Where To Stay In Hanoi: Coolest Areas & Best Hotels (2024)

Hanoi hasn't always been on the top of my travelling list. I always had a feeling that this city would be way too crazy and hectic like so many people told me, even though it is one of the most ancient capitals in the world and surely would have some things to see on offer.

However, when I first landed in Hanoi, I instantly felt energised, with my eyes wanting to be everywhere at once and holding my breath to catch the most of this amazing city. Hanoi is definitely a city of contrasts. And it has a lot of awesome hidden gems too.

The mix of Chinese and French influences will mesmerise you and make you fall in love with the chaos of the Old Quarter. Additionally, Hanoi serves as a great base to explore other highlights of Vietnam, such as the world-famous Halong Bay.

This is also a great travel guide to Hanoi with all it has on offer. If you are wondering where to stay in Hanoi to be close to the city’s action, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Where To Stay In Hanoi – Main Areas

When choosing where to stay in Hanoi, you'll encounter several distinct areas, each offering a unique experience.

The Hanoi Old Quarter is my favorite choice for its bustling streets, historic charm, and vibrant street food scene. Here, you'll find a myriad of narrow alleyways and traditional architecture.

On the other hand, staying around Hanoi West Lake provides a more tranquil and upscale environment, with scenic lake views and a selection of luxury hotels.

The Ba Dinh District is known for its historical significance, housing important landmarks like Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace, making it an ideal choice for history enthusiasts.

Finally, Truc Bach offers a serene escape with its picturesque lakeside setting, offering a balance of relaxation and proximity to the city's attractions. Your choice of where to stay in Hanoi will depend on your preferences, whether you seek bustling energy, historical immersion, or peaceful lakeside tranquility.

1. Where To Stay In Hanoi On A Budget: Hanoi Old Quarter

Hoan Kiem is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in the central part of Hanoi. Known also as Hanoi City Centre or Hanoi Old Quarter, this place will impress you instantly with its rich history and culture.

In Hoan Kiem district, you will find a place to stay, no matter if you are a backpacker and just need a bed to crash or if you like a bit of luxury.

Moreover, for those who are looking for maximum action when visiting Hanoi, you should definitely consider Hanoi Old Quarter as the best area to stay in Hanoi.

Best Places To Stay In Hanoi Old Quarter For Luxury 

Best 5-Star Hotel: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

If you wonder where to stay in Hanoi's Old Quarter, I highly recommend the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi as a luxurious option.

This hotel is a historic landmark set in a building built in 1901, which will impress you with its grandness and elegant neo-classic style. Plus, you'll find a heated swimming pool, a cocktail bar, whiskey lounge and it's also home to the first-ever French restaurant in Hanoi called Le Beaulieu.

Apricot Hotel

Apricot Hotel is another 5-star hotel in Hanoi. Offering a breathtaking view over Hoan Kiem Lake, it stuns its visitors with the rooftop swimming pool and modern facilities within its neo-classic style. Make sure you check out the panoramic fitness centre and trendy rooftop bar.

From the hotel door, it's only 300 meters to the popular Thang Long Water Puppet Theater!

Best Places To Stay In Hanoi Old Quarter: Mid-Range & Value-For-Money Hotels

Oriental Suites & Spa

Oriental Suites & Spa is a more affordable option that welcomes its guests with cozy rooms and excellent spa services.

Just footsteps from the famous Hoan Kiem Lake, a central point within the city centre, Oriental Suites is a great place to put your head down if you want to do a lot of shopping, eat authentic street food and enjoy a lively atmosphere.

MK Premier Boutique

Finally, MK Premier Boutique is a nice hotel in the Old Quarter, also in the affordable category at just 200 meters away from the Old City Gate.

Apart from the location, the rooftop offers an incredible view, where you can spend time sitting under the fairy lights enjoying Vietnamese food. Clean and comfortable and really a great choice for the price you pay!

2. Best Place To Stay In Hanoi For Couples: Hanoi West Lake

Hanoi West Lake can be considered the safest neighbourhood in Hanoi as here you will find the highest density of expats in Vietnam. This area possibly makes the softest transition from our modern world into hectic Hanoi.

Here you will find modern shops and plenty of restaurants where you can try both local cuisine and international food.

Luxury Accommodation Choices

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake is surely one of the best places to stay in Hanoi. It will offer you everything you could expect from a 5-star hotel.

Located right on the shores of West Lake, InterContinental takes luxury to a high standard with contemporary Vietnamese decor and world-class service. Great for couples!

Sheraton Hanoi Hotel

Sheraton Hanoi features a mix of beautiful décor influenced by French colonies and Vietnamese culture and traditions. With picturesque views of West Lake, it's only a 10-minute drive from here to downtown and it's a mere 10-minute stroll to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Marble bathrooms, an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and an adjacent restaurant featuring an international buffet will make your stay perfect.

Affordable Accommodation Choices

Elegant Suites Westlake

On the other hand, Elegant Suites Westlake is one of those boutique hotels in Hanoi where you will feel like in heaven. Located just a few minutes from West Lake, this hotel appears like a peaceful retreat in the middle of the buzzing city.

Diamond Westlake Suites

Diamond Westlake Suites, situated on the northeastern side of Hanoi's picturesque Ho Tay Lake, offers family-friendly apartments with kitchenettes and free wired internet.

These spacious, modern apartments feature flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and well-equipped kitchens. The hotel provides complimentary shuttles to the town center, International Schools and offers an array of recreational facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, gym, sauna, tennis courts, and more.

