There are some awesome backpacker hostels in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, that provide safe havens from the city’s crazy streets! From super sociable party hostels to boutique flashpacker guesthouses, Hanoi has something to suit every taste.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Hanoi, check out our list of the best Hanoi hostels, voted by travellers in our South East Asia Backpacker Community! Beds start below $10USD a night with many hostels offering ‘free beer happy hours’ – what more could a backpacker ask for?!
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Top Hostels for Backpackers in Hanoi, Vietnam
The most up-to-date list on the internet! ? During the COVID-19 pandemic, many hostels shut down, changed hands or fell into disrepair! Many blogs on the internet still list hostels that are no longer popular with travellers or are not even open! This list has been updated recently to reflect current reviews and the latest observations from our Facebook community who are on the road in Southeast Asia right now!
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We always write our articles before checking if affiliate links are available.
Best Hostels in Hanoi, Vietnam – Quick Answers!
- Best Hostel in Hanoi for Solo Travellers – Hanoi Buffalo Hostel
- Best Hostel in Hanoi for Couples – Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Hanoi – Central Backpackers Hostel – Old Quarter
- Best Hostel in Hanoi with Private Rooms – Nexy Hostel
- Best Hostel in Hanoi with a Swimming Pool – Little Charm Hanoi Hostel
- Best Hostel for Families in Hanoi – Luxury Backpakers
- Best Digital Nomad Hostel in Hanoi – The One Hostel Hanoi (& Rooftop Pool)
If you’re planning to use hostels a lot while travelling in Southeast Asia, there are a few things that can make the experience a more comfortable one. Items such as padlocks, sleeping masks and earplugs are hostel essentials – especially if you’re staying in big dorm rooms! For more ideas of what to take on your trip, check out our packing list and make sure you know where to book hostels for the best prices!
The Best Backpacker Hostels in Hanoi – As Voted by Travellers!
1. Hanoi Buffalo
- Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates
- Female Only Dorms Available: Yes
- Breakfast Included: Yes
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $
Compare Prices Of Hanoi Buffalo Hostel 💰: Booking | Hostelworld | Agoda
A firm favourite among backpackers, Hanoi Buffalo Hostel is located in the beating heart of the city’s Old Quarter. As soon as you step out of the front door, you’re a stone’s throw away from some of the best restaurants and activities Hanoi has to offer. The free daily walking tour will give you an introduction to one of the most frenetic cities in the world and leave you itching to explore.
Don’t forget to grab your free beer, available every day between 19.00-20.00 and if you’re feeling brave, the free pub crawls will keep you partying until the early hours. Just don’t sleep through the complimentary breakfast which is served between 07.00-09.30!
Dorm beds have curtains, giving you a semblance of privacy even in the biggest rooms and the swimming pool offers a great place to relax, recover from a heavy night and meet fellow travellers!
The onsite tour desk allows you to book the next leg of your trip easily and the staff are some of the friendliest you will find anywhere in the city. If you choose to stay here, be aware that it’s pretty noisy due to its central location and party atmosphere!
2. Central Backpackers Hostel – Old Quarter
- Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates
- Female Only Dorms Available: No
- Breakfast Included: Yes
- Communal Kitchen: Yes
- Price: $$
Compare Prices Of Central Backpackers Hostel – Old Quarter 💰: Booking | Hostelworld
Central Backpackers Hostels are well known in Northern Vietnam. Whilst generally, they are chilled-out, laid-back options, Central Backpackers – Old Quarter has much more of an upbeat vibe. With free beer every day between 19.00-20.00 and free pub crawls, this is a hostel with a super social atmosphere. The rooftop bar is the perfect place to meet your fellow travellers and take in the astounding city that is Hanoi.
When the party is over, you can take advantage of the free breakfast before embarking on the free walking tour. For those of you wanting to save a few pennies, or are just sick of the local cuisine, the communal kitchen means you can cook whatever you fancy. Likewise, the onsite restaurant serves a range of Western meals as well as a collection of local dishes.
As well as being a party hub, Central Backpackers – Old Quarter makes a great base for further exploration in the north of the country. Their tour desk can organise Pagoda tours, Ha Giang Loop trips as well as the classic Halong Bay cruises and Sapa treks. The hostel will also look after any luggage you don’t want to take on these adventures!
3. Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel
- Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates
- Female Only Dorms Available: No
- Breakfast Included: Yes
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $$
Compare Prices Of Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel 💰: Booking | Hostelworld | Agoda
Besides spacious rooms and comfortable beds, friendly staff and a central location, what else does Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel offer its guests? Well, while the interior leaves a little to be desired – it’s a little compact – the location in the city centre makes up for it. Plus, the staff are friendly, the rooms are always clean and the atmosphere is warm.
