Where to stay in Hanoi: best areas and neighborhoods

Hanoi is a really extensive city-province and is divided into 12 urban districts, which are further divided into neighborhoods.
From a tourist point of view, the areas of interest are Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, and Ho Tay: these are the central districts and the most recommended for staying. In addition to an excellent location, they also host the main attractions to visit during a weekend in the capital. We do not recommend venturing into more distant districts and neighborhoods.

Here are all our tips on where to stay in Hanoi.

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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay

Not recommended areas: Hanoi is generally a safe city. We recommend avoiding overly peripheral neighborhoods and staying in the more touristy ones, with numerous hotels and a higher influx of tourists.

If it is your first time visiting Hanoi or you are staying for just a few nights, the best solution is to stay in Hoan Kiem, which is the center of Hanoi that develops around the eponymous lake. Here you will mainly find two more suitable neighborhoods: the Old Quarter, in the northern part of the lake, and Trang Tien, the French Quarter in the southern part.

If you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle, then choose Tay Ho, the neighborhood that develops around the large West Lake. In addition to families, its romantic atmosphere is also recommended for couples.

If you want a good compromise between location and nightlife, choose Ba Dinh. Here you will be halfway between the Old Quarter and the West Lake, and within walking distance of important attractions such as the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel. In addition, there are numerous venues here, but it is not as chaotic as Hoan Kiem, nor as quiet as Tay Ho.

Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, b&bs, and hostels in Hanoi. Check out our recommendations and book on Booking

Hoan Kiem, best for first-timers

• Pros: Central location, walkable, a huge variety of street food and restaurants
• Cons: Can be very crowded and noisy, especially on weekends, traffic is intense.
• Main attractions: Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
• Average prices: from $20.00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Hoan Kiem is the central district of the city, the best area to stay for the first trip to Hanoi, or even if you only have a few days. The district develops around the eponymous lake, overlooking which are the Old Quarter with its lively Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and the Ngoc Son Temple, and the French Quarter, with the Opera House and St. Joseph's Cathedral.

This district is suitable for everyone: the Old Quarter and Ta Hien Beer Street are perfect for young people and those who want to immerse themselves in the nightlife, the French Quarter is more suitable for families and those who want to stay in a quiet residential area. Despite being in the center, here you can find rooms at advantageous prices, as well as throughout the city.

By staying here, you can get around on foot, easily reaching attractions and lively streets. It takes about 15 minutes on foot to get from the northern end to the southern end of the lake. Alternatively, use a taxi.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from $20.00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Ba Dinh, best for young

• Pros: More peaceful and less touristy, home to key historical landmarks
• Cons: A bit further from the main tourist nightlife and market areas of the Old Quarter.
• Main attractions: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda
• Average prices: from $25.00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Ba Dinh is the district located between Hoan Kiem and Tay Ho and represents an excellent compromise between location, monuments, and nightlife. In this neighborhood, you will find some of the most important attractions, such as the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and some important museums.

This neighborhood is mainly recommended for young people and those looking for some action, but on a smaller scale than the nightlife of the Old Quarter. Here you will also find international chain hotels, Vietnamese and international restaurants, bars, and pubs. Prices are also excellent, and you can find really affordable accommodations.

The location is great: halfway between Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake, moving by taxi you can easily and quickly reach all the areas you want. The Ga Hà Nội, the capital's main train station, is also nearby.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from $25.00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Tay Ho, perfect for families

• Pros: Peaceful and quiet, scenic views of West Lake
• Cons: Further away from the main tourist attractions
• Main attractions: West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple
• Average prices: from $25.00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Finally, the third wonderful district to stay in is Tay Ho, which develops around West Lake, one of the natural beauties of the capital. Here the atmosphere is relaxed and calm, around the lake there are numerous venues and attractions, such as the splendid Tran Quoc Pagoda. In the northern part of the lake, there is also the seasonal Ho Tay Water Park.

The district is recommended for families due to its tranquility and calm, away from the intense traffic of the Old Quarter. But not only that: the area around the lake is very romantic, ideal also for couples who want to enjoy a peaceful stay. As in the whole capital, prices are really competitive.

The only downside might be the location: the lake is a 40-minute walk from the Old Quarter, nothing that a 10-minute taxi ride can't solve. You still need to always plan to move by taxi and little on foot. The area is therefore recommended for stays longer than just 3 days.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from $25.00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Places to stay near Hanoi

In large, busy, and even somewhat confusing cities, like the capitals of Southeast Asia, it is highly discouraged to stay outside. Instead, the best solution is always to stay in the center, so you can move easily, quickly reach the main attractions, and not waste time stuck in traffic.

Southeast Asia, and therefore Vietnam and Hanoi, are extremely cheap destinations, much loved by young people and backpackers, and you can stay right in the center for only $20.00 per night. As we have seen, Hanoi also offers different contexts and neighborhoods, and you can easily find the area that best suits you and your needs.

Travel Tips for Hanoi

• Public Transport: The city's bus network is a very affordable way to get around, with fares typically between $0.30 - $0.50 USD. However, for more flexibility and shorter trips, you'll want to rely on Grab (the Southeast Asian version of Uber/Lyft) for both car and motorbike taxis. Crossing the street in Hanoi is an art form—don't wait for a gap in traffic; instead, walk slowly and steadily, and the motorbikes will flow around you.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Hanoi is during the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to April). During these months, the weather is mild, with less humidity and rainfall, making it perfect for exploring the city on foot.
• Local Currency: The currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), and while many places accept credit cards, cash is essential for street food, markets, and smaller shops.
• Local Vibe/Culture: Hanoi is a city of "organized chaos." The streets are constantly buzzing with motorbikes. Respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting temples or pagodas. Haggling is common in markets, so be prepared to negotiate prices. Tipping is not required but is appreciated.

Hanoi accommodation price map

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