Where to Stay in Hanoi: Best Neighborhoods + Our Favorite Hotels
Most travelers default to the Old Quarter when deciding where to stay in Hanoi. While it’s a great option, it’s far from the only neighborhood worth considering in this busy, fascinating city.
We stayed in Hanoi longer than planned as Jess got sick (there are worse places in the world to be stuck in bed).
Many hotels were fully booked, so we ended up moving between hotels every few days. This gave us a surprisingly good feel for where it’s best to base yourself.
The best areas to stay in Hanoi, in our experience, are the Old Quarter, West Lake, Ba Dinh/Truc Bach, and Hai Ba Trung.
In this guide, we’ll break down what each neighborhood is best for and share our favorite hotels in every area, with options for different budgets.
By the time you reach the end, you will confidently be able to choose where to stay in Hanoi and book a place that actually suits your travel style.
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Quick Decision: Best Hotels & Hostels in Hanoi
We’ve stayed in multiple neighborhoods across Hanoi and moved hotels several times, so these picks are based on firsthand experience, not just ratings.
🎒 Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel – Best for budget backpackers, especially for couples staying in dorms.
🌅 PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Hanoi – Best for apartment-style stays with lake views and extra space.
🌸 Lotte Hotel Hanoi – Best for a luxury city escape with top-tier facilities and views.
🛕 Midori Boutique Hotel – Best value stay in a local neighborhood within walking distance of the Old Quarter.
Ready for your trip to Hanoi? Follow our 3-day itinerary for food and culture lovers.
Best Places to Stay in Hanoi by Neighborhood
Old Quarter – Best for First-Timers
The Old Quarter of Hanoi is full of life. If you choose to stay here, you’ll have endless food options, plenty of budget accommodation to choose from, and you’ll be right in the middle of the city’s hectic energy.
It’s one of the easiest areas to stay in if it’s your first time in Hanoi and you want everything within walking distance.
Step out of your hotel and spend the day getting lost. We loved walking around, navigating the busy roads, and finding hidden coffee shops or lunch spots that are just waiting to be discovered.
Staying in the Old Quarter makes this kind of spontaneous exploring incredibly easy.
Pros of Staying in the Old Quarter:
✅ Highly rated cafes and restaurants right on your doorstep
✅ Huge choice of budget friendly hostels and hotels
✅ Easy access to tour agencies and transport pickups
Cons of Staying in the Old Quarter:
❌ Fewer luxury hotel options compared to other areas
❌ Can be noisy at night, depending on the street
❌ Busy neighborhood almost around the clock
If the Old Quarter sounds like your kind of base these are the best places to stay here – depending on whether you’re traveling on a budget or want something a little more comfortable.
Where to Stay in the Old Quarter for All Budgets
Budget Hostel – Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel
This was the first hostel we’ve ever stayed in where the dorm beds are doubles!
This makes Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel an especially good budget option for couples or anyone who wants more space without paying for a private room.
We stayed in a room with four double beds (sleeping eight people total) with an en-suite bathroom. It wasn’t as weird as we’d imagined and the privacy curtains were a welcomed addition.
The only downside for us was the ensuite bathroom but that’s just personal preference. We usually choose hostels with shared bathroom blocks since they tend to stay cleaner longer.
It’s a great social hostel too with free beer during happy hour each night and the owner has lots of information on tours such as the Ha Giang Loop.
He even booked us on a free walking tour when we arrived – highly recommended.
👉 Check current room rates and availability for Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel.
Bonus Budget Option – Ja Costa Hostel
This hostel opened since we were last in Hanoi so we definitely want to check it out next time.
It’s close to Hoan Kiem Lake if you would like a marginally less busy break from the Old Quarter streets.
The rooms look amazing – spacious beds, privacy curtains, and most importantly, stairs between the beds to access the top bunk which we always love.
Ja Costa Hostel also has a lounge, a garden and a sun terrace – lots of options to chill and read a book in.
