Where to Stay in Hanoi for First Timers – Best Areas & Hotels.
Home to buzzing street markets, lakeside sunsets, hidden cafés, and some of the best food in Southeast Asia…
Hanoi was one of the most surprising stops on my Vietnam trip…
And the most fun!
But with hotels spread across the Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm, the French Quarter, West Lake, and Ba Đình…
Choosing where to stay in Hanoi can feel overwhelming for first-time visitors.
I assumed anywhere ‘near Hoàn Kiếm Lake’ would be ideal…
But what I quickly learned is that in Hanoi, where you stay shapes your entire experience.
Looking back, I’m genuinely glad I chose to base myself in the Old Quarter…
It was everything I imagined Hanoi would be, loud, energetic, full of character, and impossible not to love.
In this guide, I’ll help you decide where to stay in Hanoi for the first time and share my top hotel picks to make booking effortless.
The Old Quarter is full of charm.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
Quick Mini Guide to Hanoi.
Where to Stay:
Old Quarter (Best for First Timers — central, atmospheric, walkable)
– Hanoi La Selva Hotel (££) – Boutique, friendly, great breakfast.
– Peridot Gallery Classic Hotel (££) – Stylish mid-range boutique with larger rooms.
Hoàn Kiếm & the French Quarter (Calmer + More Upscale)
– Apricot Hotel (£££) – Luxury stay overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.
– La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa (£££) – Elegant boutique hotel near the lake
Tây Hồ – West Lake (Relaxed cafés, sunsets, great for longer stays)
– InterContinental Westlake (££££) – Overwater villas + lake views.
– Fraser Suites Hanoi (£££) – Apartment-style rooms with kitchens, pool and gym.
Ba Đình (Leafy, local, close to historic sites)
– La Casa Hanoi Hotel (££) – Comfortable, quiet, good base for families.
– Lotte Hotel Hanoi (££££) – High-end luxury with panoramic city views.
👉 See today’s best hotel deals in Hanoi here.
When to Visit:
The best time to visit Hanoi is October–April, when temperatures are comfortable and ideal for sightseeing.
Summer can be hot and humid with heavy rain.
👉 Check my full guide: Best Time to Visit Vietnam & Cambodia.
Things to Do:
– Visit Train Street.
– Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake & explore the Old Quarter.
– Try the famous egg coffee at Cafe Giang and snap the colourful walls at Note Coffee.
– Tour the Temple of Literature & Hoa Lo Prison.
– Take day trips to Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, or the Perfume Pagoda.
Hoan Kiem Lake in the French Quarter.
Understanding Hanoi’s Neighbourhoods.
Despite the reputation of the Vietnamese capital, I found Hanoi to be a city of contrasts…
I was navigating the chaotic streets one minute, before I found myself wandering around peaceful lakes the next. The city layout fascinated me, with French architecture beside buzzing night markets, and ancient temples hidden behind modern cafés.
Most first-time visitors don’t realise how different each neighbourhood feels, and choosing the right one 100% shapes your whole trip.
The Old Quarter is the most famous and where most international tourists stay, it’s busy, atmospheric, and filled with food, culture, and nightlife. It had everything I needed, and this part of the city proved to be one of the best places I visited in Vietnam.
Locals often prefer Ba Đình or the French Quarter for calmer streets, history, and easier daily life.
And the the longer term travellers I met, enjoyed staying near Tây Hồ (West Lake) for its space, sunsets, and strong café scene
Below is a quick overview of each area before we break them down in detail.
A very basic idea of Hanoi’s districts.
Looking over the busy streets.
Old Quarter – For Classic ‘Hanoi Chaos & Charm’.
Best for: first-timers, short stays, food lovers, night market fans.
The Old Quarter is the centre of everything people imagine when they think of Hanoi, narrow streets, food stalls, lanterns, motorbikes, and tiny cafés tucked into hidden alleys.
If you want the classic Hanoi experience from the moment you arrive, this is the best area to stay in Hanoi for first-time visitors.
Here, you’re steps away from:
Banh Mi 25 (My favourite sandwich shop).
Ta Hien Beer Street.
The original egg coffee at Cafe Giang.
The weekend night market.
Countless street food tours and cooking classes.
