Short answer: For most travelers, NEXY Hostel is the best all-round pick in Hanoi (solo travelers and couples), Luxury Backpackers Hotel is the most polished choice for female solo travelers, and Little Charm Hanoi Hostel wins for friends and anyone who wants a pool. Compare live prices for all three on Hostelz before you book.
This is your guide to the 3 best hostels in Hanoi. Vietnam’s capital is your jumping-off point for Ha Long Bay, endless bowls of pho, and about a thousand motorbikes crossing the road at once. It’s also cheap. Really cheap. So let’s find you a good bed.
If it’s the nightlife you’re after, here’s our guide to the coolest party hostels in Hanoi. And if you’re dreaming of rice fields, motorbikes, and street food, check out all our Vietnam backpacking resources.
Your Shortcut:
- NEXY Hostel (great for solo travellers and couples)
- Luxury Backpackers Hotel (for female solo travelers)
- Little Charm Hanoi Hostel (best hostel for friends)
Best Hostels in Hanoi Compared at a Glance
| Hostel | Best for | Vibe | Area | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEXY Hostel | Solo travelers & couples | Social but calm | Edge of the Old Quarter | Hotel-level comfort at hostel prices, café/bar, rooftop |
| Luxury Backpackers Hotel | Female solo, couples, flashpackers, families | Boutique, quieter | Heart of the Old Quarter | Hotel-style private rooms, 24h front desk, no curfew |
| Little Charm Hanoi Hostel | Friends & female solo travelers | Charming, relaxed | Old Quarter | Indoor pool, free breakfast, private bathrooms in dorms |
| Hanoi City Backpackers | Partygoers & first-timers | Loud and fun | Old Quarter | Free beer, free breakfast, pub crawl |
| Old Quarter View Hostel | Social butterflies who like a late one | Lively, bar-street energy | Old Quarter | All-day bar and food, hammocks, prime nightlife spot |
How to Pick the Right Hanoi Hostel
Not sure which one is yours? Here’s the quick version.
- Traveling as a couple → NEXY Hostel, or Luxury Backpackers if you want a proper private room.
- Solo and want to meet people → NEXY for a calm-social mix, Hanoi City Backpackers if you want the party crowd.
- Female solo traveler → Luxury Backpackers Hotel or Little Charm (both have female dorms and feel safe).
- You’re here to party → Hanoi City Backpackers or Old Quarter View.
- Traveling with friends → Little Charm Hanoi Hostel. The pool seals it.
- Families → Luxury Backpackers Hotel, for the family rooms.
- On the tightest budget → don’t just grab the cheapest bed you can find. Compare what’s actually available on Hostelz first.
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
Important: You need a visa to enter Vietnam. You can check with iVisa.com which visa you need and how to get it. Here’s my review on iVisa and how it works for Vietnam.
These are, in our honest opinion, some of the best hostels in Vietnam full stop. This guide is written for female solo travelers and anyone who’s tired of grim, dirty dorms. And if you’re only in a hostel to drink cheap beer and meet people, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered there too.
We also have a guide on the nearby best hostels in Ninh Binh and the best hostels in Ha Giang for the famous Loop.
And if you want to see Ha Long Bay and maybe stay the night, here are the best hostels in Cat Ba Island.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
We’ve boiled it down to the 3 coolest hostels in Hanoi. As always, we’re trying to make your planning as painless as possible.
- Quick Introduction to Hanoi Hostels
- 3 best hostels in the city
- The best hostels in Hanoi for solo travellers
- Best party hostels in Hanoi
- Cheapest Hostels in Hanoi
- More Hanoi hostels worth a mention
- Promo Codes
- Handy map with all hostels and sights
- FAQ
- Flights to Hanoi
We actually spent a good chunk of time in Hanoi and around Vietnam.
If you want to get off the beaten track, we’d point you toward the small town of Sa Pa up north. And if you’re planning to see more of the country, here are the big guides:
- 41 best things to do in Hanoi
- 27 EPIC things to do in Vietnam
- best hostels in Da Nang
- coolest things to do in Da Nang
- 99 travel photos from Vietnam
- best hostels in Hoi An
Find all top hostels in Vietnam here. We’ve thrown in a full Vietnam itinerary too.
