Planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering where to stay in Hanoi? Find detailed guide to Hanoi best areas and best places to stay in Hanoi with recommended accommodation options in each most popular area of the city.
Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam, which is full of culture, history and fun. There are many areas in Hanoi that are good to stay for tourists and each of them has different advantages and disadvantages. If you are looking for accommodation in Hanoi, this article will help you choose the area that meets your needs best and plan your trip to Hanoi more easily.
Best Places to Stay in Hanoi
Find the guide of the best areas and places to stay in Hanoi and hotel recommendations below.
1. Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi Old Quarter is the oldest area of the city, built since the 13th century. This is the most popular area to stay for tourists because it is located in the center of the city. Hanoi Old Quarter is full of outstanding, unique and beautiful colonial architecture. There are many motorbikes driving on its narrow roads. Along the pavements, you will see Hanoi people happily sipping coffee on small plastic chairs amid insane traffic. Being Hanoi’s major commercial district, the Old Quarter has everything the tourist might need. It is a chaotic but very charming area.
Highlights of Hanoi Old Quarter
All major tourist attractions such as Hanoi Opera House, museums, temples, Huc Bridge, Turtle Pagoda and Thang Long Water Puppet Theater are within a walking distance.
There are many street food stalls and restaurants to choose from for trying authentic Vietnamese food. Cute cafés are located on every corner of Hanoi Old Quarter. There are also numerous bars, nightclubs and karaoke lined up in the streets, most of which are inexpensive.
There are many places for shopping in Hanoi Old Quarter, from street shops, traditional markets, Hanoi Weekend Night Market to shopping malls.
A peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake that is found in the area is a great place for tourists to sit back and relax from madness of Hanoi.
Accommodation in Hanoi Old Quarter
Accommodation in Hanoi Old Quarter ranges from budget hostels to luxurious hotels. Everyone can stay in this area, from backpackers who want to save money to fancy tourists.
O'Gallery Classy Hotel & Spa. This is a 4-star hotel, located just 100 meters away from Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. The hotel features a bar / lounge and an outdoor pool and spa. The hotel also has family rooms with a lake view.
Essence Palace Hotel & Spa. This hotel is located a 3-minute walk from the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake. The rooms are warmly decorated with modern design. The suites have a separate living area and balcony.
Damsels Hanoi Boutique Hotel. This is a modern 3-star hotel. The hotel has a beautiful restaurant that overlooks Hoan Kiem Lake. The rooms are decorated with wooden furniture. The suites come with luxurious sitting areas. There is also an airport shuttle service.
Oriental Suites Hotel & Spa. This is a 3-star hotel located in Hanoi Old Quarter, approximately 2 minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake. A complimentary breakfast is available. The hotel offers a bar, lounge, cafe and spa.
Hanoi Pearl Hotel. This hotel is located in the heart of Hanoi Old Quarter. It is just a 3-minute walk to St. Joseph's Cathedral, Ngoc Son Temple and Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. The rooms are decorated with parquet flooring. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served. The hotel has an international restaurant, lounge at the lobby and rooftop bar.
2. French Quarter
Hanoi French Quarter is an area located southeast of the Old Quarter and east of Hoan Kiem Lake, which has been built since 1883. The district is characterized by Parisian buildings and streets spread out along the beautiful road lined with trees. There are many high-end stores that sell luxury items, fine-dining restaurants, upmarket hotels and French style villas for you to enjoy your time in the area during your holiday in the capital of Vietnam.
Highlights of Hanoi French Quarter
This area is adjacent to the Old Quarter but less bustling, making it more peaceful and suitable for relaxation.
The whole area is more elegant and well-maintained.
There are many tourist attractions nearby such as Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hanoi Opera House, Hoa Lo Prison, Trang Tien Street, etc.
Trang Tien Street is a luxury shopping street with the stores of high-end brands such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Versace. There are also many bookstores, galleries, and boutiques shops.
Accommodation in Hanoi French Quarter
Accommodation options in Hanoi French Quarter are similar to the Old Quarter but there are more luxurious places to stay. It is suitable for business travelers or couples who come for honeymoon or to celebrate other special occasions.
Authentic Hanoi Hotel. This hotel is located near Hoan Kiem Lake, along a tree-lined street. Rooms are elegantly decorated with wooden floor and furniture. Suites have sitting area and whirlpool. Room service is available. There is a complimentary breakfast and other amenities including a spa, restaurant and rooftop café.
Conifer Boutique Hotel. This is a cozy hotel surrounded by cafes, bars and restaurants. It's located just a 3-minute walk from Hanoi Opera House. The Ba Dinh Square is 300 meters, while Trang Tien Plaza is 500 meters away from the hotel. The upgraded rooms have a balcony with a view to Hanoi. The suites have a comfortable seating area.
Hanoi Paradise Center Hotel & Spa. This is a new hotel, so the decoration, furniture and equipment are new and well maintained. Family rooms have a terrace. The hotel offers a full English and Irish breakfast.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. This is a luxurious and beautiful 5-star hotel which won the colonial and neo-classical luxury hotel award. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is located in a neo-classical building, surrounded by high-end shops. From the hotel to Hanoi Opera House is just a 5 minute walk. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has a French and Vietnamese restaurant as well as 3 chic bars, spa and heated outdoor pool on site.
