If you’re visiting Hanoi for the first time, most people would recommend that you stay in Old Quarter. This area is in a central location with lots of tourist attractions and is generally accepted as the beating heart of the capital.
However, just because it’s the best area, doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best area for you.
Hanoi was the first and last stop on my one month Vietnam trip and naturally, as I was visiting as a solo traveler for the first time, I did a lot of research beforehand. This included asking for personal recommendations from Vietnamese American friends, scouring online travel forums, and browsing various Facebook groups.
Out of the capital’s 12 urban districts, here are the top 7 neighborhoods that you might want to stay in. I’ve presented some pros and cons to each area, as well as the travel style it might be best suited for.
So, here’s the ultimate guide to the best areas to stay in Hanoi.
At A Glance
🛕 Old Quarter | Best For First-Time Visitors, Budget Travelers | Browse Hotels In Old Quarter
🕍 French Quarter | Best For Couples, Families | Browse Hotels In French Quarter
🌊 Hanoi West Lake | Best For Luxury Travelers, Nightlife Enthusiasts | Browse Hotels In West Lake
📚 Hai Ba Trung | Best For College-Aged Travelers, Local Living | Browse Hotels In Hai Ba Trung
🧓 Ba Dinh | Best For Expats, Older Travelers | Browse Hotels In Ba Dinh
🏠 Truc Bach | Solo Travelers Who Prioritize Peace, Families | Browse Hotels In Truc Bach
🧑💻 Cau Giay | Business Travelers, Travelers Who Love A Deal | Browse Hotels In Cau Giay
-
Top Three Areas For First-Time Visitors
Off The Beaten Path
Niche Accommodation Types In Hanoi
Top Three Areas For First-Time Visitors
Off The Beaten Path
Niche Accommodation Types In Hanoi
Top Three Areas For First-Time Visitors
Most first-time visitors to Hanoi opt for one of these three areas: Old Quarter, French Quarter, and West Lake (Tay Ho). I’ll break down these neighborhoods and give specific recommendations on where to stay.
Old Quarter
✨ Best For: first-time visitors, budget travelers, hostel enthusiasts
✨ Key Attractions: Hoan Kiem Lake, Water Puppet Theatre, Train Street, Cafe Giang
When you think of Hanoi, you automatically think of Hanoi Old Quarter.
This ancient neighborhood captures the essence of the capital best with a unique blend of imperial Vietnamese architecture, colonial French-style buildings, modern coffee shops, and street food vendors.
It’s a safe and walkable neighborhood with many accommodation types, ideal for solo travelers and first-time visitors.
I stayed here during my trip and felt like it made the experience so much more pleasurable.
There’s no better feeling than being able to walk back home after a long day of sightseeing or taking day tours out to local villages (like the Incense Village).
Pros:
-
Central location with many attractions including Hoan Kiem Lake, Water Puppet Show, Train Street
-
Well-populated and safe to walk through even at 10 PM – 1 AM at night
-
Huge range of accommodation types from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels
-
Gathering point for most tours and excursions
-
Blend of imperial and colonial history
-
Will save you time and taxi fees
Central location with many attractions including Hoan Kiem Lake, Water Puppet Show, Train Street
Well-populated and safe to walk through even at 10 PM – 1 AM at night
Huge range of accommodation types from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels
Gathering point for most tours and excursions
Blend of imperial and colonial history
Will save you time and taxi fees
Cons:
-
Loud and crowded even in the dead of night
-
Exhausting if you’re easily overstimulated
-
Can be a little touristy
Loud and crowded even in the dead of night
Exhausting if you’re easily overstimulated
Can be a little touristy
Best Hotels In Old Quarter:
-
Budget: Buffalo Hostel
-
Mid-Range: Kecho Legacy Hotel Hanoi
Budget: Buffalo Hostel
Mid-Range: Kecho Legacy Hotel Hanoi
Luxury: Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
👉 Explore All Hotels In Old Quarter 👈
French Quarter
✨ Best For: couples, families with older children
✨ Key Attractions: Hanoi Opera House, Vietnamese Women’s Museum, Hoa Lo Prison
✨ Explore French Quarter Hotels
If Old Quarter feels a little too chaotic for you, then French Quarter is the way to go.
