Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and its second largest city! This means it is a great destination for learning about the nation’s turbulent history, as well as discovering its unique and fascinating culture, cuisine and nightlife.

As a large Asian city, navigating the different neighborhoods can be daunting for Western visitors. Many are quite densely populated, and have a lot of accommodation options available.

That’s why we have created this guide! We’ve figured out the seven best neighborhoods in Hanoi, as well as the best accommodation in each of them, to help you plan your upcoming trip to the city.

So let’s dive right in!

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Hanoi

• Where to stay in Hanoi for your first time? Ba Dinh
• Where to stay in Hanoi close to everything? Hoan Kiem
• Where to stay in Hanoi for nightlife? Tay Ho
• Best neighborhood in Hanoi for families? Truc Bach
• Where to stay in Hanoi on a budget? Cau Giay
• Where to stay in Hanoi for couples? Hai Ba Trung
• Where to stay in Hanoi off the beaten path? Long Bien

Where to Stay in Hanoi

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Hanoi.

Hanoi 7 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the seven best neighbourhoods in Hanoi. Each caters to different interests, so be sure to pick the neighbourhood that’s right for you.

Neighborhood #1 – Ba Dinh

 Best neighborhood in Hanoi for your first time!

• COOLEST thing to do in Ba Dinh – relax at Hanoi Botanical Garden where you can admire native and exotic plant life
• BEST place to visit in Ba Dinh – learn about the life and legacy of Ho Chi Minh at the eponymous museum in the heart of the area

Just north of the city centre proper, Ba Dinh is a calm suburb that packs a lot of charm! For first time visitors, staying in Ba Dinh allows you to ease yourself into the chaos of Hanoi whilst still having plenty of historic attractions of its own. It is also well connected to the other central neighborhoods, so you can explore further afield at leisure.

Ba Dinh is also less favoured with tourists – mostly because all of the other attractions are in other parts of the city. This means the streets are filled with locals, and the restaurants give you a more authentic look into local life! 

• Hire a cyclo from a local vendor and take an adventurous trip through the city – definitely for the faint hearted
• Wander around the street markets in the evenings – they often change location, but are based in the centre and have great street food offerings
• The Temple of Literature is not a religious temple, but rather a large shrine to books – here you can browse collections of Vietnam’s finest scholars
• The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is an important historical landmark in the city that has UNESCO World Heritage Status
• Discover Ba Dinh Square – historically the location where the declaration of independence was read, it is now a thriving city hub

Best Budget Hotel in Ba Dinh

ARL Kim Mã No.1

Another hotel in a great location, this is situated a little bit closer to the city centre giving you easy access to all the main attractions! For budget travellers, rooms at ARL Kim Mã are very well priced – with many of them not being much more expensive than hostel dorms. They offer free parking.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Ba Dinh

Grandiose Hotel & Spa

The Grandiose Hotel & Spa is a boutique property in the heart of the Ba Dinh neighborhood and has elegant and modern facilities! On-site at the property you find a beautiful spa area equipped with jacuzzi’s and a selection of spa treatments. Here is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the bustling streets of Hanoi.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Ba Dinh

Lotte the Residence

Whilst there aren’t many luxury hotels in Ba Dinh, this five star apartment is well worth splurging on if you want a calm oasis away from the busy city! They have both a one bedroom and a two bedroom option, and breakfast is included as part of your rate. 

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Neighborhood #2 – Hoan Kiem

 Where to stay in Hanoi close to everything!

• COOLEST thing to do in Hoan Kiem – go temple hopping – there’s at least one on every street and a few big ones scattered around the area
• BEST place to visit in Hoan Kiem – learn about the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective at Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Hoan Kiem is the most central district in Hanoi and where most of the tourist activity is located! If you want to discover the Hanoi described in the guide books, look no further than Hoan Kiem. The streets are packed with temples, historical buildings and vibrant bars. This is another great choice for first time visitors, though can get quite hectic.

Despite being the city centre, Hoan Kiem is also one of the cheapest neighborhoods in the city! This is fantastic for those that want to discover the main attractions in the city – and indeed in the entire country – without overspending. 

