3 BEST + COOLEST Hostels in Hanoi 2023 (Solo-Traveler + Map)

Welcome to your ultimate guide to the absolute 3 best hostels in Hanoi. Vietnam’s capital is your gateway to the world famous Ha Long Bay and the 3 best hostels in Hanoi.

It’s time to head to Southeast Asia to discover stunning hostels at backpacker friendly prices.

Your Shortcut:

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 is my review on iVisa and how it works for Vietnam.

Our selected coolest hostels in Hanoi are well on their way to being some of the best hostels in Vietnam!

This is a guide for female solo-travellers and the ones tired of boring, dirty hostels.

If you are staying in hostels only to get drunk and cheap cheaply, we got you covered too.

We also have a guide on the nearby best hostels in Ninh Binh.

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 condensed it all to the 3 coolest hostels in Hanoi. As always, we strive to make your planning and preparation as hassle-free as possible.

That’s why we’ve included in this article:

We actually spent substantial time in Hanoi and Vietnam.

If you’re looking to get off the beaten track we highly recommend visiting the small village of Sa Pa.

And guess what? NEXY Hostel Hanoi is our 5 Star Hostel in Hanoi.

For those of you that plan to explore more of Vietnam, check out our big guides:

Find all top hostels in Vietnam here. We also included an itinerary for Vietnam.

Quick Introduction to Hanoi Hostels

Average price for a bed: A bed in a dorm can be as cheap as 4.50€ up to 10€ per night. You see, Hanoi hostels are really cheap. This is a rough average to give you an idea. Prices always depend on season and holidays.

Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.

Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.

Location: Everybody is looking for hostels in Hanoi Old Quarter. This is the most famous part of the city. The bustling city center is quite active, especially at night. We recommend to stay on the edge of the Old Quarter instead of directly in it. It will be much more comfortable to get a good night sleep.

Quality of hostels: the quality of hostels in Hanoi differs; a lot! You can stay in really bad hostels for 3-5€, or choose an epic one for 10€ per night. It is a totally different experience, no kidding. As a rule of thumb, we would recommend you never choosing the cheapest hostels in Hanoi and Vietnam.

Why?

The hostels that offers lowest prices do not include anything else except cockroaches and dirty linen. We actually experiences this first-hand. Better invest 1-2€ per night and your experience will be a much better one.

Scams: In Vietnam and Hanoi you will have the typical taxi-driver scam: Your hotel is full/ closed/ doesn’t exist. Do not fall for it. It is a common traveler scam to bring you to a different hostel or hotel and charge you more; plus the cab driver gets a cut from your payment. Do not fall for it!

Communist Country: Vietnam is yet a communist country. Bear this in mind. Remain respectful.

Visa: For entering Vietnam, you will need a visa. Check the Visa Section in this guide.

Fun things to do Vietnam: We wrote a big guide on “best things to do in Vietnam“. If you start your adventure in Hanoi, read this guide – thank us later, it is packed with epic stuff!

New to Hostels? Read our full hostel starter guide here. We especially recommend reading:

3 Best Hostels in Hanoi, Vietnam

Get your camera ready; you’re certainly going to need it!

The 3 coolest hostels in Hanoi are…

Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type

1. NEXY Hostel (luxury at a budget)

This is the #1 hip, cool and quality hostel in Hanoi. The best backpacker hostel Hanoi has to offer!

Located right at the edge of the Old Quarter Hanoi, NEXY Hostel is a great hostel with a superb location and atmosphere.

The design of this hostel emphasises Vietnamese charm with contemporary design. It’s vibrant, cool and friendly; a perfect place for the sociable traveller.

And again, the location is perfect. You will be in the Old Quarter in 100 meter, but stay away at night from all the noise. This way you can have a drink in the busy Old Quarter, and literally walk away from it to sleep at NEXY Hostel.

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

So what about the rooms? Choose between:

• 8-14 bed mixed dorm
• 8-bed female dorm
• Twin, triple + double privates

One thing’s for sure: you won’t be let down on comfort. It’s not called a luxury hostel for nothing!

Everyone gets luxury linen, towel and a personal locker under their bed. Each of the beds has been designed with the modern traveller in mind. And modern travellers need privacy, sometimes.

Pull the curtain across and enjoy your very own plug and reading lamp and get that necessary downtime. As you’d expect from an awesome hostel in Hanoi; the staff here rock.

Pop into the 24hr reception and ask about all of the hidden treasures of Vietnam. They know their stuff!

On-site there is a super trendy cafe and bar. Grab a bite, meet fellow travellers and enjoy a cold, local beer.

