Hoan Kiem

Hanoi

Old Quarter - Hoan Kiem Lake showing a city, motorbike riding and signage
Ngoc Son Temple featuring a bridge as well as an individual femail
Hoan Kiem Lake which includes a park and a lake or waterhole
Hanoi showing street scenes and motorcycle riding
Hoan Kiem Lake which includes a lake or waterhole, heritage architecture and a monument
The historic centre of Hanoi, this maze of streets offers the city’s most traditional food, best souvenir shopping and lively nighttime entertainment.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a maze of traditional streets in the oldest part of the Vietnamese capital. The district is a unique mix of European and Asian architecture and culture, and is the most iconic neighbourhood in Hanoi. You can visit the bustling hub any time of day, or base yourself in one of its many hotels. Find cultural venues, cafés, shops and typical Vietnamese restaurants all in the one place.

Prior to French colonialism in Vietnam, the city of Hanoi contained only 36 streets. The city has since expanded dramatically however, the original quarter remained the heart of Hanoi. Today, many of Hanoi’s major attractions can be found in the Old Quarter. These include the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and Lake Hoan Kiem, with its temple and picturesque bridge.

Listen to the calls of of hawkers, wearing conical hats made from leaves, balancing baskets on their shoulders. Breathe in the smell of exotic food and try the dishes and cooled drinks that hawkers sell on the road. Try Bia Hoi, Vietnam’s traditional home-made brew on Ta Hien, a street famous for beer venues and specialist craft shops. At night, visit the lively bars or enjoy traditional North Vietnamese food at one of the restaurants.

Stay alert for passing traffic when you walk the crowded streets, as there don’t seem to be clear road rules here. Browse the Night Markets at weekend nights, or make your way into the Dong Xuan market hall during the week. For souvenirs, such as conical Vietnamese hats or personalised carved stamps, visit the craft shops that line the streets in the Old Quarter.

Hanoi’s central Old Quarter is an excellent place to stay and there are many leading hotels and hostels, suiting all budgets.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is just north of Lake Hoan Kiem. The area is served by a number of bus lines, but the district is small enough to traverse on foot.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Hoan Kiem

Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
4 out of 5
95 Hang Bong Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
The price is P3,461 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
P3,461
P3,925 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,981 reviews)
"Staff's very friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2025

Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
2 Hoi Vu Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Hanoi
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the WiFi in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,352 reviews)
"The staff are wonderful and helpful."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2025

Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
4 out of 5
35 - 37 Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiem, Hanoi, vietnam
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (994 reviews)
"Excellent room. Staff is extremely friendly and helpful. I would definitely stay here next time I am in town."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2025

L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
5 out of 5
33 Duong Thanh, Hanoi
The price is P10,463 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
P10,463
P11,865 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (733 reviews)
"This is an amazing hotel! Clean, beautiful and wonderful staff. The location is great, and the breakfast is super delicious! It’s a beautiful hotel!"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2025

Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
GRAND HOTEL du LAC Hanoi
GRAND HOTEL du LAC Hanoi
5 out of 5
18-20-22-24 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (380 reviews)
"First of all, excellent service. They thought of everything before you even asked - bought show ticket for me because they knew the line is long, reminded me to get ready for Ha Long Bay pickup, arranged transportation, offered shower before midnight flight, how to eat local food, currency exchange, ..."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2025

GRAND HOTEL du LAC Hanoi
The Oriental Jade Hotel
The Oriental Jade Hotel
5 out of 5
No. 92-94 Hang Trong Str., Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Hanoi
The price is P6,764 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
P6,764
P7,670 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel where staff goes above and beyond. From A to Z excellent all round."

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2025

The Oriental Jade Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Hoan Kiem

St. Joseph Cathedral which includes religious elements, a church or cathedral and a city

Hang Trong

If you're spending some time in Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem Lake and St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi are top sights worth seeing.

Hang Trong
Hanoi which includes street scenes

Old Quarter

A noteworthy feature of Old Quarter is its panoramic lake views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Hoan Kiem Lake and Hang Gai Street.

Old Quarter
Hanoi showing signage, street scenes and night scenes

French Quarter

The abundant dining options and lake views are top of the list for many visitors to French Quarter. A stop by Hoan Kiem Lake or Hanoi Municipal Party Committee might round out your trip.

French Quarter
Hoan Kiem featuring markets and outdoor eating

Hang Bac

If you're spending some time in Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem Lake and The Old Quarter Gallery are top sights worth seeing.

Hang Bac
Hoan Kiem featuring markets and outdoor eating

Hang Dao

If you're spending some time in Hang Dao, Hanoi Old Town Night Market and Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square are top sights worth seeing.

Hang Dao
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Hanoi Backpacker Quarter

Travelers come to Hanoi Backpacker Quarter for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Ta Hien Street and Bach Ma Temple while you're in town.

Hanoi Backpacker Quarter

Hoan Kiem