For a first visit of two to four nights, stay in or right next to the Old Quarter or around Hoan Kiem Lake. Almost everything you will want to see on foot is within twenty minutes, food is on your doorstep and nearly every tour picks up there.
If you prefer calm, wide streets and grander hotels, the French Quarter south of the lake is still walkable to everything. For longer stays, families or a quieter base with cafés and lake views, look at West Lake (Tay Ho). Ba Dinh puts you near the mausoleum, the museums and some large international hotels, but you will use Grab more. Plan the day trips with our sights and day trips guide.
What a room costs
Hanoi is good value at every level, though rates rise at weekends, around Lunar New Year and in the busy autumn and spring months. As a rough guide per night:
| Level | Rough nightly range | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | about US$6–12 for a dorm bed, US$15–35 for a private room | Hostels and family-run mini-hotels, mostly in the Old Quarter; air-conditioning is standard, windows are not always. |
| Mid-range | about US$40–100 | Boutique hotels in the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem, often with breakfast, a small spa or a rooftop bar. |
| Upscale | about US$150 and up | Heritage and luxury hotels in the French Quarter, lake-view resorts in Tay Ho and international chains in Ba Dinh. |
These are indicative ranges only, not quotes — check current rates for your dates on Booking.com.
When to book
- Lunar New Year (Tet, January or February): book well ahead; some family-run places close for several days.
- October–December and March–April: the most popular months — a few weeks ahead for the best-located boutique hotels.
- Summer: hotter and wetter, with more availability and lower prices.
- Any time: choose a free-cancellation rate if your Ha Long cruise or Sapa trip dates are not yet fixed.
