The 25 Best Hostels in Hanoi, Vietnam

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 30 best Hanoi hostels, voted by the backpacking community of Southeast Asia. Beds start at just $5 US with many hostels offering “free beer happy hours” – what more could a backpacker ask for?

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: Vietnam Backpackers Hostel Downtown
• Best Hostel in Hanoi with Private Rooms: Hay Hostel Hanoi
• Best Hostel Bar in Hanoi: Chien Hostel
• Best Relaxing Hostels in Hanoi: Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel
• Best Flashpacker Hostel in Hanoi: Little Charm Hanoi Hostel

If you are planning on spending most nights in hostels whilst travelling in Southeast Asia, there are a few items that can make the experience just a little bit more pleasant for you. Items such as padlocks, sleeping masks and ear plugs can make even the worst hostels bearable! 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 price!

To 25 Hostels in Hanoi, Vietnam – Voted By You!

1. Vietnam Backpackers Hostel Downtown 

VOTED: Best Party Hostel in Hanoi!

• Room Types Offered: Dorms.
• Costs Starting From: $7USD.
• Female Only Dorms Available: Yes.
• Breakfast Included: Yes.
• Communal Kitchen: No. 

At the top of the list is the biggest and most famous hostel in Vietnam, renown for its lively, party atmosphere all day long, busy bar and welcoming staff! Welcome to the institution that is Vietnam Backpackers Hostel. The hostel has a travel desk to help the guests with their Vietnam travel planning, organises nightly events like quizzes, has a great hangout space on the fifth floor and plenty of happy hours!

The hostel is located very centrally in the heart of the bustling Old Quarter, just five minutes walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. The restaurant at the hostel serves Western and local specialities, but for the more curious, there are plenty local bars and restaurants in the area as well. Awesome Vietnamese street food and Bia Hoi corner is just a stones throw away. This is a place to meet and mingle with fellow travellers, party and organise group trips to Halong Bay, Sapa and other parts of Vietnam. If you’re up for an adventure, check out their extremely popular trip to Castaways Island, Halong Bay!

2. 7Fridays Hostel

• Room Types Offered: Dorms.
• Costs Starting From: $5USD per night. 
• Female Only Dorms Available: Yes.
• Breakfast Included: Basic breakfast is free. More can be added at a cost. 
• Communal Kitchen: No.

7Fridays West Lake Hostel is located a couple of miles out of the hustle and bustle of the city centre. This is more of a blessing than a curse though. The whole area can be described as serene and the views over West Lake make this a hostel that people return to trip after trip.

There are plenty of restaurants in the surrounding area but for those who have had busy days, or are just too hungover to leave the poolside, the onsite restaurant serves up great western grub as well as a selection of local dishes.

The staff are incredibly friendly, speak great English and know the city of Hanoi like the back of their hands. If you need to know something, they will be happy to help you out.   

They also provide luggage storage space for those guests wanting to leave unnecessary gear behind when venturing off to Halong Bay, Sapa, or for any other adventure through Northern Vietnam. 

3. Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel 

• Room Types Offered: Dorms.
• Costs Starting From: $7USD.
• Female Only Dorms Available: Yes.
• Breakfast Included: Yes. 
• Communal Kitchen: No.

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 you even get free craft beer for 30 minutes every day! Rooms are spacious and clean and dorm beds are large and comfortable with privacy curtains and large lockers for storing your backpack.

The free 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. All in all – a friendly budget choice and easy to understand why it’s so popular!

4. Hay Hostel Hanoi

VOTED: Best Hostel with Private Rooms in Hanoi!

• Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates. 
• Costs Starting From: Dorms $7USD. Privates $20USD.
• Female Only Dorms Available: Yes. 
• Breakfast Included: Yes.
• Communal Kitchen: No. 

The centrally located Hay Hostel offers beautiful private rooms, as well as cheap beds in small, air conditioned dorms. After enjoying your Vietnamese breakfast each morning, the reception staff are more than happy to give tips and advice on what to do around the city. They will even book tours and onward transport for you if you ask nicely! 

