Where To Stay In Hanoi

Vietnam’s capital city is a whirlwind of sights, sounds and flavours. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the tenth, it will always be an incredible place to visit, offering a true taste of Vietnam. Hanoi has evolved into a buzzing city, combining modernity with ancient charm where you can find cool, stylish coffee shops next to hundreds of years old temples. When deciding where to stay in Hanoi, remember that most of the action is based around Hoan Kiem Lake and the most popular neighbourhoods fan off around this central attraction.

This is because the centre of Hanoi holds its best sights, such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Opera House, Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison. All of these combine with Hanoi’s incredible local food and coffee scene, eclectic nightlife and hospitable culture. Hanoi can be overwhelming, particularly if it’s your first visit, so whether you’re a solo backpacker or travelling as a family, picking the right place to stay is essential, but somewhere in Hanoi is the perfect neighbourhood for you.

Where To Stay In Hanoi

Hoan Kiem / The Old Quarter

The Old Quarter, also known as Hoan Kiem due to the famous lake next to which it sits, is one of the most popular and exciting places to stay in Hanoi.

Perfect for first-time visitors, the proximity to Hoan Kiem Lake, where there’s always something exciting happening, is useful and you can also see the stunning Ngoc Son Temple in the middle of this lake on a stroll.

The Old Quarter is made up of labyrinthine streets filled with old-style architecture and shophouses selling everything from souvenirs to fresh produce, along with some of the city’s best restaurants and bars, and street food is abundant.

Since there’s so much to do and it’s very central, this neighbourhood is popular with everyone, particularly backpackers and young people due to the many budget accommodation options.

Evenings bring loud music, buzzing bars and clubs and hundreds of people in the streets, many of which are pedestrianised on weekends, so if you need a quiet night’s sleep, opting for a hotel over a hostel is wise.

Pros
The centre of the city, surrounded by many of Hanoi’s main attractions, along with great shops, restaurants and cafes.
One of the most affordable areas (although Vietnam is generally very affordable!) with lots of budget accommodation, plus cheap street food.

Cons:
It can be extremely noisy in the evening and on weekends, particularly on the streets that become pedestrianised, with bars and clubs playing loud music.

Where To Stay In Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Luxury – Meritel Hanoi

Meritel Hanoi is one of the best places to stay in the city, with beautiful grand old architecture and just a short walk from sights like St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Imperial Citadel.

The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, terrace and bar.

The spacious rooms all have minibars, flat-screen TVs and delicious local and continental breakfasts included.

Mid-range – Hotel du LAC

The Hotel du LAC is a perfect example of Vietnam’s many luxurious hotels that are extremely affordable.

Although there’s no pool, the hotel has its own stunning open-air terrace, bar and restaurant.

The stylish rooms also have their own flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms and panoramic city views, and in the mornings, the hotel serves Asian and continental breakfasts.

Budget – Bendecir Hotel & Spa

Despite being a budget option, the Bendecir Hotel has huge rooms with flat screens, room service, balconies and amazing city views.

The hotel also has its own bar for enjoying evening drinks and a sun terrace during the day, plus American and Asian breakfasts each day.

The spa is ideal for relaxing with a massage or treatment, and it’s just a few minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake and other major attractions.

Tay Ho

Tay Ho, in the north of Hanoi, is a modern, fun neighbourhood with amazing lakeside views, thanks to being right on one of Hanoi’s largest lakes, Ho Tay, also known as West Lake.

During the day, this area offers a peaceful escape from the often chaotic city centre and offers a few interesting attractions, such as the 6th century Tran Quoc Pagoda, which is Vietnam’s oldest Buddhist temple.

It’s also lovely for taking a stroll around the lake at sunset, perfect for getting a cool breeze in Hanoi’s humidity. However, Tay Ho is known locally for its nightlife and caters to many expats.

In the evenings, restaurants and bars along Xuan Dieu Street and the surrounds come alive with people and there are a tonne of local clubs and drinking holes to get partying.

If you’ve been to Hanoi before, this is an ideal, best-of-both-worlds area to stay in with lots to enjoy while being a short ride from the city centre.

