Travels with Ingrid

Where to Stay in Hanoi: 5 Best Areas & Hotels for Every Budget

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep the blog updated. Thank you for the support!
Where you stay in Hanoi makes a huge difference in how you experience the city. Do you want to be right in the middle of the buzzing Old Quarter? Or somewhere quieter, close to green parks or lakes?

After spending a couple of weeks exploring different corners of Hanoi, I realised that each neighbourhood truly has its own personality. Hanoi is a fascinating mix of chaotic streets, incredible food, French colonial architecture, ancient temples, lakes and cafés. Some neighbourhoods put you right in the middle of the action, while others are much quieter and better suited to longer stays.

For most first-time visitors, the Old Quarter and the area around Hoàn Kiếm Lake are the most convenient. But that doesn't necessarily mean they're the best choice for everyone. I personally spent most of my time staying near Train Street and really enjoyed being close to the main sights while still feeling slightly removed from the busiest tourist areas.

In this guide, I'll break down the best areas to stay in Hanoi, including what each neighbourhood is like, the pros and cons, who I think it's best for, and some of the best hotels to consider.

Quick answer: What is the best area to stay in Hanoi?

If you don't have time to read the entire guide, here's a quick overview of the hotels I would look at first in Hanoi:

Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel

If you want a luxury hotel right in the middle of Hanoi's Old Quarter, this is a great option. The hotel has stylish and modern interiors while still incorporating Vietnamese-inspired details, and you'll find an outdoor rooftop pool, several restaurants and bars, a spa and fitness centre.

Check prices and availability

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

This is probably the most iconic hotel in Hanoi and has been a landmark in the French Quarter since opening in 1901. This elegant colonial-style hotel combines old-world charm with modern luxury, with beautiful gardens, an outdoor pool, several restaurants and bars.

Check prices and availability

L'Heritage Premium Hanoi Central
L'Heritage Premium Hanoi Central

This is a great choice if you want to stay right on the edge of Hanoi's Old Quarter while being close to Train Street. It's a stylish boutique option with comfortable rooms and a more intimate feel than the larger international hotels, making it a good fit for those who want a central base without paying luxury-hotel prices.

Check prices and availability

For first-time visitors to Hanoi, I'd choose the Old Quarter if you only have a night or two. For a longer stay, I personally prefer staying slightly outside the busiest part of the Old Quarter, such as around Train Street or the French Quarter.

Map of the Best Hotels in Hanoi

Below you'll find a map where I've pinned my favourite hotels in Ushuaia to make it easier for you to navigate when you're looking for where you want to base yourself.

Should you stay in Old Quarter?

If it’s your first time in Hanoi, the Old Quarter is where many people choose to base themselves, and for good reason. This neighbourhood is the beating heart of the city, with streets buzzing with scooters, street vendors, cafés, and hole-in-the-wall shops. You’ll find delicious street food, lively nightlife, and a sense of history in the old colonial buildings.

The Old Quarter is perfect for travellers who want to be in the middle of everything. It’s chaotic, but that’s part of the charm. You’ll be within walking distance of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Train Street, Dong Xuan Market, and countless street food spots.

The downside is the noise, if you’re a light sleeper, you might struggle with the constant buzz. I personally think this area is incredible to explore, but might be a bit too hectic to base myself in.

However, I think it depends on how long you’re staying in Hanoi. If you only have one or two nights, then this might be perfect for you. If you’re planning on staying a bit longer, I would consider picking one of the other locations below.

Wandering around Old Quarter in Hanoi
Sim Card
Need mobile data when you land?

I always set up an eSIM before flying so I'm connected the moment I arrive. Compare the best plans from Airalo here.

Best Hotels in the Old Quarter

Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel

If you want a luxury hotel right in the middle of Hanoi's Old Quarter, this is a great option. The hotel has stylish and modern interiors while still incorporating Vietnamese-inspired details, and you'll find an outdoor rooftop pool, several restaurants and bars, a spa and fitness centre.

Check prices and availability

Hanoi Dalvostro Valentino Hotel & Spa
Hanoi Dalvostro Valentino Hotel & Spa

If you want a comfortable upscale stay without going all the way into luxury-hotel prices, this is worth looking at. It’s centrally located in the Old Quarter, making it easy to explore the surrounding area. It also has a spa and rooftop area where you can relax after exploring Hanoi.