Quick Introduction to Hanoi Hostels
Average price for a bed: A dorm bed in Hanoi runs roughly €4.50 to €10 a night. Yeah, Hanoi is cheap. That’s a rough guide, and prices move with the season and holidays.
Prices jump around between booking sites, so run your dates through Hostelz to compare first, then double-check the exact rate on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check-in and check-out: Check-in is usually from 15:00 (3pm), check-out before 11:00 (11am). Most places offer luggage storage if you land early or leave late. Just ask whether it’s free or costs extra.
Location: Everyone wants to stay in the Old Quarter. It’s the famous, tangled heart of the city, and it gets loud, especially at night. Our tip: stay on the edge of the Old Quarter rather than dead in the middle. You’ll still walk everywhere, but you’ll actually sleep. Here you’ll find all hostels in Hanoi Old Quarter.
Quality of hostels: The quality here swings a lot. You can stay somewhere pretty grim for €3 to €5, or somewhere genuinely lovely for €10. It’s a totally different experience, no kidding. Rule of thumb: don’t book the very cheapest bed in Hanoi.
Why? The rock-bottom places tend to come with cockroaches and tired linen and not much else. We learned that one first-hand. Spend an extra euro or two a night and your trip gets noticeably better.
Scams: The classic one here is the taxi-driver line: your hotel is full, closed, or doesn’t exist. It’s a lie. The driver wants to take you somewhere that pays him a cut, then charge you more. Don’t fall for it. Have your booking confirmation ready and insist on the address you gave.
Local rules: Vietnam is a one-party socialist state, and that shapes a bit of etiquette. Nothing dramatic for a traveler. Skip the political debates, and dress modestly around government sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Visa: You’ll need one to enter Vietnam. See the Visa section below.
Fun things to do: We wrote a big guide on the best things to do in Vietnam. If you’re starting in Hanoi, read it. It’s packed.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
3 Best Hostels in Hanoi, Vietnam
Get your camera ready. You’re going to want it.
The 3 coolest hostels in Hanoi are:
- NEXY Hostel (great for solo travellers and couples)
- Luxury Backpackers Hotel (for female solo travelers)
- Little Charm Hanoi Hostel (best hostel for friends)
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | NEXY Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Luxury Backpackers Hotel |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | NEXY Hostel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Little Hanoi Hostel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Little Charm Hanoi Hostel |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Little Hanoi Hostel |
1. NEXY Hostel (luxury at a budget)
This is the one. The hippest, best-run hostel in Hanoi, and our top backpacker pick in the city.
Sitting right on the edge of the Old Quarter, NEXY Hostel gets the location exactly right: close enough to walk into the chaos, far enough to escape it.
The design leans into Vietnamese touches with a clean, modern feel. It’s social, well put together, and easy to settle into, which makes it a natural fit if you want to meet people without it being a full-on party.
And that location, again. You’re 100 meters from the Old Quarter, but tucked away from the late-night noise. Have your drink in the thick of it, then walk back and actually sleep.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
So what about the rooms? You can choose between:
- 8-14 bed mixed dorm
- 8-bed female dorm
- Twin, triple and double privates
One thing’s certain: you won’t be roughing it. It’s not called a luxury hostel for nothing.
Everyone gets proper linen, a towel, and a personal locker under the bed. Each bunk is built with the modern traveler in mind, which mostly means privacy when you want it.
Pull the curtain across and you’ve got your own plug and reading lamp for that bit of downtime. And as you’d hope, the staff here are great.
Pop into the 24hr reception and ask them where to eat. They know the city and they’ll point you to the good stuff.
On-site there’s a genuinely nice café and bar. Grab a bite, meet a few people, and have a cold local beer.
Not feeling that? Head up to the rooftop terrace, or:
- relax in the TV room with a movie
- put your feet up with a book in the library
- try your luck at foosball or pool
We’ve written a full review of NEXY Hostel here.