Having failed 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 a game of foosball and/or pool

We’ve written a full review of NEXY Hostel here.

Who would absolutely love it here? NEXY Hostel is the best hostel in Hanoi for:

• Solo Travellers
• Couples

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

2. Luxury Backpackers Hotel

Alright let’s not stop there when it comes to a luxurious stay in the heart of Hanoi!

Alongside our #1 hostel, Luxury Backpackers Hotel offer up a really cool stay mixing boutique design with an affordable price tag.

Don’t let the name fool you; there are shared dorms available here as well as  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 backpacker, female solo traveller or flashpacker, we know this hostel is set to impress.

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Let’s have a look at the cool inclusions if you choose to stay here:

• Privacy curtains on bunks
• Onsite restaurant & bar
• Balcony in dorm rooms w/ street view
• Ensuite private rooms
• 24hr Front desk service

There really is an awesome range of room here, too. They include 5 different room styles with a total of 28 rooms in the accommodation.

Choose between 5 family rooms, 10 deluxe rooms, 5 superior rooms and a 10 and 12-bed mixed dorm.

There aren’t any organised activities here, but the bar area is a great place to hang out and meet other travellers. Otherwise, we suggest heading out into the city and making use of the 24hr reception with no curfew.

Location: Situated in the heart of the Old Quarter which is a convenient location for so many of the main sights of Hanoi.

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 #3 selected hostel will blow your socks off with its high level of elegance. Little Charm Hanoi Hostel actually has a whole lot of charm to offer you.

The best hostel with pool Hanoi has to offer!

This is a place

Where the little things mean everything

What makes this hostel so charming?

• The relaxing indoor swimming pool
• Friendly staff is at hand 24 hours a day
• Free breakfast
• Bike rental

Seriously, have a look on the photos. It does not look like a hostel at all, right?!

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

You may double take when you enter your room but don’t worry; this is a hostel and not a hotel.

Still, the beautifully made beds and wrapped towels are a lovely welcome.

Whether you choose a mixed or female dorm you won’t be disappointed with:

• A private bathroom
• City views
• Daily housekeeping

Note: there are no private room options available.

This is certainly a top choice for those looking to spoil themselves and experience a bit of upper class.

Don’t be put off by the slightly-over-dressed staff. Word has it they are incredibly welcoming and friendly.

Head to the bar and restaurant and you’ll see what we mean. Here you can grab a cocktail, eat Italian and Vietnamese food and sip on tasty coffee.

There’s also a chill-out lounge to do exactly that; chill out.

It’s certainly one of the best hostels in Hanoi Old Quarter, nearby the main attractions of the city.

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

Are you ready to party?!

That’s good because Hanoi has a great selection of party hostels.

Read: a collection of the best party hostels in the world.

When it is the nightlife you are after, you really should have a closer look on all the hostels in Old Quarter. Many of them are party hostels in Hanoi.

To make things easier for you, we’ve selected to two best party hostels in Hanoi.

To kick-start, we’d like to introduce Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel.

This bright, spacious hostel is all about freebies. No doubt these will entice you:

• FREE beer
• FREE breakfast
• FREE decent wifi

Many highly recommended restaurants and bars are a few minute’s walk and the perfect option for a great night out.

Check in anytime at the 24hr reception and collapse at the end of the day on super comfy beds.

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

If you’re looking or all-day bar and food service; Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel is for you.

As the name states clearly, this hostel is located in the perfect area for backpackers looking for a crazy time.

This is an ideal choice for social nuts that like to meet anyone and everyone.

Enjoy the hammocks, free breakfast and beautifully decorated rooms.

This is certainly one of the best hostels in Hanoi Old Quarter!

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

The Best Hostels in Hanoi for Solo Travellers

It would seem more and more people are deciding to travel solo. That’s great!

So many hostels are learning this too, and in Hanoi, there are some great hostels that have solo travellers in mind.

No matter what type of solo traveller you are, we have found an option for you. In short:

Let us also introduce 7 Fridays Hostel where you can get that Friday feeling every day of the week!

For a nice change, this is located outside the city centre near West Lake. Here’s your chance to explore the ‘real’ Hanoi away from the tourist scene.

Regular events are held by the poolside including live bands and regular BBQ’s.

It’s a wonderful choice for solo travellers looking to mingle and enjoy a great night’s sleep.

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Cheapest Hostels in Hanoi

Of course, there are always cheap hostels. And certainly there is cheaper hostels than the ones we listed here.

We think, it’s not worth it to go with the cheapest hostel out in Hanoi and Vietnam in general.

Why?