Grand Cititel Hanoi Hotel. This hotel is located a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, within a 3-minute walk from the Vietnam Revolution Museum, Vietnam National History Museum and Hanoi Opera House. All rooms are modern with private bathrooms. The upgraded rooms feature a seating area and views of Hanoi City. Grand Cititel Hanoi Hotel also houses a modern bar. Free breakfast is served at the hotel.
3. Ba Dinh Area
Ba Dinh is one of the most interesting areas of Hanoi for those who are interested in Vietnamese history as it is Vietnam's political and historical center. The area is large, spreads from the Old Quarter to the west of the city. Ba Dinh gives more local feel than the more touristy areas of the city. You will see many beautiful buildings of French colonial architecture here like in the Old Quarter but Ba Dinh is less crowded.
Highlights of Ba Dinh Area
Close to the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake which is located just 15 minutes away.
Lots of Hanoi’s tourist attractions, especially historic sites such as Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Vietnam Military History Museum, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Lotte Observation Deck are found in the area.
The area has more open spaces and shade in Hanoi Botanical Gardens providing a peaceful atmosphere.
There are enough restaurants for you to eat and a variety of nightlife spots that are open until late night for you to party.
Accommodation in Ba Dinh Area
Ba Dinh is a large area, providing a wide range of accommodations including hotels, serviced apartments, residential complexes, and houses.
Grandiose Hotel & Spa. This hotel is located about 1.5 km from Vincom Center Nguyen Chi Thanh. The rooms are well decorated. The upgraded rooms have a balcony. The apartment type rooms have a kitchen and living room. There is a buffet breakfast and free parking available. Other facilities include a restaurant, spa, and fitness center.
Super Hotel Candle. This is a 4-star hotel is surrounded by the embassies and located just 750 meters from Thu Le Zoo. The hotel is contemporarily decorated with bright colors. There is a Japanese style shower room and swimming pool. The hotel has Vietnamese and Japanese restaurants onsite.
La Batisse Kim Ma Hotel. This hotel is located in Ba Dinh area, 1.3 km from One Pillar Pagoda and 1.5 km from Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts. The hotel provides tour services, luggage storage and airport shuttle service.
Hanoi La Rosa Hotel. This hotel is located just 50 meters from Tran Quy Cap Train Station. It offers comfortable and modern rooms. Rooms and suites are decorated with wooden floor. The upgraded rooms have a balcony, while the suites have a seating area. A free buffet breakfast is available. A restaurant on the top floor of hotel overlooks Hanoi.
Delicacy Hotel & Spa. This hotel is just 7 minutes' walk from Hanoi Railway Station and 700 meters from St. Joseph's Cathedral. The rooms are quiet and comfortable. There is a complimentary buffet breakfast and many other facilities, including a spa, restaurant, and open-air bar with views across the city.
4. Tay Ho Area
Tay Ho is known as the West Lake, Hanoi's largest lake. This area is located to the north of the Hanoi city center. Previously, Tay Ho was just a neighborhood of small fishing village with not many tourists and businesses around. But over the time the area grew and many businesses were set up within this area so Tay Ho has become another bustling area of Hanoi, with gardens, nice villas, boutiques and luxury hotels, floating restaurants and entertainment centers as well as beautiful lake views for tourists to experience.
Highlights of Tay Ho Area
Not too far from Hanoi Old Quarter as it is located just about 20 minutes’ walk away, but offers a calm atmosphere. The area is suitable for those looking for a peaceful stay in Hanoi.
The main attractions in this area are Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, Quan Thanh Temple and Ho Tay Water Park.
Suitable for foreigners because it is the area that feels like a western country, with friendly local people, many of who speak English.
This area has many international restaurants, famous coffee shops, various bars, spa, and shopping malls so there are plenty of places to sit and chill. The restaurants here mostly offer a fusion food.
Accommodation in Tay Ho Area
Most of Tay Ho accommodations are 5-star luxury hotels, serviced apartments and housing rentals, most of which are occupied by wealthier Vietnamese and foreigners. As this area is located along Hanoi's largest lake, staying at the room with the lake view is the best option.
Elegant Suites Westlake. This property offers spacious serviced apartments with various amenities. Each room has a seating and dining area as well as a kitchen with a microwave and fridge. Other facilities include an outdoor pool, gym, sauna, shared lounge, and tour desk.
Pan Pacific Hanoi. This is a luxury hotel with the views of the Red River, West Lake and Truc Bach Lake. The rooms are contemporary and decorated in yellow tones. The furniture is modern and designed in Vietnamese style. The hotel has a restaurant onsite with Chinese and international cuisine. The hotel has a spa, swimming pool and rooftop bar which offers views across the city.
InterContinental Hanoi Westlake. This is a 5-star hotel, located next to Kim Lien Pagoda. The hotel offers luxurious rooms decorated in a contemporary Vietnamese style. The upgraded rooms have a private lounge serving food and beverages. Suites have a sitting area and apartments have a kitchen. There are 3 restaurants serving Italian and French food.
West Lake Home Hotel & Spa. This hotel is offering a West Lake View. The upgraded rooms feature lake views and a bathtub. The hotel has a sun terrace, free bicycles, and currency exchange services available for guests. Free breakfast and room service are also provided.
The Royal Hotel Near West Lake. The hotel is located on a busy street full of shops and restaurants. It provides a relaxing and modern place for guests. There are family rooms with a terrace. The hotel is also offering free bicycles and a shared lounge as well as free breakfast and free parking.