This neighborhood is known for romantic colonial style architecture, broad boulevards lined with trees, and important political buildings.
It has a distinctive European-Asian vibe and is within walking distance of Old Quarter.
I enjoyed exploring the area’s various museums and art galleries and found that it was a great place to intentionally slow down and travel at a less stressful pace.
This area is less dense than Old Quarter and ideal for couples or families with older children who appreciate the quiet but still want to actively check out the city’s attractions.
Pros:
-
Romantic and quiet
-
Relatively close to city center
-
Plenty of notable attractions
-
Populated enough to still feel safe (and a close cab ride away if you decide not to walk)
-
Boutique hotels and shopping
-
Ample green space
-
Decent sidewalks (less likely to sprain your ankles vs in Old Quarter)!
Romantic and quiet
Relatively close to city center
Plenty of notable attractions
Populated enough to still feel safe (and a close cab ride away if you decide not to walk)
Boutique hotels and shopping
Ample green space
Decent sidewalks (less likely to sprain your ankles vs in Old Quarter)!
Cons:
-
Tends to be more expensive
-
Can feel a little too quiet at night if you’re from a big city (like me)
-
Still considered fairly touristy
Tends to be more expensive
Can feel a little too quiet at night if you’re from a big city (like me)
Still considered fairly touristy
Best Hotels In French Quarter:
-
Budget: M Village Hồ Gươm
-
Mid-Range: Solaria Hanoi Hotel
Budget: M Village Hồ Gươm
Mid-Range: Solaria Hanoi Hotel
Luxury: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel
✨ Explore All Hotels In French Quarter ✨
Hanoi West Lake (Tay Ho)
✨ Best For: luxury travelers, upscale nightlife enthusiasts, people who prioritize exercise even while traveling
✨ Key Attractions: Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Than Temple, Truc Bach Lake
Hanoi West Lake or Tay Ho, is the third most popular area to stay in.
This neighborhood refers to the western border of Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake and while it’s a little further from city center (about 4 km from Old Quarter) it’s a popular choice among luxury travelers, nightlife enthusiasts, and expats.
This peaceful, residential, and easy-going area offers a resort-like experience for those that have already seen Hanoi’s main attractions.
Start your morning with a lake views and a picnic brunch, join in on various recreational activities in the afternoon, and then party it up at the different upscale clubs at night.
Pros:
-
Quiet and easygoing local neighborhood
-
Large expat community
-
Great nightlife: sky bars (rooftop bars) and night clubs
-
Lots of recreational activities (cycling, jogging, stand up paddle boarding, etc)
-
Luxury accommodations with incredible views of the lake and Hanoi city
Quiet and easygoing local neighborhood
Large expat community
Great nightlife: sky bars (rooftop bars) and night clubs
Lots of recreational activities (cycling, jogging, stand up paddle boarding, etc)
Luxury accommodations with incredible views of the lake and Hanoi city
Cons:
-
Far from the Hanoi’s main attractions
-
Inconvenient location (you will have to spend time and money on taxi rides)
Far from the Hanoi’s main attractions
Inconvenient location (you will have to spend time and money on taxi rides)
Best Hotels In Hanoi West Lake:
-
Budget: Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture
-
Mid-Range: InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
-
Luxury: Pan Pacific Hanoi
Budget: Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture
Mid-Range: InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
Luxury: Pan Pacific Hanoi
✨ Explore West Lake Hotels ✨
Off The Beaten Path
The point of travel is to see the world and to experience different cultures, and staying in a neighborhood that is outside the main tourist locations gives you insight into local living and customs.
So here are some of the top “off the beaten path” areas to consider staying in.
Hai Ba Trung
✨ Best For: college-aged travelers, people who want to experience local living
✨ Key Attractions: Hai Ba Trung Temple, Halais Lake (Thien Quang Lake), Vinpearl Aquarium
This district is named after the legendary Trung sisters who let a rebellion against Chinese rule in the first century.
It’s one of the four original districts of Hanoi and home to a large affluent demographic made up of local executives, young professional families, and university students.
Get a taste for local living and mingle with young professionals in this hip and modern neighborhood.
