In this blog post, I will help you to find Where to stay in Hanoi for the first time, the best areas and districts to stay in Hanoi (with a map), best hotels for all budgets, and the safest places.
Hanoi, or Hà Nội in Vietnamese, is the capital city of Vietnam, famous for its lively old quarter, authentic food, and lots of cultural and historical attractions.
From Hanoi, you can easily make a day trip and overnight trips to other destinations in North Vietnam such as Ninh Binh, Sapa, Cat Ba island, Ha Long Bay, and the famous Ha Giang Loop.
The city has an international airport called Noi Bai airport, located 30km away from the old quarter. From the airport, you can use Grab, taxi, or your hotel’s shuttle to get to your accommodation in the city center. The cost is around 300,000 VND.
Where to stay in Hanoi for the first time?
The most popular areas to stay in Hanoi for tourists are the Old Quarter in Hoan Kiem district and West Lake (Tay Ho). Additionally, you can consider staying in Ba Dinh, Truc Bach, Hai Ba Trung, and Cau Giay district. They are all located in the city center, making it easy to explore the city.
Hanoi Old Quarter, in my opinion, is the best overall base in Hanoi for first-time visitors. It is the historic heart of Hanoi and is home to major attractions such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Opera House, and Ta Hien Beer Street. Staying here allow you explore most things on foot or only a short Grab ride.
If you are visiting Hanoi for the first time, I recommend spending at least 3 days exploring the city’s famous attractions and enjoying the Vietnamese food. From Hanoi, you can easily take day trips to the nearby areas such as Sapa, Ha Giang, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay.
A tip: I recommend installing the Grab App on your phone. It is similar to Uber which will help you to order food, motorbike rides, or car rides without bargaining the prices.
Where did I stay in Hanoi?
When I first visited Hanoi, I stayed for 3 nights at the 4-star Hanoi Victor Gallery hotel & Spa. This hotel is located in the Old town, which is great location for sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying the nightlife. Lots of authentic street food restaurants are nearby. The hotel has paid airport shuttle services and my breakfast was lovely.
| 💖 Best Area for first-timers: | Hanoi Old Quarter |
| 💎 Best luxury hotel: | The Oriental Jade Hotel |
| 🏨 Best mid-range hotel: | Imperial Hotel & Spa |
| 💰 Best budget hotel: | Mercury Central Hotel Hanoi |
This is my map of recommended areas and districts in Hanoi:
The 6 Best areas to stay in Hanoi for tourists
1. the Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem) – best overall area for first-timers
Hanoi Old Quarter, in my experience, is the best overall area to stay in Hanoi, especially for first-timers. This are is the historic heart of the city, so you’ll be in the middle of action, within walking distance to top attractions such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Opera House, Hoa Lo Prison, and Dong Xuan Market. You’ll also be surrounded by many restaurants, bars, and shops.
The history of the old quarter dates back to the 11th century when King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh to Thang Long (Hanoi). You can explore Thang Long Imperial Palace to learn about the history of Hanoi.
As a result, lots of skilled craftsmen come to live and work near the citadel, establishing a collection of villages each specialized in one particular craft. During French colonial rule, French replaced old Vietnamese houses into French-style villas and houses.
Hanoi’s old quarter is very small, so you can explore on foot or by taking Grab. You can consider taking a cyclos tour to avoid the heat. When wandering around Hanoi, just be mindful of the traffic, as it can be crowded and chaotic.
A stroll around the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake is a must when visiting the capital of Vietnam. It is the heart and soul of Hanoi, always packed with locals and tourists. They come to to relax, people watch, exercise, and even dance.
In and around the Hoan Kiem Lake, you will find Ngoc Son Temple, the red wooden The Huc bridge, Turtle Tower, and Thap But. On a hot day, you can check out several ice-cream shop nearby such as Kem Trang Tien and Kem Thuy Ta.
You can watch the Vietnamese traditional water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater nearby. And head to the west side of the lake, visit the 19th-century gothic-style cathedral called St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
When visiting St. Joseph’s Cathedral, be sure to sit down on low plastic chairs around it and try street food, enjoy a cup of tra da, and admire the beauty of the church.