While we haven’t stayed here yet, it consistently gets strong reviews and ticks a lot of boxes we look for in a good Hanoi hostel.
👉 See recent guest reviews and prices for Ja Costa Hostel here.
Mid-Range Option – HaNoi Calido Hotel
This is a good mid-range pick if you want a comfortable hotel stay in the Old Quarter without paying luxury prices.
Step out of your hotel and immerse yourself in a typical Hanoian day. Although it is set on a busy street, guests say you don’t hear much noise in your room.
HaNoi Calido is close to Hanoi’s famous train street, and even closer to the city’s main railway station.
We didn’t stay here ourselves, but it’s the kind of place we’d book if we wanted a quieter, more comfortable stay in the Old Quarter without going full luxury.
Luxury Hotels – Peridot Gallery Classic Hotel & The Oriental Jade Hotel
Luxury travelers worry about chaos. Both hotels manage to feel calm and polished inside, despite being right in the heart of the Old Quarter.
Although real luxury hotels are limited in the Old Quarter, we couldn’t choose between these two beautiful hotels. Both are highly-rated, centrally located and similarly priced.
Swim in the rooftop pools, dig into the superb breakfasts, and just relish in this peaceful escape from the chaos outside.
👉 Compare prices and availability: Peridot Gallery Classic vs The Oriental Jade.
West Lake – Best for a Relaxed Atmosphere
West Lake, also known as Tay Ho, is a welcome escape from the busy Old Quarter.
You’ll find a lot of expats based around this area, which means there’s a strong selection of apartments and higher-end stays designed for comfort rather than backpacker turnover.
You’ll experience a quieter side of Hanoi, but still have plenty of excellent restaurants, cafes, and bars within walking distance.
Most apartments here are serviced and often include extras like breakfast, lake views, and modern facilities.
Tay Ho is a great option if you’re staying in Hanoi for longer, since it’s easy to take a Grab into the Old Quarter whenever you want more action.
Pros of Staying by West Lake:
✅ Good nightlife (especially bars and restaurants around the lake)
✅ Plenty of luxury and apartment-style accommodation
✅ More peaceful and less hectic than the Old Quarter
Cons of Staying by West Lake:
❌ More expensive than the Old Quarter
❌ Less variety in budget accommodation
❌ Requires Grab rides to reach most major attractions
If you’re looking for peace and relaxation during your time in Hanoi, Tay Ho is a great place to stay. Below are our favorite places to stay around West Lake, with options for different budgets and travel styles.
Where to Stay Close to West Lake for Every Budget
Budget Homestay – Tuna Homestay Hanoi & Experience
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay near West Lake with a social, backpacker vibe, Tuna Homestay offers great value in a welcoming, family-run setting.
Homestays can feel intimidating at first, but they’re one of our favorite ways to save money, meet other travelers, and experience a more personal side of Southeast Asia. These are some of our favorites.
West Lake is only a 2-minute walk away from Tuna Homestay, and you can reach the Old Quarter by bus in around 20–25 minutes.
👉 Check recent reviews and prices to see if Tuna Homestay is right for you.
Mid-Range Apartment – VNAHOMES Serviced Apartment
We stayed in these serviced apartments while Jess was sick, and they provided a peaceful escape from our previous hostel. The apartments offer amazing city views so you can watch the action from afar.
The studio apartments are spacious, come with a delicious breakfast, and some Booking.com rates even include a 30-minute massage – a very welcome bonus if you’ve been traveling nonstop.
The fully equipped kitchens are especially helpful if you’re staying in Hanoi for longer and don’t want to eat out for every meal.
High-End Serviced Apartment – PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Hanoi
Newly opened in 2025, PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Hanoi balances home comforts and warm hospitality with modern, brand-new rooms overlooking West Lake.
There’s plenty of natural light throughout the apartments, and some rooms even include a dedicated study, making this a great option if you need to work remotely while traveling.
