Best areas to stay in Hanoi
1. Old Quarter north of Hoan Kiem Lake
The Old Quarter is the heart of the city for most visitors, and it is where you will find the densest concentration of places to stay. It is potentially noisy and busy, and it is the closest area to the bars on Ma May and Ta Hien. Ta Hien is Hanoi's unofficial backpacker street, with numerous backpackers' hostels nearby to cater to that market.
This area suits first-time visitors who want to walk to the lake, Dong Xuan Market and the surrounding streets, as well as budget travellers and anyone who wants nightlife on the doorstep. Expect hostels, guesthouses and small hotels. One practical point: some streets in the Old Quarter and by the lake close to cars at weekends, so your taxi or minivan may have to drop you off early and you may walk a bit with all your luggage.
2. Around St. Joseph's Cathedral
The narrow streets around St. Joseph's Cathedral offer a quieter and less hectic option than the main part of the Old Quarter, while still being only a five- to ten-minute walk from it. You will find small hotels, guesthouses and hostels on the lanes here, including dormitory-style places.
This area suits travellers who want to be near the Old Quarter without sleeping in the middle of it, and it works well for those arriving with luggage, since the lanes are calmer. Note that some of the lanes are too narrow for vehicles, so you may be dropped nearby and walk the last stretch.
3. West Lake (Ho Tay)
The West Lake area is a peaceful alternative to the centre, with hardly any sounds of traffic. Accommodation here includes larger properties with recreational facilities such as pools, tennis courts and gyms, and rooms that may face the lake.
It suits travellers who prefer quiet and space over proximity to the Old Quarter's bars and markets, and it can work for longer stays. The trade-off is that you are away from the main sights, so you will rely on transport to reach the centre.
4. Times City
An interesting alternative area to stay is in one of the many modern apartment blocks above the giant basement-level shopping mall of Times City. Apartments can be rented privately, which is ideal for families or groups of about four.
This area suits families and groups who want self-contained space and shopping on site. To get into the city centre, use the green electric bus route E08.
5. Near the Temple of Literature (Dong Da)
The area just west of the Temple of Literature is very quiet and well-sited, with hotel accommodation in the surrounding streets. It suits business travellers and anyone who values calm surroundings.
It is a practical base if your plans centre on the Temple of Literature and the streets around it, though you are a taxi or a longer walk from the lake and the Old Quarter.
6. Near Hanoi train station
Around the train station you will find business-style hotels, including boutique properties, which is convenient if you are arriving or leaving by rail. It puts you within reach of the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake without being in the busiest streets.
This suits travellers who want a straightforward base for onward travel and don't mind being a short ride from the main visitor areas.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: dormitory beds and small guesthouses, largely in the Old Quarter and around the cathedral; common scams are more prevalent at this end of the market, so book with care.
- Mid-range: small hotels and boutique properties in the Old Quarter, around the cathedral, near the Temple of Literature and near the train station, often with breakfast included.
- Splurge: larger properties with recreational facilities by West Lake, and privately rented modern apartments at Times City for families or groups.
Best area for a first visit
The Old Quarter north of Hoan Kiem Lake is the best base for a first visit. It puts you closest to the bars, the market and the lake, and it is where most of the city's hostels, guesthouses and small hotels are found. Just plan around the weekend street closures, which can leave you walking the last stretch with your luggage.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Old Quarter noisy?
It can be. The area is described as potentially noisy and busy, and it is closest to the bars on Ma May and Ta Hien, so light sleepers may prefer the streets around the cathedral instead.
Where should families or groups stay?
Times City is suggested as an interesting alternative, where modern apartments above the shopping mall can be rented privately and suit families or groups of about four. The green electric bus route E08 connects it to the city centre.
What happens if I arrive at my hotel at the weekend?
Some streets in the Old Quarter and by the lake close to cars at weekends, so your taxi or minivan may have to drop you off early, leaving you to walk a short distance with your luggage.
Which area is quietest?
West Lake is peaceful with hardly any sounds of traffic, and the area just west of the Temple of Literature is also very quiet.
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