Planning your first trip to Hanoi? It is extremely important to know the areas that best suited for you for a fabulous, hassle-free holiday in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Hanoi is a charming city and is extremely easy to explore if you are willing to skiddle through the traffic here. People here are ever so welcoming and warm, that its easy to forget that you are in a different country.

Dotted with amazing French inspired architecture, beautiful lakes and tranquil Buddhist pagodas among others, the pictures taken in this city can adhere to that. With several districts segregating the city it makes life easier for travellers. Each district of Hanoi has its own flavour and way of offering experiences ranging from dining, shopping, nightlife, etc to accommodations that suits all types of budget.

We will cover off all types of Hanoi accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Hanoi hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Hanoi, the best Hanoi hotels, best places in Hanoi to visit, the best places to stay in Hanoi Vietnam, hotels near Hanoi attractions, Hanoi neighborhood guide and many more. To help decide where to stay in Hanoi 2023, we have written the below comprehensive guide on the city’s most popular districts. where is the best place to stay in Hanoi? This guide will help you pick the best place for you:

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Hoan Kiem- Where to stay in Hanoi for first timers

Hoan Kiem is Hanoi’s commercial centre, that houses prominent attractions such as National Museum of Vietnamese History, Hanoi Opera House, and Ngoc Son Temple are easily accessible on foot. The famous Hoan Kiem Lake provides a scenic view and walk alongside all the while a steady cool breeze to keeps the heat at bay.

Being the prominent commercial centre the traffic in the area can be quite cumbersome as nearly half a million two-wheelers (motor bikes) ply on these roads everyday. Set North of Hoan Kiem Lake is Hanoi Old Quarter that houses charming colonial architecture, art galleries, boutique shops, street markets, and Buddhist temples. Old Quarter is very well known for being the backpackers’ hot-spot in Hanoi and is filled with hostels and various accommodation options.

The streets are packed with tiny shops and vendors selling anything edible from fresh fruits to authentic Vietnamese food. Mind you, this area can get very crowded and noisy at times. The Saturday night market here is a spectacle in itself wherein all the stores close down and the street vendors and performers take the center stage.

With hip and funky bars offering amazing deals on drinks, the street food vendors delights the revelers and visitors with lip smacking food along with some amazing shopping opportunities as well. We have provided a list of best place to stay in Hanoi old quarter.

Hanoi French Quarter is on the south of Hoan Kiem Lake houses most of Hanoi’s luxury hotels, government offices, embassies, financial institutions and upmarket shopping malls. Some high-end restaurants and designer bars can also be found in the French Quarter in Hanoi. A popular place among ex-pats, the area is quiet and on the down-low compared to the Old Quarter. Wondering where to stay in Hanoi old quarter? Our below guide will help you pick the best hotel:

Best places to stay in Hoan Kiem Hanoi – Old Quarter

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Hoan Kiem Hanoi – Old Quarter
Hanoi Lucky Hostel
North Hostel N.2
Nexy Hostel
Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel

Budget Hotels in Hoan Kiem Hanoi – Old Quarter
Bonsella Hotel
The Chi Boutique Hotel
Golden Sun Villa Hotel
Drumie House

Mid range Hotels in Hoan Kiem Hanoi – Old Quarter
Minerva Church Hotel
Hanoi Pearl Hotel
Hanoi Moon Cactus
Splendid Holiday Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Hoan Kiem Hanoi – Old Quarter
Golden Lotus Luxury Hotel
Mercury Central Hotel Hanoi
Hanoi Brilliant Hotel and Spa
S Central Hotel and Spa

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Hoan Kiem Hanoi – Old Quarter
The Oriental Jade Hotel
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Capella Hanoi
Solaria Hanoi Hotel
La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa

Tay Ho (Hanoi West Lake) – Where to stay in Hanoi with family

Hanoi West Lake or Tay Ho as its locally known mostly caters to visitors looking to enjoy a relaxing retreat in Hanoi. The area is loaded with a variety of accommodations, lakeside restaurants, cafes and bars. Tay Ho is immensely popular with couples and family holiday makers. Barely half and hour taxi ride from Hanoi’s Old Quarters, Tay Ho also showcases some spectacular Buddhist structures such as Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple.

