakfast and its serving portion is huge and very filling – which will give you energy for the rest of the day. It is also recommended to order Nem Ran – a square version of spring rolls.

Some recommendations for you:

• 1 Hang Manh Street, Hoan Kiem District (50,000 VND – 60,000 VND)
• 74 Hang Quat Street, Hoan Kiem District (30,000 VND – 50,000 VND)
• 24 Le Van Huu Street, Hoan Kiem District (40,000 VND – 60,000 VND)

3. Bun Thang

In contrast with the light sweetness and simple taste of the broth, you will be amazed that it requires more than 20 different ingredients to make up a bowl of Bun Thang.

When being served, Bun Thang will be presented with fried eggs, chicken, shiitake mushrooms, green onions, pork cake, dried shrimp and so on. Everything is sliced up and neatly placed on the bed of rice noodles. So, Bun Thang is not only tasty but also eye-catching with all the colorful ingredients.

The taste of Bun Thang is, for some people, quite “ light and plain”; so, it will be suitable for breakfast. If you like it a bit more savory, add a tiny bit of fish sauce.

You can try Bun Thang in some of the following locations:

• 48 Cau Go Street, Hoan Kiem District (35,000 VND – 50,000 VND)
• 29 Hang Hanh Street, Hoan Kiem District (35,000 VND)

Banh Mi gradually asserts its position in Vietnamese culinary culture, as the BBC’s David Farley once praised Banh Mi of Vietnam as the best sandwich in the world.

You may already be familiar with Banh Mi as it is quite globally widespread; but unlike Banh Mi in Saigon which emphasizes the sauce, Banh Mi in Hanoi is special and recognizable for its pâté. The rich and flavorful pâté is spread between a freshly-baked baguette that is soft inside and crispy outside.

Now, you can find Banh Mi in two versions: Banh Mi sandwiches and one-pan toppings served with Banh Mi on the side. Traditional Banh Mi sandwiches are definitely recommended as it is how Banh Mi is originally eaten and how you fully taste Banh Mi in one bite.

A Banh Mi experience is not complete without being combined with Vietnamese black / milk coffee. This is the all-time go-to combo.

Some suggestions for you:

• 25 Hang Ca, Hoan Kiem District (15,000 VND – 25,000 VND)
• 38 Dinh Liet Street, Hoan Kiem District (15,000 VND – 35,000 VND)
• 34 Lo Su Street, Hoan Kiem District (15,000 VND – 25,000 VND)

5. La Vong Grilled Fish

Cha Ca (grilled fish cakes) has long been a specialty of Hanoi. It is a complicated dish right from the stage of selecting ingredients. Made from the freshest Hemibagrus fish and Snakehead fish so the texture will be firm and chewy. When the fish is almost cooked, green onion and dill are added to the hot pan and well mixed with other ingredients.

Interestingly, the first Cha Ca La Vong restaurant has been surviving for 5 generations and the street on which it is located now was renamed after this iconic food (Cha Ca Street).

Cha Ca La Vong is eaten with noodles, roasted peanuts and “ mắm tôm ” – shrimp paste which could be too strong for those who are not familiar with it. It is suggested that you add a bit of lime or kumquat juice to the paste and well mix it to reduce the strong smell and taste.

We recommend these restaurants for you to enjoy this dish in Hanoi:

• 14 Cha Ca Street and 107 Nguyen Truong To Street, Hoan Kiem District (170,000 VND)
• 120 K1 Giang Vo Street, Ba Dinh District (140,000 VND)
• 171 Thai Ha Street, Hoan Kiem District (139,000 VND)

6. Pho Cuon and Pho Chien

As we mentioned before, the summer in Hanoi is extremely unpleasantly hot. And so, although we love Pho, the idea of slurping a hot bowl of Pho under that weather condition does not sound very tempting. That’s why Hanoians came up with the genius creation of Pho Cuon and Pho Chien (Pho rolls and pan-fried Pho) – which is somehow the dry version of traditional Pho.

You can still find the star ingredients of Pho which are noodles, beef and herbs. However, instead of being cut into stripes, they use Pho sheets to wrap seasoned and stir-fried together with green herbs inside. Pho Cuon is complemented by dipping in light, vinegary sauce, which is the best summery food you could ever have. Pho Chien also uses the same ingredients but beef and vegetables are stir-fried and top on a bed of deep-fried, crispy Pho noodles.

Another version of Pho Chien is Pho Chien Phong (Pho crackers in squared-shape). Pho sheets are cut into squares and deep-fried until they turn into Pho crackers – airy in the middle and crispy outside. These are again stir-fried with tender beef, onion and green vegetables.

Notes and tips : 

At Pho Cuon restaurants, there is often a snack called “Ngô chiên bơ” – which is basically popcorn but in Vietnamese style. You could not find it anywhere else and we have to admit that it is a very addictive snack. Make sure you will give it a try.

These dishes are served in big portions which are enough for 2-3 people. So, it is recommended that you order one by one to make sure you are not overloaded with foods and also can enjoy them while they are freshly cooked and served.

• 29B Ngu Xa, Ba Dinh District (25,000 VND – 75,000 VND)
• 31 Ngu Xa, Ba Dinh District (25,000 VND – 75,000 VND)
• 108B1 Tran Huy Lieu, Ba Dinh District (25,000 VND – 80,000 VND)

7. Ngan Chay Toi

Ngan Chay Toi (duck fried with garlic)  is a rising star on the Hanoian culinary map. Accidentally invented by a home cook chef – who was trying to cook up the leftovers for her family, this dish soon took off and became one of the most favorable dishes of the Hanoi people.

Duck meat is well seasoned and deep-fried with lots of garlic until they get that beautiful caramel color and crispy texture (for the garlic). A full combo of Ngan Chay Toi locally goes with a quarter to a half of a duck (you could ask for half “ c háy tỏi”  – deep-fried and half “ l uộc”  – boiled); a bowl of noodles of your choice (could be “ bún” – rice noodles or “ miến” – glass vermicelli); a bowl of bamboo shoot soup; a small basket of fresh herbs; and of course a small bowl of ginger, garlic and chili fish sauce. All of these are served on a round serving platter which is set up on a plastic stool while you will be given even smaller plastic stools to sit around and enjoy your meal.

Notes and tips:

This is supposed to be a shared dish. A combo of ¼ a duck is sufficient for 2 people and ½  a duck should be enough for at least 3-4 people.

You will be sitting on little stools and quite close to each other; so consider if you feel like having your personal space and more comfortable dining space.

Here are some suggested addresses for you:

• 71 Hang Thiec, Hoan Kiem District (120,000 VND – 250,000 VND)
• 51 Hang Luoc, Hoan Kiem District (40,000 VND – 265,000 VND)
• 16 Hang Can, Hoan Kiem District (40,000 VND – 260,000 VND)

8. Chao Suon

Chao Suon (pork rib porridge) is somehow less recognized by tourists but highly recommended by our local Hanoian friends. This could be the ultimate comfort food that you have been looking for as long as you give it a try.

Chao (or rice porridge) is the soul of this dish. A good one needs to be cooked in pork rib broth with the right proportion of rice and sticky rice which are already soaked in fresh water overnight. This porridge is then blended and slow-cooked until it gets a finely smooth and creamy texture. Pork ribs, meanwhile, are slow-cooked until they can be easily deboned and melts in your mouth. A perfect bowl of Chao Suon is a combination of rice porridge, shredded pork floss, minced pork and tender pork ribs of course.

This dish is often eaten for breakfast or late-night meals. You can also order “ bánh quẩy” (hot finger-shaped soufflé) and century eggs to add even more flavors to the dish.