The Old Quarter ticked every box for what I needed in Hanoi, including bus stops for the luxury bus to Sapa.
However… it is full-on! Rooms are smaller, streets are noisy, and motorbikes never stop. If you’re noise-sensitive, I recommend just two or three nights here, before moving somewhere calmer.
The Old Quarter is full of noise and fun.
Hoàn Kiếm / French Quarter – Central, Calmer & More Upscale.
Best for: couples, nicer hotels, sleep quality, easy sightseeing.
Just south of the Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm and the French Quarter offer a quieter, cleaner, more elegant place to stay.
I would describe it as tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, the Opera House, bookshops, artisan cafés, and some of the best boutique hotels in Hanoi for couples.
This is where you stay if you want:
Nicer hotels with bigger rooms.
Easy walking to Hoan Kiem Lake, the Cathedral, museums.
Better sleep, fewer horns, wider pavements.
Luxury hotels in Hanoi city centre without the Old Quarter intensity.
It’s still central, but calmer, more comfortable, and far better for travellers who want an atmosphere without constant chaos.
A more peaceful area of the capital.
Tây Hồ (West Lake) – Relaxed Cafés, Sunset Views & Long Stays.
Best for: digital nomads, café lovers, longer stays, chilled vibes.
Tây Hồ feels like a completely different side of Hanoi, with it being spacious, modern, international, and peaceful. If you want room to breathe, this is one of the best areas to stay in Hanoi for longer trips or remote work.
I enjoyed my daily trips over to Tây Hồ for CrossFit… It 100% has longer stay vibes, and I met plenty of people in the gym who have lived in Hanoi for months, or years.
Travellers love West Lake for its:
Lakefront cafés and coworking spots.
Morning runs or cycling around the 17 km shoreline.
Stylish brunch places and rooftop bars.
Bigger, quieter, modern rooms.
Calmer pace compared to the Old Quarter.
It’s perfect if you work online, prefer more space, or are staying 4–7 nights in Hanoi.
You can build a routine here… Gym, cafés, sunset walks, then head into the Old Quarter when you want the buzz. It is only a scooter ride away!
The famous Tran Quoc Pagoda.
Ba Đình – Local, & Close to Major Monuments.
Best for: families, quieter stays, culture-focused trips.
Ba Đình is one of Hanoi’s most historic and peaceful neighbourhoods, home to embassies, leafy streets, and some of Vietnam’s biggest landmarks. If you prefer culture over nightlife, this is a brilliant base.
You’ll be close to:
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long.
Temple of Literature.
Spacious parks, quiet cafés, and museums.
It’s far calmer than the Old Quarter but still central enough to walk or taxi anywhere quickly. Families especially love this area for its safety, quiet nights, and cultural attractions.
Ho Chi Minh Museum.
Ask yourself these questions before picking an area in the Vietnamese capital:
Do you want to walk everywhere, or prefer quieter evenings?
Do you want classic Hanoi energy, or a calmer, more elegant base?
Are you staying 2–3 nights, or planning a full week in Hanoi?
Do you prioritise sleep quality, or being right in the middle of the night market?
Do you want lake views, or to stay close to temples and museums?
Once you answer these, choosing between the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, West Lake, and Ba Dinh becomes super easy — and you’ll know exactly where your hotel should be.
My day time visit to Train Street.
Best Area to Stay in Hanoi for First Time Visitors – Old Quarter.
If it’s your first time in Hanoi, the Old Quarter is hands-down the best area to stay.
It’s chaotic, historic, noisy, delicious, and unforgettable, exactly what I imagined when I was planning this part of my South East Asia trip in Vietnam's capital.
Compared to places like Da Nang, Hoi An, or Ho Chi Minh City, I found Hanoi’s Old Quarter to have the perfect mix of compactness and high energy, while maintaining that authentic Vietnamese charm.
Staying here puts you right in the heart of Hanoi’s energy.
The Old Quarter is a buzzing part of the capital.
Why stay in the Old Quarter?
If you want the full sensory experience, such as smells of sizzling street food, views of local fruit sellers wearing straw hats, the taste of Hanoi’s iconic egg coffee, and the noise of scooters whizzing by, then here ticks all the boxes.
Most of the city’s famous attractions are within walking distance also, so it makes complete sense to base yourself here.