Who’s going to love it? NEXY Hostel is the best hostel in Hanoi for:
- Solo travellers
- Couples
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Hostelgeeks Tip: Prices at NEXY and the other top picks swing with the season. Compare the same dates across booking sites on Hostelz before you commit, then book on whichever site is cheapest.
2. Luxury Backpackers Hotel
Let’s not stop at one luxurious stay in the middle of Hanoi.
Right alongside our number one, Luxury Backpackers Hotel mixes boutique design with a price tag that stays friendly.
Don’t let the name fool you. There are shared dorms here as well as some genuinely impressive private rooms.
“Our Classic & Deluxe Rooms are lavishly styled with glass enclosed showers, 9 ft ceilings, 32 in HD LCD televisions and an abundance of other amenities.”
So whether you’re a backpacker, a female solo traveler, or a flashpacker, this one tends to land.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
A few of the touches you get if you stay here:
- Privacy curtains on the bunks
- Onsite restaurant and bar
- Balcony in dorm rooms with a street view
- Ensuite private rooms
- 24hr front desk
There’s a solid spread of rooms, too: five styles across 28 rooms in total. That breaks down into five family rooms, ten deluxe, five superior, plus a 10-bed and a 12-bed mixed dorm.
There aren’t organised activities, but the bar is a good spot to meet other travelers. Otherwise, head out into the city and lean on the 24hr reception with no curfew.
Location: Right in the heart of the Old Quarter, which puts you within walking distance of most of Hanoi’s main sights.
Luxury Backpackers Hotel is the best hostel in Hanoi for:
- Female solo travellers
- Couples
- Flashpackers
- Families
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
3. Little Charm Hanoi Hostel (indoor swimming pool)
Even our number three will knock you sideways with how good it looks. Little Charm Hanoi Hostel has a whole lot of, well, charm.
It’s the best hostel with a pool that Hanoi has going.
This is a place
Where the little things mean everything
So what makes it so charming?
- The relaxing indoor swimming pool
- Friendly staff on hand 24 hours a day
- Free breakfast
- Bike rental
Have a proper look at the photos. It doesn’t look like a hostel at all, does it?
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
You might do a double take when you walk into your room. Don’t worry, it’s still a hostel, not a hotel.
The beds are properly made and there are wrapped towels waiting, which is a nice welcome.
Whether you pick a mixed or female dorm, you get:
- A private bathroom
- City views
- Daily housekeeping
Note: there are no private room options here.
This is a top pick if you want to treat yourself a little and feel a step above the usual dorm.
Don’t be thrown by the slightly-over-dressed staff. Word is they’re incredibly welcoming.
Head to the bar and restaurant and you’ll see what we mean. Grab a cocktail, order Italian or Vietnamese, and sip a decent coffee. There’s also a chill-out lounge to do exactly that: chill out.
It’s one of the best hostels in Hanoi Old Quarter, close to the main sights.
Little Charm Hanoi Hostel is the best hostel in Hanoi for:
- Friends
- Female solo travellers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Best Party Hostels in Hanoi
Ready to party? Good, because Hanoi has plenty of options.
Read: our full collection of the coolest party hostels in Hanoi.
If nightlife is the priority, look hard at the Old Quarter. A lot of the party hostels cluster right there.
To save you the digging, here are our two favourites.
First up, Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel.
This bright, roomy hostel is all about the freebies. These should do the trick:
- FREE beer
- FREE breakfast
- FREE decent wifi
Plenty of well-loved bars and restaurants sit a few minutes’ walk away, which makes for an easy night out. Check in any time at the 24hr reception and collapse onto a comfy bed at the end of it.
Over on Hostelz you’ll also find a big list of the top party hostels in Hanoi, with their activities and events laid out.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
If you want all-day bar and food service, Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel is your spot.
The name says it all: you’re right in the area backpackers head for when they want a big night.