Recommended addresses to eat Chao Suon:

• 14 Dong Xuan, Hoan Kiem District (25,000 VND – 55,000 VND)
• 61A Ngo Huyen, Hoan Kiem District (30,000 VND – 50,000 VND)
• 55 Hong Tien, Long Bien District (45,000 VND – 70,000 VND)

9. Banh Goi and Banh Ran Man

Although the names suggest “cakes” (deep-fried pillow cakes & savory cakes), these dishes are not your typical dessert cakes (but more like Vietnamese deep-fried dumplings) and the way to eat them is nothing as in your imagination. Pillow cakes and savory cakes’ skins are made with wheat flour and sticky rice powder and the fillings are a mixture of minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, onions, carrots and glass vermicelli.

Typically, all the cakes will be displayed in a buffet style. You can simply point at whatever you feel like, go take a seat and they will serve you the exact ones but freshly cooked. At your table, the cakes are already cut up for you and they will be served with a small bowl of sweet and sour dipping sauce with green papaya sliced inside and some fresh leaves on the side. To eat this, you take a green leaf and add a piece of the cake together with some other herbs, wrap them up and dip in the sweet and sour sauce.

This food is quite oily as it is deep fried several times so that the skins are crispy. You would probably find it more enjoyable to eat on a cold and rainy day; or when you particularly crave for some fried dishes.

• 52 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem District (13,000 VND)
• 112K Thai Thinh, Dong Da District (13,000 VND)

10. Ca Phe Trung

It may be a bit controversial to end the list with a drink; but, it is hard to decide whether Ca Phe Trung (egg coffee) should be categorized as a dessert or a drink. So here it is, better not miss it.  Having been praised by many international travel pages, Ca Phe Trung is a creative drink of black coffee and egg yolk. This is a perfectly balanced combination of bitter black coffee and creamy, lightly-sweet whisked egg yolk. Ca Phe Trung must be enjoyed while it is still hot by (1) mixing it up and sipping in small sips or (2) letting the spoon go from the bottom of the cup so you can experience a full layer of flavors.

You can also choose Ca Phe Trung Lanh (i ced egg coffee ) or Cacao Trung (egg cocoa drink).

This drink is super rich and creamy and probably the refreshing drink you are looking for on a hot summer day.

Enjoy a cup of Egg coffee at the following coffee shops:

• 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District (39,000 VND)
• 13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District (25,000 VND)

A detailed travel guide for Hanoi in 2022 is for those who are planning to explore the historic capital city. We hope you will have a perfect trip with many exciting experiences in this city!

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Top 5 Best Areas To Stay In Hanoi, Vietnam for Any Budget

Where to Stay in Hanoi for any Traveller?

Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam, is a renowned landscape for unique cuisines, fascinating architecture, hospitable people and bustling Hanoi nightlife . This city is also a crowded region with the diverse culture of multi-communities. Your visit to Hanoi will be wonderful if you can find an ideal accommodation that makes your discovery the most convenient. So where to stay in Hanoi? If you have not decided the best areas to stay in Hanoi yet, you can consider our guide, which contains options for any budget and traveller!

I. Hanoi Old Quarter

1. It’s best for

• First time travellers: The Old Quarter is the soul of Hanoi, which is pregnant with the historical values rooting to the mind of every resident there. It is famous for its antique beauty in modern life, with ancient temples, traditional specialties, busy streets and vibrant nightlife, which is ideal for tourists with the first time in Hanoi .
• All budgets: In Hanoi Old Quarter, there are accommodations for all budgets, from pocket-friendly hostels to the most luxurious and high-end hotels. If you are a budget-conscious traveler, there is no better place than Hanoi Old Quarter.
• Backpackers: Staying right in the city center could be extremely expensive, but the same thing is not true in the Old Quarter. For backpackers who are most concerned about a reasonable trip, this place is worth your first consideration.

2. Where to stay in the Hanoi Old Quarter?

2.1. hotel:.

• Hotel Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Built in 1901 by the French, Hotel Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is the first 5-star hotel in Hanoi, and also the oldest hotel there. This hotel not only has luxurious rooms but also high-class apartments. On the first floor of Metropole Hanoi, there is one French restaurant named “Le Beaulieu” and a Vietnamese restaurant called “Spices Garden”, as well as three bars, five function rooms, a swimming pool and an area for commercial activities. This hotel is a stopover of many heads of state, ambassadors as well as famous people when coming to Vietnam.

Location: 15 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Price: From 9,000,000 VND

• Hilton Hanoi Opera

Hilton Hanoi Opera is located in the Old Quarter, the center of Hanoi which attracts many local and international tourists. This hotel is appraised as one of the best hotels in Vietnam, with a view to Hanoi Opera House and the Old Quarter. From Hilton Hanoi Opera, you can easily access the city’s cultural attractions just within walking distance. In the French-style hotel, you will be served with high-class services like Vietnamese cuisine, along with a chain of entertainment such as pool, gym, spa, jazz bar and dance room.

Location: 01 Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Price: From 2,500,000 VND

• Melia Hanoi Hotel

Located not very far from Hoan Kiem Lake , Melia Hanoi Hotel is a world-class hotel where many heads of state chose to stay when coming to Hanoi. The 22-floor building allows you to have an overview of Hanoi from above with the crowded streets and historical constructions. The expedient location of Melia Hanoi Hotel makes it easy for you to access the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature as well as many other places of interest in Hanoi.

Location: Quan Su, Cua Nam, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Price: From 2,000,000 VND

2.2. Hostel:

• Little Charm Hanoi Hostel

If the price of a hotel in Hoan Kiem District is too expensive for you to afford, it is the best advice for you to find a hostel in the Old Quarter, where you can enjoy the convenient services with a quite pocket-friendly price when comparing with other areas. Little Charm Hanoi Hostel is a typical example. The bar and restaurant of this hostel are built with Italian style, which will surely give you an amazing experience right in the center of the Old Quarter.

Location: 44 Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Price: From 210,000 VND

• Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel

Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel is another hostel in the Old Quarter offering an affordable price. With the prime location, from Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel, you can reach many attractive destinations of Hanoi such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter Night Market , Thang Long Water Puppet Theater in only a 7-minute walk. The restaurant on the first floor of this hotel offers you typical specialties of Hanoi, which ensures food hygiene.

Location: 03 Noi Mieu Alley, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Price: From 140,000 VND

3. Things to see and do in Hanoi Old Quarter

• Visiting historical places of Hanoi: Long Bien Bridge , St. Joseph’s Cathedral , Ngoc Son Temple , Hanoi Opera House
• Checking-in on Phung Hung Fresco Street
• Wandering around Pedestrian Zone and Hoan Kiem Lake at weekends
• Shopping at Dong Xuan Market and Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market
• Drinking craft beer on Ta Hien Street and Hanoi Legend Beer
• Enjoying Hanoi street coffee and mouth-watering specialties on Hang Buom Street
• Watching water puppet performance at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

Evening Cyclo Tour with Water Puppet Show

Start from:  $93 /person

Hanoi Free Volunteer Guide and Water Puppet Show by…

Start from:  $29 /person

II. Ba Dinh District

• Relaxation: Ba Dinh District is the place of the most important buildings of Vietnamese government, so the atmosphere there is much more tranquil than in Hoan Kiem District. Owning the most charming streets of Hanoi, Ba Binh District is sure to give you relaxing moments right in the city center.
• Those who want to stay in a quieter area but can still access to attractions and gain local experience: In spite of being a district in the city center, Ba Dinh District seems to remain the feature of a peaceful Hanoi, which is suitable for those who want to enjoy the peaceful moments in the hurried life. In Ba Dinh District, you can easily find the historical monuments that have been associated with the long-lasting history of Hanoi as well as Vietnam.