Here’s a deeper look into what makes it special:
The Instagram favourite spot, Note Coffee.
Legendary street food + coffee culture.
The Old Quarter has some of the best food in Vietnam, and you can taste it all without needing a taxi, or any other public transport…
It is all on your doorstep!
I enjoyed leaving my hotel and being steps away from Bánh Mì 25, my favourite food spot in Hanoi.The famous sandwiches are to die for.
You are also only every a short wander away from steaming bowls of phở, street barbecues, fresh spring rolls, and popular food tours.
If food is your priority, staying in the Old Quarter makes life easy.
I loved this food tour with out guide, Ha. She made sure that we all tried the local delicacies, and they were delicious… Especially the fresh spring rolls.
Learning about the culture of the local people from a Hanoi resident was also very interesting.
An iconic cafe in Hanoi.
Along with the chaos and pace of the city, another thing I kept hearing about in Hanoi were egg coffees… So it was awesome to finally try one on my first day in the city.
They are everywhere in the Old Quarter, so you are going to enjoy some very delicious variations of the unique drink if you stay in this area.
Let me recommend Café Giang, the birthplace of egg coffee, with the vibes being authentic, and a great place to relax.
Hanoi has a world famous cafe culture, so there are many awesome places to try the iconic beverage.
Note Coffee isn’t far from the Old Quarter, and is of the most Instagrammable spots in Vietnam.
My first egg coffee.
Walking access to Hanoi’s top highlights.
One of the biggest advantages of staying in the Old Quarter is how close you are to Hanoi’s most iconic sights.
For first-time visitors, this makes it the best area to stay in Hanoi for sightseeing, especially if you want to walk everywhere without relying on taxis or Grab.
Two of the city’s most famous attractions, Train Street and Phùng Hưng Mural Street, are right on your doorstep when you book Hanoi Old Quarter accommodation.
For anyone following my 10 Day Vietnam Itinerary, this makes Train Street one of the best, yet easiest sights to tick off on day one.
Train Street comes alive at night.
But it’s not just about sightseeing…
The Old Quarter is also the best base if you’re planning day trips from Hanoi, because nearly every tour company offers direct pick-up from this district.
From here, it’s effortless to join:
Ninh Binh day trips.
The Hanoi to Sapa luxury bus for treks.
Perfume Pagoda tours.
Ha Giang Loop departures.
This makes the Old Quarter the most practical and time-efficient place to stay in Hanoi — especially for travellers doing multi-stop itineraries across Vietnam
I simply walked downstairs, enjoyed my breakfast, and stepped straight into some of the best Vietnam day tours, with no long transfers, no confusion, no stress.
It’s this unbeatable combination of walkability, sightseeing, food, and tour access that makes the Old Quarter the top choice for first-timers booking Hanoi hotels for 2–3 night stays.
One of many murals at Phung Hung Street.
The real Hanoi atmosphere.
Nothing prepared me for it.. Hanoi hit me instantly!
What creates the Old Quarter vibe?
Motorbikes weaving in every direction.
Street vendors shouting their daily specials.
Tiny stools everywhere.
Cables hanging over narrow lanes.
French-era buildings packed beside modern shops.
The smells: coffee, grilled pork, incense.
For many travellers, this energy is exactly why they came to Vietnam.
If you loved the chaos of places like Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City , or the lantern-filled lanes of Hoi An, the Old Quarter gives you the ‘authentic Hanoi’ equivalent, but much louder and far more intense.
One of many lively bars in the Old Quarter.
A local fruit seller.
Things to keep in mind (from my experience).
Staying here is memorable… but not always relaxing…. As vibrant and exciting as the Old Quarter is, it does come with a few realities worth knowing before you book your stay.
I didn’t find these to be deal-breakers, but they’re important so you can choose the right type of Hanoi Old Quarter accommodation for your travel style.
Noise & late nights:
The Old Quarter is lively from early morning until long after midnight., so you should expect horns, scooters, night markets, music, and general street noise.
It’s all part of the charm, but if you’re a light sleeper, choose a quiet hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter tucked away on a side street rather than a main road near Ta Hien Beer Street.