Check prices and availability

La Siesta Classic Ma May
La Siesta Classic Ma May

For a more intimate boutique experience, this puts you right in the heart of the Old Quarter. The hotel combines traditional Vietnamese touches with beautiful boutique design and has a spa, comfortable rooms and the Moonlight Sky Bar on the top floor with great views of the city.

Check prices and availability

Old Quarter, Hanoi

Should you stay in French Quarter (near Hoàn Kiếm Lake)?

Just south of the Old Quarter, you'll find Hanoi's French Quarter, and it feels surprisingly different. You’ll find wide boulevards lined with trees and colonial mansions that make it feel more elegant and relaxed.

This is where you’ll find Hanoi’s Opera House, high-end shops, and some of the city’s best museums. It’s quieter than the Old Quarter but still central enough that you can walk to the main sights.

The French Quarter is ideal for couples, families, or anyone who prefers a calmer, more upscale stay. The main drawback is that it’s more expensive, with fewer budget options and more mid-range to luxury hotels.

Exploring French Quarter in Hanoi
Activities
Want to make the most of your trip to Hanoi?

Browse the highest-rated tours and experiences here.

Best Hotels in the French Quarter

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

This is probably the most iconic hotel in Hanoi and has been a landmark in the French Quarter since opening in 1901. This elegant colonial-style hotel combines old-world charm with modern luxury, with beautiful gardens, an outdoor pool, several restaurants and bars.

Check prices and availability

Capella Hanoi
Capella Hanoi

For something a little more dramatic, this is a stunning boutique hotel just steps from the Hanoi Opera House. Designed by Bill Bensley, the hotel takes inspiration from the world of opera, with theatrical interiors, vintage costumes and lavish details throughout its 47 rooms and suites.

Check prices and availability

Fairmont Hanoi
Fairmont Hanoi

One of the newer luxury additions to Hanoi, this brings a much more contemporary feel to the French Quarter. The hotel combines French Colonial and Indochinese influences with modern interiors and has 241 rooms, six dining venues, a rooftop pool and a huge wellness centre.

Check prices and availability

French Quarter, Hanoi

Should you stay around Train Street (Phùng Hưng & Lê Duẩn Area)?

If you've seen photos of Hanoi online, there's a good chance you've come across Hanoi Train Street. The famous railway runs directly through a narrow residential area, with cafés and homes sitting extremely close to the tracks. While access to parts of Train Street can be restricted, the surrounding neighbourhood is still a really interesting place to stay.

This area lies just on the edge of the Old Quarter, so you’ll still be close to the action without being right in the busiest part.

This neighbourhood is also close to cultural sights like the Imperial Citadel, the Flag Tower, and the Temple of Literature, which makes it a good balance of local charm and sightseeing convenience.

This is actually where I based myself for most of my time in Hanoi, and I really loved it. I could walk to pretty much every major sight I wanted to visit, but I didn't feel like I was staying directly in the middle of the tourist chaos. There were also plenty of small local restaurants and cafés around, which made it easy to eat like a local rather than relying on touristy restaurants.

Train street in Hanoi by night

Best Hotels near Train Street

L'Heritage Premium Hanoi Central
L'Heritage Premium Hanoi Central

This is a great choice if you want to stay right on the edge of Hanoi's Old Quarter while being close to Train Street. It's a stylish boutique option with comfortable rooms and a more intimate feel than the larger international hotels, making it a good fit for those who want a central base without paying luxury-hotel prices.

Check prices and availability

Acoustic Hotel & Spa
Acoustic Hotel & Spa

This is a good option if you want a little more comfort while still staying within walking distance of Train Street and the Old Quarter. Located on Thợ Nhuộm Street, the hotel combines modern rooms with a rooftop area, spa and restaurant, giving you somewhere relaxing to return to after a busy day exploring Hanoi.

Check prices and availability

Aira Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa
Aira Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa

For something a little more upscale, this is located on Trần Phú, just a short walk from the Train Street area. The hotel has a more polished boutique feel, with a rooftop pool, spa, restaurant and stylish rooms, making it a nice choice if you want to combine sightseeing with a bit of downtime.

Check prices and availability

Train street, Hanoi
Insurance
Travel with peace of mind and get travel insurance before your trip.

I personally use SafetyWing and highly recommend it for every kind of trip. Check their prices & plans here.

Should you stay in Ba Đình District (near the Citadel & Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum)?

If you want to experience a quieter and greener side of Hanoi, Ba Đình is worth considering. This is one of Hanoi's most important historical areas and is home to major landmarks including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long and One Pillar Pagoda.

Compared with the Old Quarter, the streets here feel much more spacious, with parks, government buildings and leafy avenues replacing some of the narrow, chaotic streets.