• Visit Beer Corner – the infamous nightlife hotspot of the region where you can get cheap beers and mingle both with fellow tourists and locals
• St Joseph’s Church is a large catholic church that was built during the French colonial period, and is a great example of architecture from that period
• Hoan Kiem Lake is a great spot for a relaxing stroll away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the area – they also run boats to the temple
• Whilst in the lake area, make sure to stay for the water puppet show – a true spectacle right in the heart of the city
• As the tourist hub, there are plenty of Vietnamese restaurants dotted around Hoan Kiem – for some authentic BBQ, go to Xuan Xuan Hanoi

Best Budget Hotel in Hoan Kiem

Phoenix Palace Hotel

For a little bit of an upgrade without breaking the bank, head to the Phoenix Palace Hotel Hanoi where you can sleep in style for a great price! They offer a buffet breakfast every morning that comes with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Rooms are fully soundproofed, giving you a calm haven.

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Haven’t Booked for Hanoi? Read up on our favorite hostels in Hanoi (for any budget)!

Best Mid-range Hotel in Hoan Kiem

Alisa Hotel & Spa

Alisa Hotel & Spa has a traditional yet deluxe design with modern features. Fitted with elegant beds with wooden oak floors and special added touches, it is a great place to stay in Hoang Kiem if you like luxury but don’t want to fork out on a 5* hotel.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Hoan Kiem

The Oriental Jade Hotel

The Oriental Jade Hotel is truly one of the most luxurious accommodation choices in the city! This exclusive hotel comes with a five star rating thanks to the spacious rooms, excellent service and unbeatable facilities. There is a pool and sunbathing area on the roof, giving you views across the city.

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Neighborhood #3 – Tay Ho

Where to stay in Hanoi for nightlife!

• COOLEST thing to do in Tay Ho – party at the Savage Club Hanoi, a popular techno club with expats
• BEST place to visit in Tay Ho – wander along the dyke road and admire the large mosaic celebrating the city’s 1000th year as the nation’s capital

Whilst Hoan Kiem contains the city’s most famous nightlife, Tay Ho is somewhat up and coming in this department and is well worth a visit if you want to do some partying! A popular area with expats, the bars and clubs here are a little more expensive but totally worth it for their excellent range of drinks and music.

During the day Tay Ho seems to completely transform into an entirely different neighborhood! It becomes a sleepy lakeside area, giving you a calm spot to nurse a hangover – or simply to relax after exploring the bustling centre.

• Hanoi Rock City is the premiere music venue in the city, offering international and local acts in a variety of genres
• Wander down to the flower market every day and witness the colorful displays and passionate bartering – best in the early hours before 7am!
• Tay Ho Weekend Market is another great market in the area that operates every week – head there to try out some great street food
• Want a great bar to start off your night on the town? The aptly named Sunset Bar has unbeatable views across the lake and great cocktails
• Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the most easily recognisable landmarks in Vietnam, is situated in Tay Ho

Best Budget Hotel in Tay Ho

The Royal Hotel

The Royal Hotel in Hanoi is designed for travellers that are only visiting for a short period of time – making it a good option for those who have chosen to explore other areas of the country during their trip! It comes with express check in, as well as complimentary parking and bike hire.

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Editor’s Tip: make friends by staying at a cool hostel in Hoi An!

Best Mid-range Hotel in Tay Ho

Pegasy Suites Lakeside

A beautiful selection of suites in Tay Ho, many of which come with breathtaking views overlooking the nearby waters and city! Each suite has its own private bathroom and an open-plan lounge and kitchen area. Along with this, the property features a shared hot tub for guests to enjoy.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Tay Ho

Elegant Suites Westlake

The gorgeous five star Elegant Suites Westlake combine apartment living with the convenience of staying in a hotel! Each fully serviced apartment comes with a well equipped kitchen and large en-suite. There is a large terrace outside the property where you can mingle with other guests.

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Neighborhood #4 – Truc Bach

 Best neighborhood in Hanoi for families!

• COOLEST thing to do in Truc Bach – hang around the lakeside area and hire a swan paddle boat for a relaxing recreational activity
• BEST place to visit in Truc Bach – Truc Bach has the fastest boat rides to the Tran Quoc Pagoda

Though Truc Bach is officially part of Ba Dinh, it is such a distinctive neighborhood that it is often considered as its own area! Though Truc Bach has the calmness of the rest of Ba Dinh, it also has some more recreational facilities that are perfect for families. Located by the side of the lake, there is also easy access to the city centre.

Speaking of the lake, most of the main recreational facilities are in this area! For families, this is a great spot to unwind and enjoy a calm day out in the city. You can hop on an easy going ferry to the pagoda, or hire your own paddle boat.