Pros
Quiet in the day, with some good attractions, excellent food options and easy access to the city centre.
West Lake is a lovely area for families looking for peace and quiet or those who’ve been to the city before.
Cons
Tay Ho is well known for its nightlife, with tonnes of bars, clubs and late-night eateries staying loud and busy until very late.

Where To Stay In Tay Ho

Luxury – Intercontinental Westlake

Intercontinental has a worldwide reputation for luxury, and their Hanoi property boasts elegant Vietnamese decor, a huge outdoor pool and a fitness centre with yoga classes and massage services.

The bright airy rooms contain flat-screen TVs, a minibar, rain showers and private balconies overlooking the city.

There are also three restaurants, a bar, a lounge and a bakery.

Mid-range – Moon West Lake Hotel & Residence

Moon West Lake is a hotel and residence that is more like an apartment complex, so staying here means you’ll have an entire flat or studio to yourself.

All come with living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms and some have a balcony, plus there’s breakfast available daily and a supermarket in the building.

Its stunning location offers expansive lakeside views and quiet surroundings.

Budget – The Euphoria Hanoi

The Euphoria Hanoi is a sustainable 4-star hotel in a great Tay Ho location. Onsite, there’s a gorgeous sun terrace, free WiFi and complimentary private parking.

The rooms and units feature a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen and a private bathroom.

Best of all, the hotel provides sightseeing tours, plus bicycle or car rentals for guests.

For more things to do in Vietnam, read:

• 20 Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City
• 15 Things To Do In Hanoi
• 15 Things To Do In Hoi An
• Things To Do In Hue
• Vung Tau Travel Guide
• Vietnam River Cruise
• Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City
• 20 Beaches In Vietnam
• 20 Vietnam Cities
• Where To Stay In Hanoi
• Where To Stay In Ho Chi Minh City
• Where To Stay In Hoi An
• 20 Things To Do In Phu Quoc
• 20 Things To Do In Nha Trang
• 20 Islands In Vietnam

Ba Dinh

Ba Dinh is one of the most underrated neighbourhoods to stay in Hanoi.

Brimming with the city’s most famous attractions, such as the Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and loads of museums, you can walk almost everywhere.

Unsurprisingly, this city’s political centre has most important government buildings and beautiful architecture.

A combination of fun sights, quiet green spaces and an endless array of food spots make it popular with first-timers, families and frequent visitors, but if you’ve never been to Hanoi before, this should be your first port of call.

Pros
The perfect area for first-timers thanks to having many of Hanoi’s best sights, important political and historic buildings and plenty of shops and restaurants catering to visitors.
The many parks and green spaces here ensure the neighbourhood isn’t noisy and there’s room for families to play or take a stroll.
Cons
Its wealth of attractions makes Ba Dinh a popular area, so hotel demand can be high.
Although Vietnam is generally inexpensive, accommodation in Ba Dinh can cost more than average, especially if not booked in advance.

Where To Stay In Ba Dinh

Luxury – Pan Pacific Hanoi

Pan Pacific Hanoi offers a full spa, an indoor heated all-season swimming pool with a retractable roof, and amazing city and lake views.

The contemporary rooms have flat-screen TVs, fully-stocked minibars and en suite bathrooms, plus the hotel has multiple dining options, including Ming Restaurant serving authentic dim sum and Pacifica with its international buffet.

Guests can also visit the Summit Lounge on the rooftop with panoramic city views or the Song Hong Bar.

Mid-range – Hanoi Le Jardin Hotel

Hanoi Le Jardin is a pretty 4-star hotel less than 15 minutes from West Lake on foot.

Inside, there’s a restaurant, tour desk and daily continental breakfasts for guests.

The rooms all have spacious beds, minibars, private bathrooms, and room service.

Budget – Dragon Pearl Hotel

Dragon Pearl Hotel is an excellent budget option in Ba Dinh, less than 100m from Dong Xuan Market.

The cosy hotel rooms have private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and queen-size beds, bike and car rental services and attraction tickets and tour bookings are available.

There are also two restaurants and a wine bar that overlooks the Old Quarter.

Hai Ba Trung

A super central neighbourhood right next to the Old Quarter, Hai Ba Trung is hip, modern and bursting with the city’s best shops and restaurants.

From high-end boutiques to local tailor shops, you can have almost anything you want handmade to fit you.

It’s well connected to the rest of Hanoi thanks to its location, so many of the attractions here overlap with Hoan Kiem.