2. Where to stay in Ba Dinh District?

• Lotte Hotel Hanoi

Located at the intersection of Lieu Giai and Dao Tan Street in Ba Dinh District, Lotte Hotel Hanoi is the connection and integration of the Old Quarter of Hanoi with the new growing urban areas. Located on the top floors of a 65-storey building, the second highest landmark in Hanoi, Lotte Hotel Hanoi provides you with world-class services, which gives you the most wonderful experience. Besides, from the observatory on the 65 th floor of this building, you can catch the stunning view of a modern Hanoi at night.

Location : 54 Lieu Giai, Cong Vi, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Price : From 3,500,000 VND

• Hanoi Daewoo Hotel

Inhabiting a prime neighborhood near many foreign embassies, Hanoi Daewoo Hotel is the hotel of choice for many heads of state and politicians such as the US Former President Bill Clinton and the President of Russia Vladimir Putin. With the services that adapt the international standards, Hanoi Daewoo Hotel is the accustomed destination for international events and conferences. From this hotel, you can get access to a lot of tourist attraction spots in Hanoi.

Location : 360 Ngoc Khanh, Kim Ma, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Price : From 2,000,000 VND

2.2. Hostel

• Hanoian Backpack Hostel

Within a 15-minute walk from Quan Thanh Temple, Hanoian Backpack Hostel is a combination of the antique tradition with the modern amenities. The on-site restaurant of Hanoian Backpack Hostel offers you with a myriad of Hanoi specialties; in addition, the customer services here will make the most convenient for your trip and you will be surely satisfied with it.

Location : 60 Pho Duc Chinh, Truc Bach, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Price : From 230,000 VND

• Capsule Hanoi Hostel

Although Capsule Hanoi Hostel is a democratic hostel in Ba Dinh District, you can absolutely enjoy the good services with a very pocket-friendly price. In addition, the prestigious location of this hostel allows you to visit nearby neighborhoods with Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Bach Thao Park, Quan Thanh Temple and One Pillar Pagoda without any difficulties. The host of Capsule Hanoi Hostel is hospitable and helpful, which makes you feel like a family.

Location : 160 Ngoc Ha, Ba Dinh District, Ha Noi

Price : From 200,000 VND

3. Things to see and do in Ba Dinh District

• Visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and contemplating the salute of flags at Ba Dinh Square in the early morning.
• Discovering the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and the Flag Tower of Hanoi
• Coming to famous museums of Ba Binh District: Ho Chi Minh Museum, Vietnam Military History Museum , Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum and B52 Victory Museum.
• Visiting One Pillar Pagoda , one of the most ancient pagodas of Hanoi
• Enjoying peaceful moments in Bach Thao, Lenin and Thu Le Park
• Wandering on Hoang Dieu and Phan Dinh Phung Street, two most appealing streets of Hanoi
• Shopping at Lotte Lieu Giai and seeing the overview of Hanoi from the 65 th floor

III. Tay Ho District (Hanoi West Lake)

• Foodies: Tay Ho District is the home of many specialties in Hanoi, one of which is “pho cuon”. On the river bank of West Lake , there are a number of restaurants and food stalls for you to come across and have a snack on your journey.
• Family: Despite the expatriated location, Tay Ho District is still an attraction for tourists coming to Hanoi. If you travel with your family, West Lake is surely the best suitable area for you where you can enjoy a wonderful weekend in the surrounding area.
• Those wanting to enjoy a night-out: This is the best area to stay if you want to explore the nightlife in this city. A variety of recreational activities, night bars and clubs are always available for you to enjoy the lively atmosphere of Hanoi after the sunset.

2. Where to stay in Tay Ho District?

3.1. hotel:.

• InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

Located on the tranquil water of West Lake, the largest lake in Hanoi, InterContinental Hanoi Westlake offers you a welcome paradise from the busy city center. This is not only a hotel but also a luxurious five-star resort with high-class convenience such as outdoor seasonal swimming pool, fitness center, on-site restaurants and bars, along with magnificent rooms with balconies offering a gorgeous view to West Lake. Whether you come here for leisure or business purposes, InterContinental Hanoi Westlake is a considerable hotel.

Location: 05 Tu Hoa, Quang An, Tay Ho District, Hanoi

Price: From 4,300,000 VND

• Westlake Home Hotel

Westlake Home Hotel is a three-star hotel located ideally in Tay Ho District. With a competitive price in comparison to others, this hotel provides you with convenient services as well as comfortable rooms with qualified facilities. Westlake Home Hotel also helps you with free bicycle riding around the lake. The enthusiastic staff here are always willing to help you with your transportation services.

Location: 156 Yen Phu, Tay Ho District, Hanoi

Price: From 650,000 VND

3.2. Hostel

• Tony House Hostel

Tony House Hostel is ideal for international tourists who are seeking for a comfortable place with the hospitable atmosphere. The on-site cafe and bar of this hostel usually has events that help you to interact with the others in this hostel as well as the locals. The rooftop terrace of Tony House Hostel gives you a stunning view of West Lake, and in summer, you can have a barbeque party there.

Location: 209 Ve Ho Street, Xuan La, Tay Ho District, Hanoi

Price: From 360,000 VND

• 7 Fridays Hostel

7 Fridays Hostel is an ideal place for you to stay if you want to enjoy the bustling nightlife on the side of West Lake. This hostel comprises a pool and social space, where regular poolside events, clubs and bars with live bands and DJs are held. Spending the whole night to immerse yourself into the recreational games there is an experience that should not be missed when you stay in this hostel.

Location: 22 Quang An, Tay Ho District, Hanoi

Price: From 300,000 VND

3. Things to see and do in Tay Ho District

• Experience the most attractive entertainment and adventurous games in West Lake Water Park
• Going for a round in West Lake and see the sunset in the late afternoon
• Visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda, the most antique pagoda of Hanoi
• Enjoying the bustling atmosphere of Hanoi nightlife at bars and clubs
• Coming to Quang An Flower Market, one of the most well-known traditional market in Hanoi
• Shopping in Tay Ho Night Market

IV. Truc Bach Area

• Off-the-beaten path: Since not many tourists pay attention to this small area, Truc Bach still remains an antique and peaceful appearance in spite of the intersection location of Hoan Kiem, Tay Ho and Ba Dinh District, the three most bustling areas of Hanoi.
• Those loving quiet accommodation: When you want to escape from the bustle and hustle of the city center, Truc Bach always welcomes you to come and stay. This is a small area in the north of Ba Dinh District, where the daily life of the locals seems to slow down and set room for a peaceful atmosphere that you cannot find anywhere else in Hanoi.

2. Where to stay in Truc Bach?

Tam Hotel is far enough from the bustle of the Old Quarter but close enough for you to experience the most modern services there. This three-star hotel is furnished with wooden floors and impressive furniture. From Tam Hotel, within a 10-minute walk, you can visit the Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Besides, in the nearby neighborhood are many local restaurants for you to enjoy the mouth-watering typical dishes.

Location : 03 Tran Te Xuong, Truc Bach Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Price: From 460,000 VND

• An Nguyen Building

Situated in Ngu Xa island, a quiet landscape but adjacent to the tourist attractions of Hanoi, An Nguyen Building is an ultimate choice for you and family to relish the idyllic atmosphere of an area on the edge of Hanoi. The apartments here include a kitchen with necessary equipment so that you can cook your own meals for your family. Escaping from the hustle and bustle of the city center and enjoying the wonderful moments with your family near the center are the experiences that you can only have in An Nguyen Building.