You’ll find accommodations that range from chic hostels to sophisticated hotels, but this area does generally cater to a younger crowd seeing a vibrant and urban experience.
There are also lots of apartments for longer-term rent and coffee shops that are perfect for remote workers.
Pros:
-
Hip and trendy neighborhood
-
Lots of accommodation types at fair prices
-
Proximity to locals and opportunities for cultural exchange
-
Quieter than city center
Hip and trendy neighborhood
Lots of accommodation types at fair prices
Proximity to locals and opportunities for cultural exchange
Quieter than city center
Cons:
-
Further from main tourist attractions
-
(Potentially) less English fluency so it might be harder to navigate
Further from main tourist attractions
(Potentially) less English fluency so it might be harder to navigate
Best Hotels In Hai Ba Trung:
-
Budget: Halais Hotel
-
Mid-Range: La Casa Hanoi Hotel
Budget: Halais Hotel
Mid-Range: La Casa Hanoi Hotel
Luxury: Gorgeous Condo With River View – Sungrand Ancora
✨ Explore Hai Ba Trung Hotels ✨
Ba Dinh
✨ Best For: expats, culture enthusiasts, older travelers
✨ Key Attractions: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, One Pillar Pagoda
Ba Dinh is another one of the four original districts of Hanoi.
This historical neighborhood is home to a lot of cultural monuments and attractions like the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.
It’s a quiet and more residential neighborhood that balances sight seeing and relaxation. This area is best suited for older travelers who want to take things at their own pace or expats who are slow traveling through the country.
Ba Dinh district is huge so ideally you want to stay close to the main attractions. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending a small fortune on unnecessary taxis.
Pros:
-
Quiet, residential, and offers refuge from tourist fatigue
-
Good mix of different accommodation types
-
Easy access to important cultural attractions
Quiet, residential, and offers refuge from tourist fatigue
Good mix of different accommodation types
Easy access to important cultural attractions
Cons:
-
Too quiet and too far from city center (especially for solo woman travelers)
-
Expensive if you plan on taking cabs
Too quiet and too far from city center (especially for solo woman travelers)
Expensive if you plan on taking cabs
Best Hotels In Ba Dinh:
-
Budget: Bendecir Hotel & Spa
-
Mid-Range: Pullman Hanoi Hotel
Budget: Bendecir Hotel & Spa
Mid-Range: Pullman Hanoi Hotel
Luxury: CHUYEN Sunny Triple Kitchen Cinema Roof Top
✨ Explore Ba Dinh Hotels ✨
Truc Bach
✨ Best For: solo travelers in their 30s and 40s who prioritize peace and quiet, families
✨ Key Attractions: Highlands Coffee, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hoan Kiem Lake
Okay, so Truc Bach is technically part of Ba Dinh district, but I think it deserves a shout-out on its own.
This area is nestled between West Lake and Old Quarter and is close enough to the main tourist attractions to be convenient, but far enough to offer some peace and quiet.
Truly the perfect neighborhood for Goldilocks, Truc Bach is a balanced space that is juuuust right.
You’ll find the energy of a modern city tempered with serene outdoor spaces, and a good mix of western visitors and local Hanoians.
Pros:
-
Tranquil and residential neighborhood
-
Modern hotels and serviced apartments
-
Wide variety of delicious food at local prices
-
Beautiful outdoor spaces
Tranquil and residential neighborhood
Modern hotels and serviced apartments
Wide variety of delicious food at local prices
Beautiful outdoor spaces
Cons:
-
In between main attractions (not quite city center and not quite West Lake)
-
Will have to spend some time/money on commute
In between main attractions (not quite city center and not quite West Lake)
Will have to spend some time/money on commute
Best Hotels In Truc Bach:
-
Budget: La Santé Hotel & Spa
-
Mid-Range: The Five Suites Lilas
-
Luxury: Flower Garden Hotel
Budget: La Santé Hotel & Spa
Mid-Range: The Five Suites Lilas
Luxury: Flower Garden Hotel
✨ Explore Truc Bach Hotels ✨
Cau Giay
✨ Best For: business travelers, budget-savvy travelers looking for a deal
✨ Key Attractions: Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Cau Giay Park
Heading deep into the suburbs now, Cau Giay is located to the west of city center and is known for its modern shopping malls and business centers.