This is a popular hostel among couples travelling the country, as the budget double rooms get good reviews. The food is tasty, especially the breakfast, and on certain nights, they offer free beer to guests!
The hostel houses a tour desk, allowing you to arrange onward transport as well as trips like those to Sapa or Halong Bay!
All in all – a decent budget choice for travellers visiting Hanoi!
4. Little Charm Hanoi Hostel
- Room Types Offered: Dorms
- Female Only Dorms Available: Yes
- Breakfast Included: No
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $
Compare Prices Of Little Charm Hanoi Hostel 💰: Booking | Hostelworld | Agoda
The first of three hostels with the same name, Little Charm Hanoi Hostel has gone for something a bit different in terms of what it offers its guests. Unlike many of the party hostels In Hanoi, Little Charm Hanoi Hostel emphasizes relaxation, peace and quiet!
The decor is traditional and there are plenty of areas to chill such as the lovely café, cocktail bar and lounge area. Oh, did we mention the best thing? The hostel has an amazing indoor swimming pool which is the perfect place to unwind after a day pacing the streets of the city! An excellent breakfast buffet is available for a small fee – it’s pretty generous; a variety of fruit, eggs, bread, tea and coffee.
5. Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel
- Room Types Offered: Dorms
- Female Only Dorms Available: Yes
- Breakfast Included: No
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $$
Compare Prices Of Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel 💰: Booking | Hostelworld | Agoda
The popular Old Quarter View Hostel is located in the heart of yep, you guessed it… the Old Quarter! This is a fun and sociable place where you’re bound to meet loads of other travellers and there is a free drink on arrival! Rooms are spacious and clean with large, comfortable beds. Each comes with privacy curtains and large lockers for storing your backpack.
Beware that each dorm has an ensuite wet room which includes the toilet. You’ll need to wait for your dorm mate to finish showering before using the toilet – unless you’re really close…
The breakfast is generous with lots of choices from omelette to fruit, scrambled eggs, toast etc.
They also run a free walking tour of Hanoi from the hostel which is a great way to explore the city and meet people.
Beer Street is close by, making this a great hostel if you’re keen on sampling Vietnam’s famous Bia Hoi – potentially the cheapest beer in the world – but only after accepting your free beer from the hostel every evening from 18:00-18:30!
6. Nexy Hostel
- Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates
- Female Only Dorms Available: Yes
- Breakfast Included: No
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $$
Compare Prices Of Nexy Hostel 💰: Booking | Hostelworld | Agoda
Nexy Hostel gets awesome reviews for many many reasons. It’s located in a classic old building, right in the middle of the action, with an architectural style typical of the centre of the city. That’s not to say the hostel feels old though! Packed with modern technology and excellent interior design, Nexy Hostel offers a superb place for backpackers in Hanoi to base themselves.
There’s a small, but stylish terrace, a TV and games room with pool and football tables and a lively cafe-cum-bar where it’s easy to meet fellow travellers – especially during happy hour!
Dorm rooms have large comfy beds with individual lockers and privacy curtains as well as a reading light and plug.
7. Luxury Backpakers
- Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates
- Female Only Dorms Available: No
- Breakfast Included: No
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $
Compare Prices Of Luxury Backpackers 💰: Booking | Agoda
Luxury Backpakers Hostel isn’t quite as swish as the name might suggest, but the staff here do their best! The dorms are clean and each bed is like its own cocoon with privacy curtain, plug socket, mini shelves and reading light, as well as personal lockers. However, some travellers complain that the beds are a little hard and that the dorms are located on the upper floors – there’s no lift in the hostel so be prepared to work your legs, especially if you’ve got a big bag full of travel gear!
Private rooms offer good value for money. There are doubles, twins and a family room available, making it a good option for those backpacking in a group or with young ones! Located near St. Joseph’s Cathedral, just a five-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, the location is good and there are plenty of bars and cheap local eateries around. We recommend heading to The Little Plan Café for a dose of tranquillity from Hanoi’s buzzing streets!
If you fancy braving the streets, Luxury Backpackers offers bicycle rental as well as a tour desk, so you can arrange onward travel or trips around Hanoi!