• Chau Long Wet Market doesn’t have many goods that appeal to tourists, but the atmosphere makes it an exciting spot for people watching
• The Bookworm is a popular bookshop in the city – grab the latest release (they have English, French and other languages available) and read it by the lake
• Head to the riverside street vendors and try some chè – a local delicacy made of ice and coconut milk
• Pho Cuon is a great family friendly restaurant that not only serves pho but also a great selection of other Vietnamese classics
• Phan Dinh Phung Street is the main thoroughfare in the area – check out the colonial architecture and shop at the local stores

Best Budget Hotel in Truc Bach

Adamas Hanoi Hotel

This is the perfect hotel for families on a budget – not just because of its location, but also because of the different types of rooms available! They offer family rooms, as well as discounts on multiple bookings of doubles. It is a very well priced hotel, and a complimentary breakfast is provided.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Truc Bach

Hanoi Club Hotel & Residences

A luxurious hotel with reasonable prices, The Hanoi Club Hotel & Residences is perfect for those who are on a mid-range budget in Trucks Bach. The hotel offers sweeping views of the lake along with a fancy on-site restaurant, bar and an outdoor swimming pool.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Truc Bach

Pan Pacific Hanoi

On the other end of the scale, Pan Pacific Hanoi is an excellent choice for families that want to splurge on luxury! Another great five star hotel, this is the closest you can get to the iconic Tran Quoc Pagoda. There are two bars and two restaurants on-site, as well as multiple business facilities.

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Neighborhood #5 – Cau Giay

 Where to stay in Hanoi on a budget!

• COOLEST thing to do in Cau Giay – enjoy the sports facilities and equipment hire stores along the Cau Giay Park section of the river
• BEST place to visit in Cau Giay – Hanoi Museum should be your first stop for an interesting overview of the city from the local perspective

Located on the outskirts of the main urban area of Hanoi, Cau Giay is where most of the city’s students are located! This makes it one of the cheapest neighborhoods in the city – with many of the bars and restaurants offering heavily discounted prices when compared to neighboring parts of the city.

Cau Giay is much more modern in style than the central districts, meaning you get to see a more realistic representation of how locals live! It is also the location of many of the city’s museums and art galleries, adding to the intellectual flare of Cau Giay.

• Heritage Museum is an interesting gallery that combines history, tradition and culture to create some truly unique exhibits
• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology focuses on the history of the Vietnamese people – from tribes through to colonialism and post Vietnam War
• CUC Gallery offers more of your standard modern art gallery type art – most of it being from local artists
• Hanoi Zoological Gardens mostly houses rescued animals, making it a great place to get up close with native wildlife
• 37th Street is the top choice for restaurants if you want to sample Vietnamese cuisine – it is very communal, so be sure to socialise

Best Budget Hotel in Cau Giay

Blue Hanoi Inn City Hotel

Though a little further out, Blue Hanoi Inn City Hotel offers unbeatable rates for private accommodation in Hanoi! They provide a breakfast buffet every morning that comes with both Vietnamese and American options. There is a large outdoor terrace where you can soak up the atmosphere.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Cam Giay

Roygents Park Hanoi

The rooms at this hostel are beautifully decorated with special added touches! Along with this, there are many different options available. The hotel also has a 24-hour reception which means you can come and go as you please, whether you have an early morning flight to catch or a late bus arriving in the city.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Cau Giay

InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72

As the name suggests, this towering hotel is a landmark in itself – providing excellent views across the city from the top floor! Operated by InterContinental, it’s no wonder this hotel is rated five stars due to their great service and facilities. There is a large fitness centre on-site, as well as a restaurant and a bar.

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Neighborhood #6 – Hai Ba Trung

 Best neighborhood in Hanoi for couples!

• COOLEST thing to do in Hai Ba Trung – shop until you drop at VinCom Tower – they also have great recreational facilities such as a huge cinema
• BEST place to visit in Hai Ba Trung – for a more authentic experience, head to the fabric market at Pho Hue Street

Hai Ba Trung is perhaps the coolest neighborhood in the city with lavish boulevards and endless shopping destinations! For couples, the French colonial style architecture creates a romantic backdrop to enjoy a short getaway in Hanoi. It is also one of the most exclusive areas, so is served by high quality restaurants and bars.

