When I say that Vietnam is up there with my favourite countries, what I REALLY mean is northern Vietnam. And the gateway to it all… Hanoi.
Nothing throws you into the deep end more than the absolute assault on the senses that is Hanoi. You’d be mistaken if pavements exist in the amalgamation of bikes, mobile stalls and the clueless tourist trying to navigate through it all.
If the streets don’t overwhelm you, the food surely will. Mystery meats, broths and greens are all served up road side. If I’m not sitting on a tiny plastic stall, I quite frankly don’t want it. As a foodie through and through, I make it my absolute mission to return to Hanoi year after year for the food alone.
If I’ve succeeded in painting a picture of the sheer overstimulation that this city ensues, allow me to deescalate. Despite being the country’s capital, Hanoi main centre isn’t that big. There’s a couple key areas for you to choose from when figuring out where to stay in Hanoi, and I’ll give you the full run down of them all.
Because, let’s be real, the sooner you book your stay, the sooner you too can be fighting for your life playing chicken with motorbikes on your way to your third pho of the day. Let’s get you there.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is the historic core of Hanoi and where the city feels loudest and most alive. It’s packed with street food, shops, hostels, and constant movement, making it ideal for first-time visitors who want everything happening around them.
Ba Dinh
Ba Dinh is Hanoi’s political and cultural heart, known for major landmarks, museums, and wide, leafy streets. It’s calmer and more structured than the Old Quarter, suiting travellers who want history and breathing room.
Tay Ho/West Lake
Tay Ho sits around West Lake and offers a slower, more residential feel. Popular with expats and long-stay travellers, it focuses on cafés, lakeside bars, and everyday comfort rather than sightseeing intensity.
French Quarter
The French Quarter lies just south of Hoan Kiem Lake and feels polished and orderly by comparison. Colonial architecture, quieter streets, and a more refined dining scene make it a good fit for travellers who want a central base without the chaos.
Hanoi is a fascinating city that seamlessly blends old and new, east and west. It is a city bustling with energy, excitement and delicious food. If you’re backpacking Vietnam, visiting Hanoi should be an essential part of your trip.
Hanoi is the capital and second-largest city in Vietnam. It is home to more than 7.7 million people and covers an area of 3,329 square kilometres. The city is divided into 30 urban and rural districts, which are further subdivided into townlets, communes, and wards.
So Hanoi is big! Tourists end up staying near the centre, so luckily there aren’t tooooo many areas to weigh up. Definitely worth checking out your options, unless you are ok ending up in a dodgy industrial estate miles away from anything…
…Anyway, let’s get into where to stay in Hanoi!
Hanoi’s Five Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in
In this next section, I’ll give you more details about the five best neighbourhoods to stay in in Hanoi (in my humble opinion). Each caters to different travel interests, so be sure to pick the neighbourhood that’s the best fit for you!
1. Old Quarter – Best Place to Stay in Hanoi For Your Time
The Old Quarter is the historic core of Hanoi and the part of the city where everything feels turned up a notch. It’s a tight grid of streets packed with temples, old shop houses, cafés, markets, and constant movement, all layered on top of centuries of trade and daily life. This is where Hanoi feels loud, chaotic, and alive in a way that never really switches off.
Each street traditionally specialised in a specific trade, and while that structure has loosened over time, the sense of organised chaos remains. Food stalls spill onto pavements, scooters ignore most conventional rules, and life happens right in front of you rather than behind closed doors. It’s intense, but it’s also where the city’s character is most visible. For backpackers, this is where Vietnam’s most social hostels lie.
Staying here keeps major sights within walking distance, including Hoan Kiem Lake, night markets, and countless local eateries. The Old Quarter isn’t polished or calm, and it doesn’t try to be. It works best for first-time visitors and short stays, especially for those who want to experience Hanoi at full volume rather than from a distance.
- Best For: First-time visitors, short stays, sightseeing
- The Vibe: Lively, chaotic, full-on Hanoi
- Proximity to Airport: Around 40–45 minutes
- Transport Level: Low, most things are walkable
- Budget: Budget to mid-range
- Crowds: High, especially afternoons and evenings
Photo: @jeff.w.bell
Top Things to Do in the Old Quarter
- Browse the bustling Dong Xuan Market.
- Catch a performance at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
- Visit the Hanoi Opera House!
- Go for a stroll around stunning Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the legendary Ngoc Son temple.
- See the small but beautiful Bach Ma Temple.
- Shop for souvenirs at the busy and buzzing Hanoi Weekend Night Market.
- Visit the Temple of the Jade Mountain.
Best Homestay: Bridgo Homestay
Retro-chic and right by the lake, this place nails location without inflating the price. It’s perfectly placed for getting around Hoan Kiem on foot, with reliable Wi-Fi throughout and a small kitchenette stocked with the basics. Free coffee and water are always on hand, and there are often simple extras like fruit or snacks waiting in the lobby.