8. The One Hostel Hanoi (& Rooftop Pool)
- Room Types Offered: Dorms
- Female Only Dorms Available: Yes
- Breakfast Included: No
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $$
Compare Prices Of The One Hostel Hanoi (& Rooftop Pool) 💰: Booking | Hostelworld | Agoda
Located a short walk from Beer Street, this classy modern hostel offers an excellent central location for backpackers wanting to make the most of their time in Hanoi. It’s a flashpacker stay for a backpacker price!
There are plenty of cafés, restaurants and pubs close by but if you’re having a lazy day, the onsite bar, restaurant and café will keep you satiated throughout your stay!
There’s an onsite coworking space for those who need it, boasting high-speed WiFi and a chilled-out vibe – it’s the perfect place to hide up with a book, even if you don’t work on the road!
For those looking for a more relaxing stay, the onsite spa and nail bar is sure to hit the spot but if you want to venture out and explore, The One Hostel Hanoi’s travel desk can arrange city tours and pub crawls!
9. Hanoi Backpackers Hostel and Rooftop Bar
- Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates
- Female Only Dorms Available: No
- Breakfast Included: Yes
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $
Compare Prices Of Hanoi Backpackers Hostel and Rooftop Bar 💰: Booking | Hostelworld | Agoda
Slap bang in the middle of the action, Hanoi Backpackers Hostel is just a four-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake and a short hop to the heart of the Old Quarter. The hostel is clean and well looked after. The staff are friendly and knowledgable about local attractions, offering plenty of tips to travellers coming through their door.
Rooms are slick and up-to-date, offering the feel of a classy hotel rather than a budget-friendly hostel. The rooftop bar is an excellent place to meet other travellers and the hostel can arrange tours as you continue to explore everything the Land of the Ascending Dragon has to offer!
10. Hanoi Lucky Hostel 2
- Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates
- Female Only Dorms Available: No
- Breakfast Included: Yes
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $$
Compare Prices Of Hanoi Lucky Hostel 2 💰: Booking | Hostelworld | Agoda
Hanoi Lucky Hostel 2 isn’t the most sociable option in the city. There’s no common area, so meeting fellow travellers isn’t as easy as in other hostels. But that’s not to say Hanoi Lucky Hostel should be avoided. What it lacks in atmosphere, it makes up for with super high cleaning standards and fantastic English-speaking staff who can help with any questions you have about the city!
Tours can be organised at reception and the manager is known to go out of his way to ensure your stay is the best it can be. If required, airport pick up or drop off can be arranged, starting at just $20USD!
The onsite café has limited food options but thanks to its central location in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, there are plenty of bars and restaurants close by.
11. VATC Sleep Pods
- Room Types Offered: Privates
- Female Only Dorms Available: No
- Breakfast Included: No
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $$$
Compare Prices Of VATC Sleep Pods 💰: Booking | Hostelworld | Agoda
Whilst not strictly a hostel or even a hotel, VATC Sleep Pods are worth discussing thanks to their unique selling point. Each pod is essentially a small room, equipped with a bed, tv and WiFi. Even stranger, they are hidden away in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Not Bai International Airport. Free soft drinks and snacks are given to guests on arrival and all beds are made up with clean bedding each day.
These pods are not for you if you are looking to spend a few days exploring Hanoi. Instead, they are aimed at travellers who are on layovers between flights or are flying early the next morning. If this is you, then why not book a room? Not many of us can say we’ve slept in what is essentially a posh cupboard in an airport!
If you do choose to stay here, be aware that there is no bathroom on site. Instead, you must use the public toilets within the airport.
A Round-Up of Hanoi’s Best Hostels
Hanoi is home to some of the best and cheapest hostels in the world. High competition has forced the quality up and prices down, making a stay in Hanoi one to remember!
For solo travellers looking to make friends, you can’t go wrong with Hanoi Buffalo Hostel – they always have something going on allowing you to get to know your fellow backpackers. As for a real party vibe, Central Backpackers Hostel is a great spot. The rooftop bar with free beer for an hour every night offers the perfect spot to pre-drink before embarking on the free pub crawl!
For couples, we recommend Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel. The double rooms are clean, comfortable and budget-friendly. Plus the staff create a warm atmosphere that’s less party-oriented than other hostels in Hanoi.
Have we missed your favourite hostel in Hanoi from our list? Let us know in the comments below!
Nikki Scott | Founder & Editor
Nikki is the founding editor of South East Asia Backpacker and The Backpacker Network. In her early twenties, she left her home in the North of England on a solo backpacking adventure and never returned! After six months on the road, she founded a print magazine that became legendary on the Banana Pancake Trail. The rest is history.
