Where To Stay In Hanoi For First Time Visitors (And Where To Avoid)
Where to Stay in Hanoi – From My 4 Week Experience
Wondering where to stay in Hanoi? After spending 4 weeks exploring every corner of this chaotic city, I’ll share my honest recommendations for every budget.
While you’ll find everything from backpacker hostels to luxury boutique hotels dotted among the narrow streets, a comfortable mid-range option will serve most travellers perfectly, giving you that sweet spot of comfort without breaking the bank.
I know exactly what you’re looking for: accommodation that puts you within easy walking distance of the best things to do in Hanoi while avoiding the areas that might disrupt your sleep or sense of security.
In that case, the Old Quarter or the French Quarter are the best place to stay in Hanoi.
I quickly learned that location is absolutely everything. The right hotel not only provides a comfy bed away from the motorbike mayhem but can transform your entire Hanoi experience.
When I found my perfect spot near Hoan Kiem Lake, the staff became my unofficial travel agents, arranging my Halong Bay cruise, booking my overnight train to Sapa, and even securing me last-minute tickets to the water puppet theatre.
Whether you’re a solo traveller seeking social opportunities or a couple wanting that perfect balance of romance and convenience, choosing the right accommodation is your first step toward an unforgettable Hanoi adventure.
Let’s find you the perfect Hanoi home base!
Before that, read my 2 week Vietnam itinerary to plan your trip and get inspiration!
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Map Of The Best Districts In Hanoi
Old Quarter
I stayed in the Old Quarter and loved it there.
Why? I could easily walk into the heart of Hanoi and experience exactly what I wanted at that moment in time.
If I wanted great restaurants, they were easily found. Incredible sky bars overlooking the lake? Easy. Live musical performances on the street? For sure.
The Old Quarter was for me the perfect place to stay in Hanoi. If I needed to go further away, I ordered a Grab to my door.
Within a few minutes’ walk, I could attend a puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre or visit Hoa Lo Prison in a short walk.
Was I bothered by massage therapists asking if I wanted a massage every time I stepped on the street? Yes. Did I care? No, in fact, I loved it by the end.
I stayed at Old Town Palace Guest House, a three-star hotel with a good breakfast and amazing staff.
Every day, I could try such different things to eat, like the street food for just 50,000 Vietnamese dong (€1.60) right outside the door. Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a fun yet busy part of the city where travellers love to stay.
Find out how to get from Hanoi Airport to the city centre with my full guide!
Budget Options
Mid Range Options
Old Quarter Home- Kitchen & Balcony
Luxury Options
Best For: Solo travellers and those who love nightlife, including families and couples.
Places of Interest: Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, St Joseph’s Cathedral
Pros:
- Great nightlife
- Amazing places to eat for any budget
- Loads of things to do
Cons:
- Nosiy late into the night
- Terrible traffic
- Peak hours are chaotic on the street
Ba Dinh
Ba Dinh is another great place to consider when visiting Hanoi.
It’s a large area covering many of Hanoi’s main attractions. It was so central that the presidential palace was located here.
If you are looking for somewhere to potter around at your own pace and escape the noise and traffic, then it could be an option for you.
When I visited Ba Dinh, I could feel how different it felt from the Old Quarter. There are more mid-range accommodation options here, with fewer hostels and more comfortable hotels for longer stays.
While rooms may be slightly pricier, they offer a better experience for travellers seeking a balance between comfort and value.
Budget Options
Mid Range Options
Luxury Options
Best For: Couples or families who are past partying all night long
Places of Interest: Ho Chi Minh Museum, One Pillar Pagoda, Presidential Palace and many more
Pros:
- Close to many major attractions in the city
- More peaceful than the Old Quarter
- Large green spaces to relax
Cons:
- Fewer food and nightlife options
- Lacks a good atmosphere
- Government buildings take away from the charm of the area
Read My Full Guide on Hanoi Weekend Night Market Now!
West Lake
West Lake is a beautiful place to stay in Hanoi, especially if you prefer a more chilled atmosphere compared to the madness of the Old Quarter.