Hai Ba Trung is located just south of Hoan Kiem, meaning that those who choose to stay in this area can still easily walk to most of the main attractions of the city centre! The leafy, and almost European, feel of this neighborhood also makes it far less intimidating for Western tourists.

• Right in the heart of the area, the Hai Ba Trung has been named one of Lonely Planet’s must see temples in Vietnam
• Times City is another huge shopping centre, though its main focus is on luxury and high street brands from abroad
• For the perfect date night restaurant, head to Bun Cha Huong Lien for high quality Vietnamese food
• Afterwards, head straight to Xu Restaurant Lounge for the best cocktails you will taste in the entire country

Best Budget Hotel in Hai Ba Trung

Le Grand Hanoi Hotel

Let your money go further with this elegant budget hotel in Hai Ba Trung! With four poster beds set within the spacious rooms, this is a great choice for couples on a strict budget that still want to enjoy a romantic atmosphere. They have free WiFi throughout as well as private parking facilities.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Hai Ba Trung

The Lapis Hotel

The outdoor at this hotel is one of the best we have ever seen in Vietnam. A glistening and sleek looking pool and that has the most incredible views over looking the Hai Ba Trung neighborhood, it is certainly a place to get those instagram-worthy photos.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Hai Ba Trung

Hôtel du Parc Hanoï

This elegant five star hotel beautifully combines old and new to give you the pinnacle of class in the city of Hanoi! Drawing inspiration from the city’s French influences, this is a fantastic option for couples that really want to splash out on a luxury hotel. There is a large wellness centre on-site.

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Neighborhood #7 – Long Bien

 Best neighborhood in Hanoi off the beaten path!

• COOLEST thing to do in Long Bien – walk along the iconic Long Bien bridge for the best views towards the city centre
• BEST place to visit in Long Bien – learn about local industry at the Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Long Bien is the only neighborhood on the other side of the river that is included in the main urban area! Mostly serving as a residential district, this off the beaten path gem is packed with historic, cultural and culinary delights waiting to be explored. Not for the faint hearted, we recommend this area for more seasoned travellers.

Just like the urban districts in the west of the city, Long Bien has a much more contemporary atmosphere than the city centre! This is because it is a relatively new area, allowing you to discover modern life in the city.

• Head to the Le Mat Snake Village, only a short journey away from central Long Bien, and get up close with the local reptiles
• Head to Huong Vi Xua – it is just a few minutes away from the bridge, and offers an authentic Vietnamese restaurant experience
• Den Quen Tran Vu is a gorgeous garden decorated with monuments imported from across the country
• Savico Megamall is the largest shopping centre in the city – perfect if you want to pick up some bargains

Best Budget Hotel in Long Bien

Hotel du Monde

One of the few hotels located firmly within Long Bien, Hotel du Monde takes you right to the heart of the action! There is a restaurant and bar on-site, and a complimentary breakfast buffet is arranged every morning with vegetarian options included. The front desk operates 24 hours to help with taxis and tours.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Long Bien

Vinhomes Ocean Park Homestay

A very friendly and warming hotel that feels like a home from home, Vinhomes Ocean Park Homestay is a great mid-range option for your stay in Long Bien. With rooms with amazing views overlooking the nearby surroundings and cozy furnishings, it is an amazing place to come back to after a day of exploring.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Long Bien

Garco Dragon Hotel 2

Garco Dragon have two hotels in Long Bien – and this one is definitely their more upmarket offering! Rooms are lavishly decorated with modern furnishings – and are incredibly spacious with large en-suites and work areas. They also offer a complimentary breakfast, with Vietnamese and American food available.

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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Hanoi?

Don’t forget: if you’re going to Vietnam, you won’t be allowed in without a Vietnam visa. The good thing is that the visa can be applied for online, so you won’t need to go to the embassy. Get the visa in advance and save yourself a headache!

As the vibrant capital of Vietnam, it’s no wonder that Hanoi has so much to offer visitors! The rich and turbulent history is showcased in museums and cultural attractions throughout the city, and the local cuisine is amongst the best in Asia. If you are visiting Southeast Asia, you can’t miss out Hanoi.

For best area we are going to go with Ba Dinh! This calm neighborhood is well connected to the rest of the city, but is a lot less overwhelming than the centre or the more modern districts.

That being said, this buzzing city has a lot to offer around every corner and each neighborhood has its own unique benefits. We hope this guide has helped you to narrow it down.

Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments!

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