Where to Stay
Best Hostels in Hanoi
Hanoi has a well-developed, sociable hostel scene, mostly clustered in and around the Old Quarter — a good option for solo travellers and anyone on a backpacker budget.
What to look for
- Free walking tours or pub crawls — many of the better-known hostels run their own, a good way to meet other travellers quickly.
- Air conditioning — check this isn't optional or extra-cost; Hanoi's summers are hot and humid enough that it matters.
- Lockers with your own padlock — standard at reputable hostels; bring a small padlock or buy one locally.
- Recent reviews — hostel quality can change quickly with new management; prioritise reviews from the last few months over overall ratings.
Dorms vs private rooms
Most hostels offer both dorm beds and a handful of private rooms at a step up in price — a good middle ground if you want the social atmosphere and common areas of a hostel without sharing a room.
Where to base yourself
The Old Quarter is the natural choice for the same reasons it suits every other traveller — walkability and street food access — and it's also where most of the social/party-oriented hostels are clustered.