The trade-off is that Ba Đình doesn't have quite the same concentration of nightlife and street food as the Old Quarter. You'll probably rely on taxis or Grab more often, depending on where you're staying and what you want to do every day.

Sights in Ba Đình Neighborhood
Activities
Ready to explore Hanoi?

Find the highest rated tours and experiences here! Compare prices and book your activities in advance to get the most of your trip!

Best places to stay in Ba Đình

Lotte Hotel Hanoi
Lotte Hotel Hanoi

If you want a luxury hotel with impressive city views, this is one of the standout options in Ba Đình. The hotel occupies the upper floors of the Lotte Center and combines spacious rooms with a huge range of facilities, including restaurants, a spa, fitness center and one of Hanoi's most spectacular rooftop pools.

Check prices and availability

Tonkin Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa
Tonkin Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa

For a more intimate stay, this is a good option if you want boutique style without paying for a large five-star hotel. The hotel has elegant rooms, a spa and restaurant, and its Ba Đình location puts you close to attractions such as Ba Đình Square and the Imperial Citadel.

Check prices and availability

Hanoi Le Jardin Hotel & Spa
Hanoi Le Jardin Hotel & Spa

If you'd prefer a smaller boutique-style hotel, this is a lovely alternative to the larger international properties. The hotel has elegant rooms, a spa, restaurant and rooftop pool, with a location that makes it easy to explore Ba Đình while still getting into the Old Quarter without too much hassle.

Check prices and availability

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Should you stay in Tây Hồ (West Lake)?

If you're staying in Hanoi for more than a few days, Tây Hồ, also known as West Lake, is another area I'd consider.

Located around Hanoi's largest lake, Tây Hồ has a noticeably different atmosphere from the Old Quarter. It's more spacious, relaxed and modern, with plenty of cafés, restaurants, bars, wellness studios and international food.

The neighborhood is particularly popular with expats and long-term residents, which means you'll find a wider selection of international restaurants and modern cafés than in many of the more traditional parts of Hanoi.

It's not the most convenient location if your main goal is to walk to Hanoi's major tourist attractions, but that's also part of the appeal. Tây Hồ feels more like a place to live than somewhere you simply visit.

Best Hotels in Tây Hồ (West Lake)

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake by IHG
InterContinental Hanoi Westlake by IHG

The hotel sits directly over West Lake, with rooms and private pavilions surrounded by water, balconies overlooking the lake and a resort-like atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy streets of the Old Quarter. There's an outdoor pool, spa, several restaurants and bars.

Check prices and availability

Oakwood Residence Hanoi
Oakwood Residence Hanoi

If you're staying in Hanoi for a week or longer, Oakwood Residence Hanoi is one of the options I'd look at first. Rather than a traditional hotel room, the property offers apartment-style accommodation with kitchens and balconies, along with an indoor pool, fitness centre and other facilities.

Check prices and availability

Hanoi Riverview Boutique Hotel & Apartment
Hanoi Riverview Boutique Hotel & Apartment

For something smaller and more intimate, this is a nice alternative to the large international hotels around West Lake. The property has an outdoor pool, garden and terrace, while the apartment-style rooms give you more space than a typical city hotel.

Check prices and availability

Final Thoughts: Where Should You Stay in Hanoi?

The best area to stay in Hanoi really depends on what kind of trip you're planning.

If it's your first visit and you only have a night or two, the Old Quarter is hard to beat. You'll be surrounded by street food, cafés, nightlife and some of Hanoi's biggest attractions.

If you want somewhere central but a little more peaceful, I'd look at the French Quarter or the area around Train Street. Personally, I loved staying near Train Street because I could walk almost everywhere while still feeling slightly removed from the busiest tourist streets.

For history and a quieter atmosphere, Ba Đình is a great alternative, while Tây Hồ makes more sense if you're staying longer and want cafés, restaurants and a more relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere.

Wherever you choose to stay, Hanoi is a city you'll probably spend more time walking around than you expect. And honestly, that's one of my favourite things about it.

Plan Your Trip to Hanoi

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan where to stay in Hanoi. To make planning the rest of your trip even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

Hotels
Hotels
Flights
Currency
Activities
Activities
Sim Card
Insurance

Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.

By using these links you help me continue to create free travel guides like this one.

Thank you for supporting Travels with Ingrid!

If you have any questions about travel in Vietnam, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media.

I would love to connect and help out!

-Ingrid

Find more articles about Vietnam here...