Where to Stay in Hanoi: Best Area to Stay

The hardest part of finding a place to stay in Hanoi is too many good choices. In the city’s urban center, there are many districts and neighborhoods with distinct cultures and attractions to choose from.

From bustling historic areas that pulse with city life to wide streets lined with colonial buildings, a perfect spot exists for travelers of all kinds. Here, we’ll walk you through the highlights of the best places to stay in Hanoi to help you find the perfect experience on your Vietnam tour.

1. A Map of Hanoi's Neighborhoods with Popular Places

Hanoi’s districts ring the core urban center, and each has its unique atmosphere.

Old Quarter: The iconic historic neighborhood, and the most popular spot for tourists.
French Quarter: Known for high-end hotels, museums, and French colonial architecture.
Truc Bach Lake Area: Quiet, family-friendly, and scenic.
Ba Dinh District: Home to historical landmarks and a more serene vibe.
Tay Ho (West Lake): A vibrant area with nightlife and expat-friendly spaces.
Dong Da District: Budget-friendly and less touristy.
Hai Ba Trung: Young, dynamic, and full of cafes and bars.
Thanh Xuan is a residential and industrial area south of the urban core.
Cau Giay District is a quiet district to the west of the main urban areas.

Map of hanoi neghborhoods with popular places.

2. Too Many Choices? The Old Quarter Is Best of the Best

Staying in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the easy choice for a quintessential introduction to the city. The winding, narrow streets and colonial architecture capture the essence of Hanoi.

On any tour of Hanoi, you’ll be spending lots of time in the Old District. It’s home to Dong Xuan Market, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, Ngoc Son Temple, and the Hoa Lo Prison Museum. The area is packed with street food vendors, markets, and local shops. Every turn reveals new delights to discover.

Hanoi Old Quarter Tour.

Top Hotels in the Old Quarter:

3. Pick the French Quarter for Luxury High-end Hotels

The French Quarter bordering the east bank of Hoan Kiem Lake is an area of luxury and elegance. It’s known for beautiful French architecture, leafy boulevards, and luxurious boutiques, and is a must-see tourist place when visiting Vietnam.

Unlike the nearby Old Quarter, the French Quarter has spacious streets with grand buildings that feature a blend of French and European medieval architecture. Iconic structures like St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hoa Lo Prison, the Hanoi Opera House, and the Vietnam National Museum of History are some of the highlights.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi hotel.

Top Hotels in French Quarter:

4. Lots of Family-friendly Hotels and Serviced Apartments in Truc Bach Lake Area

Truc Bach Lake is northwest of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and next to West Lake. The area around the lake in Ba Dinh district has a tranquil atmosphere with charming streets lined with cafes and restaurants. With a slower pace and calmer environment, it’s perfect for families looking for a quiet place to stay.

In the Truc Back Lake Area, you’ll find accommodation options that include family-friendly hotels and serviced apartments that are a comfortable base for exploring the city.

The lake area itself is beautiful, and there is easy access to West Lake and all the attractions in the Ba Dinh district, like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Top Hotels in Truc Bach Lake Area:

5. Culture Lovers Live in Ba Dinh District with a Quieter Environment

Ba Dinh is the place to go to experience Hanoi’s culture and history. It’s one of the four original urban districts, the political center of Vietnam, and home to many monuments, landmarks, and relics that will delight culture enthusiasts.

The list of attractions in the district can make for a full Hanoi tour all by itself. It includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.

3 Days Hanoi City Tour

Hanoi

It is also quieter than areas like the Old Quarter. Accommodations here include everything from local guesthouses to luxury hotels. There is a wealth of choices for a relaxed experience with easy access to many top attractions.

Top Hotels in Ba Dinh District:

6. Experience Vibrant Hanoi Night Life in Tay Ho (West Lake)

Tay Ho is another quiet district on the north side of central Hanoi. It’s known for the serene atmosphere and picturesque backdrop of West Lake. Along the lakefront, you’ll find Tran Quoc Pagoda and a fun waterpark. The district is also home to the Quang Ba Flower Market.

It’s known as a center for entertainment if you want to enjoy nightlife in Vietnam. Nightlife in Tay Ho features a wide range of stylish cafes, fashionable bistros, wine bars, and craft beer pubs. Accommodation here is more upscale, with luxury villas and modern serviced apartments offering tranquil lake views.

Tay Ho nightlife.

Top Hotels in Tay Ho:

7. Dong Da District Is the Cheapest Area to Stay in Hanoi

Dong Da district is the least expensive of Hanoi’s original urban districts. Despite a reputation for being less touristy, it’s home to the Temple of Literature and cultural sites like the Lang Pagoda and Khue Van Cac.

Dong Da is a great place to find affordable accommodations and enjoy the authentic local atmosphere. The district was the site of one of the greatest military victories in Vietnam war history which is still celebrated at the Dong Da Mound.

It’s also still within the heart of Hanoi, with convenient access to attractions in other areas.

5 Days Hanoi and Halong Bay Cruise

Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise

Top Hotels in Dong Da District:

8. Hai Ba Trung Is Less Touristy but Full of Younger Crowds

Hai Ba Trung is another of Hanoi’s original urban districts and is known today for its trendy vibe and youthful energy. Less tourist-focused than the Old Quarter, it’s the best place to experience authentic contemporary Hanoi.

Some of Vietnam’s largest universities are located in Hai Ba Trung, bringing crowds of young people to the fashion boutiques, innovative eateries, and lively bars.

In addition to Vincom Center, one of the largest malls in Hanoi, there are historical sites like the Hai Ba Trung Temple and Duc Vien Pagoda.

Tourists could visit Hai Ba Trung Temple when staying in Hai Ba Trung.

Top Hotels in Hai Ba Trung:

9. Where to Avoid in Hanoi? Thanh Xuan District & Cau Giay District

There aren’t really bad districts in Hanoi, but Thanh Xuan and Cau Giay are less appealing for tourists. Thanh Xuan is primarily a residential and industrial area removed from the main attractions.

Locals tend to be more reserved, and fewer people speak English. With traffic often being congested in Hanoi, being 7-10 km from places like Hoan Kiem Lake makes it harder to get around.

Cau Giay district is also somewhat removed from the heart of Hanoi. Located to the west of the main urban districts. It’s a laid-back area with some historical attractions like Ha Temple and Paper Bridge, but you won’t be spending much time in the district on most tours of Hanoi.

Vietnam Thanh Xun factory.

10. More Useful Tips about Best Places to Stay in Hanoi

- Hanoi has many transportation options, from taxis to motorbike taxis and buses, but staying near the city center will help reduce travel time.
- Hanoi’s best weather is in spring (March-April) and autumn (September-November). Book accommodations early during these peak seasons.
- Homestays can be a great way to immerse yourself in local culture and experience the warm hospitality of the city.
- Hanoi is a safe city overall, but be cautious about your belongings in busy districts like the Old Quarter.

7 Days Northern Vietnam Historical & Natural Tour Package

Hanoi – Sapa - Halong Bay - Ninh Binh - Hanoi

Conclusion

Whether you’re a solo traveler, part of a family, or on a luxury getaway, Hanoi has a perfect area where you can stay. The core urban districts offer a range of experiences from bustling streets to relaxed luxury settings, all within easy reach of Hanoi’s top tourist attractions.

Stay in historic neighborhoods like the Old Quarter or French Quarter, or find accommodations overlooking the tranquil natural settings of Hoan Kiem or Truc Bach Lake. Contact us to tailor-make your Hanoi tour to enjoy comfortable lodgings at the end of each full day of touring.