Hanoi has a well-developed hostel scene concentrated almost entirely in the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake. Dorm beds range from ₫150,000 to ₫300,000 per night ($6–12), with private rooms in hostels from ₫350,000 to ₫700,000 ($14–28).
What to look for
Social vs quiet: Hanoi’s backpacker hostels split into social hostels (bars, organised crawls, common areas designed for meeting people) and quieter guesthouses with dorm rooms. Both have their place. Know which you want before booking.
Noise levels: The Old Quarter is loud. Hostels on the main tourist streets (Hang Be, Ta Hien, Luong Ngoc Quyen) will have street noise and often in-house bar noise until midnight. If you need sleep before midnight, look at hostels on side streets or upper floors.
Air conditioning: Dorm rooms in summer (May–September) without working AC are miserable. Check recent reviews specifically mentioning temperature.
Lockers: Standard in reputable hostels. Bring a padlock or check whether the hostel provides one.
We break down daily costs in our Hanoi on a budget guide.
Recommended hostels
Mad Monkey Hanoi
The social hostel standout in the Old Quarter. Consistently rated 9.5/10 by guests, with a rooftop bar, daily free cocktails, and regular events including Monday Madness DJ nights and Saturday parties. Also serves as a popular base for Ha Giang Loop departures. Dorm beds have privacy curtains, individual power points and reading lights.
Dorm rate: ₫170,000–250,000 ($6.80–10). Location: Old Quarter. Check Mad Monkey Hanoi on Hostelworld.
Little Charm Hanoi Hostel
A quieter option that prioritises cleanliness and service over social atmosphere. Well-maintained dorms, hot water reliable, good breakfast option. The staff are genuinely helpful for arranging day trips and transport.
Dorm rate: ₫170,000–250,000 ($7–10). Location: Old Quarter. Check Little Charm Hanoi Hostel on Hostelworld. It sits at 44 Hang Bo near Hoan Kiem Lake and is dorm-only, so couples wanting a private room should look elsewhere.
Vietnam Backpacker Hostels Downtown
Part of the Vietnam Backpacker Hostels chain, this Old Quarter property on Ma May Street has multiple room types and a ground-floor bar with nightly events including pub crawls and quiz nights. Free beer from 17:00–18:00. The dorm rooms are functional and clean. The location near Ta Hien means noise is a factor — light sleepers should book upper floor dorms or a private room. Free walking tours through the Old Quarter run daily.
Dorm rate: approximately ₫200,000–300,000 ($8–12) as of 2026. Location: Ma May Street, Old Quarter.
Old Quarter View Hostel
Smaller, quieter hostel with a rooftop terrace that has views over the Old Quarter rooflines. More guesthouse-style than party hostel. Good for solo travellers who want to meet people without the chaos.
Dorm rate: ₫180,000–280,000 ($7–11). Location: Old Quarter, quieter street.
Hostel areas to avoid
The streets immediately adjacent to Ta Hien (the beer corner) are the loudest in the Old Quarter. If you’re in a hostel here, expect noise until midnight and beyond on weekends. This is fine if you’re out until that time yourself - problematic if you’re not.
Practical notes
- We compare hostel prices on Hostelworld’s Hanoi listings as well as Booking.com, since the same bed is often cheaper on one or the other.
- Book in advance during October (Ha Giang Loop season), Tết (Lunar New Year), and major Vietnamese public holidays when Hanoi fills up.
- Most hostels charge a small fee for luggage storage on day of arrival/departure.
- The Old Quarter’s narrow streets mean that even nearby hostels can be hard to find - save the address in Vietnamese to show a Grab driver.
- Water quality: all hostels provide filtered water refills. Don’t drink tap water in Hanoi.
See also: Looking for mid-range or upmarket options? Read our guide to the best hotels in Hanoi.
Useful links:
- Book tours in Hanoi
- Search hotels in Hanoi
- Cheap flights to Vietnam
- eSIM for Vietnam
- Travel insurance for Vietnam
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