Order Grabs to reach Hanoi’s main attractions when you need to, and spend the rest of your time enjoying the calm, luxury amenities back at the apartment.
Ba Dinh – Best for Families & History Buffs
Ba Dinh is a historic district located between the Old Quarter and West Lake. It’s close to major sights like the Temple of Literature, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and Truc Bach Lake.
It’s a convenient base if you want easy access to Hanoi’s cultural attractions without staying right in the tourist core.
The district is popular with families thanks to its laid-back feel, but it’s also a good option for couples and slower-paced travelers.
There’s a wide range of accommodation here, from budget hotels to more comfortable mid-range stays.
Pros of Staying in Ba Dinh:
✅ Close to major cultural attractions and museums
✅ Good mix of budget, mid-range, and hotel-style accommodation
✅ Quieter, more laid-back atmosphere than the Old Quarter
Cons of Staying in Ba Dinh:
❌ Fewer nightlife and evening options nearby
❌ Many hotels are located in quieter, business-focused streets
❌ Traffic can make Grab rides to the Old Quarter slower at peak times
Below are our favorite places to stay in the Ba Dinh District, chosen for their location near Hanoi’s main attractions and overall value.
Where to Stay in Ba Dinh (Options for Every Budget)
Budget Hotel – HaYe Home
HaYe Home was the final hotel we stayed in during our time in Hanoi, and it quickly became one of our favourite budget stays in the city.
The host was genuinely friendly and accommodating, and the rooms were clean, modern, and stylish. This definitely saved our sanity since we spent so much time in our room.
Our room didn’t have a balcony, but some do, and every room comes with aircon and reliable wifi – exactly the basics you want when you’re travelling on a budget.
The location in Ba Dinh also makes it easy to grab a coffee or walk to nearby cultural sights.
With HaYe you’re getting real comfort and convenience without the huge price tag, making it a great choice if you want a restful base that doesn’t feel like a typical cheap hotel.
👉 Check prices and availability at HaYe Home for your travel dates.
Mid-Range Hotel – Hanoi Grandeur Hotel & Spa
Hanoi Grandeur Hotel & Spa is a popular mid-range pick with consistently strong guest feedback for friendly staff, cleanliness, and great location.
Guests highlight the free buffet breakfast, helpful service, and comfortable rooms as standouts, and many point out how convenient it is to walk to Hanoi’s historic sights from here.
The hotel also offers amenities like free wifi, a spa area, and airport shuttle/transport support
It’s a practical choice for couples, families, and first-time visitors who want comfort and convenience without spending big.
Luxury Hotel – Lotte Hotel
Lotte Hotel Hanoi is one of Ba Dinh’s best-known luxury stays, offering a lavish retreat with spacious rooms, attentive service, and a full suite of amenities.
Guests consistently rate it highly for its helpful staff, excellent facilities (including spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and multiple dining options), and spectacular city views.
Whether you’re celebrating a special trip or want a high-end base for exploring Hanoi’s highlights, this hotel delivers a standout experience with plenty of extras that make it worth the splurge.
This really is a bucket list stay for us!!
👉 See for yourself the 5-star treatment you’ll receive at Lotte Hotel.
Hai Ba Trung – Best for A Local Feel
Hai Ba Trung sits south of the Old Quarter and offers travelers a glimpse into everyday life in Hanoi.
It’s also a popular area for students, which means more affordable accommodation, local eateries, and fewer tourist crowds.
Next time we’re in Hanoi, this is an area we’d love to explore further, especially for a longer stay away from the main tourist zones.
Thong Nhat Park and Thien Quang Lake offer the same peaceful views as Hanoi’s more popular parks and lakes, but with far fewer tourists – one of the perks of staying in this part of the city.
Hai Ba Trung’s proximity to Hanoi’s main train station also makes it a convenient base for onward travel if you’re continuing south or exploring more of Vietnam.
