Where to stay in Hanoi: best areas guide

Figuring out where to stay in Hanoi is key to unlocking its treasures. With that in mind, read our guide to where to stay in Hanoi to find out about the best areas for history, modernity, family stays, cool stays, Vietnamese charm — and more.

What's the best place to stay in Hanoi?

Choosing where to stay in Hanoi depends on your personal preferences. For example, The Old Quarter is the best choice for those who want to immerse themselves in a vibrant cultural environment.

Looking for tranquillity? Tay Ho is unrivalled — its serene West Lake offers a peaceful harbour and trendy cafes that'll appeal to those who are seeking a more relaxed holiday. 

For the best of both worlds, the Ba Dinh district balances tranquillity and historic significance, with many political attractions located here. 

At the same time, Hai Ba Trung offers an authentic slice of local life. Avoiding the usual tourist routes, it's ideal for visitors who want to feel the true pulse of the city. 

Each of these Hanoi neighbourhoods has a distinctive charm, which means you'll be able to find a place to suit your preferred style of exploration.

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Old Quarter: best area for first-time visitors

Hanoi's Old Quarter offers the quintessential introduction for first-time visitors. Characterised by narrow streets and colonial architecture, this vibrant district offers immersion into Hanoi's rich history and culture. 

It abounds with street food vendors, local shops, ancient temples and lively markets, providing a sensory feast that epitomises the spirit of the city. 

Staying in the Old Quarter puts you within walking distance of many of Hanoi's key attractions, including Hoan Kiem Lake and the Water Puppet Theatre.

Where to stay in the Old Quarter:

• Babylon Premium Hotel & Spa: enjoy rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, and extras like kettles. Some rooms boast terraces or city views, and all come with bed linen and towels for your comfort.
• Hanoi Tirant Hotel: located in the heart of Hanoi's historic Old Quarter, Tirant Hotel offers elegant Indochinese-themed rooms that are designed to maximise customer convenience and comfort.
• Golden Sun Hotel: featuring a shared lounge, terrace and restaurant, Golden Sun Hotel is set in the centre of Hanoi, 600 metres from St. Joseph Cathedral.

Check out accommodation options in the Old Quarter.

Ba Dinh: where to stay in Hanoi for culture

Ba Dinh is the cultural heart of Hanoi and is home to several historical and political attractions. In this neighbourhood, you'll find the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and the Temple of Literature. 

It's an area rich in history with a quieter atmosphere than the Old Quarter. Accommodation here ranges from quaint guesthouses to upscale hotels, making this neighbourhood ideal for culture lovers who prefer a quieter environment.

Where to stay in Ba Dinh:

• Hanoi Dragon Boutique Hotel: Hanoi Dragon Boutique Hotel is a few blocks from Hoan Kiem Lake and the Water Puppet Theatre. It offers free Wi-Fi and parking, as well as a complimentary breakfast buffet.
• Thien Thai Hotel & Spa: the air-conditioned rooms at Thien Thai Hotel & Spa are equipped with satellite TV, a safe and a minibar. The private bathrooms are fitted with a bathtub and shower.
• Myrcella Urban Studio: Myrcella Urban Studio offers a 4-star stay with amenities like an ATM, tour desk, room service, and a 24-hour front desk for guest convenience.

Find more attractive accommodation options in Ba Dinh.

Tay Ho (West Lake): a quiet and relaxed area

Tai Ho, or West Lake, is the perfect hideaway if you're looking to experience a quieter side of Hanoi. The neighbourhood is known for its serene atmosphere, with the vast West Lake providing a picturesque backdrop. 

Tay Ho is also popular with expats, and dotted with stylish cafes, international restaurants and boutiques. Accommodation here is more upscale, with luxury villas and modern serviced apartments offering tranquil lake views.