When I was researching accommodation, I noticed many mid-range and boutique hotels now offer soundproofing, so this is something to look for when booking.
Scams & tourist traps.
Like any major tourist hub in Southeast Asia, the Old Quarter has inflated prices, persistent vendors, and the occasional taxi scam. Nothing unusual, but worth staying alert as you explore.
Pollution & traffic.
Scooters, food smoke, humidity, and constant movement, that’s the Old Quarter in a nutshell.. If you’ve come from calmer cities like Hoi An or spent some time in coastal areas like Da Nang, this area will feel very intense at first.
I recommend you spend at least a day in the Old Quarter before making your mind up on it… It definitely grew on me.
Another busy street.
🏨 Hotel Recommendations in the Old Quarter.
Budget – Little Charm Hanoi Hostel (£).
Great value, social atmosphere, clean dorms, and a friendly vibe. One of the best budget hostels in Hanoi Old Quarter for solo travellers.
Mid-Range – Peridot Gallery Classic Hotel (££).
Beautiful boutique design, spacious rooms, excellent breakfast, and a quiet location close to Hoàn Kiếm Lake. A top pick for best mid-range hotels in Hanoi.
Mid-Range – Hanoi La Selva Hotel (££).
Consistent favourite with travellers, with amazing staff, great breakfast, and walkable to all Old Quarter highlights. Excellent for couples and first-time visitors.
A great budget option.
A more mid-range option.
Hoàn Kiếm & the French Quarter — Calm, Central & Upscale.
If you want to stay central without the intensity of the Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm and the French Quarter is a good choice.
I found some peace and quiet in this area, as I wandered amongst the locals.
This area sits around Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the Opera House, with wider streets, colonial architecture, and some of the best boutique and luxury hotels in Hanoi.
It’s ideal for couples, first-time visitors who value comfort, and travellers who want to walk everywhere, but still sleep well at night. The Old Quarter is loud around the clock…
Hoàn Kiếm lake is popular in the French Quarter.
Why stay in Hoàn Kiếm / French Quarter?
You’re close to everything without being surrounded by it.
I found Hoàn Kiếm Lake to be the perfect spot to get my early morning step count in, and the French Quarter has elegant cafés, high-end restaurants, and refined hotels with larger rooms and better soundproofing.
It’s also one of the best areas to stay in Hanoi for short city breaks, with easy access to the Old Quarter, museums, and cultural landmarks.
The French Quarter feels more affluent.
I found the French Quarter to live up to its name, as it was the most ‘European-feeling’ part of Hanoi.
Parisian style bakeries and cafes, high end fashion outlets, and some arty streets was a world away from some of the Old Quarter streets, despite it only being a ten minute walk away.
Some different architecture in this part of the city.
Things to keep in mind.
When I was pricing my last trip to Hanoi up, I did find that the hotels here are generally more expensive than the Old Quarter, especially around the lake.
However, you won’t get the same street-level buzz or nightlife, so if energy and chaos are part of your Hanoi vision, this area can feel slightly subdued.
An elegant vibe.
🏨 Hotel Recommendations — Hoàn Kiếm & French Quarter.
Mid-Range – The Chi Boutique Hotel (££).
Stylish, modern, and perfectly located between the Old Quarter and French Quarter. Beautiful rooms, great breakfast, and quiet nights. One of the best mid-range boutique hotels in Hanoi for couples.
Mid-Range – La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa (£££).
Overlooking Hoàn Kiếm Lake with elegant interiors, a rooftop bar, and spa facilities. A top-rated choice for travellers wanting luxury hotels near Hoàn Kiếm Lake without the Old Quarter chaos.
Luxury – Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (££££).
The most iconic hotel in the city — colonial architecture, historic charm, an incredible pool courtyard, and world-class dining. The best luxury hotel in Hanoi French Quarter for honeymoons or special occasions.
The infamous prison.
Tây Hồ (West Lake) — Relaxed Cafés, Sunset Views & Longer Stays.
Tây Hồ, also known as West Lake, is Hanoi’s most laid-back district, and a firm favourite with expats, digital nomads, and travellers staying longer than a few nights.
I felt it was noticeably greener and more spacious than anywhere else I stayed in Hanoi, with wide lake paths, tree-lined streets, and far fewer motorbikes.