In just a short walk, you can reach the beautiful Temple of Literature or B-52 Victory Museum before heading to the lake to see street performers and locals going about their day.

Hai Ba Trung is particularly well known for its food offerings, which range from street food stalls to hole-in-the-wall gems and busy, modern restaurants where you can find affordable classics like pho, banh mi and bun cha.

Pros
A central neighbourhood bordering Hoan Kiem, Hai Ba Trung is ideal for exploring the city with fewer crowds than the Old Quarter.
It’s home to a few of the city’s best attractions, temples and museums and is very popular for its diverse range of both local and international food.
Cons
It’s a little further away from many sights than other neighbourhoods and Hai Ba Trung is a very large neighbourhood, so choosing the wrong hotel could mean you’re further away than planned.

Where To Stay In Hai Ba Trung

Luxury – Hotel du Parc

Hotel du Parc sits right in the heart of Hai Ba Trung, offering incredible amenities such as two restaurants, a fitness centre and an outdoor swimming pool.

The rooms and suites have living areas, flat-screen TVs, minibars and ensuite bathrooms.

The hotel also provides a spa with sauna and massage treatments and a gift shop in the lobby.

Mid-range – Halais Hotel

Halais Hotel is set in a stunning old white building in the middle of Hai Ba Trung, with its own restaurants and a bar.

The rooms are decorated with wooden floors and huge beds, plus living areas, private bathrooms and flat-screen TVs, and have the option of Asian or continental breakfast each morning.

Budget – Adonis Hotel

The affordable price certainly doesn’t reflect the amazing amenities at Adonis Hotel, where you’ll find a beautiful terrace, restaurant and private parking.

The spacious rooms come with living areas, ensuite bathrooms, luxury toiletries, and an American breakfast daily, while it’s just around the corner from St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Hanoi Opera House.

Truc Bach

Truc Bach is a quiet, peaceful neighbourhood where you can escape the intensity and chaos of central Hanoi.

Located on the edge of Truc Bach Lake (which is separated from West Lake by a single road and a pretty Buddhist temple), it’s ideal for families and those who don’t mind not being in the centre of the action.

Tran Quoc Pagoda, which sits on the lake, is one of the main attractions and dates back to the 18th century.

You can also take boats out on the lake, try local treats at Chau Long Market or simply enjoy a sweet cup of egg coffee in one of the many cafes.

It’s just a short taxi or Grab ride for Hoan Kiem, or walkable if you don’t mind the heat.

After a day of adventure, Truc Bach is a lovely place to return to for delicious local cuisine and a laid-back atmosphere.

Pros

A pretty, peaceful district situated right on the edge of Truc Bach Lake, it’s far less chaotic than Hanoi’s centre and is ideal for families.
Attractions like the Tran Quoc Pagoda, West Lake and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum are within walking distance.
Cons
Although Truc Bach is very close to Ba Dinh and its attractions, it’s at least a taxi ride from Hoan Kiem, where many of the best cafes, shops and bars are.

Where To Stay In Truc Bach

Luxury – The Hanoi Club Hotel

The Hanoi Club may be the most hip, stylish place to stay in Vietnam’s capital, decorated with sleek interiors and boasting an onsite restaurant, bar and outdoor swimming pool with panoramic lakefront views.

The rooms have king-size beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-screen TVs and ensuite bathrooms, and the hotel also has a spa with sauna, hot tub and massage rooms.

Just 800m from Tran Quoc Pagoda, guests can also rent bikes or a car to explore further afield.

Mid-range – Thien Thai Hotel

An elegantly designed 3-star hotel with Vietnamese furnishings, Thien Thai Hotel holds a perfect location just five minutes from Dong Xuan Market.

It has everything you need with tour services, a sauna, hot tub, gym, an international restaurant, and its own Irish pub.

The rooms are bright and spacious, with twin or king beds, private bathrooms and minibars.

Budget – Hotel Emerald Waters

A simple, modern and elegant hotel featuring its own restaurant, tour desk and onsite spa, Hotel Emerald Waters is just 300m from Ngoc Son Temple, Hoan Kiem and a plethora of other attractions.

The lovely rooms have private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and minibars, and guests can access the private terrace, garden and lounge.