Thanks to the large lake, you get a stronger sense of nature, which can definitely impact how you feel. I noticed this when I visited West Lake’s Phủ Tây Hồ and Tran Quoc Pagoda.
There were mostly locals around, so it felt much less touristy.
I noticed this area appeared more affluent, with large skyscrapers and apartment blocks surrounding the lake.
It has a more residential feel, and I recommend visiting the 6 Degrees for fantastic views of the lake and wonderful food, too.
There are some amazing options around the lake.
Budget Options
Mid Range Options
Luxury Options
Best For: Couples, families and luxury travellers.
Places of Interest: Tran Quoc Pagoda, Phủ Tây Hồ, Ho Tay Water Park
Pros:
- Calmer vibe than other parts of the city
- Can escape to the lake’s peace
Cons:
- More expensive than other parts of the city
- Things to do are further away depending on where you stay along the lake
- You’ll likely get caught in traffic when moving to the city centre
Read My Full Guide On Finding The Best Bun Cha In Hanoi
Hai Bà Trưng
Hai Bà Trưng is the farthest place I will mention from the centre of Hanoi.
It would take you about 25 minutes to walk from here to the Old Quarter. It’s trendy and hip, with young professionals typically found in this part of the city.
While its distance is the biggest disadvantage, there are some good things to know about this area when considering it as a place to stay.
I have to mention the Trưng Sisters. This part of Hanoi is named after these two women who rose up against Chinese rule in the 1st century! Incredible history, I must admit.
Residential, commercial and educational buildings can be found here. Though it’s vibrant, it’s not like the Old Quarter or French Quarter, so be prepared for a more relaxed vibe.
I was tempted to stay in the district, but overall, I was happy with my choice in the old quarter.
Budget Options
Hai Duong Apartments 70 Van Kiep
Mid Range Options
Hanoi Ben’s Apartment and Hotel
Luxury Options
Lily Home – Confetti Apartment Nguyễn Công Trứ
Best For: Older couples, solo travellers and people who want more peace
Places of Interest: Hai Bà Trưng Temple, Thống Nhất Park, Chợ Hôm Market
Pros:
- Good location, central
- Local Vietnamese food
- Authentic Vietnamese vibe
Cons:
- A longer walk is required to reach the city centre
- Limited nightlife options
- Sidewalks are in poor condition
Find Out What Hanoi’s Best Rooftop Bars Are
Trúc Bạch Lake
Trúc Bạch Lake is a beautiful small lake east of West Lake.
I remember riding along the shore of this lake many times and enjoying the amazing view.
There are a few nice places to get coffee (including egg coffee), such as Highlands Coffee on the boat and an incredible place to eat called Phở Cuốn Chinh Thắng.
Find out where the best coffee in Hanoi is with my in-depth guide.
There are many boutique options here, as well as guesthouses and even luxury apartments. What makes this place so great is the location.
You can easily access West Lake, the Old Quarter or eat at amazing restaurants or coffee shops.
The vibe is certainly upscale, and there was a lot of construction of new hotels when I visited. Some people say it has an expat vibe.
I’ve heard that a really fun activity is renting a swan boat and taking it out on the lake.
There are dozens of these small boats, and it seems like a brilliant way to spend time when staying near Trúc Bạch Lake.
Budget Options
Mid Range Options
Thanh Nien street near Old Quarter
Luxury Options
Luxe Paradise Hotel Nguyen Khac Hieu
Best For: Couples looking for romance, solo travellers and even families.
Places of Interest: John McCain Memorial, Swan Boat Rental, Đền Thủy Trung Tiên
Pros:
- Amazing location close to West Lake
- Plenty of quality restaurants around the lake
- Good for afternoon strolls around the lake
Cons:
- Can be noisy
- More expensive places to stay
- Lacks things to do right on the doorstep
French Quarter
The French Quarter in Hanoi is one of the most famous areas and best places to stay, especially if it’s your first time visiting.
You’ll see beautiful French-Vietnamese architecture throughout this district. It’s truly stunning and wonderfully lively. Whenever I visited, people filled the streets, and the atmosphere was electric.