The front desk is operational 24/7 so no matter what time you arrive they will be able to help you out. If it is your first stop in the country, the reception also doubles up as a currency exchange, giving you a convenient way to get hold of some VND.

5. Little Charm Hanoi Hostel

VOTED: Best Flashpacker Hostel in Hanoi!

• Room Types Offered: Dorms.
• Costs Starting From: $8USD.
• Female Only Dorms Available: Yes.
• Breakfast Included: Yes.
• Communal Kitchen: No. 

The first of three hostels with the same name, Little Charm Hanoi Hostel has gone for something a little different in terms of what it offers its guests. Unlike many of the party hostels on this list, Little Charm Hanoi Hostel puts emphasis on relaxation, peace and quiet!

The decor is very traditional and classic 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 included in the price and it’s pretty generous; a variety of fruit, eggs, bread, tea and coffee. This is definitely a hostel for the flashpackers amongst you!

6. Flipside Hostel

• Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates.
• Costs Starting From:  Dorms $5USD. Privates $32USD.
• Female Only Dorms Available: Yes.
• Breakfast Included: Yes.
• Communal Kitchen: No. 

Flipside Hostel offers a sweet combination of party and adventure! The super-friendly owners are from New Zealand and are always willing to have a beer and a chat with new travellers and give them advice on exploring Vietnam. As well as friendly staff, the modern design interior, great location in the centre of the city and lively hostel bar are more pluses!

There are clean and spacious dorm rooms with bunk beds and if you’re wanting a bit of luxury, their private rooms with balconies are as good as any hotel. The view of city skyline from the rooftop bar is breathtaking, the breakfast free and atmosphere lively and there are bicycles available for hire too! 

7. Tomadachi House

• Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates.
• Costs Starting From: Dorms $5USD. Privates $22USD.
• Female Only Dorms Available: No.
• Breakfast Included: Yes.
• Communal Kitchen: No.

Tomodachi House is a Japanese themed boutique hostel located on smack bang in the middle of Hanoi’s food street – therefore a great place for great for food lovers! All rooms are equipped with new furniture, have a key card access, secure lockers are nicely decorated in a unique and modern Japanese style. Dorm beds are comfortable and each guest gets free water, a towel and a mug for free green tea throughout the day! Its location in the Old Quarter means that you are within walking distance of everything you need. Tomadachi in Japanese means “friends” and that’s what you are treated like at Tomadachi House! 

8. Vietnam Backpackers Hostel: The Original

• Room Types Offered: Dorms.
• Costs Starting From:  $5USD.
• Female Only Dorms Available: No. 
• Breakfast Included: Yes. 
• Communal Kitchen: No. 

For those who are looking for a good location and a chilled environment, there is a more lowkey version of the famous Vietnam backpackers Hostel located near the grand St. Joseph’s Church in the Hoan Kiem District of Hanoi. “The Original” is the very first Vietnam Backpackers Hostel and one of the first true backpacker hostels in Hanoi! Its top features are a great rooftop bar, a killer location, clean and comfortable dorm rooms and friendly staff. The atmosphere here is definitely quieter than at the Downtown branch, yet it’s still close enough to head over there and party if you fancy it. It’s also the cheaper of the two hostels. Best of both worlds!

9. Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel

VOTED: Best Hostel in Hanoi for Couples!

• Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates
• Costs Starting From:  Dorms $5USD. Privates $24USD.
• Female Only Dorms Available: Yes.
• Breakfast Included: Yes. 
• Communal Kitchen: No. 

Besides spacious rooms and comfortable beds, a free beer and wine happy hour, friendly staff and a central location, what else does Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel offer its guests? Well, while the interior design of the hostel won’t blow you away, 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 amongst couples travelling the country, as the budget double bed rooms get good reviews. The food is tasty, especially the breakfast, which is generous and varied. All in all – a decent budget choice.

10. Hanoi Massive Hostel 

• Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates.
• Costs Starting From: Dorms $4USD. Privates $13USD.
• Female Only Dorms Available: No. 
• Breakfast Included: Yes. 
• Communal Kitchen: No. 