This is the one for social types who like to meet everyone. Enjoy the hammocks, the free breakfast, and the nicely done rooms. Easily one of the best hostels in Hanoi Old Quarter. Here you’ll find all hostels in Hanoi Old Quarter.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
The Best Hostels in Hanoi for Solo Travellers
More and more people are traveling solo, and that’s a good thing. Hanoi’s hostels have caught on, and a few really do cater to people arriving on their own.
Whatever kind of solo traveler you are, there’s a fit here. In short:
- Best hostel in Hanoi for backpackers: Luxury Backpackers
- Best hostel in Hanoi for female solo travellers (luxury): Little Charm Hanoi Hostel
- Best hostel in Hanoi for female solo travellers (sociable): Luxury Backpackers Hotel
- Best hostel in Hanoi for solo travellers (luxury): NEXY Hostel
- Best hostel in Hanoi for minimalist lovers: Hanoi Rocks Hostel
What about the cheapest hostels in Hanoi?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Hanoi.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Hanoi
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Cheapest Hostels in Hanoi
Hanoi is already one of the cheapest cities in Southeast Asia for a bed, so “cheapest” here isn’t really the win people think it is. As we said up top, the rock-bottom dorms usually come with a catch, so the smarter move is to find the best-value bed, not the absolute lowest price.
The fastest way to do that: run your exact dates through Hostelz. It compares prices across Hostelworld, Booking, and the rest in one place, so you can see who’s actually cheapest for your nights without opening ten tabs. Sort by price, then sort by rating, and book the sweet spot between the two.
Hostelgeeks Tip: Dorm prices in Hanoi climb around Tet (Lunar New Year) and the October to November peak. If you’re traveling then, book a week or two ahead rather than winging it on arrival.
When to Visit Hanoi
Short version: October and November are the sweet spot. Cooler, drier, clearer skies, and the city looks its best. Spring, roughly March and April, is the other strong window, with mild days and blossom around the lakes.
May through September is hot, humid, and wet. It’s monsoon season, and there’s a real chance of tropical storms, especially July to October. The upside is fewer tourists and cheaper beds, so it’s not a write-off if you don’t mind sweating and the odd downpour.
Winter (December to February) is cool and can turn grey and drizzly. Not beach weather, but honestly a great time to eat your way through the Old Quarter with a bowl of pho in front of you.
How Many Days in Hanoi?
Two to three days is enough for Hanoi itself: the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the food, the train street, a couple of the big sights. Add a day if you want to slow down.
Most people use Hanoi as a base, though. Give yourself three to four days total if you want a day trip out to Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh, and longer if you’re heading up to Sa Pa or the Ha Giang Loop.
Getting to Hanoi (and Around)
You’ll fly into Noi Bai International Airport, about 30 km north of the Old Quarter. The ride into town takes anywhere from 40 to 80 minutes depending on traffic.
Your options from the airport:
- Bus 86: the budget hero. Around 45,000 VND (roughly €1.70) straight to the Old Quarter. Air-conditioned, easy, cash only.
- Grab / ride-hailing: usually 200,000 to 300,000 VND for a car. Download the app on the airport wifi first.
- Metered taxi: roughly 300,000 to 400,000 VND, so about €12 to €16. Stick to signed brands at the taxi rank.
- Private transfer: pricier (around €19 to €25), but worth it for late arrivals.
One thing to know: the airport buses stop running around 10:30pm. If you land later than that, it’s Grab, a metered taxi, or a pre-booked transfer.
Hostelgeeks Tip: Grab a SIM or eSIM at the airport before you leave arrivals. You’ll want data for Grab, maps, and dodging the “your hotel is closed” taxi routine.
Once you’re in, the Old Quarter is small and walkable. For anything further out, Grab (car or motorbike) is cheap and takes the haggling out of it.
Is Hanoi Safe?
Hanoi is generally safe, including for solo female travelers, who mostly report feeling comfortable here. Violent crime against tourists is rare.
The things to actually watch are petty: the airport taxi scam we mentioned, occasional overcharging, and the usual pickpocket awareness in crowds. Use your hostel locker for valuables.
The bigger day-to-day risk is the traffic. Crossing the road in Hanoi is a skill. Walk at a slow, steady pace, don’t stop suddenly, and let the motorbikes flow around you. Sounds mad. Works.