The difference is usually as little as 1-2€ ($1-2) per night, and a lot of amenities are not included. This can be breakfast or linen. Although, keep in mind a bad location far away from the city center costs you more in transport.

Good to know: The difference in quality for 1€-2€ more (or less) is actually insane. Paying 1€ less per night in a cheap, dodgy place could easy come with cockroaches and unclean sheets etc.

No kidding! We experienced this first hand. The 1€ more per night goes a loooooong way!

Rule of Thumb: Never go with the cheapest hostels in South East Asia. Always pay a tiny bit more, and you won’t have any issues with bed bugs or anything.

However, if you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you wanna save every penny, there are ways to find the cheapest places to stay in Hanoi.

1. Open Hostelworld with full list of accommodations in Hanoi
2. Order the listing by price

Simple as that. Remember to filter by ratings and read the reviews. Best way to do that is to check the “extreme comments”, meaning the best and worst reviews. This gives you a pretty good idea what to expect.

More Hanoi Hostels worth a mention

There are many backpacker hostels downtown and not all is worth your money and effort. Let’s help you out.

NEXY Hostel, Luxury Backpackers Hotel, and Little Charm Hanoi Hostel are our personal favorites because they are extraordinary and Hanoi best hostels! It feels like you are staying in hotels at a very affordable price.

Want to see more Hanoi hostels?

We have listed the best Hanoi hostels and Hanoi best area to stay for you but if you are still looking for more, here it is! Get ready for more Vietnam backpacker hostels.

• Hanoi Centre Hostel
• Central Backpackers Hostel
• Little Hanoi Hostel
• Chien Hostel Hanoi
• Hanoi Hostel
• Hanoi Rendezvous Hostel
• Vietnam Cheers Hostel

We have read many things online like where to stay in Hanoi blog, living in Hanoi blog, hostel reviews and even visited Hanoi hostels to just give you the best article for your vacation

Hanoi Centre Hostel

Ever experienced staying in a double bed dorm room? Hanoi Centre Hostel has it!

Enjoy your stay in a hostel with your partner with their double bed dorm room. There’s no need to spend extra cash in a private room because you and your partner can fit together in this bed.

The hostel is always clean and staffs are friendly and warm.

Hostel Highlights:

• Free WiFi
• Airport shuttle
• Family rooms
• Non-smoking rooms
• Parking
• 24-hour front desk

Location: Set in the Hanoi’s Old Quarter Area, Hanoi Centre Hostel offers accommodation in Hoan Kiem District, 400 m from St. Joseph Cathedral. Hoan Kiem Lake is 700 m from Hanoi Centre Hostel, while Vietnam Fine Arts Museum is 1 km from the property. Noi Bai International Airport is 21 km away.

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Central Backpackers Hostel

Central Backpackers Hostel Hanoi is a fantastic hostel to meet new traveller especially if you are a solo traveller!

The pub crawl is worth trying.

The interior of the hostel is good. The patterns in the wall make it elegant.

It is very secure and clean. Guests provides key passes for accessing dorms and lockers which made it extra secure compared to other hostels.

Location: The nearest airport is Noi Bai International, 25 km from Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel. There are attractions near the area 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.

It has private rooms that can accommodate your whole family. This is also good for couples who is staying for backpacker hostel in Vietnam.

The rooms are private and clean, with individual bathrooms, air conditioning, and televisions.

The hostel doesn’t have dorm bed so if you are a solo backpacker, this is not for you.

Hostel Highlights:

• Free WiFi
• Non-smoking rooms
• 24-hour front desk
• Restaurant
• Bar
• Bicycle Hire

Location: Located in the old quarter of Hanoi and is situated close to all of the popular attractions like the water puppet show, tourist streets and Hoan Kiem Lake.

Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld

Chien Hostel Hanoi

Chien Hostel is very close to Hoan Kiem lake and Red River so you can enjoy the relaxing beauty of nature.

Every bed had fan and small locker in addition to a big locker in the room.

If you want to dine in their restaurants, don’t worry because they will give you discounts.

Hostel Highlights:

• Free WiFi
• Airport shuttle
• Non-smoking rooms
• 24-hour front desk
• Restaurant
• Bar

Location: Chien Hostel is 21 km away from Noi Bai International Airport. You can visit Hoan Kiem lake and Red river in walking distance. Around 0.6 mi from Trang Tien Plaza, the property is also 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 is the same property, and still a hostel/ homestay. They basically just changed the name

Another cool Hanoi homestay for backpacker that you might want to consider. The rooms and beds are comfortable and had a big locker under the bed, and the bathroom is clean.

The staff here at Joi Homestay are very welcoming and pleasant which is important. You can ask the staffs about free walking tour.