Nearby on the Ly Quoc Su Street, you can shop for Vietnamese gifts for your friends and families. There are many shops selling traditional Vietnamese handcraft, tea, coffee, and clothes.
To the south east of Hoan Kiem lake is the French Quarter, one of the most luxurious areas in the city, home of colonial buildings, embassies, government offices, 5-star hotels, and fine dining restaurants. This area is home to Trang Tien Plaza, National Museum of History, and Opera House.
Another must-see cultural attraction is Bach Ma Temple in Hang Buom Street. It was believed to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi dating back to the 9th century. Built by King Ly Thai To, to honor a white horse, that guided him to choose the site to construct city walls.
There are so many other cultural and historical attractions in the Old Quarter such as O Quan Chuong Gate, Ma May House, and Hoa Lo Prison.
The Long Bien Bridge on the Red River is also well worth a visit. Built by the French in Vietnam from 1899 to 1902, originally named after Paul Doumer, who was Governor-General of France in Indochina but renamed to Long Bien bridge in 1954 when the Vietnamese defeated the French in Dien Bien Phu.
The Old Quarter is the shopper’s paradise. You can buy jewelry in Hang Bac street, silk in Hang Gai street, toys in Hang Ma street, or traditional medicine in Lan Ong Street. Also have a look at the wholesale market called Dong Xuan market for more souvenirs.
The Weekend Night Market is also a must-see. It is a car-free, pedestrian area, so you can shop without worrying about the traffic. You can practice your bargain skills to buy t-shirts and souvenirs, try street food, or watch street performers.
The Old Quarter has some of the best restaurants to try traditional Vietnamese food. You can try banh mi, pho, bun cha, bun thang, cha ca La Vong. Coffee lovers can try the ca phe trung or egg coffee that is made from robusta coffee, condensed milk, and egg yolk.
Old Quarter has great nightlife with many restaurants, bars, and clubs. You must check out Ta Hien Beer Street, which is the most famous beer corner in the Old Quarter. You can grab a fresh beer here, sit on the tiny chair on the street and people watch.
If you tired of sightseeing, shopping, dining, and nightlife, Hanoi Old Quarter has many massage shops and spas to relax and unwind. There are foot and body massages which cost only around 20 USD for 60 minutes.
Hanoi Old Quarter has all kinds of accommodations for all budget travelers. You can easily find a good backpacker hostels, mid-range 4-star hotels, and some 5-star options. There are not much 5-star luxury hotels compared to Saigon though.
Some recommended places in the Old Quarter are:
- Luxury ($$$): The Oriental Jade Hotel
- Mid-range ($$): Imperial Hotel & Spa
- Budget ($): Mercury Central Hotel Hanoi
2. West Lake (Tay Ho) – the most popular area in Hanoi for expat
Tay Ho is the area around West Lake, a popular area for expat and long term travelers. It is great location to stay in Hanoi for easy access to the action but not close to the hustle and bustle of the Old Quarter.
West Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Vietnam. The area around the lake is home to luxury hotels, trendy & floating restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs.
The distance around the lake is more than 12 kilometers, a popular place for cycling. There are also swan boats for hire to pedal across the lake which is a perfect dating spot for couples.
There are numerous cultural attractions around the lake. Tran Quoc pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Vietnam’s capital city, built during the reign of King Ly Nam De in the 6th century. Quan Thanh Temple is located in the corner of Thanh Nien Street and Quan Thanh Street.
There are also many religious landmarks such as the Tao Sach Pagoda on Lac Long Quan street, Phu Tay Ho, Vong Thi Pagoda, Van Nien Pagoda, Thien Nien Pagoda.
The neighborhood has many the French-styled architecture building such as Chu Van An High School, built by the French colonial government in 1908.
When staying in the Tay Ho disitrict, you can check out the Quang Ba Night Flower Market. This market has colorful flowers such as daisies, cherry blossoms, roses, orchids and sunflowers. It is busy during the Lunar Tet Festival. You can observe local life here.