Where to stay in Tay Ho:

• VNAHOMES APARTHOTEL: 3 km from the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, this hotel offers 4-star amenities with a fitness centre, garden, shared lounge, and free WiFi. Conveniently close to major attractions, it has a 24-hour front desk and offers airport transfers.
• Westlake Emerald Suites: Westlake Emerald Suites is 2.8 km from West Lake, 4.1 km from Quan Thanh Temple and 4.6 km from Hanoi Old Town Gate.
• PentStudio West Lake Hanoi: featuring an indoor pool and lake views, PentStudio West Lake Hanoi is a sustainable apartment 5.1 km from West Lake. It features an on-site restaurant and offers free private parking.

Explore a range of accommodation options in Tay Ho.

Hai Ba Trung: the coolest place to stay in Hanoi

Hai Ba Trung is a dynamic district known for its trendy vibe and youthful energy. It's less touristy than the Old Quarter, allowing visitors to experience a more contemporary, authentic side of Hanoi. 

Home to fashion boutiques, innovative eateries, and lively bars, accommodation in Hai Ba Trung ranges from hip hostels to chic hotels, catering to a younger crowd seeking a vibrant urban experience.

Where to stay in Hai Ba Trung:

• Midori Boutique Hotel: located in the centre of Hanoi, Midori Boutique Hotel offers quiet, modern accommodation. Guests can make use of various services and facilities including laundry, currency exchange and babysitting services.
• Gallant Hotel: located in the heart of Hanoi, just 1.3 km from the Hanoi Opera House, the Gallant Hotel offers tastefully furnished rooms, free parking and free internet access.
• Emerald Boutique Hotel: located 1.1 km from Trang Tien Square, Emerald Boutique Hotel offers 4-star accommodation, free bikes, a shared lounge and a restaurant. Guests can also make use of a hot tub and car hire.

Find even more accommodation options in Hai Ba Trung.

Truc Bach: where to stay in Hanoi for families

If you're looking for somewhere to stay in Hanoi with your family, the tranquil Truc Bach area is perfect. Located next to West Lake, it offers a relaxed pace of life away from the city's bustle. 

The area is known for its beautiful lake, Truc Bach Lake, and charming streets lined with cafes and restaurants. Accommodation options in Truc Bach include family-friendly hotels and serviced apartments, providing a comfortable, convenient base for exploring Hanoi with children.

If you're looking to plan a family holiday, read our guide to the best places in the world to travel with kids.

Cau Giay: a modern area off the beaten track

Cau Giay is a modern neighbourhood that offers a different perspective on Hanoi, away from the usual tourist spots. Modern architecture, shopping malls and business centres characterise the area. 

So, if you're looking for somewhere to stay in Hanoi to experience a more modern and sparsely populated part of the city, Cau Giay is the place to be. Accommodation here is predominantly modern hotels and serviced apartments, catering to business travellers and those looking for a more suburban experience.

Where to stay in Cau Giay:

• The Bloom Classic - Hotel and Bistro: located next to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, this offers renovated apartments with garden views, 24-hour front desk, lift access, free WiFi, security and concierge services for a comfortable stay.
• Coco Hotel Cau Giay: experience comfort at Coco Hotel, conveniently located 500m from National Meeting Centre. Enjoy free WiFi, parking, and stylish rooms with flat-screen TVs.
• C'Bon Hotel Do Quang: located 1.7 km from Vincom Centre Nguyen Chi Thanh, C'Bon Do Quang Hotel offers accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking and a terrace.

Find more accommodation options in Cau Giay.

Types of accommodation in Hanoi

Hanoi, a city rich in culture and history, offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every type of traveller. 

Whether you're looking for luxury, affordability or something in between, you're guaranteed to find somewhere suitable to stay in Hanoi.

Hotels

Hotels in Hanoi range from luxurious 5-star establishments to more modest budget options. High-end hotels often offer exquisite amenities such as spas, haute cuisine restaurants and elegant rooms, ensuring a first-class holiday. 

Mid-range hotels combine comfort and value, offering good services and amenities without going overboard. Many are conveniently located near major tourist attractions, making them a popular choice.