If you’re the type of person who prioritizes amenities like pools and gyms in your accommodations, then you can find some really great deals in this neighborhood.
It’s a little bit out of the way but definitely worth considering if you’re visiting just for a business trip or want the most bang for your buck.
This neighborhood also has the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which was one of the attractions that I was most bummed about not being able to see. Vietnam has 54 officially recognized ethnic minority groups and this museum does an incredible job of showcasing them.
Pros:
-
Modern hotels and serviced apartments with a plethora of amenities
-
Great Vietnamese and Asian food scene
-
Insight into business class living in Vietnam
-
Access to nearby traditional handicraft villages
Modern hotels and serviced apartments with a plethora of amenities
Great Vietnamese and Asian food scene
Insight into business class living in Vietnam
Access to nearby traditional handicraft villages
Cons:
-
Far from Hanoi’s main attractions
-
Expect to spend a lot on cabs and transport
Far from Hanoi’s main attractions
Expect to spend a lot on cabs and transport
Best Hotels In Ba Dinh:
-
Budget: Mhouse 127 waterfront 3
-
Mid-Range: West Lake 254D Hotel & Residence
-
Luxury: Lotte The Residence
Budget: Mhouse 127 waterfront 3
Mid-Range: West Lake 254D Hotel & Residence
Luxury: Lotte The Residence
✨ Explore Cau Giay Hotels ✨
Niche Accommodation Types In Hanoi
When I travel to a new country, I try to do my best to support the local communities.
So, beyond neighborhood considerations, I will also take the time to look into accommodation types that benefit the people.
Here are some niche options that you might also be interested in.
Homestay
A homestay is one of the best ways to give directly back to the communities you’re visiting.
When you stay with a local family, you get to know the culture better, it tends to be cheaper, and it’s a genuine and authentic way to make deeper connections to the places that you’re visiting.
Additionally, as a solo woman traveler, it’s a constant struggle to balance safety and connection. I’ve found homestays to offer both community, warmth, and protection.
Hanoi Family Homestay
This six room accommodation is one of the most popular homestays in Hanoi.
Huong and her family opened their first guesthouse nearly 20 years ago when they first moved from the countryside to the city. They’ve since expanded to a nicer building, but still offer the same personal care and attention to their guests.
They have three family rooms and several double rooms so regardless of how many people you’re traveling with, they have the bedroom configuration for you!
Book A Room At Hanoi Family Homestay
Khai Homestay
Khai Homestay is located in a small alley off the main street just minutes away from Dong Xuan market in Old Quarter Hanoi.
All the rooms have air conditioning and wifi, and there’s a shared lounge where travelers can mingle.
It’s clear from the website reviews that Hoanh (the owner) really puts a lot of attention and dedication into caring for his guests.
Chip’s House
Chip House is a charming homestay in the Ba Dinh neighborhood run by Loan and her family.
It’s a bit further from city center but gives you access to the peace and quiet of a more residential neighborhood.
All the rooms are clean and spacious with hardwood floors.
Guests also have access to the homestay’s rooftop garden and terrace.
Eco Friendly
You won’t find any eco lodges in the city but here are some green hotels making a push towards more sustainable practices.
✨ Tip: You can filter by “Travel Sustainable“ on Booking.Com or Agoda to find more eco-friendly accommodations
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
This Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel is a luxury hotel that stands on over 100 years of history. They hold a Green Globe Certification and are a leader in sustainable tourism in the country.
Some practices that they’ve implemented include eliminating single-use plastics from their guest rooms, running their towel and linen washes less frequently, and transitioning all hotel lighting to energy-efficient LEDs.
Book A Room At Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi
This five star boutique hotel in the French Quarter balances old school glamour with new school values.
They’ve done their best to implement sustainable practices in their business including swapping to energy-efficient lighting, using eco-friendly cleaning products, giving guests the option to reuse linens, and eliminating single-use plastics.
Book A Room At Hotel De L’Opera Hanoi
Meliá Hanoi
Meliá Hanoi in the French Quarter is part of the Ecostars program which recognizes hotels committed to more sustainable practices.