Location : 59 Nguyen Khac Hieu, Truc Bach Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Price : From 510,000 VND

• Pan Pacific Hanoi

Pan Pacific Hanoi offers you the best view of Truc Bach Lake and West Lake, which are situated in a serene oasis within the bustling city of Hanoi. The service of this five-star hotel for sure will please all the visitors staying in Hanoi with the convenient rooms and modern facilities. Not far enough to the city center, Pan Pacific Hanoi is an ideal hotel for you to choose in your journey to Hanoi.

Location: 1 Thanh Nien Street, Truc Bach Ward, Ba Binh District, Hanoi

3. Things to see and do in Truc Bach

• Visiting and shopping at Chau Long Market
• Coming to Quan Thanh Temple, one of the four sacred temples in Hanoi
• Riding swan-shaped boat on Truc Bach Lake
• Enjoying fried shrimp pastry, pho cuon, La Vong fishcake, puffy-fried pho and frog hotpot
• Drinking coffee in a 20 th -century atmosphere at Cong Coffee

V. Hai Ba Trung District – Shopping Until You Drop

• Cultural experience: This lively and modern neighborhood in Hanoi plays an important role in connecting the city center with the suburban areas. In Hai Ba Trung District, you are offered fantastic entertainment and plenty of restaurants, which contains the typical cultural traits of Hanoi.
• Shopaholics and fashionistas: Throughout the busy streets of Hai Ba Trung District are tailor shops, independent boutiques and fabric markets, which is the paradise for fashionistas and shopaholics.

2. Where to stay in Hai Ba Trung District

• The Ann Hanoi

Located in a business part of Hanoi, The Ann Hanoi is the best four-star hotel in the center. This hotel serves an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, which adapts the demand for entertainment of visitors. Being in a favorable position, The Ann Hanoi is most appropriate for you to reach the Old Quarter in the city center in only a 15-minute walk. Should you wish to stay in a high-level hotel nearby the center, this is the best selection for you.

Location : 38A Hang Chuoi, Pham Dinh Ho, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

Price : From 1,800,000 VND

• Midori Boutique Hotel

Getting a foothold in Hai Ba Trung District, Midori Boutique Hotel provides you with a well-appointed guest room, comfortable and peaceful rooms with traditional decor as well as impeccable services. Although the area of this hotel is not very large, Midori Boutique Hotel still provides you with the greatest utilities. From this destination, you can easily reach the city center in the distance of two kilometers.

Location : 43 Trieu Viet Vuong, Bui Thi Xuan, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

Price : From 1,200,000 VND

• Vong Xua Hotel

Vong Xua Hotel is a reliable address of many domestic and foreign visitors. Not only that, the street of Pho Vong in front of this hotel is a convergence of the largest economic and trade centers in Hanoi, which is convenient for sightseeing and shopping. Vong Xua Hotel brings you a luxurious, cozy and gentle atmosphere with the interior modern furniture. Staying in this hotel, you will enjoy a space as you are in your sweet home.

Location : 193 Pho Vong, Dong Tam, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

Price : From 600,000 VND

3. Things to see and do in Hai Ba Trung District

• Discovering sea creatures at Vinpearl Aquarium Times City
• Relaxing with entertainment activities at Hanoi Creative City
• Shopping at Vincom Center Ba Trieu
• Taking a stroll and doing exercises at Thong Nhat Park
• Getting clothes at tailor and fabric shop on Pho Hue Street
• Enjoying “bun cha” (noodles with spring roll) at Bun cha Huong Lien, where the former president of US had dinner when coming to Vietnam
• Eating pho at Pho Thin, a traditional brand of pho in Hanoi

VI. Thanh Xuan District

• Low-budget travellers: Owing some universities in the area, Thanh Xuan District is a young vibe with low cost of living, where a budget-conscious tourist can easily find a cheap rental house or hotel. The low cost, however, does not prevent tourists from experiencing an abundance of entertainment options there.
• Modern entertainment: Thanh Xuan District of Hanoi also provides tourists with high-end shopping and entertainment complexes in luxurious commercial centers. If you want to admire a modern and bustling city of Hanoi, Thanh Xuan District is just for you.

2. Where to stay in Thanh Xuan District

• Everest Hotel

Everest Hotel in Thanh Xuan District features an accommodation with a bar, private parking, shared lounge and kitchen. This three-star hotel provides you with concierge service, shuttle service and fully-equipped rooms. Within 2 kilometers, you can access many places of interest in Hanoi, including museums, cinemas, shopping centers and parks.

Location: 44 Nguyen Ngoc Nai, Khuong Thuong Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi

Price: From 600,000 VND

• Avalon Hotel

Situated in Trung Hoa Nhan Chinh, a populous area of Hanoi, Avalon Hotel is a wonderful starting point for your itinerary in Hanoi. This hotel has a prime location, which helps you to comfortably visit and explore famous tourist attractions in the city center of Hanoi. The facilities and services there are quite convenient, which ensure a pleasant journey for you.

Location: Nguyen Trai, Thuong Dinh Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi

• Sport Hotel

Sport Hotel is one of the hotels used in large sport events held in Vietnam. With large parking, entertainment area, sports area, cultural area, dining rooms and a system of meeting halls and other convenient services available for your need, Sport Hotel is not just an accommodation but a conventional hall for important events of international organizations.

Location: 15 Le Van Thiem, Nhan Chinh Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi

Price: From 1,500,000 VND

3. Things to see and do in Thanh Xuan District

• Enjoying weekends with entertainment activities and shopping center at Vincom Mega Mall Royal City
• Visiting Air Force Museum to learn more about the resistance war of Vietnamese again the US Army
• Shopping for reasonable-price items at Phung Khoang Market
• Drinking coffee and taking photos at Trill Rooftop Coffee
• Discovering a variety of Vietnamese street foods such as mixed rice paper, green papaya with dried beef salad, sweet soup (che), rib porridge and so on.

VII. Cau Giay District

• Backpackers: Cau Giay District is a new destination to the west of Hanoi city center, which is a vital link to the suburban areas of this city. Therefore, the price in Cau Giay District is quite reasonable for backpackers, who are most concerned about cheap prices. Cau Giay is worth taking into account for low-budget travellers in Hanoi.
• Businessmen: The institutions of many companies are not situated in the city center but in the bustling areas near the suburbs like Cau Giay District. Beside luxurious hotels, you can easily find high-quality apartments to stay for a long time in Cau Giay District.

2. Where to stay in Cau Giay District

• Grand Plaza Hanoi Hotel

Located in the most vibrant area of Cau Giay District, Grand Plaza Hanoi is one of the best choices for you when going on a business trip in Hanoi. Within 10-minute travel, you can reach shopping centers, National Convention Center and also other important places. This hotel offers you the most high-end services with a swimming pool, spa, bar, club, restaurant, free transportation service and so on.

Location : 177 Tran Duy Hung, Trung Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi

Price : From 2,200,000 VND

• Novotel Suites Hanoi

Novotel Suites Hanoi is the first Novotel suite in Asia-Pacific, which is a four-star hotel in Cau Giay District. This hotel provides you with modern and luxurious services, from well-equipped fitness center, high-class meeting halls, kid’s corner, outdoor swimming pool, rooftop bar and restaurants with plenty of food and beverage. Located near the office areas of Cau Giay District, Novotel Suites is a recommended place for those who come to Hanoi for business.