Best Hostel: Lake View Backpackers Hostel Rooftop Bar
The rooftop is the main thing it has going for it, with a pool and multi-stories of decks for you to check out the city skyline. They’ve got nightly events on rotation, so if karaoke isn’t your bag, then the open decks the night after might just be. The dorms are simple, but are comfortable enough to do the job. One big tip is to opt for a dorm without an ensuite, as they are kind of grim and having a sink right next to my bunk isn’t my vibe!
Best Airbnb: Annam Homestay
This feels like real local living. Amongst the streets of Old Town is this classic Vietnamese apartment. Of course, the stay is embellished with yellow walls and Vietnamese flags lining the streets. If you would like a place to explore the Hanoian daily life and culture, this throws you in the heart of it all.
2. Ba Dinh – Where to Stay in Hanoi for Culture
Ba Dinh district is a large suburb located north of the main Hanoi centre. It’s characterised by its leafy streets and laid-back atmosphere. In a stunning setting along the southern shores of West Lake, Ba Dinh district is home to many of Hanoi’s most popular tourist attractions.
This is Hanoi’s political and historical core. Many of the city’s most important landmarks, museums, and monuments are concentrated here, making the area feel way more formal than its chaotic little sibling that is the Old Quarter. It’s the part of the city that tells Vietnam’s history in a straight forward, no nonsense kinda way.
Ba Dinh feels very residential, with leafy avenues, local cafés, and everyday life ticking along in the background. It’s close enough to reach Hoan Kiem and the Old Quarter without much effort, but far enough away to feel like a reset at the end of the day.
- Best For: Culture lovers, history-focused trips, first-time visitors
- The Vibe: Calm, leafy and residential
- Proximity to Airport: Around 30–35 minutes
- Transport Level: Moderate, taxis and Grab are useful
- Budget: Mid-range
- Crowds: Low, mostly daytime visitors near landmarks
Photo: Sasha Savinov
Top Things to Do in Ba Dinh
- Admire the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site and an intriguing historic landmark.
- Explore the life of Vietnamese Revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh at the Ho Chi Minh Museum.
- Marvel at the Temple of Literature, which honours Vietnam’s most revered scholars.
- Stand at the centre of Ba Dinh Square, where the Proclamation of Independence was read in 1945.
- Stop and smell the roses at the Hanoi Botanical Garden.
- Wander the grounds of the Presidential Palace.
Best Apartment: Hami LakeView Service Apartment
Everything feels spotless here from the moment you arrive, and the staff are attentive, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. The lakeside location stays calm and peaceful, making it an easy place to switch off after a long day out in Hanoi. Air conditioning works properly, the TV is large, and the overall setup is comfortable and well looked after.
Best Hostel: Rebel Rooster Hostel
Rebel Rooster isn’t just a hostel with comfy beds – they’ve built a nest full of cozy corners, tasty treats, and good vibes only. Nestled inbetween Ba Dinh and the Old Quarter, you have the best of both worlds when it comes to exploring each area. You can load up on free brekky in the morning before heading out to explore too.
Best Airbnb: Nice studio near Westlake
Away from the chaos of the old quarter in a lovely neighbourhood, this studio will give you a flavour of the real Hanoi. In a tranquil yet vivid neigborhood, it’s got everything you need for an extended stay, including a kitchenette, AC and a smart TV. It boasts a pretty balcony with beautiful flowers planted and taken care by the owner, making it feel way homier than a hotel.
3. Tay Ho/West Lake – Best Area for Expat Living
Tay Ho, often called West Lake, sits north of central Hanoi and feels noticeably different from the Old Quarter. Streets are wider, the pace is slower, and the lake is a key part of daily life rather than traffic and tour groups. It’s the kind of area where people settle in instead of rushing through.
The neighbourhood has a strong international presence, with expats, long-stay travellers, and digital nomads making up much of the crowd. Cafés, bakeries, bars, and restaurants lean international, and comfort comes before chaos. It’s easy to spend days here without feeling the need to constantly dart into the city centre.
Tay Ho suits travellers who want space, consistency, and a slower rhythm while still staying connected to Hanoi. It’s not the place for non-stop sightseeing, but it works well as a base for longer stays, remote work, and anyone who prefers breathing room over intensity.
- Best For: Longer stays, expats, remote workers
- The Vibe: Relaxed, residential, international
- Proximity to Airport: Around 25–30 minutes
- Transport Level: Moderate, taxis and bikes help
- Budget: Mid-range to higher
- Crowds: Low to moderate
Top Things to Do in Tay Ho/West Lake
- Catch a show at Hanoi Rock City.
- Go for a walk around Ho Tay / West Lake.
- Marvel at Tran Quoc Pagoda, Vietnam’s oldest temple.
- Tease your taste buds at the Tay Ho Weekend Market.
- Visit the Tay Ho Temple.
Best Hotel: Aurelia Aparthotel Hanoi
This is a newly opened apartment that’s clearly set up with longer stays in mind. The Wi-Fi is fast and reliable, which makes it a solid choice for remote work without frustration. Having a washing machine in the room is a real bonus and saves a surprising amount over time.
The surrounding area supports that lifestyle too, with plenty of coworking-friendly cafés and 24/7 convenience stores close by, making day-to-day routines easy to manage.