Pros of Staying in Hai Ba Trung:
✅ More affordable accommodation options than central areas
✅ Chance to experience less touristy, everyday Hanoi
✅ Plenty of local coffee shops and restaurants
Cons of Staying in Hai Ba Trung:
❌ Very residential in parts, which can feel less “holiday-like”
❌ Less historic, old-world charm than the Old Quarter
❌ Ongoing construction in some areas as the district develops
If Hai Ba Trung’s local feel appeals to you, keep reading for the accommodation we’ve picked out in the area, all chosen for value, location, and comfort.
Where to Stay in Hai Ba Trung No Matter Your Budget
Budget Hotel – NHÀ NGHỈ THÀNH THU
NHÀ NGHỈ THÀNH THU is a simple, budget-friendly guesthouse with a lovely host and spacious twin rooms that are clean and comfortable.
It’s especially well located for bus and train links, making it a practical base if you’re heading to the airport or continuing your Vietnam itinerary by rail.
The hotel is very basic, but you get good value for money. It’s a solid choice if you want a private room without paying hotel prices or staying in a hostel dorm.
Mid-Range Hotel – Midori Boutique Hotel
Midori Boutique is a great mid-range option if you want comfort, style, and a calmer place to come back to at the end of the day.
Guests consistently praise the clean, well-designed rooms and attentive staff, and it offers a noticeable step up from budget stays without tipping into luxury pricing.
It’s a good fit for couples or travelers who want a more polished stay while still being well connected to the rest of the city.
Luxury Hotel – The Saville
The Saville is one of the most refined places to stay in this area, offering modern, spacious rooms and a high level of comfort away from Hanoi’s busiest neighborhoods.
Reviews regularly highlight the stylish interiors, excellent service, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s ideal if you want a more relaxed, upscale stay.
This is a strong choice if you’re treating yourself or want a comfortable, hotel-style base while exploring Hanoi at a slower pace.
👉 See if The Saville has availability for your travel dates.
Summary: Best Hotels & Hostels in Hanoi
If you’re deciding where to stay in Hanoi, this table summarizes our favorite value stays by neighborhood based on comfort, location, and price.
Area | Cost | Top Pick | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Old Quarter | Budget | Budget travelers + couples | |
West Lake (Tay Ho) | Luxury | Longer stays + comfort seekers | |
Ba Dinh | Luxury | Quiet stays near attractions | |
Hai Ba Trung | Mid-Range | Transit-focused travelers |
👉 Unsure if to start or end your trip in Hanoi? Read our comparison post for starting your trip in Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh.
How to Get to Hanoi
Flying into Hanoi
Hanoi is well connected to cities within Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh, as well as international hubs like Bangkok, Luang Prabang, and Siem Reap.
For most travelers, flying into Hanoi is the easiest way to start a trip, especially if you’re short on time or arriving from elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
On our last trip around the region, we booked a few flights with AirAsia and ran into issues when we needed customer support.
Because of that experience, we now prefer booking with larger airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Lao Airlines, or Thai Airways, as support tends to be more accessible both online and at the airport if something goes wrong.
Once you land, getting to your accommodation in the city is straightforward.
You can take the airport express bus or order a Grab, both of which are affordable and easy to arrange directly from the terminal.
🌏 Planning your travels after Hanoi? Follow our Northern Vietnam itinerary to know how long to stay, what to do, and the best accommodation in the region.
Getting to Hanoi from Elsewhere in Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the easiest countries we’ve traveled through when it comes to getting around – probably joint first with Thailand.
If you’re already in the country, Hanoi is well connected by train and bus from most major cities.
Trains can be pre-booked easily on 12Go, and buses are often arranged through your accommodation, usually including door-to-door pickup and drop-off.
This makes traveling between cities relatively stress-free, even if you’re new to Vietnam.
If you want a deeper breakdown of what to expect, we’ve put together detailed guides on Vietnam sleeper buses and overnight trains in Vietnam, based on our own experience.