Location : 05 Duy Tan, Dich Vong Hau Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi

Price : From 2,700,000 VND

• Lily Hometel

About 1.7 kilometers from Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and 3.5 kilometers from Vincom Center Nguyen Chi Thanh, Lily Hometel offers you an affordable accommodation with free wifi, air-conditioner, well-equipped facilities and shared living room. Airport shuttle service there is available with an extra charge.

Location : 12 Tran Quoc Vuong, Dich Vong Hau, Cau Giay, Hanoi

Price : From 700,000 VND

3. Things to see and do in Cau Giay District

• Experiencing at Vincom Tran Duy Hung and Big C Thang Long
• Learning about Vietnamese culture at Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
• Discovering typical cuisine of local in Nghia Tan Market
• Watching movies and enjoying high-class shopping at Indochina Plaza
• Visiting famous parks in Cau Giay District such as Nghia Do and Cau Giay Park
• Shopping for clothes along Cau Giay and Xuan Thuy Street

One day is never enough for you to discover the entire Hanoi, so why don’t you find a place to stay there for your long trip? Above are the 5 best areas to stay in Hanoi, and we hope that it may be of some help for you. Whether to enjoy the bustle in Hoan Kiem, the nightlife of Tay Ho, the atmosphere of Ba Dinh and Truc Bach or to go shopping in Hai Ba Trung, you will have a chance to feel both ancient and modern Hanoi in each destination. Have a wonderful trip in Hanoi and don’t forget to share with us your feelings!

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Vietnam's capital races to make up for time lost to the ravages of war and a government that as recently as the 1990s kept the outside world at bay. Its streets surge with scooters vying for right of way amid the din of constantly blaring horns, and all around, layers of history reveal periods of French and Chinese occupation – offering a glimpse into the resilience of ambitious, proud Hanoians.

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Home » Southeast Asia » Vietnam » Hanoi

Backpacking Hanoi Travel Guide (2024)

Take one step onto the streets of Hanoi and you’re sure to experience sensory overload: endless streams of motorbikes, loud traffic, and delicious aromas coming from the nearby street food vendors. Welcome, my friends, to backpacking Hanoi.

Hanoi is a bustling, up-and-coming capital city with plenty of food to taste and sights to see, but it has lived through some dark times. The history of Vietnam’s capital city goes back over a thousand years to when Emperor Ly Thai To moved his capital here in 1010, naming it  Thang Long  (Rising Dragon).

The city has had many names since then, finally settling on Hanoi in 1831. (In case you were wondering, Hanoi means “City in the Bend of a River.”)

For many years, Hanoi was the capital of French Indochina, and although there are some beautiful remnants of this period – cathedrals and baguettes, mostly – colonialism destroyed much of the city and resulted in a bloody war against the French.

Speaking of wars, you’ve probably heard about one that happened in Vietnam a few decades ago. They call it the American War here, and repeated bombings ensued massive damage onto the city.

When the dust finally settled and an independent Vietnam was proclaimed in 1976, Hanoi was again chosen as the capital.

Despite its dark and turbulent past, Hanoi is now a city on the rise. Over 7 million people call Hanoi home, making it the second largest city in Vietnam.

It’s also a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors in from all over the globe to view its countless museums, pagodas, temples, and parks.

The best part about backpacking Hanoi, however, is meeting the Vietnamese people and soaking up their culture. People in Hanoi are incredibly welcoming and friendly, especially the younger generation who can speak a bit of English.

Of course, indulging in the delicious Vietnamese food is a major highlight as well.

If you’re ready to plan that epic backpacking trip to Hanoi, read on for a comprehensive Hanoi travel guide, including a typical daily budget, an awesome 3-day Hanoi itinerary, travel tips and plenty of great recommendations.

How Much does Backpacking Hanoi Cost?

Backpacker accommodation in hanoi, top things to do in hanoi, backpacking hanoi 3 day itinerary, backpacking hanoi travel tips and city guide.

Great news for Broke Backpackers everywhere – Hanoi is a very budget-friendly destination. For a bustling capital city with plenty of amenities, you’ll be amazed at how far your money goes here.

If you’re really motivated, you can backpack Hanoi on a budget of just $20-25 a day. It’s not hard to find a dorm bed for less than $5 a night here.

Public transportation is also super cheap, as is local food like bahn mi sandwiches or a delicious bowl of pho . You’ll mostly stick to free activities at this budget, but you’ve still got money for a few draft beers since they only cost $0.25 each!

Upping your travel budget for Hanoi to around $40-45 a day means you can afford to do quite a bit of sightseeing around the attractions, enjoy some privacy and comfort in your own private room, and cover more ground by renting a motorbike for your stay.

This budget allows you to try some nicer restaurants and drink something other than bia hoi from time to time. Below is a breakdown of a daily Hanoi budget so you can see how far your money goes.

Daily Costs for Backpacking Hanoi

Dorm bed in a hostel:  $5-10

Small basic room for two:  $20-25

Airbnb in a private apartment:  $30-40

Motorbike for a day: $5-6

Airport bus:  $1.75

Ho Chi Minh Museum:  $1.50

Street food snack ( bahn mi  sandwich):  $1-1.50

Local restaurant for lunch: $2-3

Cup of Vietnamese coffee:  $1

Local beer in a bar:  $0.50-$1

Hanoi Budget Backpacking Tips

As you can see from my list above, Hanoi is already an excellent bargain. That being said, there are always ways you can travel cheaper and stretch your travel funds even further. Here are a few tips for backpacking Hanoi on a budget:

• Stay in the Old Quarter : I’m sure you’ll end up doing this anyway, as a majority of hostels are located here. Staying in the Old Quarter means you don’t have to spend much on transportation, and you have plenty of cheap places to eat and drink.
• Book a hostel with free breakfast and/or a kitchen : Cutting down on your food expenses is a great way to stretch your budget. There are plenty of hostels that have free breakfast or offer breakfast for cheap. If there’s a communal kitchen, you can buy groceries and cook a few meals for yourself.
• Keep it local : If you eat and drink as locals do here, you’ll spend very little on food. Vietnamese street food only costs a buck or two for a good meal and drinking bia hoi on draft costs pennies. Seriously, you can have a few of them for a dollar. Once you go out to Western food or start ordering imports, your costs shoot way up.
• Take advantage of free activities : There is plenty to do in Hanoi that costs absolutely nothing. Walk around the lake and enjoy the lively scenes, wander around the Old Quarter, and pay a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, all for free-ninety-nine!
• Budget-friendly Tours: If you do happen to go on any guided tours, at least make it a tour where you can pay it off in instalments. Global Work and Travel have the broke backpacker in mind with this one. You can even choose the amount per instalment! The Vietnam Explorer Tour includes Hanoi and looks like buckets of fun.
• Pack a travel water bottle and save money every day!

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Hanoi is a sprawling and chaotic mess of grime and magic: truly, it’s somewhere you can get lost. Each distinct neighborhood of Hanoi twists into the next with each offering something different to travelers who stay there.

Most backpackers flock to the area of Hanoi known as the Old Quarter . There are tons of excellent hostels and budget hotels to choose from here. It’s a bustling area with plenty to see and do, so you’ll never get bored staying in this part of the city. If you are doing your solo travel in Vietnam I can highly recommend this area since you’ll meet lots of other backpackers doing the same as you.

If you want a slightly quieter place, you may want to check out the Ba Dinh area. This neighborhood isn’t too far from the Old Quarter and it’s close to many of Hanoi’s best museums. Another good choice is Tay Ho , which is an expat enclave with some great options for dining and nightlife.