I found the vibe in this area to be built around routine rather than sightseeing.
Walks, coffees, workouts, and sunsets at the lake basically sum up my time in this area.
If you care about sleep quality, space, and slowing the pace, this is one of the best areas to stay in Hanoi.
My daily routine.
Why stay in Tây Hồ?
My days here were simple but awesome, with a morning walk around the lake, a CrossFit session nearby, then hunting down proper local food in the area, before settling into a café for a few hours to work.
It felt far more liveable than the Old Quarter, where everything is intense all the time.
If you’re staying 4–7 nights or longer, working remotely, or building Hanoi into a wider Vietnam itinerary (Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa), Tây Hồ is one of the most comfortable places to stay in Hanoi.
Amazing views.
Tran Quoc Pagoda.
Things to keep in mind.
It’s not walkable to the Old Quarter, so expect short Grab rides for sightseeing.
Nightlife is limited, and first-time visitors wanting classic Hanoi energy may find it too quiet.
This isn’t the Vietnam you will have been told about, but still a very good travel experience.
🏨 Hotel Recommendations in Tây Hồ (West Lake).
Mid-Range – The Hanoi Club Hotel & Residences (££).
Spacious rooms, a pool, gym, lakeside views, and a relaxing atmosphere. Excellent value for anyone seeking West Lake hotels in Hanoi with modern facilities.
Mid-Range – Fraser Suites Hanoi (£££).
Perfect for longer stays or travellers who want apartment-style comfort. Large rooms, full kitchens, pool, gym, and great cafés nearby. One of the best long-stay hotels in Hanoi.
Luxury – InterContinental Hanoi Westlake (££££).
Built over the water with iconic sunset views, floating villas, and incredible dining. The best luxury hotel in West Lake Hanoi — ideal for couples, work trips, or a peaceful break.
Peaceful vibes.
Ba Đình — Local, Leafy & Close to Major Monuments.
Ba Đình is Hanoi’s political and historic heart, and it feels noticeably different from the rest of the city.
This is where you’ll find the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long, and several of Hanoi’s most important museums and government buildings.
Staying in Ba Đình means you’re close to Hanoi’s key cultural landmarks while avoiding the constant noise and crowds of the tourist zones.
It’s a great base if your trip is focused on history, museums, and slower sightseeing, or if you simply prefer quiet evenings and better sleep.
I still found it to feel central, but without the chaos , making Ba Đình one of the best areas to stay in Hanoi for families, older travellers, or anyone wanting a more local experience.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Why stay in Ba Đình?
Ba Đình is a great choice if your trip to Hanoi is more about history, culture, and calm evenings rather than nightlife and street chaos.
I learned a lot about Vietnam’s history at the Cu Chi Tunnels during my time in Ho Chi Minh City, but this added another layer to my knowledge.
The streets here are wider and noticeably quieter, with fewer honking scooters and tour groups compared to the Old Quarter.
Hotels tend to be larger and more modern, making it a good option if you value space, comfort, and sleep quality.
Ba Đình works especially well for families, older travellers, and anyone planning to visit Hanoi’s major landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Imperial Citadel, and Temple of Literature at a relaxed pace.
Ho Chi Minh Musuem.
Things to keep in mind.
Dining and nightlife options in Ba Đình are more limited compared to Hoàn Kiếm or the Old Quarter…
You’ll find a handful of local restaurants, cafés, and hotel dining options, but not the buzzing street food alleys or bar-lined streets Hanoi is famous for.
If you want late-night energy, rooftop bars, or wandering between street food stalls after dark, you’ll need to head toward the Old Quarter or around Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Ba Đình is better suited to early evenings and relaxed nights rather than nightlife focused trips.
A quieter area of the city.
🏨 Hotel Recommendations in Ba Đình.
Budget – Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture (££).
Affordable boutique style with spacious rooms, quiet surroundings, and excellent service. One of the best value hotels in Ba Dinh for families and culture-focused travellers.
Mid-Range – Army Hotel Hanoi (££).
A well-established and genuinely local hotel in the heart of Ba Đình, close to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long, and major museums. Rooms are spacious, staff are professional, and it’s a practical choice if you’re looking for hotels near Hanoi’s historic landmarks with easy access and minimal chaos.