Hanoi Massive Hotel is centrally located in the Old Quarter amidst plenty of cheap street food restaurants and massage parlours. You can explore the city on foot easily from here. Whilst the hostel is not spectacular in terms of its interior design, the warm atmosphere and friendly staff will ensure that your stay is comfortable.

A filling free breakfast sets you up for the day and there is a hangout area in the reception with bar stools where guests can socialise and have a drink. The hostel also has a mini-supermarket and a fridge for guests to use. This is an old school backpacker hostel, so don’t expect a hipster vibe, yet it’s perfect for the budget traveller looking for a no-frills, cheap and cheerful stay.

11. Hanoi Buffalo

VOTED: Best Hostel for Solo Travellers!

• Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates.
• Costs Starting From: Dorms $6USD. Privates $47USD.
• Female Only Dorms Available: Yes.
• Breakfast Included: Buffet each morning. 
• Communal Kitchen: No.

A firm favourite among backpackers, Hanoi Buffalo Hostel is located in the beating heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. As soon as you step out of the front door, you are a stones throw away from some of the best restaurants and activities the city 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 wanting to spend your day exploring.

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 free breakfast which is served between 07.00 – 09.30!

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, you are right in the heart of the city, so be aware that it is pretty noisy most of the day but it does quieten down around midnight.  

12. Luxury Backpackers 

• Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates.
• Costs Starting From: $8USD. Privates $34USD.
• Female Only Dorms Available: No.
• Breakfast Included: Yes.
• Communal Kitchen: No.

Luxury Backpackers 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 it’s own cocoon with privacy curtain, plug socket, mini shelves and reading light, as well as personal lockers. Private rooms are great value for money and spacious with either double beds or triple beds, making it a good option for a backpacking family. Located near to 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. There’s also a good breakfast served every day from 7-9.30am with lots of choice to suit different tastes!

13. Central Backpackers – Old Quarter

• Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates. 
• Costs Starting From: Dorms $6USD. Privates $20USD.
• Female Only Dorms Available: No.
• Breakfast Included: Yes.
• Communal Kitchen: Yes. 

Central Backpackers Hostels are well known in Northern Vietnam. Whilst generally they are chilled out, laid back places, Central Backpackers – Old Quarter has much more of an upbeat vibe to it. 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 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!

14. Babylon Garden Inn

• Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates.
• Costs Starting From: Dorms $6USD. Privates $27USD
• Female Only Dorms Available: Yes.
• Breakfast Included: Yes.
• Communal Kitchen: No.

Rated as one of the best hostels in the whole of Vietnam, not just Hanoi, Babylon Garden Inn has to be experienced to be believed. From the outside, it looks like every other hostel in Hanoi but inside, this tall thin building comes to life. 

The rooftop bar and restaurant gives you a great view over the city as you enjoy your free breakfast in the morning and free beer during happy hour. For those wanting to unwind, there is a swimming pool, movie room and comfy lounge area, complete with bean bags! If relaxing is not the reason you came to Vietnam, never fear, the onsite tour desk will help you make the most of your visit by organising excursions to Northern Vietnam’s most iconic sights. 

15. Chien Hostel 

VOTED: Best Bar!

• Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates.
• Costs Starting From: Dorms $5USD. Privates $25USD. 
• Female Only Dorms Available: No. 
• Breakfast Included: Yes.
• Communal Kitchen: No.

The atmosphere at Chien Hostel is lively, great for meeting fellows travellers and enjoying a great view of St Joseph’s Cathedral from the rooftop bar! There is no better place in town to snap Instagram shots of the cathedral whilst cradling a cold beer. (There’s a free beer hour here too!) The breakfast is generous offering the chance to get a good fill before exploring Hanoi. The dorms are comfortable and clean with privacy curtains on each bed and there are large lockers for storing your backpack. For those who are looking for a quiet place though, this might not be the best option, as the music here can be loud until late.

16. Nexy Hostel 

• Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates.
• Costs Starting From: Dorms $8USD. Privates $40USD.
• Female Only Dorms Available: Yes. 
• Breakfast Included: Yes. 
• Communal Kitchen: No. 