Many cafes and restaurants have roofs that offer great lake views. You can grab a cafe, enjoy the views of the lake, and watch sunset/ sun rise here.
This area has a good selection of international restaurants, especially in the streets running southwest off Xuan Dieu. Pho Cuon is one of the most famous foods in the area.
Unlike the dynamic night time of the Old Quarter, the nightlife in Tay Ho is more laid-back and relaxed. You can find some trendy nighclubs and bars in the Tay Ho district.
Some great hotels in the West Lake area of Hanoi are:
- Luxury ($$$): Sheraton Hanoi Hotel
- Mid-range ($$): The Euphoria Hanoi
- Budget ($): Eden Westlake Hotel
3. Ba Dinh, more local atmostphere, close to old quarter
Ba Dinh is the best area to stay in Hanoi if you want a relaxed vibe but still easy access to the major attractions. The district is the political heart of Hanoi, packed with historical sites and museums, as well as embassies and government buildings.
Ba Dinh Square is where Ho Chi Minh declared independence for Vietnam on September 2, 1945. The district was formerly known as the French Quarter due to its high concentration of French-styled buildings in the area.
In the middle of Ba Dinh square is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which is the final resting place of President Ho Chi Minh. The opening time is varied depending on the season, so be sure to check before you go.
The entrance is free to Vietnamese, and about USD 1 for foreigners. Before enter the Mausoleum, be sure to wear clothes that covers your knees and shoulders.
In the same complex, you can take a look at The one pillar Pagoda, which is often used as a symbol for Hanoi. It was built from wood based on a single stone pillar, resembling a lotus blossom.
Other places of interests are the Presidential Palace Hanoi, built by French architect Auguste Henri Vildieu in 1900; Vietnam Military History Museum Hanoi houses the wreckage of an American B-52 bomber and weapons from French and American wars.
If you want to take a break from sightseeing, check out Hanoi Botanical Garden, with lots of plants and flowers. This garden was built in the 1890s and became the lung of the city.
On Le Hong Phong street, you can find many foreign embassies, as well as some cafes, and restaurants along the street. Popular places to check out are Cong cafe and Pho Thin.
This area is home to one of the most beautiful roads, Phan Dinh Phung Street. It is lined with old Indochina Dragon Plum trees and the historical buildings. Nearby, you can explore Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Cua bac relics, and Cot Co Flag Tower.
Being centrally located, close to Hoan Kiem lake, Tay Ho district, and Truc Bach. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops in Ba Dinh district keeping you busy all day and night.
Food in Ba Dinh district is cheap and delicious. Some of the famous areas to dine are Doi Can street, Kim Ma Street, Giang Vo, and Thanh Cong.
Ba Dinh is home to numerous commercial centers, offering opportunities for shopping and entertainment. Lotte Tower is a great place to shop and dine. There are also shopping centers such as the Vincom Metropolis Lieu Giai and Vincom Nguyen Chi Thanh.
Locals get around on motorbikes or cars, while there is only a public transport system such as bus, and motorcycle taxi. You can get around easily on Grab if you don’t drive.
Here are the good places to stay in Ba Dinh district:
- Luxury ($$$): Lotte Hotel Hanoi
- Mid-range ($$): Hanoi Le Jardin Hotel & Spa
- Budget ($): Dragon Pearl Hotel
4. Hai Ba Trung – mix of tradition and modernity
Conveniently located close to the popular Hoan Kiem district, Hai Ba Trung is a mix of modern and traditional with many skyscrapers as well as traditional traits.
Hai Ba Trung district was after the two Trung Sisters, Trung Trac and Trung Nhi, heroines of Vietnam. You will find traditional attractions such as the 12-century Hai Ba Trung temple, dedicated to the Trung sisters who governed Vietnam against Chinese war.
Modern facilities such as Vincom Center Ba Trieu which is a shopping paradise in Hanoi. Or hear of Cho Hom Market, covering the junction of Pho Hue and Tran Xuan Soan Streets.
There are several green spaces in the Hai Ba Trung including Thong Nhat Park, or Lenin Park. Located next to Thien Quang Lake and Hanoi Circus, it is a great place to relax.
