Hanoi Hostels, Hotels and Guesthouses

There’s no lack of accommodation in Hanoi in all price ranges and though in recent years a steady increase in prices is obvious, hostels, hotels and guesthouses in Hanoi still offer a great value for your money – especially if you are after mid-range options.

Accommodation is scattered all around the city and beyond, but as a first-time visitor we would rather consider the Old Quarter which is actually the place to stay in Hanoi, whatever your budget is.

It's filled with backpacker dorms, budget guesthouses and luxury hotels, all within walking distance from the tourist spots and the best bars and restaurants in the city.

Hanoi is easier than many other Asian capitals to find affordable rooms in the city centre. Here, dorm beds can be had for as little as USD5 per night, with good quality double rooms in budget hotels from around USD10. However, it's also possible to pay over USD100 a night in a luxury hotel next door if you're so inclined.

Budget – Old Quarter

Unlike other Asian cities there isn't one particular area of the Old Quarter that attracts backpackers more than others, hostels are dotted all over the place. If you're arriving in Hanoi looking for a dorm bed, you could head to Luong Ngoc Quyen and Ta Hien streets where quite a few of the more popular hostels can be found.

Solo backpackers looking for a party atmosphere flock to Hanoi Backpackers Hostel which has two locations, the newer one on Ma May has a bar that gets particularly lively, and attracts backpackers from other hostels as well.

Smaller hotels popular with budget travellers include Queen Light Hotel where rooms start from USD25 per night, some including private balconies overlooking the city (not something you'd ever expect in this price range) and Hanoi Traveller House offering double rooms at around USD20 with an excellent breakfast. Both of these hotels are a welcome haven from the hectic streets.

Mid-range & Top end – French Quarter & West Lake

Hotels in the French Quarter and around West Lake are typically more upmarket options for visitors. These areas are where the well-known international chains are found and whilst there are plenty of bars and restaurants around here, they are far more expensive, catering almost solely to expats and richer tourists. You're unlikely to find many locals eating and drinking in most of these places.

In these areas there are also lots of expensive boutique hotels such as O’Gallery Premier Hotel and Spa, which has luxurious rooms upwards of USD100 per night with the benefit of having one of the city's best spas on site.

If you choose to stay outside the city centre, the chances are that your hotel will be able to arrange drivers to ferry you to and from the main tourist spots, although this will be a more expensive way of getting around.

The more affordable option is to use Hanoi's bus network, although due to the busy streets even the most straightforward journey can take longer than expected.

Around the airport

The airport is located 35km from the centre and, although there are hotels around here, visitors really shouldn't decide to stay in this area. You can take bus 17 into the centre for around VND5,000 although it often takes over an hour to reach Long Bien station. Airport taxis cost approximately VND200,000 so make staying in this area an expensive choice.

Homestays – ‘Go Local’ experience

There are few genuine homestays within Hanoi, most are actually guesthouses, but those looking to experience life as a local first-hand might want to visit Moon Garden Homestay in Ky Son village, about 50km from the city centre. It's one of the best homestays in the region so worth adding a night or two here after your stay in Hanoi. You can help in the rice fields and learn more about the food and culture of the area, although prices are fairly high at around USD130 a night.