Nexy Hostel gets awesome reviews for many many reasons. Located in a classic old building, with architectural style typical for centre of the city, the hostel combines traditional Vietnamese style with modern technology and interior design. There’s a small, but stylish and comfortable terrace, a TV and games room with a pool table and a football table and a lively and fun café and a bar where it’s easy to meet fellow travellers (especially during happy hour!).

Dorm rooms have large comfy beds with individual lockers, privacy curtains and each one has it’s own reading light and plug. A decent free breakfast is included in the price – you can even have Pho, which is the local’s number 1 choice of breakfast round here!

17. Halley Hostel 

• Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates
• Costs Starting From: Dorms $6USD. Privates $20USD.
• Female Only Dorms Available: Yes.
• Breakfast Included: No.
• Communal Kitchen: Yes.

Halley Hostel is another great choice for backpackers on a budget wanting to meet other people, but not party 24/7. The hostel organise weekly events like free food tours (every Tuesday), Vietnamese movie nights (every Wednesday) and fun local dinners (every Sunday) which are a great opportunity to make new travel buddies. The hostel also has a great rooftop terrace where you can grab a beer and enjoy awesome views of the city.

The decor is pretty vintage with wooden beds and an old-fashioned charm. Private rooms are small but stylish and each dorm bed has its own privacy curtain and reading light. A generous free breakfast of bread, eggs, salad, fruit and jam, plus tea and coffee is a good start to the day. All in all a great budget choice for travellers in an excellent location in the middle of the Old Quarter.

18. Cocoon Inn 

• Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates.
• Costs Starting From:  Dorms $5USD. Privates $27USD. 
• Female Only Dorms Available: Yes.
• Breakfast Included: Yes. 
• Communal Kitchen: No. 

The name ‘cocoon’ conjures up notions of comfort, cosiness and safety – and that’s exactly what is offered here to travellers who stay at Cocoon Inn. The dorm beds are like individual pods – with privacy curtain and individual plug, fan and reading light. One guest reckons that they are the most comfortable beds in the city! If you choose a private room here you are in for a treat as the rooms are spacious with large beds and private balconies.

The hostel has a rooftop bar and a cheerful bartender skilled at making tasty drinks! It’s a great place to hang out after a tiring day. All in all, the place is very modern and the atmosphere is a good combination of chilled and friendly. Breakfast is free and delicious, too.

19. Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel

VOTED: Best Relaxing Hostel in Hanoi!

• Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates.
• Costs Starting From: Dorms $10USD. Privates $30USD
• Female Only Dorms Available: No.
• Breakfast Included: Yes.
• Communal Kitchen: Yes.

More of a Hotel with dorm rooms than a hostel with private rooms, Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel brings backpacking and luxury together under one roof. Located in the bustling centre of the old quarter, many of the cities main attractions are just a short walk away. Each room is stocked with tea and coffee making facilities, with the more expensive private rooms even having a minibar! 

If you find yourself having partied a little too hard during your travels through Vietnam, Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel is the perfect place to unwind. They offer massage services as well as haircuts and full-on pamper days! Once you are suitably relaxed, the onsite tour desk can arrange trips out around the city or further afield and the hostel has a luggage storage area if you need to leave your main backpack behind for a few days. 

Whilst this is not your typical Southeast Asian party accommodation, Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel is a breath of fresh air if you just want a couple of quiet days within the hectic Vietnamese capital. 

20. Hanoi Centre Hostel

• Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates.
• Costs Starting From: Dorms $4USD. Privates $45USD.
• Female Only Dorms Available: Yes.
• Breakfast Included: Yes.
• Communal Kitchen: No.

Hanoi Centre Hostel is located, yep you guessed it… in the centre of Hanoi! As well as its excellent location, the hostel has friendly staff, clean rooms and bathrooms, a very good free breakfast of eggs, pancakes or fruit and the mandatory free beer happy hour at 5pm every day! The hostel is a good place to meet fellow travellers, but it’s not a party hostel is such – which means it’s a good choice for those travellers who want to socialise but also want to get a good sleep at night!

