posted: 5/25/24 | 25th May, 2024
Hanoi is the vibrant capital of Vietnam. It is also one of its main tourist centers (most visitors start or end their trip here).
While I didn’t love my first trip to Vietnam, the country is one of the most affordable in the region, full of amazing food and stunning natural beauty. It is also easy to navigate and has a well-worn travel trail running from north to south.
But because Hanoi is part of the main route around Southeast Asia, it’s full of hostels. I mean, there are so many here. And they are not all created equal.
To help you choose a hostel from all the overwhelming options, here is my list of the best hostels in Hanoi!
If you don’t want to read a long list, here are the best in each category:
Best hostel for budget travelers:
Best hostel for solo female travelers:
The best hostel for digital nomads:
Best hostel for party:
Want specifics? Here’s my breakdown of the best hostels in Hanoi and why I love them:
Price Legend:
- $ = 200,000 VND per night
- $$ = 200,000-300,000 VND per night
- $$$ = 300,000 VND per night
1. A hostel
This is a lively, energetic hostel. There are events every night, including live music and DJ nights, so there’s always something fun going on where you can easily meet other travelers. There is a rooftop pool and bar as well as a restaurant. I love that they give you a bracelet at check-in, so you can charge food and drinks to your room (instead of carrying cash). I also appreciate that things shut down at midnight, so you can still balance partying and sleeping. To help with hangovers, there’s also a delicious free breakfast each morning (with vegetarian options).
Dorm rooms are spacious, and all bunks have individual fans (a big plus, since Hanoi gets hot), as well as curtains, USB chargers, and comfortable mattresses. I especially like that the top bunk has an angled ladder that’s almost like a ladder, so it’s easy to access the bunk. There are also dorms for women only. And while the water pressure isn’t great in the rain, everything is clean, and the volunteer staff here really make you feel welcome.
A hostel at a glance:
- $$
- Pool, bar and restaurant
- Free breakfast
- Live music every night
Beds from 251,000 VND.
2. Old Quarter View
Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, one of the best parts of the city, this hostel has a colorful, chic design. While it looks more like a hotel than a hostel, it’s still quite social. Rooms are clean and spacious, with plenty of natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows (some even have small balconies). Dorm beds have thick mattresses, privacy curtains, lockers and reading lights. There are stairs instead of stairs to the top bunk and the hostel also has AC (a big plus).
While there’s no party atmosphere here, hostels treat travelers with free beer, free walking tours, and weekly cooking classes (it’s not free, but it’s pretty cheap and you’ll learn a lot!). There is also a nice breakfast which is really cheap (only 50,000 VND). Overall, this is a more upscale choice for travelers who want something within walking distance of all the main attractions.
A view of the Old Quarter at a glance:
- $$$
- Daily free happy hour
- Clean and spacious dorm room
- Very comfortable bed
Beds from 384,000 VND.
3. Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel
This is a hardworking hostel. Every night, there’s a party — but it only lasts until around 11 p.m., so you can still get a decent night’s sleep. There’s a small movie room, but what I love most are the many free perks, including breakfast, beer during happy hour, walking tours, and nightly pub crawls. Not only that, but it is also one of the cheapest hostels on this list. You get a lot of value here!
Dorm rooms aren’t huge, and they look a bit dated, but the beds have curtains, individual lights and plugs, and lockers. The mattresses are also very comfortable compared to most party hostels. But the highlight for me is the outdoor terrace area. This is a great place to relax with a drink after a long day of exploring.
Hanoi Central at a glance:
- $
- Super cheap
- Lots of free perks (snacks, beer, walking tours)
- The party ends early so you can still sleep well
Beds from 152,000 VND, private rooms from 800,000 VND.
4. Hanoi Buffalo Hostel
This is a super cheap hostel in the Old Quarter with a chill outdoor lounge area with a pool, perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. The staff also organizes tours to all major nearby destinations, such as Ha Long Bay and Sapa. However, the high point is that you get a lot of free perks here, including free breakfast, free beer during happy hour, free pub crawls and free walking tours.
The rooms are nothing to write home about (the bathrooms are a bit cramped and the dorm bunks are basic), but the beds have curtains, lights, outlets and lockers. However the staff here make up for the shortcomings. They really go out of their way to make sure you have a good stay — they’re attentive and will solve any problems right away.
Hostel Buffalo at a glance:
- $
- Pool on-site
- Organized day trips and tours
- Free breakfast, free beer and free tours
Beds from 120,000 VND, private rooms from 880,000 VND.
5. Mad Monkey
Mad Monkey is the biggest and best hostel chain out there. Their properties are always social, and this is no exception. It’s a live party place with a bar that offers free drinks every night during happy hour. There are always events too, from DJ nights to pub crawls and drag parties. There is also a restaurant that serves delicious food, although since the hostel is in the Old Quarter, you are minutes away from some of the best food in the city.
The dorm rooms aren’t huge, and the mattresses are a bit thin, but that’s standard for a party hostel. I appreciate that the beds have curtains though, and that there are lights, outlets and lockers for each bed. The hostel also has AC, which is very necessary as it gets very hot here. Bathrooms are always clean, and showers have decent pressure. If you want to party, stay here.
Crazy monkey at a glance:
- $$
- Nightly parties and events
- Dorms for women only
- Free beer during happy hour
Beds from 201,000 VND, private rooms from 1,363,000 VND.
6. The Drift Backpackers Hostel
This is a cool, comfortable hostel. The whole place is painted in soft, calming pastels, and there’s a lovely terrace that overlooks the Old Quarter and the cathedral. There is a free breakfast buffet (with an extensive selection including fresh fruit, bread, vegetables, noodles, coffee and tea), it is pet friendly and the hostel has free Wi-Fi and AC.
Dorm rooms are spacious, bright and clean. I love that the pillows are thick, and the beds have individual lights, outlets, lockers, and even curtains. There are also female-only dorm rooms as well as double beds for couples. The bathrooms are not particularly fancy, but they are clean and big enough. Also, each dorm room has an en suite bathroom. Overall, it is a great hostel for travelers who are looking for a quiet stay.
Drift at a glance:
- $$
- Lazy and quiet
- Huge free buffet breakfast
- Dorms for women only
Beds from 231,000 VND.
A hub for backpackers, expats and foodies, Hanoi is a must-visit stop on any trip around Southeast Asia. Not only is it very cheap but there is a ton to see and do here. Just be sure to stay at one of the hostels above and you’ll have a fun, affordable, and great place to stay!
Book Your Trip to Hanoi: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book your flight
to use Skyscanner To find cheap flights. They are my favorite search engine because they find websites and airlines worldwide so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book your accommodation
You can also book your hostel Hostelworld Because they have the largest inventory and the best deals. Use if you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel Booking.com Because they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I have had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide great service and value are:
Looking for the best companies to save money?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the things I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel.
Want more information about Hanoi?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Hanoi for even more planning tips!