It's conveniently located a 10-minute drive from the central business district and a 20-minute drive from Noi Bai International Airport, making it a convenient choice for both business and leisure travelers in Hanoi.

3. Best Area To Stay In Hanoi Close To Everything: Ba Dinh District

If you ask me about Ba Dinh, I would tell you that this is the place where you get the best of Hanoi’s culture.

Here you will find Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, the Old Citadel, and the Military Museum. Start wandering through the streets of this neighbourhood and you'll discover some hidden gems guaranteed.

Luxury Accommodation Hotels

Lotte Hotel Hanoi

I recommend Lotte Hotel as a luxurious option in Ba Dinh. Here you'll find how the traditional past is able to mingle with the modern future.

Luxurious rooms, an outdoor pool and indoor pool, a fitness center, sauna facilities and great city views from the rooftop make Lotte Hotel a great luxurious choice for your stay in Hanoi.

Best Mid-Range Hotel: Super Hotel Candle

If you are looking for an affordable option in the neighbourhood, Sunsight House will offer you exactly that.

Scandinavian-designed, the guesthouse really feels like a home away from home. Air-conditioned rooms, a tropical balcony and Western and vegetarian food right down the street make this a wonderful place to stay in Hanoi on a budget.

Best affordable hotel: Hanoi 20 Hotel & Apartment

Hanoi Delight Hotel is conveniently located just a 5-minute drive from Hanoi's Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. The traditionally furnished rooms offer free WiFi access, and the hotel features a restaurant and amenities such as airport shuttle services and a 24-hour front desk for assistance with travel arrangements.

4. Best Place To Stay In Hanoi For Families: Truc Bach

I recommend you reserve 2-3 days to explore the area of Truc Bach, an interesting and exceptionally cool neighbourhood in Hanoi.

Located at the northern end of the Old Quarter, Truc Bach also lies separated from West Lake by a narrow dike. Admire the lake shores, enjoy some of the Vietnamese flavours, little markets, and temples and you will quickly be convinced that you should come back to Hanoi as soon as possible.

Best Luxury Hotel: Pan Pacific Hotel

My recommendation for a luxurious place to stay around here is the Pan Pacific Hotel. It deserves to be considered as one of the best hotels in Hanoi, offering you not only top-notch accommodation but also extremely tasty food.

Combine that with a nice spa, indoor heated pool and beautiful French bathroom amenities and you know you'll have a great stay!

Best Value-for-Money Hotel: Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture

La Jardin Hotel Haute Couture will make you fall in love with Hanoi. With flawless service, immaculately-styled rooms, panoramic rooftop views over the city, a lovely pool, and open-air dining, it's a great place to stay right next to the hectic Old Quarter.

Best Affordable Hotel: Flower Garden Hotel

Flower Garden Hotel is an elegant yet affordable hotel choice in Hanoi. You will benefit from friendly service, chic Vietnamese interiors and a rooftop restaurant, The Crystal Lotus.

Formerly called the “French Quarter”, Ba Dinh District is actually the political centre of Vietnam, as you'll find most embassies and government building around here. And you'll have easy access to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Botanical Gardens and an easy walk into the Old Quarter.

Where To Stay In Hanoi: Comparison Table

Where to Stay in Hanoi – Frequently Asked Questions

📍 Where is the city centre of Hanoi?

The city center of Hanoi is considered to be Hoan Kiem District, which includes the historic Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. This area is known for its vibrant street life, cultural attractions, and proximity to many of the city's landmarks. It's a popular area to stay for tourists and offers a wide range of accommodations, dining, and entertainment options.

🏨 Where is the best location to stay in Hanoi?

If you prefer a lively atmosphere with numerous cultural attractions and street food options, the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem District are excellent choices. For a more upscale and tranquil experience, the West Lake area offers beautiful lakeside views and upscale hotels. Each neighborhood in Hanoi has its unique charm, catering to a variety of traveler preferences.

❌ Where should I not stay in Hanoi?

While Hanoi is generally a safe city to visit. However, you might want to avoid staying near the train tracks in the Old Quarter due to potential noise from passing trains. Additionally, certain areas with heavy traffic congestion during rush hours might not be the best choice for those seeking a quieter stay. It's advisable to read current hotel reviews and research specific neighborhoods to find the most suitable location for you.

📅 How many days should I stay in Hanoi?

Typically, a stay of 2-4 days allows you to explore the city's main attractions, savor all its amazing food, and gain cultural insight. However, if you plan to take day trips to nearby destinations like Halong Bay or Ninh Binh, consider extending your stay to accommodate those additional experiences.

❓ Should I choose to stay in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?

Choosing between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City isn't an easy one. Hanoi, the capital, is known for its rich history, cultural sites, and a more traditional atmosphere. Ho Chi Minh City, on the other hand, offers a bustling urban experience with modern amenities and vibrant nightlife. Consider your interests, whether they lean toward history and culture or a dynamic urban lifestyle, to make the decision that suits you best.

Where to Stay in Hanoi – Final Words

Vietnam's capital offers a variety of neighborhoods to consider if you're wondering where to stay in Hanoi, my first choice is definitely the Old Quarter. It captures the city's vibrant energy and historical charm with its narrow streets, bustling markets, and colonial architecture.

For a serene experience, the Hanoi West Lake area provides a peaceful retreat with lakeside views and green surroundings.

Ba Dinh District is perfect for exploring Hanoi's historical landmarks, while Truc Bach offers a quieter ambiance near the lake and is known for being family-friendly and its local food scene. Each neighborhood offers a unique experience, allowing you to find the perfect stay in Hanoi based on your preferences.

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