Search Hotels in Hanoi

With 2,000 years of history behind it, Hanoi is a melting pot of influences from Asia and France alike, all wrapped up in a sensory explosion of street food, blaring horns and delightfully serene pagodas.

Vietnam's capital is ancient in the truest sense but today Hanoi’s historic heart, with its winding streets and peaceful temples, exists alongside an upbeat, modern outlook, with gourmet restaurants, five-star luxury hotels and what feels like millions of scooters.

Spend a morning bartering at the packed stalls of Dong Xuan Market, and the afternoon relaxing by the stunning shoreline of Hanoi’s West Lake, or exploring the fascinating Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.

Where to Stay in Hanoi

The Old Quarter is the main tourist hotspot due to its Buddhist temples and colonial architecture. It’s also where you’ll find masses of choice, whether you want budget accommodation in Hanoi or something more lavish.

The French Quarter is the government hub, and home to luxury hotels such as the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, which could easily have been transported straight from a Parisian boulevard.

To be close to Hanoi’s important cultural and historic monuments, choose accommodation in Ba Dinh district. It might not have the bustle of the Old Quarter or upscale glamour of the French Quarter, but there’s a pleasing range of traditional restaurants, affordable hotels and local bars.

Choose a hotel near the Presidential Palace and you’ll be in the thick of the action.For a more tranquil spot close to nature, look at hotels in the Tay Ho district on the shoreline of Hanoi’s West Lake and a hub of upscale hotels, restaurants and nightlife with a beautiful botanical garden nearby. The four-star Somerset West Lake Hanoi is a lakeside apartment-hotel within easy walking distance of Hun Tiep Lake, Thu Le Park and Hanoi Botanical Garden.

What to Do During Your Stay in Hanoi

Hanoi is known as the City of Lakes – it has over 100, which all offer a delightful retreat from the packed city streets. Hoan Kiem lake is best known for the islet at the centre that hosts Turtle Tower, a site linked to an ancient legend. Thien Quang Lake has delightful floral aromas, while West lake is close to Hanoi Botanical Garden, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Tay Ho Temple.

For history and culture, make sure to visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a former royal enclosure that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby is the 11th-century Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius. It’s home to the Imperial Academy university and is a fascinating site of statues, pavilions and gardens. For contrast, the former Hoa Lo Prison is a reminder of Vietnam’s troubled history, while the Presidential Palace is worth visiting even if you're not a passionate history buff. For an evening of entertainment, head to the Hanoi Opera House. Built in the early 1900s, it’s an architectural highlight of the city.

Can you pay for Hanoi hotels using credit card or debit card?

Usually, yes – just choose your hotel and room and you'll usually be able to pay online there and then when you book. You can also choose to pay on arrival at checkout with some of our hotels in Hanoi – if you do this then you'll generally find larger hotels accept cards, while smaller independent ones are likelier to only take cash. The local currency is the dong, although US dollars are widely accepted in Hanoi.

Around Hanoi you can use your credit card at large shops and the bigger hotels, though some may impose a charge. Balance that against ATM charges and you could find it cheaper to use cash for spending while you're in Vietnam. Keep a cash stash handy – US dollars are a good idea – as you might not always be within easy reach of an ATM.

How cheap are hotels in Hanoi?

Accommodation in Hanoi ranges from backpacker cheap to five-star luxury; there’s a place to suit every budget.

Go for a cheap and cheerful hotel in Hanoi's Backpacker Quarter and you can often find accommodation for £20 a night or less. At the higher end of that range you can expect free Wi-Fi and often breakfast too.

Fancy an upgrade? The Art Deco three-star Hanoi Old Quarter Hotel has bags of character and is just a 10-minute walk from Thang Long Ca Tru Theatre, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and Hoan Kiem Lake.

Pick a typical three-star hotel in the busy Dong Da neighbourhood and you can still expect to spend considerably less than you would in a European city, leaving plenty of cash left to splash on excursions and attractions. And you could even save more on your trip to Hanoi by booking your flight and hotel together on Expedia.

Still haven't found your perfect place yet? Why not check out our deals in Vietnam's other great cities with our hotels in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City hotels.