Being home to famous universities such as Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, and Hanoi National Economic University, Hai Ba Trung district is popular with students, and offers affordable food and drink.
Some accommodations in Hai Ba Trung:
- Luxury ($$$): Hôtel du Parc Hanoï
- Mid-range ($$): HanoiOi Hotel
- Budget ($): Halais Hotel
5. Truc Bach – where to stay in Hanoi for families
Truc Bach Lake is a section of Ba Dinh district. It was used to be a part of West Lake, but later separated from West Lake by Thanh Nien Street.
Truc Bach Lake is located northwest of the Old Quarter, within walking distance to famous attractions in Ba Dinh district such as Hanoi Botanical Garden and Chi Minh’s Mausoleum.
At the shore of Truc Bach Lake stands the American War Memorial, where John McCain was shot down on 26 October 1967 on a bombing mission over Hanoi.
Truc Bach is more of a residential area less tourist with a laid-back vibe. With its quiet, peaceful atmosphere, centrally located between Old Quarter and Tay Ho, Truc Bach is one of the best places to stay in Hanoi for a family.
The neighborhood has beautiful cafes, teahouses, trendy bars, restaurants, and temples. You can visit Đền Thủy Trung Tiên which is a temple located on a tiny island on the lake, accessible via a bridge.
There are great pho cuon and pho chien gion at Phở Cuốn Hương Mai in 25 P. Ngũ Xã. You can take a look at State-Run Food Shop #37 (you can search Cửa Hàng Ăn Uống Mậu Dịch Số 37, Hà Nội in google map). This is a classic and unique food shop in Hanoi.
If you are traveling as a couple or group of friends, you can rent a swan pedalo pedaling around the lake. The swan boats are docked around Highlands Coffee.
To experience daily local markets, visit Chau Long Market in Truc Bach. This is a traditional covered market that sells local fresh food and vegs.
Some hotels in Truc Bach:
- Luxury ($$$): Pan Pacific Hanoi
- Mid-range ($$): La Santé Hotel & Spa
- Budget ($): An Nguyen Building
6. Cau Giay – where to stay in Hanoi for a local atmosphere
Located a bit further from tourist areas of Hanoi, Cau Giay is a great place to stay to experience local life. There are also some attractions that you can see in the neighborhood.
Visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the history and culture of 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam. You can see exhibitions in the Trong Dong building.
Nghia Do Park and Cau Giay Park are some of the green spaces in the areas that have playgrounds for kids, as well as track for walking and running.
Banh com lang vong, which is young glutinous rice, is a famous specialty here. Cau Giay is also home to several food streets such as To Hieu Street, Nghia Tan Street, and Ho Tung Mau Street.
For shopping, you have plenty of choices ranging from high-end shopping to budget student markets. Cho Nha Xanh Market and Xuan Thuy Clothing Street are favorite spots for locals, while Indochina Plaza Hanoi is a shopping complex that has dining options.
Cau Giay is home to numerous universities, so things here might be cheaper than in Ho Tay, Hoan Kiem, or Ba Dinh district. There are a wide range of accommodations in Cau Giay.
Some accommodations in Cau Giay:
- Luxury ($$$): InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72, an IHG Hotel
- Mid-range ($$): Hillary Hanoi Hotel
- Budget ($): Victor Hanoi Hotel
See more:
- Safest areas to stay in Hanoi
- Where to stay in Vietnam
- Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City First Time
- Where to stay in Da Nang
- Thailand Vs Vietnam: 7 Differences You Might Not Know
- 7 Things You Should Know About Southeast Asia Backpacking Route
- Where to Stay in Bangkok First Time
In conclusion, the Old Quarter, West Lake, Ba Dinh, Truc Bach are the best places to stay in Hanoi for tourists. The Old Quarter offers the best central location and vibrant atmosphere, while West Lake is the best area to those looking for more quieter atmosphere and easy access to the old town.
Overall, I recommend the Old Quarter as the best area for first-time visitors due to prime location and authentic atmostphere. If you stay here, you will be located in the heart of the city.