Dorm beds have soft mattresses, privacy curtains, private fans, plugs and reading lights and a complimentary towel for each guest. There’s even a mini gym at the back of the hostel for those backpackers who miss working out. For couples travelling together, there are also double ‘bunk beds’ which help to save on the cost of a private room. Don’t forget to leave your mark and write your name on the wall in the corridor!

21. Republik Backpackers

• Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates. 
• Costs Starting From: Dorms $6USD. Privates $20USD.
• Female Only Dorms Available: Yes.
• Breakfast Included: Yes. 
• Communal Kitchen: No. 

Republik Backpackers Hostel is located in the heart of the Old Quarter, just walking distance to all of Hanoi’s famous sites. Besides cheerful staff and nice decor, there are many awesome common areas, including a games room and a beautiful vintage rooftop lounge area with a view over the railway! This is a great place to hang out with friends or meet new people. The newest innovation at Republik Backpackers is a comfy cinema room, great for chilling at night. Drinks in the bar are affordable, the food is tasty, the coffee is good and there is a free beer happy hour every day! Don’t miss the free walking tour from the hostel and be sure to take part in the weekly quiz, which can be a lot of fun!

22. See You At Lily’s Hostel

• Room Types Offered: Dorms and Privates.
• Costs Starting From: Dorms $7USD. Privates $23USD. 
• Female Only Dorms Available: Yes.
• Breakfast Included: Yes. 
• Communal Kitchen: No. 

See you at Lily’s is a quirky and vibrant hostel located right in the centre of Hanoi. It a cheap and cheerful option for budget travellers. The reception and common areas are lively with colourful wall art and friendly staff and the dorm rooms are clean with privacy curtains on each of the dorm beds. The hostel is not hugely spacious and unlike some of the others on this list, there is no rooftop bar or common area. However, the staff (especially Snowy) are super friendly and willing to help you out with anything. Breakfast is also included.

23. VATC Sleep Pods

• Room Types Offered: Privates.
• Costs Starting From: $31USD.
• Female Only Dorms Available: No.
• Breakfast Included: No.
• Communal Kitchen: No.

Whilst not strictly a hostel, nor even a hotel, VATC Sleep Pods are worth discussing thanks to their uniqueness. Each pod is essentially a small room, equipped with 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 or 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. 

24. Hanoi Brother Inn & Travel 

• Room Types Offered: Privates.
• Costs Starting From: $22USD.
• Female Only Dorms Available: NA.
• Breakfast Included: Yes. 
• Communal Kitchen: No. 

Another great option for couples travelling to Hanoi, Hanoi Brother Inn & Travel offers excellent double rooms from just $22 US per night. Whilst the interior design is a little old fashioned, the friendliness and value for money make up for it. The staff are really helpful and their English great, which makes booking tours and onward travel easy. The location is perfect, in the heart of Hoan Kiem District, the Old Quarter and there’s a delicious free and generous breakfast which you should definitely take advantage of. As well as free coffee all day!

25. Hanoi Amazing Hostel

• Room Types Offered: Dorms and Large Privates.
• Costs Starting From: $6USD. Privates $43USD.
• Female Only Dorms Available: No.
• Laundry Facilities: Yes for additional cost. 
• Breakfast Included: Yes. 
• Communal Kitchen: No.

Hanoi Amazing Hostel is operated by a young team with a questionable love for lime green decorations. Aside from the in-your-face colour scheme, this hostel is another firm favourite amongst travellers looking for a quite stay in Hanoi.  This is not a party hostel and as such the vibe can sometimes be a bit lacking. If you are looking for a place to get a quite night’s sleep but still want to be able to be within walking distance to the party, Hanoi Amazing Hostel could be the spot for you. They even offer free beer from 5.30pm, until the keg is finished so it’s a great spot to start your pre-drinking. So there you have it, there are so many options for awesome and cheap hostels in Hanoi that a backpacker is spoilt for choice. What’s your favourite hostel in Hanoi?