The Best Places to Stay in Hanoi

Are you wondering  which is the best part of Hanoi to stay in?  Well, let me give you a few suggestions.

Ba Dinh is a large suburb located north of Hanoi city centre. It’s characterized by its leafy streets and laid-back atmosphere as well as it’s stunning setting along the southern shores of Lake Ho Tay

Hoan Kiem is the historic centre and soul of the city. Hanoi’s hectic and chaotic downtown, Hoan Kiem is packed with busy streets, vibrant temples, buzzing cafes, ancient gates and plenty of traditional shops

Tay Ho is a district located north of Hanoi city centre along the shores of Ho Tay Lake. Not long ago, Tay Ho was a cluster of fishing villages known for their sleepy and quiet atmosphere

Hai Ba Trung

Hai Ba Trung is a modern and lively district set in Hanoi’s city centre. Adjacent to the Old Quarter, this district is well-connected throughout Hanoi, making it a great base for exploring the city

This small residential neighbourhood sits on the southern shores of Truc Bach Lake. It is centrally located nestled between Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem and Tay Ho, and is well-connected throughout Hanoi

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Hanoi is stacked with crazy cool things to do! Here are just ten of my faves – go find some more yourself!

1. Walk around the lake

First up, take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake . This picturesque lake is located in the Old Quarter. It is a popular meeting point for tourists and locals alike.

There’s an interesting legend behind the name of the lake, which means “returned sword.” I won’t spoil it for you, though – you’ll just have to get to Hanoi to hear it for yourself!

2. Go on a free walking tour

Going on a walking tour is a great way to see Hanoi while learning about its history and culture. The tours are run by local students who do an excellent job of introducing their city. They have a variety of free walking tours available exploring different sides of Hanoi, so be sure to check them out and sign up for at least one.

3. Visit Uncle Ho

Ho Chi Minh City may have the name, but Hanoi has the man. That’s right, Vietnam’s capital city is home to the preserved body of none other than Uncle Ho himself.

If seeing a dead body in a case isn’t your thing, you should still go check it out to see the mausoleum from outside and the crowds that gather there. Plus, you can still visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum . It’s full of interesting exhibits and well worth a look.

4. Go museum hopping

There are several excellent museums around the city that cover a wide range of topics and. A day or two of museum hopping around Hanoi should definitely be high on your list of things to do here.

In addition to the one dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, you can visit the fantastic Women’s Museum , the Museum of Ethnology , and the Museum of Vietnamese History .

5. Take a cooking class

One of the best things about backpacking Vietnam is sampling the country’s amazing cuisine. You’re sure to miss Vietnamese food when you go home, so why not learn how to make it yourself?

Hanoi has tons of cooking classes where you can shop in local markets and learn how to cook up classic Vietnamese dishes.

6. Check out the Temple of Literature

One of the most beautiful places in Vietnam is the Temple of Literature . This Confucian temple was built way back in 1070. It’s also home to the Imperial Academy , which was Vietnam’s first national university. You’ll also see the temple on a daily basis thanks to its image on the back of the 100,000 Dong note.

7. Visit the “Hanoi Hilton”

Another interesting museum you can visit is the Hoa Lo Prison , which was referred to as the “Hanoi Hilton” by American POWs in the war.

Former US presidential nominee and Senator John McCain was one of the notable inmates who spent time here, and you can even see the suit he was wearing when his plane was shot down.

Before it was the Hanoi Hilton, the prison was used by the French colonists to hold political prisoners. Most of the exhibits revolve around this time period, and they gloss over what happened during the war with the US.

8. Street food and bia hoi

Everywhere you go, there is some tasty food being cooked up in the street. Whether it’s a banh mi sandwich or a yummy bowl of bun cha , Vietnamese street food always hits the spot. It doesn’t hit the wallet though, as you can usually eat well for $1-2.

At night, it’s time to pull up a plastic stool, order some snacks, and start throwing back a few cold ones. Local draft beer is known as bia hoi and can be found all over the city. The best part about these refreshing suds? A small glass only costs about $0.25. Go ahead and have a few…

9. Party in the Old Quarter

After a nice pre-game with street food and bia hoi , you can keep the party going in the Old Quarter. As the backpacker hub of the city, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of bars here.

You’ll have to start early, though as places close down at midnight. It’s possible to find some low-key after-hours bars if you really want to keep partying.

10. Watch a water puppet show

A really fun thing to do in Hanoi is to watch the water puppet show. This traditional Vietnamese art form goes back to the 11th century. You can catch a performance at the Thang Long Theatre . Tickets only cost about $3, and it’s a fun thing to do in Hanoi before going out for the evening.

Now that you’ve learned a bit about the city, it’s time to plan an epic 3-day itinerary uncovering Hanoi to make the most of your visit.

Day One in Hanoi: Exploring the Old Quarter

The best thing to do on your first day in Hanoi is to explore the Old Quarter. Chances are you’ll be staying in this district anyway, so after you check into your hostel you can jump right into an afternoon free walking tour. These tours are run by local college students who are very passionate about showing you around Hanoi.

You’ll get a nice introduction to the city, make new friends, and get recommendations on where to go and what to eat. Just be sure to leave a decent tip for your guide if you enjoy the tour.

After walking around for a few hours, it’s time to dig into some local food. The Old Quarter is full of countless street food vendors and hole-in-the-wall restaurants where you can enjoy Vietnamese classics like pho or bun cha .

There’s so much good, cheap food in Hanoi, so go ahead and indulge!

Even though you probably saw a bit of it on the free walking tour, it’s worth walking a lap around Hoan Kiem Lake on your own. It’s always bustling with activity, as locals come here to practice tai chi , play cards, or boogie down. It’s probably the best place for people watching in Hanoi.

You never know what you’re going to see walking around the lake. On our visit, we ended up checking out a local band filming their music video. How cool is that? Stick around until it gets dark to watch the tower on the lake light up and then head out into Hanoi for the night.

Once the sun goes down, locals and tourists alike come out to enjoy snacks and the ubiquitous bia hoi , which flows like water. When a small drink is only $0.25, you can have dinner and a few beers for just a couple bucks. These beer joints are a great place to pre-game and share a drink with locals, who are always excited to toss back a few with backpackers.

You could just spend your night bouncing around from different places, having cheap beers and snacks here and there. If you need a change of pace, there are tons of backpacker bars in Hanoi as well.

Whether you want to find a cocktail lounge to chat with friends or a club to cut a rug in, you can find it in Hanoi.

As a super popular backpacker destination, it’s not hard to find fun nightlife in Hanoi. It’s just too bad that it shuts down early. Places close down at midnight, so you’ll have to find some underground venue after hours and hope the authorities don’t shut it down.

Day Two in Hanoi: Vietnamese Icons

For day two in Hanoi, you should definitely start off with some Vietnamese coffee. There are tons of cafes in the Old Quarter, and it’s not hard to find a nice place to sit down for breakfast and a nice dose of caffeine, Vietnam style.

Next up, it’s time to go visit Uncle Ho . Head to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which is the final resting place of the former Vietnamese leader. His preserved body is on display, despite his wishes against it. Even if you opt to not go in, as I did, it is still worth seeing the outside of the mausoleum and the crowds who line up to pay their respects.

While you’re over here, you might as well head into the Ho Chi Minh Museum. There are some pretty “out there” exhibits, including one that’s supposed to represent the inside of Uncle Ho’s brain. It’s an interesting museum, to say the least.

From the museum, you can walk over to the One Pillar Pagoda . This Buddhist temple was built to resemble a lotus, and it’s one of the most iconic temples in the country. (Just be warned: you might be overwhelmed by tour groups, and do not expect a very peaceful outing. Snap a picture of the temple and move on to the next stop.)