They’ve not only eliminated single use plastics and opted for energy efficient lighting solutions, but consistently partner with leaders in sustainability to push forward innovative initiatives.
Some of these include Plasticshreds which repurposes plastic waste to create roads in countries lacking infrastructure; Linens for Life which uses old linens to create new goods like bags, toys, and uniforms for people in need; and Soap for Hope which transforms leftover soap into new sterilized soap bars for struggling communities.
Pet Friendly
With service animals becoming more commonplace across the world, we’ve also seen an increase in pet-friendly hotels. Here are some of the best Hanoi hotels that allow for your furry family members.
Golden Lotus Luxury Hotel
The Golden Lotus Luxury Hotel is located on the border of Old Quarter, just steps from Hoan Kiem Lake.
Their establishment allows up to 2 pets on request (including big dogs) with no additional pet fee.
Their luxury packages include a range of benefits such as spa treatments, complimentary breakfast, and airport transfers directly to the hotel.
Book A Room At Golden Lotus Luxury Hotel
Hanoi Posh Boutique Hotel
This smaller boutique hotel is located in the northern corner of Old Quarter, close to Dong Xuan Market.
They offer a large range of room types from standard double rooms to luxurious family suites.
Again, up to two pets are allowed on request (including big dogs) at no additional fee.
Book A Room At Hanoi Posh Boutique Hotel
Hanoi Paradise Center Hotel & Spa
This four-star luxury hotel is located between Old Quarter and French Quarter.
Their decor balances classic charm with Asian highlights creating a balanced and harmonic experience.
Dogs and cats up to 10kg are allowed on request with no additional pet fee.
Book A Room At Hanoi Paradise Center Hotel & Spa
Safety In Hanoi
Hanoi is very safe for travelers. (Actually, Vietnam on a whole is pretty safe for travelers.)
The city was given a 65.80 out of 100 with most of the points deducted going towards petty crimes like theft and scams.
Therefore, there aren’t really any unsafe areas to stay in.
That being said, there is safety in numbers. An area that’s more dense tends to feel a little safer because there are more opportunities for bystanders to see something and intervene.
Therefore, I ranked some of the more popular tourist areas a little higher on the list.
The further out into the suburbs you go, the more quiet it gets. It might be better for sleeping soundly at night, but walking home alone can get a bit eerie.
Places To Avoid In Hanoi
There are dodgy areas in every city but on the whole, Hanoi doesn’t really have them.
Just use your street smarts and stay alert when exploring the city. Be careful of pick pockets and make sure that your belongings are safely on your body.
Check both sides when you cross the street (and then check again), and you should be good to go.
If you’re out after midnight, you might encounter some drug dealers or sex workers. Just ignore them, say no, and walk away quickly.
Conclusion
For first time visitors, the best area to stay in Hanoi is Old Quarter. Some might say that it’s overrated, loud, and too generic, but I’m always a proponent for trying the most basic route first before deciding for yourself.
I personally stayed in Old Quarter because it was the most convenient option for seeing major attractions and booking day tours (like the ones to Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh). It was also easily the best place to be in terms of getting to the airport or to other Vietnamese cities.
My Airbnb was tucked away into a small alley, so it wasn’t that loud. However, if you’re a light sleeper, then French Quarter, Ba Dinh, or Tru Bach might be better for you.
I always recommend roughly planning the itinerary first and saving main attractions on Google Maps before booking your stay. That way, you know where things are and can make the best choice for your specific agenda.
After spending a few days in Hanoi, you can head into the mountains of Ha Giang or Sapa, or head east to Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba Island.
More On Travel In Asia:
Best Ways From Hanoi Airport To Old Quarter
How Many Days In Hanoi Is Enough?
3 Day Hanoi Itinerary For First Time Visitors
Incense Village Hanoi: Is It Worth It?
How To Go From Hanoi To Ha Giang
How To Go From Ha Giang To Sapa
Sapa vs Ha Giang? Which Is Better?
Is The Ha Giang Loop Dangerous?
How To Pack A Travel Capsule Wardrobe
PIN THIS FOR LATER
Leave a Reply