Where to stay in Hanoi: areas and hotels

If you're visiting Hanoi for the first time, the best base is the Old Quarter, also known as Pho Co, because you're right in the thick of the action, next to Hoan Kiem Lake and a stone's throw from markets, street food and most of the attractions. If you're travelling on a budget, the same area has plenty of very affordable accommodation, while for something quieter and more romantic, the area around Hoan Kiem Lake and the French Quarter offer more elegant hotels without losing centrality.

For families or those staying longer, the area around West Lake, Tay Ho, is greener, calmer and has apartments with more space, although it is a few kilometres from the centre. There's also the area around the railway station, which combines good value with easy access to transport to other cities in the country.

Generally speaking, the closer you stay to Hoan Kiem Lake, the more you'll walk and the less you'll need a taxi or scooter to see the main sights. Below, we break down each area with its pros and cons, so you can choose the right base depending on your itinerary and budget.

A few words about Hanoi before you decide where to stay

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and one of Southeast Asia's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history stretching back over a thousand years to its founding as Thang Long. The city has passed through Chinese rule, royal dynasties, French colonialism, and the Vietnam War, and all these layers of history are still visible on its streets. In the Old Quarter, you walk among narrow buildings that once housed merchant guilds; each street was named after the product sold there, such as silk, silver, or bamboo, and many of these names are still preserved today.

Must-see sights include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the leader's body is preserved, the nearby Presidential Palace complex with the wooden house where he lived, and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university founded in the 11th century. Hoan Kiem Lake, with its small temple on the islet, is the symbolic centre of the city and a spot where locals gather in the morning for exercise and in the evening for a stroll. An evening at the water puppet theatre is also worthwhile, a centuries-old tradition accompanied by live music.

The best time to visit Hanoi is from October to December and again in March and April, when temperatures are milder and humidity is lower. In summer, from May to August, the heat is intense and there are often thunderstorms, while winter, from December to February, can be cold and damp for the region's standards. The traffic in Hanoi is something you need to get used to quickly; the streets are full of scooters, and crossing a road requires a steady pace and patience, not rushing.

For getting around the city, the most convenient options are ride-hailing apps like Grab, which operate like taxis and motorcycle taxis with a fixed price before boarding, and metered taxis from recognised companies. Walking within the Old Quarter is pleasant, although pavements are often occupied by parked scooters. A good strategy is to stay near the lake for the first few days to get your bearings, and if you have more time, try a quieter area like Tay Ho for the last few days before you leave.

Old Quarter (Pho Co): the classic choice for a first visit

The Old Quarter is Hanoi's busiest and most photographed area, with narrow streets full of shops, street vendors, and small stools outside restaurants serving pho and banh mi. It's ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the action and reach everything on foot, but it can be tiring for those seeking peace and quiet, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings when the pedestrian area around the lake fills with people.

It's the best choice for young travellers, backpackers, and those who want affordable prices without sacrificing centrality. The pros are proximity to sights, variety of food, and vibrancy, while the cons are the noise, scooter traffic, and the fact that many buildings are old and narrow, with smaller rooms.

1. Hanoi Tirant Hotel

Located on Gia Ngu Street, in the heart of the Old Quarter, with a rooftop pool and city views. It stands out for its staff and rich breakfast, ideal for couples who want comfort amidst the area's hustle and bustle.

• Average cost: 70 to 110 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

2. Hanoi Old Quarter Hotel

On Hang Hanh Street, a few steps from Hoan Kiem Lake, with a buffet breakfast and staff who assist with transfers and excursion itineraries. Suitable for those seeking a convenient location and service without high costs.

• Average cost: 55 to 85 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and friends

3. TrangTrang Boutique Hotel

On a street with shops and cafes, on Ma May Street, with comfortable rooms and helpful staff who organise airport transfers and excursions to Halong Bay. A good choice for a first visit to the city.

• Average cost: 60 to 95 € per night
• Ideal for: first visit

4. Serene Boutique Hotel & Spa

On a quieter street in the Old Quarter, on Bat Su Street, with a spa and massage services within the hotel. Suitable for those who want to combine a central location with a little more relaxation after a day of exploring.

• Average cost: 50 to 80 € per night
• Ideal for: relaxation at a good price

Around Hoan Kiem Lake and the French Quarter: for couples and comfort

South and east of the Old Quarter, around Hoan Kiem Lake and towards the French Quarter, you're equally close to the sights but in a calmer environment, with wider streets, colonial buildings and more luxurious hotels. This area is considered the best balance between centrality and quality of accommodation.

It is ideal for couples, travellers who want a little more luxury, and those visiting Hanoi for business. The pros are the sense of security, good architecture, and restaurants with more international cuisine, while the cons are the slightly higher prices compared to the Old Quarter.

5. Imperial Hotel & Spa

On Hang Hanh Street, a three-minute walk from the lake, with a spa and restaurant serving local and Western cuisine. The staff regularly assist with organising excursions outside the city.

• Average cost: 65 to 100 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

6. Rex Hanoi Hotel

Located on Gia Ngu Street, with a rooftop bar offering panoramic city views and a swimming pool. It stands out for its combination of central location and high-standard hotel amenities.

• Average cost: 80 to 130 € per night
• Ideal for: couples seeking a touch of luxury

7. Hong Ngoc Dynastie Boutique Hotel & Spa

On Hang Manh Street, with a restaurant, bar, and spa within the building, just a few minutes from the lake. Suitable for those who want a comfortable room and services without being far from the centre.