The artistic genius of Vietnamese people can be seen in these structures. The weekend market at Tay Ho is a great place to purchase traditional goods and sample authentic Vietnamese cuisine at dirt cheap prices. A personal recommendation would be to try eating local cuisines at one of the tiny corner shops which are thronged by locals. The community setting for eating at these tiny shops provides an unique perspective into their culture and traditions.

Everything said, Tay Ho does not have a nightlife per say; most of its nightlife revolves around the hotels and its guests. Karaoke bars are here attract a large number of locals as well as visitors for some lively parties and enjoyment. so if you’re wondering where to stay in Hanoi for nightlife this might be your best bet.

Best places to stay in Tay Ho

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Tay Ho
Tuna Homestay

Budget Hotels in Tay Ho
COSY HOUSE – Doorstep To West Lake
GH Apartment Westlake
Imperial apartment
Luck Apart 05

Mid range Hotels in Tay Ho
Bungalow in a mini tropical forest
M Apartment Lakeside
The Euphoria Hanoi
Hygge Homestay

Family Friendly Hotels in Tay Ho
Elegant Suites Westlake
Oriental Palace
Diamond Westlake Suites
Margaery Boutique Apartment

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Tay Ho
Fraser Suites Hanoi
The Hanoi Club Hotel & Residences
Sheraton Hanoi Hotel
InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

Ba Dinh District – Where to stay in Hanoi for relaxation

A quiet and tranquil neighbourhood in Hanoi, Ba Dinh District is the ideal place for visitors looking to get away from the overcrowded and noisy Hoan Kiem area. The best of Hanoi’s historical monuments and architecture can be found here such as the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, etc.

It is said that Ho Chi Minh himself wanted his mausoleum to be built in Hanoi as he was mesmerized by the beauty and tranquility of this place. Ba Dinh District also has a plethora of wonderful hotels, upscale restaurants and bars with a view of the amazing Hanoi Botanical Gardens.

The area is highly secured as a lot of people from the ministry and its departments reside here, which is the reason that nightlife is mostly restricted to within the premises of hotels, restaurants and bars. Family holiday makers visiting Hanoi, should take up living quarters in Ba Dinh area as its safe and secured while being very active for exploration during the day.

Please be aware that during peak hours the traffic situation can get really congested, so it is advisable not to ply on the roads during those times specially with kids around. There are a lot of places to explore near Hanoi as well such as Halong Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, Ba Vi National Park, etc.

Best places to stay in Ba Dinh District

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Ba Dinh District
Hanoi Backpackersuite Hostel

Budget Hotels in Ba Dinh District
La Batisse Kim Ma Hotel
Lakeside House
Super Hotel Candle
JAYU Hanoi

Mid range Hotels in Ba Dinh District
Rose Home – Hanoi Cooking Class Villa
Shendo Apartment – Lancaster Hanoi
YR Hotel & Apartments
Daeha Serviced Apartment

Family Friendly Hotels in Ba Dinh District
Hanoihomestay- Chezlinhlinh
Chez Madame Binh
Lilyhome – Vinhomes Metropolis
Grandiose Hotel & Spa

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Ba Dinh District
The Five Residences Hanoi
Luxury Apartment In Metropolis Building
Lotte Hotel Hanoi
Fortuna Hotel Hanoi

Hai Ba Trung – Where to stay in Hanoi for a Cultural experience

South of Hoan Kiem  and the lake is the district of Hai Ba Trung. Although it is densely populated, you will find fewer budget hotels and tourists in this area. Very little English is spoken here, making it the best place to stay in Hanoi if you want to soak up Vietnamese culture, in an district not far from the city centre.

This district is best known for shopping and food options, with excellent street food and Vietnamese restaurants. If you are looking for street food, head to Mai Hac De street, and Nguyen Cong Tru street for restaurants. Clothing shopping is best along Hue and Bach Mai streets.