More Hanoi Hostels worth a mention
There are loads of backpacker hostels downtown, and not all of them are worth your money. Let us help. If our top picks are booked out, or you just want more to compare, here’s a longer list of Hanoi hostels.
- Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel
- Little Hanoi Hostel
- Chien Hostel Hanoi
- Hanoi Hostel
We’ve read through the where-to-stay blogs, the living-in-Hanoi blogs, and stacks of reviews, and visited hostels ourselves, to put together something you can actually trust for your trip.
Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel
Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel is a great place to meet people, especially if you’re solo.
The pub crawl is worth doing. The interior is genuinely nice, with patterns on the walls that give it a bit of character.
It’s secure and clean. Guests get key passes for the dorms and lockers, which makes it feel a notch safer than some others.
Location: The nearest airport is Noi Bai International, 25 km away. You’re close to sights like Trang Tien Plaza and the Opera House.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Little Hanoi Hostel
Little Hanoi Hostel is a great deal for couples and families.
The private rooms can fit a whole family, and they work well for couples wanting a budget base in Vietnam. Rooms are private and clean, with individual bathrooms, air conditioning, and TVs.
One thing to flag: there are no dorm beds here, so if you’re a solo backpacker after a bunk, this isn’t the one.
Hostel Highlights:
- Free WiFi
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour front desk
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Bicycle Hire
Location: In the Old Quarter, close to the popular sights like the water puppet show, the tourist streets, and Hoan Kiem Lake.
Chien Hostel Hanoi
Chien Hostel sits close to Hoan Kiem Lake and the Red River, so you’re near a bit of calm and greenery.
Every bed has a fan and a small locker, plus there’s a bigger locker in the room. Eat at their restaurant and you’ll get a discount, which is a nice touch.
Hostel Highlights:
- Free WiFi
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour front desk
- Restaurant
- Bar
Location: Chien Hostel is 21 km from Noi Bai International Airport. Hoan Kiem Lake and the Red River are within walking distance, it’s about 0.6 mi from Trang Tien Plaza, and it sits next to St. Joseph Cathedral.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com
Joi Homestay
Update: “Hanoi Hostel” changed its name to “Joi Homestay”. It’s the same property, still a hostel/homestay, just a new name.
Another good Hanoi homestay for backpackers. The rooms and beds are comfortable, there’s a big locker under the bed, and the bathroom is clean.
The staff at Joi Homestay are welcoming and easy to talk to, which counts for a lot. Ask them about the free walking tour.
Hostel Highlights:
- Free WiFi
- Airport shuttle
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free parking
Location: Joi Homestay is a 5-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake and the Night Market.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com
Hanoi Hostel Promo Codes
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Hanoi best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Visa to Vietnam
Do you need a visa for Vietnam? Most likely, yes. And the rules change constantly. Seriously, they’ve shifted three or four times in the last few years, so check what applies to your nationality right now rather than trusting an old blog.
Read our full review on iVisa, the shortcut we use for visas around the world.
We got ours through iVisa and it was fast and cheap. Cheaper than a lot of travelers we met, actually. One German guy wouldn’t tell us where he got his, but he paid €80 while we paid €25.
Need an eSIM Card for Hanoi?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile shops. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Hanoi put on a map + sights
Here’s the handy map. All the hostels are pinned, along with these top sights:
- Hoan Kiem Lake (West Lake)
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- Thang Long Imperial Citadel
- One Pillar Pagoda
- Hoa Lo Prison Memorial
- Dong Xuan Market
- St Joseph’s Cathedral
We’ve marked the Old Town of Hanoi in light orange on the map.
Looking for things to do while you’re in town?
- Skip the line at the Water Puppet Theatre Show
- Take a day trip to Halong Bay: Caves, Islands and Kayaks
- Enjoy a full day tour at Hoa Lu & Tam Coc as part of a small group
- Guided Street Food Tour Hanoi
Also worth a look: our guide to 41 things to do in Hanoi.
