release: 5/25/24 | May 25, 2024
Hanoi Vietnam is the vibrant capital of Vietnam. It is also one of the main tourist centers in Vietnam (most tourists start or end their trip here).
Although I didn’t enjoy my first trip to Vietnamthe country is one of the most affordable in the region, has amazing cuisine and stunning natural beauty. It is easily accessible, with a popular tourist route running north to south.
But since Hanoi is part of the main Pacific Rim shipping route Southeast Asiathere are hotels all over the place. I mean, there are a lot of hotels. And not all hotels are the same.
To help you choose a hostel from the many options, here is my list of the best hostels in Hanoi!
If you don’t want to read the long list, here are the best in each category:
Best hotels for budget travelers:
Best hotels for solo female travelers:
Best hostels for digital nomads:
Best hostel for partying:
Want to know more? Here’s my breakdown of the best hostels in Hanoi and why I love them:
Price Description:
- $ = less than 200,000 VND per night
- $$ = 200,000-300,000 VND per night
- $$$ = over 300,000 VND per night
1. The One Hostel
This is a lively hostel. There are events every night, including live music and DJ nights, so there’s always something fun going on and you can easily meet other travelers. There’s a pool and bar on the roof, as well as a restaurant. I liked that they give you a wristband when you check in so you can charge food and drinks to your room (without having to carry cash). I also liked that it closes at midnight so you can still balance partying and sleeping. To help with hangovers, there’s also a delicious free breakfast every morning (with vegetarian options).
The dorm rooms are spacious, all beds have individual fans (a big plus since Hanoi is hot), curtains, USB chargers, and comfortable mattresses. I especially liked that the top bunk has an inclined ladder, almost like stairs, so it’s easy to get in and out of bed. There are also female-only dorms. Although the water pressure in the shower wasn’t great, everything was clean and the volunteer staff here really make you feel at home.
The One Hostel at a Glance:
- $$
- Pool, bar and restaurant
- Free breakfast
- Live music every night
Beds start from VND251,000.
2. Old Town Landscape
Located in the heart of the old town, in one of the nicest areas of town, this hostel has a colorful, chic design. While it looks more like a hotel than a hostel, it’s still a great place to socialize. The rooms are clean and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows letting in lots of natural light (some even have small balconies). The dorm beds come with thick mattresses, privacy curtains, lockers, and reading lights. There are stairs to the upper bunks instead of a ladder, and the hostel has air conditioning (a big plus).
While there isn’t a party atmosphere here, the hostel encourages visitors with free beer during daily happy hour, free walking tours, and weekly cooking classes (not free, but super cheap and you learn a lot!). There’s also a very affordable breakfast (only 50,000 VND). Overall, this is a more upscale option for visitors who want to be within walking distance of all the main attractions.
Old town landscape overview:
- $$$
- Free daily happy hour
- Clean and spacious dormitory
- The bed was very comfortable
Bed prices start from VND 384,000.
3. Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel
This is a lively hostel. There are parties every night – but they only last until about 11pm, so you can still get a good night’s sleep. There is a small movie room, but what I like most is the many free perks, including breakfast, beers during happy hour, walking tours, and nightly bar crawls. Not only that, but it’s one of the cheapest hostels on this list. You get a lot of value here!
The dorm rooms are small and look a bit dated, but the beds come with curtains, individual lighting and plugs, and lockers. The mattresses are also pretty comfortable compared to most party hostels. But the highlight for me was the outdoor patio area. It’s a great place to relax with a drink after a long day of exploring.
Hanoi Center at a Glance:
- $
- Super affordable
- Lots of free perks (breakfast, beer, hiking)
- End the party early so you can still get some sleep
Beds start from VND152,000 and private rooms start from VND800,000.
4. Hanoi Buffalo Hostel
This is a super cheap hostel in the Old Quarter that has a cool outdoor seating area with a pool, perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. The staff also organizes tours to all the major nearby attractions, such as Halong Bay and Sapa. The best part, though, is that you get a lot of free perks here, including free breakfast, free beer during happy hour, free bar cruises, and free walking tours.
The rooms are nothing to write home about (bathroom a bit cramped, dorm beds are basic), but they have curtains, lights, sockets, and lockers over the beds. The staff make up for it though. They really go out of their way to make sure you have a great stay – they are attentive and will resolve any issues immediately.
Buffalo Hotel List:
- $
- Swimming pool on site
- Organize day trips and tours
- Free breakfast, free beer and free tours
Beds start from VND120,000 and private rooms start from VND880,000.
5. Crazy Monkey
Mad Monkey is one of the biggest and best hostel chains in the area. Their hostels are always busy, and this one is no exception. It’s a lively party spot, and the bar offers free drinks during happy hour every night. There’s always something going on here, too, from DJ nights to bar crawls to costume parties. There’s also a restaurant with delicious food, but since the hostel is right in the old town, you’re only minutes away from some of the best food in town.
The dorm rooms are not big and the mattresses are a bit thin, but that’s standard for a party hostel. However, I appreciated that the beds had curtains and each bed had a light, outlet, and locker. The hostel also has air conditioning, which is a must since it’s so hot here. The bathrooms were always clean and the showers had good water pressure. If you want to party, stay here.
Mad Monkey at a Glance:
- $$
- Nighttime parties and events
- Female-only dormitory
- Free beer during happy hour
Beds start from VND201,000 and private rooms start from VND1,363,000.
6. Drifters Backpackers Hostel
This is a relaxing, comfortable hostel. The whole hostel is painted in soft, calming tones and there is a lovely terrace overlooking the old town and the cathedral. The hostel offers a free buffet breakfast (with a wide variety of fresh fruits, breads, vegetables, noodles, coffee and tea), is pet-friendly, and has free Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
The dorms are spacious, bright, clean and tidy. I like that the mattresses are thick and that the beds have individual lights, sockets, lockers and curtains. There are also female-only dorms in the dorm, as well as double beds for couples. The bathrooms are not particularly luxurious, but they are clean and spacious. In addition, each dorm has an ensuite bathroom. Overall, this is a great hostel for travelers looking for a quiet stay.
Drift at a glance:
- $$
- Leisurely and Quiet
- Free buffet breakfast
- Female-only dormitory
Bed prices start from VND 231,000.
It is a hub for backpackers, expats and foodies. Hanoi It’s a must-visit on any trip to Southeast Asia. Not only is it super affordable, but there’s also plenty to see and do. Just make sure to stay at one of the hostels mentioned above, and you’ll have a fun, affordable, and comfortable place to stay!
Booking a trip to Hanoi: logistical tips and tricks
Book a flight
use Skyscanner Find cheap flights. They are my favorite search engine because they search sites and airlines worldwide so you always know no details are missed.
Book your stay
You can book a hostel via the following methods Hostel World Because they have the largest inventory and the best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hotel, use Booking.com Because they consistently bring the cheapest prices for guest houses and budget hotels.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will cover you for illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It provides you with comprehensive protection if anything goes wrong. I always travel without it because I have used it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide the best service and value are:
Looking for the best money saving company?
View My Resources Page Find the best companies to use when traveling. I have listed all the companies I use to save money when traveling. They will also save you money when you travel.
Want to know more about Hanoi?
Please be sure to visit our Hanoi Travel Guide Get more planning tips!