Best places to stay in Hai Ba Trung

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Hai Ba Trung
NHÀ NGHỈ THÀNH THU

Budget Hotels in Hai Ba Trung
Kalon Homestay, Hai Bà Trưng, HN
HnH homestay
T&L Studio
My Hotel 23

Mid range Hotels in Hai Ba Trung
Capital O 518 Chariot Hotel
My Lan Hanoi Hotel
Sunway Hotel Hanoi
Tonkin House

Family Friendly Hotels in Hai Ba Trung
Minasi Hotel & Spa
Atlanta Residences
Riverside Boutique Hotel
Midori Boutique Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Hai Ba Trung
Hôtel du Parc Hanoï
Canary Hotel

Thanh Xuan – Where to stay in Hanoi on a budget

Just west of Hai Ba Trung, this urban area of Hanoi has some of the best hotels in Hanoi for budget travelers. Several universities in the area give this district a young vibe, and there is an abundance of room rentals and budget hotels to choose from. The heavy studen population also means cheap eats and budget entertainment options nearby. It’s not all budget travelers, though, as the Vincom Mega Mall Royal City Thanh Xuan is a huge luxury shopping and entertainment complex, which includes a skating rink, waterpark, restaurants and beautifully manicured gardens.

Best places to stay in Thanh Xuan

Budget Hotels in Thanh Xuan
MIA HOTEL
Royal City
Vy House
Nàng Hương Motel

Mid range Hotels in Thanh Xuan
Mely Hotel
Royal Hotel Nhân Hòa
Grand Dragon Hotel Hanoi
Seasons Avenue

Family Friendly Hotels in Thanh Xuan
Imperia Garden
Hanoi Suji Hotel
RedDoorz Nhan Hoa Hotel Nhan Hoa
Hanoi Amore Hotel & Travel

Cầu Giấy – Where to stay in Hanoi for tourists

Centered on Cầu Giấy park, with its footpaths and the lake, this area is a laidback spot for travelers to Hanoi. The Museum of Ethnology features traditional houses and folk artifacts, while the area is well known for authentic Vietnamese restaurants. Cầu Giấy is considered off the beaten path of Hanoi travel. However, if you plan to spend a considerable amount of time exploring the tourist side of Hanoi, then you may spend a lot of time and money traveling back and forth to the city centre. Be sure to take this into account if you find a budget hotel in Cầu Giấy and are tempted by the price.

Best places to stay in Cầu Giấy

Budget Hotels in Cầu Giấy
Era Cozy Apartment
One Hotel
Rosa Hanoi Hotel
Hillary Hanoi Hotel

Mid range Hotels in Cầu Giấy
Libra Hotel Residence
Nature Hotel
Victor Hanoi Hotel
22Land Hotel & Residence

Family Friendly Hotels in Cầu Giấy
Western Hanoi Boutique Hotel
London Hanoi Hotel
Spring Hotel Hanoi
Green Field Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Cầu Giấy
Smarana Hanoi Heritage
Novotel Suites Hanoi

Truc Bach – Where to stay in Hanoi for backpackers

One of the oldest suburbs of Hanoi, Truc Bach is the area around Truc Bach Lake, which Americans may know as the lake where John McCain crashed during the Vietnam War, and a memorial stands today to commemorate this. Around the lake, visitors have a plethora of bars and restaurants to choose from. For travelers looking for the best place to stay in Hanoi that is close to the city centre, but a much quieter and calmer environment, consider staying in Truc Bach and may be a good option where to stay in Hanoi for backpackers.

Best places to stay in Truc Bach

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Truc Bach
Hanoi Backpackersuite Hostel
Hanoi Jade Hostel
Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel
Hanoi EcoStay 1 hostel

Budget Hotels in Truc Bach
Joi homestay
Little Hanoi Hostel
Ha Noi Truc Bach Lake View Studio
Chalcedony Hotel

Mid range Hotels in Truc Bach
Smile Hotel
Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture
The Q Hotel
Thien Thai Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Truc Bach
Flower Garden Hotel
Hanoi Graceful Hotel
Hanoi La Siesta Hotel Trendy
Hanoi Le Jardin Hotel & Spa

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Truc Bach
Pan Pacific Hanoi
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Sheraton Hanoi Hotel
InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, an IHG Hotel

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