Luxury – Lotte Hotel Hanoi (££££).
A stunning luxury high-rise hotel with panoramic city views, rooftop bar, infinity pool, and world-class facilities. Ideal if you want a luxury hotel in Ba Dinh with great sleep quality and quiet surroundings.
A popular choice in the Old Quarter.
FAQs About Staying in Hanoi.
After multiple visits to the Vietnamese capital, these are the questions I get asked most about where to stay in Hanoi, which area is best, and how long you really need in the city:
What is the best area to stay in Hanoi for first-time visitors?
For most people visiting Hanoi for the first time, the Old Quarter is the best area to stay.
It’s atmospheric, walkable, packed with cafés, street food, markets, and top attractions like Train Street and Hoan Kiem Lake.
If you prefer something calmer (but still central), stay in Hoàn Kiếm / the French Quarter, wider streets, better sleep quality, and more upscale hotels.
👉 Check current deals on Hanoi Old Quarter hotels here.
👉 Browse top-rated hotels in Hoàn Kiếm here.
Is it better to stay in the Old Quarter or French Quarter?
The Old Quarter is best for food lovers, street photography, nightlife, and the full ‘Hanoi energy’ experience.
The French Quarter is best if you want calmer streets, bigger hotel rooms, and easy access to the Opera House, Hoa Lo Prison, and lakeside walks.
If you’re unsure which vibe suits you, read my post on whether Hanoi is worth visiting for a full breakdown of what the city feels like.
Where should I stay in Hanoi for nightlife?
The best place to stay for nightlife in Hanoi is the Old Quarter, especially around Tạ Hiện Beer Street, Bia Hoi Junction, and the weekend night market.
This area has:
The highest density of bars.
Happy hour deals everywhere.
Social hostels.
Live music spots.
Late-night street food.
Is Hanoi safe for solo travellers?
Yes, Hanoi is one of the safest cities in Southeast Asia for solo travellers, including women travelling alone.
Like anywhere, you should watch out for:
Phone or bag snatching on busy streets.
Overpriced taxis (use Grab instead).
Tourist ‘scams’ in the Old Quarter (very minor).
The Old Quarter and Hoàn Kiếm are the best areas for solo travellers because everything is walkable and full of cafés, hostels, and social spots like Cafe Giang, Note Coffee, and the Train Street cafés.
If you enjoy meeting other travellers, stay in a social hostel like Little Charm, or mid-range hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake.
👉 Compare the best solo-traveller hotels in Hanoi here.
How many days do you need in Hanoi?
For first-time visitors, 2–3 days is perfect, enough to explore the Old Quarter, Train Street, Hoan Kiem Lake, the French Quarter, and take a food tour or coffee crawl.
If you’re planning day trips to Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, or Ba Vi, allow 4–5 days.
For a full breakdown of what to see, check my guide: 3 Days in Hanoi.
Where should I stay in Hanoi for easy access to Train Street?
Stay in the Old Quarter, especially around streets like Trần Phú, Phùng Hưng, or Hàng Bông.
You can walk to Train Street in 5–10 minutes from most hotels in this area.
👉 Read my full Train Street Hanoi guide here.
Where NOT to stay in Hanoi?
Avoid:
Far outer districts (Cầu Giấy, Mỹ Đình) unless you’re on business
Isolated hotels outside the Old Quarter or West Lake
Narrow alley Airbnbs where taxi pickup is difficult
Stick to Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, West Lake, or Ba Dinh for the best experience.
Iconic scenes.
My honest recommendation.
After staying in multiple areas across Hanoi, from the chaotic Old Quarter to the calm lakeside cafés of Tây Hồ, there definitely isn’t one right spot… Everyone enjoys different aspects of the Vietnamese capital.
However, there is a best starting point for most travellers…
If you’re visiting Hanoi for the first time, the Old Quarter is by far the best base for 2–3 nights.
It is noisy and intense like my time in Ho Chi Minh City, but that’s exactly what makes Hanoi unforgettable.
I tried my first egg coffee, explored the famous spots like Train Street, and took far too many Grab scooter rides, but this all added an awesome dynamic to my South East Asian adventure.
So find yourself a hotel in the Old Quarter, and go and experience the best of Hanoi.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.