If Hanoi is just one stop on a longer trip, you might also find these helpful:
Before you arrive in Hanoi…
❤️🩹Make sure you have travel insurance sorted. We use SafetyWing because we love the option to pay monthly and whenever we need help their customer service is always super helpful.
📳 For fast access to data we recommend using Airalo for your eSIM services. They’re great if you’re staying in Laos for 7 days or less and you can get $3 off your first purchase with code JULIA1616.
Best Things to Do While Staying in Hanoi
- Head out on a walking tour – One of the easiest ways to get oriented in Hanoi, especially if you’re staying near the Old Quarter or Ba Dinh.
- Hop from one coffee shop to the next – Hanoi’s café culture is legendary, and many of the best spots are clustered within walking distance of central neighborhoods.
- Walk around the Old Quarter – Even if you’re not staying there, it’s worth spending time wandering the narrow streets and soaking up the city’s energy.
- Drink iced coconut coffee at The Note Coffee – A fun, quirky stop near Hoàn Kiếm Lake that’s easy to visit if you’re staying centrally.
- Walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake – A calm break from the traffic, especially early in the morning or in the evening when locals come out to walk and socialize.
- Visit the iconic Train Street – Best experienced responsibly with a local guide who knows current access rules and safe viewing spots. (Don’t be like this tourist).
- Taste Hanoi’s famous street food – From bun cha to banh mi, staying in Hanoi puts some of Vietnam’s best food right on your doorstep.
- Explore Dong Xuan Market – A great place to see everyday Hanoi in action and sample local snacks away from polished tourist areas.
- Go to the Temple of Literature – One of Hanoi’s most important cultural sites and an easy visit if you’re staying in or near Ba Dinh.
- Attend a water puppet show – A short, engaging introduction to a traditional Vietnamese art form, conveniently located near the Old Quarter.
- Have a night out on Bia Street – Chaotic, social, and loud, it’s a fun experience even if you choose a quieter neighborhood to sleep in.
FAQs About Where to Stay in Hanoi
What is the best area to stay in Hanoi?
The best area to stay in Hanoi depends on your travel style.
The Old Quarter is best for first-timers, West Lake (Tay Ho) suits longer or more relaxed stays, Ba Dinh is ideal for culture and quieter nights, and Hai Ba Trung offers a more local, budget-friendly base.
Where do most tourists stay in Hanoi?
Most tourists stay in the Old Quarter, followed by West Lake and Ba Dinh.
These areas offer the widest choice of accommodation and the easiest access to Hanoi’s attractions.
Is it better to stay in the Old Quarter or West Lake?
The Old Quarter is better if you want energy, food, and walkability, while West Lake is better for a quieter, more spacious stay with apartment-style accommodation.
Short stays usually suit the Old Quarter, while longer stays work well around West Lake.
How many days are enough in Hanoi?
Most travelers find 2-4 days is the right amount of time in Hanoi.
This allows you to explore different neighborhoods, enjoy the food scene, and slow down without feeling rushed.
What is the best month to go to Hanoi?
The best time to visit Hanoi is October to April, when the weather is cooler and drier, making it more comfortable for walking and sightseeing.
It’s best to avoid May to October, as this period overlaps with the rainy season, which can bring heavy rainfall and occasional flooding in northern Vietnam.
The New York Times shows recent examples of how severe weather has affected parts of the country.
Still deciding where to stay in Hanoi? Scroll back up to compare neighborhoods and see our best-value hotel picks for each area.
There’s no single “best” place to stay in Hanoi. The right choice depends on how you want to experience the city.
Whether you want the energy of the Old Quarter, the calm of West Lake, or a more local base in Ba Dinh or Hai Ba Trung, choosing the right neighborhood will shape your trip more than anything else.
Use the recommendations above to book a stay that fits your pace, your budget, and the kind of Hanoi you want to experience.