Any questions about hostels in Hanoi? 🤔
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Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
FAQ
Right, you’ve probably found your bed by now. Here are the questions we get asked most about hostels in Hanoi.
What is the best hostel in Hanoi?
NEXY Hostel is our overall pick for its mix of comfort, location, and social feel. For female solo travelers, Luxury Backpackers Hotel and Little Charm are both excellent, and Little Charm has the pool.
How much does a hostel in Hanoi cost?
A dorm bed usually runs €4.50 to €10 a night. It's one of the cheapest hostel cities in Southeast Asia. Prices rise around Tet and the autumn peak, so compare live rates on Hostelz for your exact dates.
What is the best area to stay in Hanoi?
The Old Quarter, hands down, for walkability and food. If you're a light sleeper, aim for the edge of it rather than the middle, where the noise eases off at night.
Are hostels in Hanoi safe?
Yes, generally. Pick a well-reviewed hostel with lockers, keep valuables stored, and watch for the airport taxi scam. The bigger daily risk is honestly the traffic.
Which is the best party hostel in Hanoi?
Hanoi City Backpackers (free beer, pub crawl) and Old Quarter View (all-day bar, prime nightlife spot) are the two we'd point you to.
What is the best hostel in Hanoi for solo travelers?
NEXY Hostel. It's social enough to meet people but calm enough to sleep, which is the balance most solo travelers want.
What is the best hostel in Hanoi for female solo travelers?
Luxury Backpackers Hotel for a polished, secure feel, or Little Charm Hanoi Hostel for the pool and female dorms. Both are reliable picks.
How many days do you need in Hanoi?
Two to three days covers the city. Give yourself three to four if you want a day trip to Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh, and more for Sa Pa or Ha Giang.
When is the best time to visit Hanoi?
October and November are ideal: cooler, drier, clear skies. March and April are the other good window. May to September is hot and wet, with a storm risk.
How do I get from Hanoi airport to the Old Quarter?
Bus 86 is the cheapest at around 45,000 VND (about €1.70). Grab runs 200,000 to 300,000 VND, and a metered taxi is roughly €12 to €16. The trip takes 40 to 80 minutes.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
Most nationalities do, but the rules change often. Check the current e-visa requirements for your passport before you travel; iVisa is an easy way to sort it.
Is Hanoi good for first-time backpackers?
Very. It's cheap, the hostels are social, and the Old Quarter is compact and easy to find your feet in. A solid first stop in Vietnam.
Can I book a hostel in Hanoi last-minute?
Usually yes, outside of peak season and Tet. Even so, comparing on Hostelz first saves you overpaying, and locks in the good ones before they fill.
Flights to Hanoi?
When flying into Vietnam, you’ll usually find cheaper flights to either Hanoi in the north or Ho Chi Minh City in the south.
Vietnam is a brilliant country to backpack: cheap, full of good hostels, and packed with things to do. It’s also just easy to get around.
Why? Its shape. The country is long and narrow, so there are really only two ways to travel it: up or down. Head south or head north.
Have a look for yourself. Either start in Hanoi and end in Ho Chi Minh City, or do it the other way around.
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More Guides
We’ve written up plenty more for backpacking Vietnam:
- fun things to do in Vietnam
- unique things to do in Hanoi
- cool things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
- Sa Pa in Photos
- Travel photos – Vietnam in 99 photos
And here are the best hostels in Vietnam, south to north. There’s more:
- best hostels in Vietnam
- best hostels in Saigon
- best Hostels in Da Nang
- best hostels in Hoi An
- best hostels in Hue
- best hostels in Dalat
- best hostels in Ninh Binh
- best hostels in Nha Trang
- best hostels in Ha Giang
- best hostels in Cat Ba Island
- best hostels in Sapa
- best hostels in Phu Quoc Island
- coolest party hostels in Hanoi
- coolest party hostels in Ho Chi Minh
And other locations:
- best hostels in Kampot, Cambodia
- best hostels in Sihanoukville, Cambodia
- best hostels in Bagan, Myanmar
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Hanoi guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
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