After grabbing some lunch from a street food vendor or a local restaurant, you can head to the nearby Temple of Literature. This ancient Confucian temple is home to the first national university in Vietnam and is one of the top sights to visit in Hanoi .

It’s been a busy day so far, so feel free to take some time to chill out. I recommend checking out a Vietnamese water puppet performance in the evening. You won’t understand anything at the show, but it only costs a few bucks and it’s a fun way to start the night.

Take a break from the bia hoi and treat yourself to some craft beer at Standing Bar . Grab a pint and head to their rooftop terrace for views of Truc Bach Lake . There are comedy shows here from time to time as well.

You’ve got one more busy day in Hanoi, so you may want to take it relatively easy tonight. (Or you may want to go out and rage until the taser-wielding police officers clear out the bars. That’s totally up to you. I won’t judge.)

Day Three in Hanoi: Museum Hopping

How late you stayed out on night two will affect what you end up doing on day three. There are tons of excellent museums in Hanoi, so you should try to hit at least one on your last day in town. If you were a good backpacker the night before, you might even be able to check out three!

Those who get up early should head out to the Museum of Ethnology first. It’s a bit far from the Old Quarter but it’s well worth the trip. There are 54 ethnic groups that call Vietnam home, and you can learn about all of them on a visit to this museum.

While there is a lot to see at the museum, the replica houses from all over the country are the best part. For those not travelling to rural parts of Vietnam, these houses provide a glimpse into other parts of the country.

Next up on our museum hopping adventure is a trip to the Women’s Museum . This museum features four floors, each with a different theme. One of my favorite exhibits details the female street vendors who come to big cities like Hanoi to make a better living.

One of the most popular museums to visit in Hanoi is the Hoa Lo Prison , which many know of as the “Hanoi Hilton.” If the prison looks more French than Vietnamese, that’s because it is. French colonists built it to hold political prisoners, and most of the exhibits detail the tragedies of colonialism.

The prison was also used to house American POWs during the war, which is known as the American War here.

They have received criticism for the way they depict the treatment of POWs, especially when compared to testimonials of the actual prisoners, so take what you learn here with a grain of salt. Either way, it’s an interesting and historical place to visit in Hanoi.

Those who suffer from museum burnout may want to replace one museum with another activity. I suggest signing up for a Vietnamese cooking class . What better souvenir to take home than the ability to cook delicious Vietnamese food for friends and family?

A great cooking school is one of the Highway 4 restaurants, which serve up innovative Vietnamese cuisine and ethnic specialties. Even if you don’t sign up for their cooking class, you should still eat a good meal here for your last night in the city.

Torn? Let us help you make the decision between Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City with this helpful guide.

Hanoi off the Beaten Track

It’s not that difficult to get off the beaten track in Hanoi. Most travelers spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, so as soon as you step out of this area you’ll immerse in the local scene.

If you really want to get out there, rent a motorbike and explore the city. It can be a bit intense at first and is not recommended for total beginners, but once you get the hang of it, riding a scooter around the city is a ton of fun.

You’ll quickly notice people in Hanoi are extremely welcoming and friendly. When locals strike up a conversation, they’re genuinely trying to get to know you and not just trying to sell you something.

We met plenty of Vietnamese people after spending a few days in the city. Some college kids even invited us out to dinner and then took us to visit their campus. If you are open to meeting the locals, you’ll get to see Hanoi’s local side.

Best Walks in Hanoi

With thousands of motorbikes constantly whizzing by, Hanoi might not seem like a great city to see on foot. While the traffic can indeed be intense, there are plenty of good walks in Hanoi.

• Hoan Kiem Lake : Taking a lap around Hoan Kiem Lake is a great walk. It’s scenic, free of the traffic, and constantly buzzing. This is an awesome walk for people watching and soaking up local Hanoi culture.
• Old Quarter : At least once during your trip, you should just hit the pavement and aimlessly wander around the Old Quarter. Check out the architecture, try some street food, and soak up the vibrant and bustling vibes.
• West Lake : This is another great place for a stroll. Along the way, you can check out the oldest temple and oldest pagoda in Hanoi. When you’re done exploring the area, hit up Standing Bar  for delicious craft beers.

Best Time of Year to Visit Hanoi

You might assume that Hanoi is warm year-round it’s a part of Southeast Asia, but before you stuff your packing for Vietnam full of nothing but singlets and footie shorts, you should know that Hanoi has all four seasons.

Since Hanoi is in the northern hemisphere, winter can get downright chilly. Hanoi’s winters last from around December to February.

During summer from June to August, Hanoi becomes stifling hot, and as soon as you step outside, you’ll be drenched in sweat. Summer is also the wettest season with frequent downpours. This will seriously limit what you can do and your overall enjoyment of the city.

As you might expect by now, spring and fall are the best times of year to visit Hanoi. April-May and October-November have reasonable temperatures and little rain. If you can, try to time your visit to Hanoi during one of these months.

Getting in and out of Hanoi

Most travellers who aren’t border-hopping will first arrive for their backpacking Vietnam adventure via Hanoi at the Noi Bai International Airport . Because of the opening of the new international terminal, the immigration process has sped up substantially. It actually won the “World’s Most Improved Airport” award thanks to this new terminal.

There are direct flights to several destinations from the Hanoi airport. Most of them are other Asian cities though, so you’ll probably need to make at least one connection if coming from Europe, the Americas, or Down Under.

If you’re backpacking Hanoi on a budget, you’ll be happy to hear about the express bus from the airport to the city. It’s cheap, convenient, and saves you the headache of haggling with taxi drivers. If you’re feeling lazy, there are legit taxi stands where you can get a ride for about $20-25.

When you’re ready to travel to Hanoi, forgo buying tickets at the station and book them online instead! You can now book transport in advance for most of Asia using Bookaway and doing so can really save you some stress (and maybe money, too).

How to get around Hanoi

There are plenty of options for getting around Hanoi. Most backpackers choose a mixture of public transportation and walking.

The Old Quarter is compact enough to get around on foot. When you want to venture around the city, you can catch a local bus, hitch a ride on the back of a motorbike, or call a taxi.

The buses are cheap and efficient, but the system can be tricky to figure out, and many taxi drivers will try to negotiate a flat fee rather than simply use the meter, which can be frustrating.

If you have an unlocked phone with a local SIM, you can try to use rideshare services like Uber or Grab.

One fun way to get around Hanoi is on a cyclo (pedicab). Just be clear about your destination and the fee, and be ready to walk away if your driver tries to pull any monkey business.

Many backpackers rent a motorbike since they are cheap, only costing around $5-6 a day and about $1 to fill up. Hanoi’s traffic can be insane, to say the least, so I don’t recommend getting a bike unless you know what you’re doing. This is not a great place for your first ride! If you do rent a bike, be sure to get a helmet and lock it up or pay for attended parking.

Note: While the city doesn’t have a metro system yet, it’s been in the works for years and a few of the lines are due to open soon.

Onwards Travel from Hanoi

If you’re planning on heading south from Hanoi, Ninh Binh might be the next logical step. Nestled among enormous karst formations (those weird, steep hills), Ninh Binh is just a little more than a 2-hour train ride away. This is a great destination to stay for a paddle up the Trang An before traveling further south to other beautiful areas of Vietnam .

If you’re looking for a more extensive water adventure, Ha Long , also just a short jump from Hanoi, harbors loads of “junk boats,” which aren’t all that trashy. You can even purchase a Halong Bay cruise that arranges transportation from Hanoi to your onboard cabin. Be sure you research your options first, as cost and comfort can vary greatly between tours.

