Best Hostels in Hanoi: Where to Stay in Vietnam's Vibrant Capital
Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam, is a captivating blend of ancient tradition and modern energy. With a population of around 8 million people, this dynamic city offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese culture while providing all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. Located in the northern part of the country, Hanoi typically serves as either the first or final stop on most Vietnam itineraries, making it an essential place to find quality accommodation.
The city's rich history dates back over a thousand years, and you can feel this legacy as you wander through its charming streets, particularly in the Old Quarter where French colonial architecture stands alongside ancient temples. Despite its size, Hanoi remains surprisingly walkable, with most major attractions concentrated in a relatively compact area around Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of the city.
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Which Areas to Stay in Hanoi
One of the things I loved most about Hanoi is how surprisingly compact the central area is. Despite being Vietnam's capital, the main tourist areas are quite walkable, meaning that wherever you choose to stay, you'll likely be able to reach most attractions on foot.
The area around Hoan Kiem Lake is undoubtedly picturesque and offers some of the most postcard-worthy views in the city. However, it's worth noting that this area is CRAZY busy with both pedestrians and motorbikes constantly zooming around. If you're sensitive to noise or looking for a more peaceful stay, you might want to consider staying a few streets back from the lake.
Just north of the smaller West Lake, there's a cluster of backpacker hostels that have created quite a vibrant social scene. If you're travelling solo or looking to meet other travellers, this is an excellent area to base yourself. The concentration of hostels means there are always people around to join for activities or meals.
From my experience exploring various parts of the city, I didn't encounter any areas that felt particularly dangerous. Of course, like in any busy city, it's always wise to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas, but generally speaking, Hanoi feels welcoming to tourists throughout its central districts.
Best Hostels in Hanoi
After my less-than-stellar experience with a hostel in Hanoi (chronically unhelpful staff, dirty rooms, and no hot water in the showers), I made it my mission to compile recommendations from friends who had more positive experiences. Here are the hostels that consistently received high praise:
Hanoi Backpackers Hostel & Rooftop
Situated in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, Hanoi Backpackers Hostel has established itself as one of the most popular options for budget travellers. My friends who stayed here raved about the social atmosphere and the rooftop bar, which apparently offers some stunning views over the city.
The hostel offers both mixed and female-only dorm rooms with comfortable beds equipped with privacy curtains - a small but significant feature that makes shared accommodation much more bearable. Prices start from around 150kVND (6€) per night for a dorm bed, making it an excellent option for travellers on a tight budget.
What really sets this hostel apart is its extensive social calendar. They organise regular activities including free walking tours of the Old Quarter, giving new arrivals an immediate orientation to the city. They also offer easy booking for popular excursions to Ha Long Bay and the Ha Giang Loop, which can save you a lot of time and hassle.
The free breakfast was reportedly quite substantial compared to other hostels, giving you a good start to your day of exploration. And with the hostel's central location, you're within walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake, the Night Market, and numerous street food options.
🛏 Book Hanoi Backpackers Hostel here
Mad Monkey Hostel Hanoi
With a strong disclaimer that this is ONLY for those seeking a party atmosphere, Mad Monkey Hanoi consistently came up in conversations about memorable stays. This is definitely a party hostel, so if you're looking for quiet nights and early mornings, this is not the place for you.
Located just a short walk from St. Joseph Cathedral in the Old Quarter, Mad Monkey offers dorm rooms starting from around 200kVND (8€) per night. The slightly higher price point compared to other hostels reflects the additional amenities, including a swimming pool - a rare find in Hanoi hostels and an absolute blessing during the hot summer months.
The hostel organises regular pub crawls and social events, making it incredibly easy to meet fellow travellers. Their rooftop bar is always buzzing with activity, and they often host themed parties that my friends said were some of the highlights of their time in Vietnam.
Despite its party reputation, the rooms themselves are reportedly clean and well-maintained, with comfortable beds, air conditioning, and secure lockers. The staff received particular praise for being helpful with booking onward travel and giving local recommendations.
🛏 Book Mad Monkey Hostel here
Lake View Backpackers Hostel Hanoi
For those seeking a balance between socialising and a good night's sleep, Lake View Backpackers Hostel offers the best of both worlds. As the name suggests, this hostel is located near Hoan Kiem Lake, providing easy access to many of Hanoi's top attractions.
Dorm beds start from around 180kVND (7€) per night, and private rooms are also available for those wanting a bit more privacy. What stood out in my friends' reviews was the cleanliness of the facilities and the quality of the beds - apparently some of the most comfortable they experienced in Southeast Asia.
The rooftop area offers beautiful views over the lake and serves as a social hub in the evenings. Unlike some of the more intense party hostels, Lake View maintains a more relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a few drinks and conversation without feeling pressured to stay out until the early hours.
They offer free breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property, and the staff were reportedly excellent at helping arrange tours to popular destinations like Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay at competitive prices. The hostel also offers a free beer hour each evening, which is a great way to meet other travellers before heading out to explore Hanoi's evening offerings.
🛏 Book Lake View Backpackers here
Frequently Asked Questions About Hanoi
What is the best area of Hanoi to stay in?
The Old Quarter is generally considered the best area to stay in Hanoi for tourists. It's centrally located, walking distance to major attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake, and filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops. The area offers accommodation for all budgets, from cheap hostels to boutique hotels.
Where should I stay in Hanoi for the first time?
First-time visitors to Hanoi should consider staying in the Old Quarter or near Hoan Kiem Lake. These central locations put you in the heart of the action and make it easy to explore the city's main attractions on foot. The area is tourist-friendly with plenty of English-speaking staff in hotels and restaurants.
What is the best area to live in Hanoi?
For longer stays, many expats prefer the Tay Ho (West Lake) area, which offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the bustling Old Quarter. Ba Dinh district is also popular for its leafy streets and proximity to diplomatic missions. These areas provide more space and amenities for comfortable long-term living.
Should you stay in the Old Quarter in Hanoi?
Yes, the Old Quarter is an excellent choice for most travellers, especially those on shorter visits. Its central location, abundance of accommodation options, and vibrant street life make it ideal for experiencing Hanoi's culture. However, it can be noisy and crowded, so light sleepers might prefer staying slightly outside this area.
Conclusion
Finding the right hostel in Hanoi can significantly enhance your experience in Vietnam's captivating capital. Whether you're looking for a social party atmosphere, a quiet retreat, or something in between, Hanoi offers a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets.
The three hostels highlighted here - Hanoi Backpackers Hostel, Mad Monkey Hanoi, and Lake View Backpackers Hostel - consistently receive positive reviews from travellers and provide comfortable bases from which to explore all that Hanoi has to offer. Each has its unique character and strengths, so consider what aspects of a hostel experience matter most to you when making your choice.
Remember that location is key in Hanoi, with the Old Quarter and areas around Hoan Kiem Lake providing the most convenient access to the city's main attractions. Whichever hostel you choose, you'll be well-positioned to immerse yourself in the rich culture, delicious food, and vibrant energy that make Hanoi such a beloved destination for travellers exploring Southeast Asia.
