Planning your next trip? Heading to Vietnam? Then Hanoi is certainly a must-see! Besides the fact that it is the capital, it is also the most vibrant and dynamic city where Western meets Eastern, old meets new, fast meets slow and where people from all over the world get a taste of the unique ‘Vietnamese way of life’. Hanoi will hands-down be one of the most interesting street life vibes you’ll ever experience. But what to see and where to stay in Hanoi? Here is a list of the top 4 areas to visit, and the best Airbnb Hanoi has to offer in these areas.
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Airbnb Hanoi: Top Places To Stay
Hoan Kiem (The Old French Quarter)
Hoan Kiem is the best area to stay in Hanoi if you want a cultural experience – with a touch of France! It is known as the historic heart of the city, and therefore a popular choice for most tourists and travellers. From temples and old gates to traditional markets and shops, it can be a bit of a sensory overload.
However, it offers a vast variety of accommodation, either luxurious or more down-to-earth, yet very affordable:
Minimal Style Condo – Hoan Kiem
Featured in Elle Decoration Vietnam, this stylish condo can host up to 4 guests and is ideal for those who love a modern and minimal style decor with light wood finishes.
It boasts two bedrooms, a full bathroom with clean white tiles, modern open-plan kitchen and lounge leading onto the balcony surrounded by beautiful green pot plants and trees overlooking the streets of The Old Town.
The apartment is situated in the centre of the French Quarter in the Hoan Kiem district and only a 5 minute walk to restaurants, museums and popular amenities.
Why we love it? Only a 5 minute walk to the Hoan Kiem Lake – a perfect spot to sit and read a book or simply observe the Hanoian way of life.
Price: ₫1816776 per night
Komorebi Room
Located a little further from the Old Quarter in a quiet neighbourhood, Komorebi Room is perfect for travellers who want to escape the hustle and bustle. This is the perfect place to relax in a lovely tranquil setting.
‘Komorebi’ translates to ‘sunlight that filters through the leaves of a tree’ which is exactly what this room offers – light, bright and a breath of fresh air! It can be regarded as a little studio boasting a fully fitted kitchen, lounge, TV, fast wifi and your own private bathroom.
This studio is situated on the 5th floor of a house – so better to be travelling lightly! However, the magnificent views of the city make the climb well worth it.
Why we love it? Beautifully decorated with white and light blue furniture and finishes, it has a ‘beach house’ feel to it, alluding to a true holiday experience.
Price: ₫652829 per night
Tay Ho: West Lake District
Tay Ho is the best area to stay in Hanoi if you’d like a more ‘western-feeling’, while still being exposed to the authentic Hanoi vacation experience. It is also the home of many expats, therefore offering various modern shops, restaurants and bars which also make this a popular choice for tourists.
Airbnb Hanoi: Amazing West Lake Apartment
Complete luxury meets amazing views – this stunning apartment is located in the well sought after Watermark Building in West Lake District, and is perfect for couples and families who want to experience a ‘home away from home’.
The apartment offers two bedrooms, each with a bathroom, private balcony and panoramic views of the West Lake. A lounge with porcelain tiles leads to a balcony that is perfect for enjoying sundowners and breathtaking views. Spacious and fully fitted kitchen.
The building offers many perks, including 24/7 security, WIFI, a luxurious pool with amazing views as well as a gym. Located close to restaurants, shops and local markets.
Why we love it? If you stay for 5 nights, you get a FREE pickup from the airport!
Price: ₫1399602 per night
West Lake: Cozy Loft
Ideal for a single traveller or couple wanting to be part of the more lively part of West Lake. Here you will feel right at home in no time – this cozy apartment is beautifully decorated with modern wooden finishes.
The apartment offers a lounge, TV, WIFI and fully fitted kitchen, leading to a small private balcony overlooking the alley that’s always buzzing with pedestrians and restaurants. Upstairs consists of a loft-style bedroom and private bathroom.
A vibrant area with many restaurants and commercial businesses, along with the tranquil surroundings of West Lake and the Red River.
Why we love it? A delicious home-cooked Vietnamese breakfast is included in the price! Yum!
Price: ₫1001536 per night
Truc Bach
If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, then Truc Bach is a place where you can take a breather, and just relax. Although the area offers an abundance of restaurants and coffee shops to explore, it is also a great spot to simply laze out under the trees next to the lakeside with your favourite novel.
Sky View Apartment – Hanoi Center
If you like being high up in the sky, then this stylish apartment will fit your bill just right! It has beautiful views overlooking the city and Truc Bach Lake, in a quiet and peaceful area.
Open plan kitchen and spacious lounge leading to a private balcony with stunning views. Large bedroom with queen size bed and separate bathroom.
Very tastefully decorated with purple and grey furniture and finishes, as well as beautiful laminated flooring throughout.
Why we love it? Its glassy, it’s classy and the views are to die for!
Price: ₫748365 per night
Hanah Tiny – Hanoi
A real charmer – this bright and colourful room will have you wanting to come back for a second visit. Decorated with vintage furniture and wooden floors throughout, creating a warm and homey atmosphere.
The room consists of 1 queen size bed, small lounge leading to private balcony overlooking the streets and an en suite bathroom.
The room is situated in an energetic and dynamic block in Chau Long street and is only a stone-throw away from Truc Bach Lake, as well as West Lake and The Old Town.
Why we love it? The block has it’s very own ‘Home Cafe’ where you can enjoy delicious coffee, smoothies, fruit cocktails and breakfast!
Price: ₫396474 per night
Ba Dinh
Home to most of the city’s historical monuments, such as the Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Military Museum and the Hanoi Flag Tower. This area is very close to the Old French Quarter, but just much quieter. Ba Dinh District also has a pocket full of restaurants, and bars overlooking the lush green blankets of the Hanoi Botanical Gardens.
Eastern Stay – Le Hong Pong Street
This little gem is well suited for history and art lovers in – home to many historical sites such as the Ho Chi Minh Museum, The Imperial Citadel as well as the Ngoc Ha market.
It is one of four private rooms situated on the 2nd floor of the apartment block and has a king size bed, private en suite bathroom, small kitchenette with refrigerator, coffee maker, essential appliances and wifi. A communal kitchen is available in the block to cook homemade dishes.
This apartment also borders to Ba Dinh Square, and is only a 10 minute walk to the center of the Old Quarter.
Why we love it? Besides the price, the rooms are authentically decorated with a classic Dong Ho painting design (an ancient Hanoi style).
Price: ₫356667 per night
Hanoi is a fantastic host and also a great starting point to explore Vietnam in all its unique and diverse glory. Hanoi is much more than a destination – it’s an unforgettable experience that will trickle all your senses. From beautiful scenery to exquisite taste and lively culture. You will most definitely fall in love with this city!
Hi! I’m Janet Newenham, an Irish-born digital nomad and blogger. My blog, Journalist On The Run, is a journal of my travels and career hurdles, as well as a “bucket list for life.” In my youth, reading inspired me to create and achieve goals for my future. My long list of goals took me to places I could never have dreamed of, each one inspiring me toward the next. Along the way, I picked up a few awards like “Digital Media Travel Journalist Of The Year” in both 2017 and 2019 while simply doing what I love.
Now, well into my 30s, I’ve seen so many of the world’s alcoves that it would be wrong not to share my experiences with you. This blog is my way of taking you around the world with me, and I hope you enjoy the ride.
My goal was to visit 50 countries before I hit 30. I never imagined that at 38, I can proudly say I’ve seen 120 of the world’s beautiful countries. Of course, no matter how much you think you’ve traveled, there is still so much left to see, and I look forward to going on the run with you.