Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam, often serves as a key gateway for travelers, marking either the beginning or end of their journey.
Although my first visit didn’t meet my expectations, Vietnam remains a budget-friendly destination in the region, known for its delicious cuisine and stunning landscapes. The country is very traveler-friendly, with a well-established route running from north to south.
Due to Hanoi’s strategic location on the Southeast Asian travel circuit, it hosts a multitude of hostels. With such variety, the quality can differ greatly.
To help you navigate through the many options, here is a curated list of the best hostels in Hanoi!
5. Mad Monkey
Mad Monkey is a well-known name in the hostel industry, celebrated for its lively social atmosphere. This location maintains that reputation, offering a vibrant environment with a bar that serves complimentary drinks during happy hour. The hostel buzzes with activity, hosting various events from DJ sets to pub crawls and drag shows. There’s also an on-site restaurant known for its delicious offerings. However, its prime position in the Old Quarter means that some of the city’s best culinary delights are just a short walk away.
The dormitories are compact, and the mattresses are on the thinner side, typical of party hostels. Each bed comes with thoughtful additions like curtains, individual lights, power outlets, and lockers. Air conditioning is a necessity given the local climate. The washrooms are very clean, and the shower pressure is consistently strong. For those looking to dive into the local nightlife, this hostel is the perfect spot.
4. Hanoi Buffalo Hostel
This budget-friendly hostel in the Old Quarter offers a relaxed outdoor lounge with a pool, making it an ideal spot to unwind after exploring the city. The staff organize excursions to major local attractions like Ha Long Bay and Sapa. A significant advantage is the array of complimentary amenities, including breakfast, happy hour beer, pub crawls, and guided walks.
The accommodations are modest—the bathrooms are small, and the dormitory bunks are basic. However, each bed comes with curtains, lighting, power sockets, and lockers for personal items. The standout feature is the exceptional service; the staff are dedicated to ensuring a pleasant stay, promptly addressing any concerns with a helpful attitude.
3. Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel
This lively hostel hosts nightly parties that wrap up by 11pm, allowing guests to enjoy the fun without compromising their sleep. It features a cozy movie room, but the main attraction is the range of complimentary amenities: breakfast, happy hour beer, walking tours, and an evening pub crawl. Additionally, it is one of the more affordable options on this list, providing excellent value for money.
Although the dormitories are not particularly spacious and could benefit from a style update, they are well-equipped with privacy curtains, individual lights and outlets, and personal lockers. The beds are notably comfortable for a hostel of this kind. The highlight, however, is the outdoor terrace—a tranquil spot to relax with a drink after a day of exploring.
2. Old Quarter View
Nestled in the vibrant Old Quarter, this hostel boasts a prime location and a dazzling, modern decor. It has a hotel-like appearance but retains a welcoming communal atmosphere. The accommodations are notably clean and spacious, with sunlight streaming through large windows—some rooms even have charming balconies.
The dormitory beds are equipped with comfortable mattresses, personal curtains for privacy, secure lockers, and individual reading lamps. Access to the upper bunks is made easy with staircases, and air conditioning is a much-appreciated luxury.
Although the hostel doesn’t cater to party-goers, it encourages social interaction with daily happy hours featuring complimentary beer, free walking tours, and an affordable weekly cooking class that offers a rich learning experience. The breakfast is delicious and budget-friendly, costing just 50,000 VND. This hostel is an excellent choice for those seeking a refined stay close to the city’s main attractions.
1. The One Hostel
This hostel is lively and energetic, offering nightly events like live music and DJ sessions, making it an ideal place to meet other travelers. It features a rooftop pool and bar, along with an on-site restaurant. Upon check-in, guests receive a bracelet that allows them to charge food and drinks directly to their room, eliminating the need for cash. Activities wind down at midnight, ensuring a balance between fun and relaxation for a good night’s rest.
Mornings start with a complimentary breakfast, including vegetarian options, to help recover from the night before. The dormitories are spacious, with each bunk equipped with a personal fan, privacy curtains, USB charging ports, and comfortable mattresses. The top bunks have stair-like ladders for easy access. Female-only dorms are also available. While the shower water pressure may be modest, cleanliness is a priority, and the friendly volunteer staff enhance the welcoming atmosphere.
Highlights of The One Hostel:
- Rooftop pool, bar, and restaurant
- Complimentary breakfast
- Nightly live music