Hostel Highlights:

• Free WiFi
• Airport shuttle
• Family rooms
• Non-smoking rooms
• Free parking

Location: Joi Homestay Hostel is a 5-minute walk from local attractions including Hoan Kiem Lake and Night Market.

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com

Hanoi Rendezvous Hostel

Hanoi Rendezvous Hostel is a 3 star hostel located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

The rooms are large and comfy, beds are firm and the rooms are quiet. Bathrooms are good with good showers. There is a bonus mini fridge.

The staff are extremely helpful, and we booked a tour through them and got tips about the city. Very welcoming with a good breakfast, would highly recommend!

They have a spa/wellness packages that they could offer.

Hostel Highlights:

• Free WiFi
• Airport shuttle
• Family rooms
• Spa and wellness centre
• Non-smoking rooms
• Bar

Location: Hanoi Rendezvous Hotel is approximately a 5-minute walk to Hoan Kiem Lake and 40-minute drive to Noi Bai International Airport.

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Vietnam Cheers Hostel

Fancy staying right in the heart of the Old Quarter? Then you best book your stay with Vietnam Cheers Hostel.

Let the photos speak for themselves. How nice do those rooms look! It really doesn’t matter whether you choose a shared or private room.

These guys offer a free breakfast of fresh fruit, coffee and eggs. Yum.

Sign up for one of their epic daily tours, or enjoy the nearby bar street at your leisure.

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Any Discounts?

Currently, we have no special hostel discounts in Hanoi, Vietnam.

You can subscribe to our newsletter to receive our newest hostel discounts always to your inbox.

We do also have a 35€ discount for Airbnb here.

Visa to Vietnam

Need a visa to Vietnam? Yes, you most likely do. Yet, this is always changing. Seriously! In 3 years it changed now 3-4 times. So better be up to date.

Read our full review on iVisa, the shortcut for your visa around the world.

We got our visa with iVisa, it was super fast and cheap. Certainly much cheaper than other travellers we met. Unfortunately this German guy did not tell us his online company he got the visa from, but he paid 80€ while we paid 25€.

All Top Hostels put on a map + sights

It’s time to discover our handy map! All of the hostel location are pinpointed 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 highlighted the Old Town Hanoi in light Orange in the map.

Looking for fun things to do whilst you’re in Hanoi?

Make sure you also check out our guide to 41 things to do in Hanoi.

(Activate and deactivate different layers in the sidebar. Open the map in a new tab here.)

FAQ

Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.

Flights to Hanoi?

When flying to Vietnam, you will most likely find cheaper flights to Hanoi in the North or Ho Chi Minh City in the South.

Vietnam is actually a perfect country to backpack, very convenient. It is cheap, has super cool hostels, so many fun things to do in Vietnam, and it is very convenient.

Why?

Because of its shape as country. There is basically two itineraries in Vietnam you can take: Up or down (or better to say: Going to the South or going to the North)

It is a very narrow country,

Anyway, have a look for yourself. Again, you should either start in Hanoi and end in Ho Chi Minh; Or vice versa.

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.

Our Step-by-Step Guide to Skyscanner

More Guides

We wrote up more travel guides for backpacking Vietnam:

We share with you here the best hostels in Vietnam – from South to North. There’s more:

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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CLOSED: Cocoon Inn (private spaces, sociable faces)

Update: Our former #2 hostel has closed its doors permanently. We keen this content here for your information.

Next up is another hostel trying to disguise itself as a hotel. Cocoon Inn brings super comfort and cosy design perfect for the avid traveller.

Who knew hostel luxury and comfort could be found at budget prices? Wait until you see the rooms.

The bold colours sure do make a bold statement: a creative cocoon awaits you.

Mixed dorms come with 4, 6, 10 and 16-bed options including:

• Pod-style, sturdy beds
• Personal curtain, fan, shelf, socket, lamp + locker!
• Plush duvet + linen

Female solo travellers will love the 6-bed female dorm that comes with an en-suite bathroom and hairdryers.

Read: Why female only dorms? 7 pros and 3 cons

The private rooms are also pretty neat. Couples that want to treat themselves should opt for the deluxe room with a balcony.

Once again (and we’re NOT sorry to say) there is a bar at this cool hostel in Hanoi!

Not only that, but there’s a super cool TV/lounge area. The space is humongous and filled with beanbags – what more do you need?

Well, I suppose a free breakfast and unlimited coffee would be nice, I hear you say.

You got it!

To top it off, the staff here has travel expertise. It’s possible to book a tour whilst you’re here including a party cruise on Halong Bay.