Our selection of the best hotels in Hanoi:

• Hanoi Paradise Center Hotel & Spa: Just 400 metres from Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, Hanoi Paradise Center Hotel & Spa offers shared lounges, private parking, a terrace and a bar for a perfect stay in the heart of the city.
• Scent Premium Hotel: located in the heart of the Old Quarter, just a 2-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, this offers rooms with spectacular city or lake views from every window.
• Acoustic Hotel & Spa: this 4-star establishment offers a business centre, concierge services, a hot tub, and evening entertainment.

Hostels

For budget or solo travellers, hostels are a superb choice. Offering basic amenities, they're a great way to meet fellow travellers. Hostels in Hanoi often have common areas, and the option to choose between staying in a shared dorm or private room. 

They're also well-known for their vibrant, social atmosphere, and are usually located in or near lively areas of the city, such as the Old Quarter.

Our selection of the best hostels in Hanoi:

• Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel: located in Hanoi's historic Old Quarter, Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel offers accommodation combined with warm hospitality and a quiet location.
• Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel: Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel in central Hanoi offers air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, a shared lounge, and a restaurant, plus 24-hour front desk and concierge services for a hassle-free stay.
• Cheers Hostel Hanoi: attractively set in the centre of Hanoi, Cheers Hostel Hanoi features air-conditioned rooms, a garden and free WiFi. The accommodation offers evening entertainment and a tour desk.

Our selection of the best guesthouses in Hanoi:

• Lee Homestay: Lee Homestay, 12 km from Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and West Lake, offers free WiFi, kitchen-equipped units, and private parking. Recently renovated, it provides airport transfers and car rental services for a seamless stay.
• La Ava’s Home: located in Hanoi, near St Joseph's Cathedral, La Ava's Home offers air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi and bicycles. It offers a shared kitchen, a sun terrace, as well as a convenient airport shuttle service and car hire.
• Homestay Nam Dong: with a shared kitchen and rooms boasting terraces with quiet street views and free WiFi, this accommodation offers a cozy retreat in the heart of the city.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are perfect for those seeking a homely feel during their stay. Typically family-run, these establishments offer a more personal touch, with hosts often going out of their way to ensure a comfortable stay. 

Rooms in guesthouses are usually well-appointed and provide a more local experience. As such, they're a great way to immerse yourself in local culture and lifestyle.

Serviced apartments

For longer stays, or for those who prefer a more home-like environment, serviced apartments are an ideal option. These apartments come fully furnished and include services like housekeeping, laundry, and sometimes even concierge services. 

They offer the convenience and comfort of home, with the added benefits of hotel-like amenities. Serviced apartments can be found in various parts of the city, catering to different budget levels and preferences.

Planning your trip to Hanoi

Want to skip the hours it takes to plan a trip? Our tailor-made trip service allows you to enjoy Hanoi without the hassle of planning. All our itineraries are created by local Vietnam travel experts and can be tailored to your specific needs. We take care of all the details — from where to stay in Hanoi, to how to get there.

• Vietnam for Families (12 days): Travelling with your family? Explore the best areas of Vietnam with suitable activities for the whole family. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are certainly part of this programme, as is Halong Bay, a boat tour in the Mekong Delta, and the beautiful ancient city of Hoi An.
• The Ultimate Southeast Asia Grand Tour (22 days): Explore the highlights of four countries in just over 3 weeks: Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta in Vietnam combined with the cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Travel to Cambodia with Angkor Wat and then observe monks in Luang Prabang/Laos.
• Vietnam - Hanoi to Halong (5 days): Visit two of Vietnam's most treasured destinations. Soak up culture and history in Hanoi with its wonderful museums, Old Quarter and nostalgia hotspots. Then explore enchanting caves and swim on secluded beaches in Halong Bay.

Browse more Vietnam itineraries.

Want to learn more useful information before your upcoming trip to Vietnam? Read our tips for traveling in Vietnam.