The Hanoi Opera House sits right on the border of the district, and I enjoyed some lovely green spaces too, like Vườn hoa Con Cóc and Ly Thai To Garden.
I enjoyed walking through the wide, open boulevards and visiting places like the Vietnam National Museum of History, which offered an incredible dive into the country’s past.
Budget accommodation can be harder to find in the French Quarter, making this area more suitable for mid-range to luxury travellers.
Along with its impressive architectural design and proximity to Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, this is a fantastic place to stay in Hanoi.
Mid Range Options
Luxury Options
Best For: Couples looking for a romantic trip, couples with or without children
Places of Interest: Hoam Kiem Lake, Hanoi Opera House, National Library Of Vietnam
Pros:
- Beautiful area to stay
- Lots of museums and galleries to explore
- Close to the lake and other major attractions
Cons:
- Budget travellers may struggle to find affordable accommodation
- Always busy with people
- Fewer street food options
Cầu Giấy
Another great option to consider when visiting Hanoi is Cầu Giấy.
For me, it was too far from the centre where all the action was, but that doesn’t mean it’s empty of things to do.
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology was an incredible place to visit, and I loved spending a couple of hours there. Be prepared to travel to reach the major attractions in the city.
For example, walking to the Old Quarter isn’t feasible from this area, so you’ll need to use a Grab taxi service.
You will be much closer to the Vietnam Military History Museum, but is it worth staying here just for that alone? I don’t think so.
While Cầu Giấy certainly lacks the street traffic of the Old Quarter, you can find more expats here because it’s further out from the tourist areas.
It’s also cleaner and somewhat more modern.
Budget Options
Mid Range Options
Quiet Hoang Quoc Viet Hotel & Apartment
Luxury Options
Best For: Long-term travellers or nomads and families
Places of Interest: Vọng Village, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Cầu Giấy Park
Pros:
- Clean and comfortable area
- Many café options
- Good for long-term stay
Cons:
- Long distance to major attractions in Hanoi
- Lacks history compared to other areas
- Limited nightlife
Places To Avoid In Hanoi
Thankfully, Hanoi has a good reputation when it comes to crime and safety.
Sure, it’s the capital, so things will happen from time to time. However, when I visited, I never saw one instance of trouble in my four weeks in the city.
My advice would be to avoid areas that are packed full of tourists. For example, right beside Train Street would be a bad choice. Stay somewhere close by in a quieter part of the city for an optimal experience.
The biggest safety concern I had in Hanoi was the insane traffic that ignores traffic lights and seems to operate on a different stratosphere.
You’ll see what I mean once you get there.
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Final Thoughts/Conclusion
Hanoi is a fantastic city to explore, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with family.
Day or night, Hanoi has loads of fun things to do.
There are options for every budget, all within close distance to major attractions. If I were to revisit Hanoi, I would choose the French Quarter or the Old Quarter again for all the pros mentioned above.
Make sure to check out my Southeast Asia packing list to ensure you’re packed properly. I also have a post about where to find the Best Pho in Hanoi and the best vegan food in Hanoi.
Any questions? Just drop me a message.
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
Should You Stay In The Old Quarter In Hanoi?
Yes, the Hanoi Old Quarter is a great place to stay in the capital. There is amazing street food, music performances on the street and pop-up weekend markets that will give you plenty to do. And that’s before you start visiting the sky bars and other areas of the city. I stayed there for four weeks and loved it. You can easily walk to Hoan Kiem Lake or other parts of the city with ease.
What Is The Best Area In Hanoi To Stay?
The best area to stay in Hanoi is the Old Quarter, the French Quarter or Ba Dinh. These three locations have many things to do, and you can navigate easily on foot or via Grab motorbike to skip the traffic. It will depend on what type of traveller you are, but in my opinion, these are the best options available.
Where To Stay In Hanoi Old Quarter Or French Quarter?
The French Quarter is more beautiful than the Old Quarter, but the Old Quarter is full of charm and atmosphere pretty much 24/7. You can walk to the markets, the lake and find so many places to eat good food. Whereas the French Quarter lacks choice for food and is more expensive overall, though it is certainly more visually appealing.
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