• Average cost: 60 to 95 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and families

8. Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre

On Ly Thuong Kiet Street, between the French Quarter and the railway station, with a pool, gym, and comfortable, larger rooms. A good base for travellers seeking modern amenities.

• Average cost: 75 to 115 € per night
• Ideal for: business trips and families

West Lake (Tay Ho): a quiet base for families and longer stays

Tay Ho, around the city's largest lake, is the area where many foreign residents of Hanoi live, with greener streets, cafes with water views, and less traffic than in the Old Quarter. It's about a twenty-minute taxi ride from the centre, so it's more suited to those staying more than three to four days.

It is ideal for families with children, for those travelling with more luggage or wanting an apartment with a kitchen, and for travellers who have already visited Hanoi and want something calmer. The pros are the peace and quiet, space, and lake views, while the main con is the distance from the central attractions, which means more taxi journeys.

9. InterContinental Hanoi Westlake by IHG

Built partly over the lake's water, on Tu Hoa Street, with a pool, restaurants, and sunset views. One of the most renowned hotels in the area for families and couples seeking luxury.

• Average cost: 140 to 200 € per night
• Ideal for: families and luxury stays

10. L7 West Lake Hanoi by Lotte

On Lac Long Quan Street, above a shopping centre, with a rooftop pool and lake views. A modern hotel, convenient for those who want shops and restaurants in the same complex.

• Average cost: 80 to 120 € per night
• Ideal for: families

11. Elegant Suites Westlake

Apartments with full kitchens on Dang Thai Mai Street, with a pool and spacious living areas. Suitable for families or travellers staying longer who want to self-cater.

• Average cost: 65 to 100 € per night
• Ideal for: families and longer stays

Around the railway station: budget-friendly and easy transport

The area around Hanoi's central railway station, west of the Old Quarter, is less touristy but practical for those planning to travel by train to other cities in the country, such as Sapa or Hue. It's an area with more local shops and fewer tourist-oriented establishments.

It suits budget travellers who want good value and easy access to transport, as well as those arriving or departing by overnight train. The pros are the price and proximity to the station, while the con is that it's about a fifteen to twenty-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.

12. Mercure Hanoi La Gare Hotel

On Ly Thuong Kiet Street, next to the railway station, with quiet rooms and a reasonably priced restaurant. A good choice for those starting or ending their journey by train.

• Average cost: 55 to 85 € per night
• Ideal for: budget travel

Comparative table of areas

Area	Ideal for	Price range/night	Distance from centre
Old Quarter (Pho Co)	first visit, backpackers	50 to 110 €	in the centre
Around Hoan Kiem Lake	couples, comfort	60 to 130 €	0 to 10 minutes on foot
West Lake (Tay Ho)	families, longer stays	65 to 200 €	15 to 25 minutes by taxi
Around the railway station	budget, train travel	55 to 85 €	15 to 20 minutes on foot

Practical information for your stay

Hanoi is served by Noi Bai International Airport, located approximately 25 to 30 km from the city centre. Transport is usually by taxi or ride-hailing apps like Grab, with a journey taking from 40 minutes to an hour depending on traffic, while there are also buses connecting the airport to the centre at a lower cost. If it's your first time to such a distant destination, it's advisable to read practical tips for your luggage before its safe transport during your trip, as well as for dealing with jet lag after so many hours of flying.

Within the city, transport options include metered taxis, ride-hailing apps, and walking in the central areas. Scooters are the most common mode of transport for locals, but for visitors, the safest option is ride-hailing apps with a fixed price. Accommodation prices rise significantly in December and January, around the holidays and the Vietnamese New Year, Tet, so if you're planning a trip during that period, book your room early. In spring and autumn, prices are more stable, while in summer, despite the heat, you can find good deals due to reduced demand.

If you plan to combine Hanoi with other Asian destinations, many flights pass through hubs like Singapore or Bangkok, where you can make a stop for a few days. If you want to get to know Southeast Asia better before deciding on your itinerary, take a look at a complete guide to a trip to Thailand.

If you want to see more accommodation options in Southeast Asia before deciding on your itinerary, guides to the best areas in Kuala Lumpur and accommodation in Bali, two destinations often included in the same trip as Hanoi, are also useful.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area for a first stay in Hanoi?

The Old Quarter is the most convenient choice for a first visit, as you're close to most attractions, Hoan Kiem Lake, and a plethora of dining options, all within walking distance.

How much does accommodation cost in Hanoi?

A good room in a three or four-star hotel usually costs from 50 to 100 euros per night, while more luxurious options around West Lake can reach 150 to 200 euros.

Which area is suitable for families with children?

The area around West Lake, Tay Ho, is the most suitable for families, as it has more space, quieter streets, and apartments with kitchens.

Do I need to stay near Hoan Kiem Lake?

It's not essential, but it helps a lot, especially if you want to get around on foot. If you prefer quiet, you can stay a little further away and use taxis for transport.

When is the best time to stay in Hanoi?

The months of October to December and March to April have milder weather, without the humidity and heat of summer or the cold and damp of winter.

How do I get from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi city centre?

The most convenient options are taxis or ride-hailing apps, with a journey lasting approximately 40 minutes to an hour, while there are also buses at a lower cost for those not in a hurry.

Is it safe to stay in the Old Quarter at night?

Yes, the Old Quarter is generally safe even at night, as it is bustling and full of shops and restaurants open late, though as anywhere, caution with personal belongings is advised.