Best Hostel: Tuna Homestay
Based in an attractive, sunny building, this hostel is super friendly. A great place to stay if you want to avoid the crowds of the old town without compromising on comfort or price.
The hostel has some great chill-out spaces, offers book exchange, and has a clean kitchen. There are security lockers, female-only dorm rooms, and air conditioning.
Best Airbnb: Studio Lake View
What’s the point in staying on the West Lake if you don’t get lake views?! Come sunset, the apartment fills with golden light and makes a natural end to a day of being out and about. The kitchen and bathroom are fully equipped, and the room lighting frames those lake views perfectly.
The area around it is a big plus. Cafés are everywhere, which makes mornings easy and afternoons disappear faster than planned. It’s the kind of spot that fits West Lake living exactly as it should.
4. French Quarter – Coolest Place to Stay in Hanoi
The French Quarter lies to the south of the Old Quarter on the east side of the Hoan Kiem lake. You can walk between each quarter within a couple minutes of each other but they feel distinctly different. Think of the French Quarter as the cooler, calmer and more collected version of the Old Quarter. Wide boulevards, grand colonial buildings, and tree-lined streets give it a noticeably European layout, a legacy of the French colonial period that still shapes the area today.
And what’s a Hanoi itinerary without a little bit of shopping…The French Quarter and the surrounding area is a shopaholic’s dream for shoes, bags and the classic Vietnamese (and definitely legit) sports gear if you’re heading up to Ha Giang. Throughout the district is a great selection of tailors, local shops and fashionable fabric markets where you can order practically anything you want!
The French Quarter suits travellers who appreciate architecture, calmer surroundings, and a more polished feel while staying close to the city’s main sights. It’s a place built for walking without dodging scooters every few steps…all without sacrificing the soul and accessibility of Hanoi’s best bits.
- Best For: Architecture lovers, calmer central stays, couples
- The Vibe: Elegant, quiet, colonial
- Proximity to Airport: Around 40 minutes
- Transport Level: Low, very walkable
- Budget: Mid-range to higher
- Crowds: Low, mostly daytime traffic
Photo: @jeff.w.bell
Top Things to Do in the French Quarter
- Walk the grand colonial streets that the French Quarter is characterised of.
- Visit the Hanoi Opera House.
- Learn about the contributions women had to Vietnam’s history and culture at The Women’s Museum. It was my favourite in the city.
- Spend time around Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Check out embassies and grand government buildings. They play a huge role in Hanoi’s historic core.
Best Hotel: Hanoi Diamond King Hotel
This contemporary hotel has a great French Quarter location in Hoan Kiem. It offers easy access to top attractions as well as shopping, dining, and nightlife. It’s still a three-star hotel but half the price of Ambassador Hanoi Hotel.
Rooms have air conditioning, wireless internet, and a variety of modern features. There’s also a laundry service available on request.
Best Hostel: Mama Hostel & Rooftop Pool
Mamas is one of the main tour companies to do the Ha Giang Loop with, and its hostel in Hanoi is a great place to launchpad your adventures and get a head start for meeting pals. The staff are super friendly and helpful (make sure you pick their brains for tips for the city). The rooftop is a real highlight, with a pool that earns its keep during humid summer days and a relaxed setup that makes it easy to cool off and hang out.
Best Airbnb: The Lantern Home
A central apartment that is cute as heck? That’s right…staying at Khanh’s place feels like stepping out of Hanoi’s noise and into something calmer. It’s tucked away just enough to feel peaceful while still sitting in a great location for exploring both the French Quarter and the Old Quarter, with Hoàn Ki?m Lake only a short walk away. The space is compact but thoughtfully done, and it’s warm, cosy touches make it feel way more like a home than a rental.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Hanoi
Travel Insurance is NEVER a bad idea. Travel is full of uncertainties and Hanoi has some pretty wild moped traffic. Get good travel insurance!
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.
FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Hanoi
Here’s what people usually ask about Hanoi neighbourhoods and where to stay.
Which Part of Hanoi Should You Choose?
If I haven’t made it clear enough, I love Hanoi. It’s a city that just oozes history and culture around every turn. You’ve got traditional temples, pagodas, food at every turn and even a cheeky beer for the day’s end. There is so much life to bear witness to in these streets.
If you’re still unsure of where to stay, then my answer will always be the Old Quarter for first timers. You’ve got everything at your finger tips from morning rituals all the way to raucous nightlife come dark.
If you want to dial it back on volume and chaos, then maybe Ba Dinh will be more up your alley. Either way, central Hanoi isn’t huge. If your two feet can’t get you somewhere, a taxi bike will surely show up at a moments notice for you. They work in mysterious ways.
My biggest advice would be to lean into the chaos and eat as much as your stomach allows. This city has a way of rewarding the curious and hungry.
Photo: @jeff.w.bell
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Hanoi.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Hanoi.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Hanoi to plan your trip.
- Planning out an itinerary for Hanoi is a great way to maximise your time.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Southeast Asia backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