Sa Pa is another great destination to immerse in the beautiful landscapes that brought you to Vietnam in the first place! We don’t have much to say about the city itself except that it’s well set up to accommodate backpackers. The real draw is its scenic position among pristine rice paddies and terraces. The 8-hour train commitment (overnight, as it so often is) is worth it.

Long-distance trains from Hanoi

You can get to or from Hanoi by train via other points in Vietnam or China. Heading south, you can jump on a train from Hanoi and travel to Ho Chi Minh City . There are several spots along the way to stop, including Hue and Nha Trang .

There are a variety of options on the train – soft seat, hard sleeper, and soft sleeper. Obviously, the latter is the most comfortable and thus the most expensive. It does save you a hotel bill for the night, so it’s a great way to travel in Vietnam.

For more on train travel in Vietnam, I highly recommend checking out the detailed post on Seat 61 . They have timetables, prices, and pictures to show you what it’s like riding the rails.

Although onwards travel to China had been disrupted for several years due to landslides, the train is up and running again too. Most people end up connecting in Nanning and then hopping on another train. There is a direct train to Beijing now, but it only leaves twice a week and takes two nights.

• Backpacking Ho Chi Minh Travel Guide
• Where to Stay in Hue
• Backpacking Hoi An Travel Guide
• Where to Stay in Nha Trang

Safety in Hanoi

Hanoi is a very safe place in Vietnam to visit, and honestly, the biggest danger you’ll face on a daily basis is simply crossing the street.

Violent crime is very uncommon here, although petty theft occurs when the opportunity arises. Just be mindful of your surroundings and keep your valuables safe and in sight.

If you’re going to ride a motorbike around Hanoi, don’t be an idiot. Wear a helmet, drive with caution, and definitely don’t jump on that bike after pounding a bunch of quarter beers. Also, be sure to lock up your bike or pay to park it with an attendant. Dealing with a stolen motorbike is a really shitty thing to have to do on vacation.

Travel Insurance for Hanoi

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

If there’s one insurance company I trust, it’s World Nomads.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Hanoi Accommodation Travel Hacks

Hostels in Vietnam are already super cheap, and it’s not hard to find a dorm bed in a decent place for as little as $4-5 a night. Other types of accommodation in Hanoi are comparatively cheap too. That being said, there are still a few ways to stretch your money.

First of all, find a hostel that has free breakfast and/or a communal kitchen. Even if it’s just toast, bananas, and coffee, it saves you a trip out and a few bucks in the morning.

In a city this big, there are plenty of people signed up for Couchsurfing . It certainly doesn’t hurt to send out a few requests to local hosts before you go booking a hostel. Not only will you pay nothing for accommodation, but you’ll also get valuable tips from someone who lives in the city.

Eating and Drinking in Hanoi

One of the best things about backpacking Hanoi is indulging in mouth-watering Vietnamese food. Street food is everywhere in Hanoi and it’s some of the best in the world : it’s delicious and it’s super cheap.

Most days in Hanoi, I’d have a bahn mi sandwich or a bowl of pho for lunch and only spend $1-2!

If you’d prefer to sit inside, there are plenty of excellent budget restaurants cooking up Vietnamese classics as well. You may pay a little more, but at least you’ll be a little more comfortable while you eat.

There are a few great night markets in the city where you can find a wide variety of food. Visiting these places encourages you to try a few different things from a few different vendors and spread your business around.

Sometimes you need Western comfort food, and there’s plenty of that here as well. Hanoi is used to having backpackers around, so it’s not hard to find a good burger or pizza.

When it comes to drinking in Hanoi, it’s all about coffee and beer ! Start your day off with a small but powerful cup of Vietnamese coffee, which is sweetened with condensed milk. There are cafes of all shapes and sizes in Hanoi where you can find a good cup of joe.

As far as beer goes, most people stick to the light and cheap bia hoi . Small draft beers only cost $0.25. Pull up a plastic stool and join the crowd for a fun night of beer drinking.

Nightlife in Hanoi

In addition to the ubiquitous bia hoi joints, you’ve got several options for nightlife when you are backpacking Hanoi. Here you can find craft beer joints, fancy cocktail lounges, speakeasies, pulsating nightclubs, and everything in between. Where you go out at night depends on your budget and what kind of scene you’re looking for.

Keep in mind that nightlife in Hanoi shuts down early. Bars are not allowed to stay open past midnight, and the local authorities take this pretty seriously. Every night in the Old Quarter, you’ll see armed police officers brandishing their tasers to let you know it’s time to go home.

If you want to be a rebel and keep the party going, there are some underground parties that stay open past curfew.

Check out Vietnam’s festivals for a unique and cultural alternative to a night out.

Books to Read on Hanoi

Reading about a place you’re planning to visit is always fun. It gets you more excited for your trip and you learn something new in the process. Below are 5 books and guides to add to your Hanoi reading list:

Lonely Planet Vietnam Travel Guide – Plan your trip to Hanoi and the rest of Vietnam with the most recent Lonely Planet guide.

Moon Hanoi : If you’re looking for a jam-packed guide to the city, grab this copy of Moon Hanoi. It also includes Halong Bay, a place you’re sure to visit from here.

Vietnam Hanoi Old Quarter City Walks : This guidebook features seven great walking tours for discovering a bunch of cool stuff in Hanoi.

Hanoi of a Thousand Years : Those interested in the long history of Hanoi will want to pick up this excellent book.

Volunteering in Hanoi

Long term travel is awesome. Giving back is awesome too. For backpackers looking to travel long-term on a budget in  Hanoi  whilst making a real impact on local communities, look no further than  Worldpackers . World Packers is an excellent platform  connecting travelers with meaningful volunteer positions throughout the world.

In exchange for a few hours of work each day, your room and board are covered.

Backpackers can spend long periods of time volunteering in Vietnam in an awesome place without spending any money. Meaningful life and travel experiences are rooted in stepping out of your comfort zone and into the world of a purposeful project.

Worldpackers opens the doors for work opportunities in hostels, homestays, NGOs, and eco-projects around the world. We’ve tried and approved them ourselves – check out our Worldpackers in-depth review .

If you’re ready to create a life-changing travel experience and give back to the community, join the Worldpacker community now. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll get a special discount of $10. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

If you’d like more info, then check out our dedicated writeup by one of our adventures experts on his experience volunteering in a Vietnamese community through WorldPackers.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Make money whilst Backpacking Hanoi

Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection.

Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills! It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start teaching English online .

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read our in-depth report on teaching English abroad .

Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code PACK50), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in Vietnam , getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

Being a responsible backpacker in Hanoi

Reduce your plastic footprint:  Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in landfill or in the ocean. Instead, pack a  tough travel water bottle .

Go and watch A Plastic Ocean on Netflix – it’ll change how you view the plastic problem in the world; you need to understand what we are up against. If you think it doesn’t matter, get off my fucking site.

Don’t pick up single-use plastic bags, you’re a backpacker – take your daypack if you need to go to the shop or run errands.

Bear in mind, that many animal products in countries you travel through will not be ethically farmed and won’t be of the highest quality. I’m a carnivore but when I’m on the road, I only eat chicken. Mass-farming of cows etc leads to the rainforest being cut down – which is obviously a huge problem.

Need more guidance? – Check out our post on  how to be a responsible backpacker.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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I would like to add in your biggest danger you’ll face on a daily basis is the scam taxi and also the weather I guess so we must check the weather when we go there. Thanks for this article:)

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