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 P3,224 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
P3,224
P3,656 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 26 - Mar 27
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! (3,950 reviews)
"Great property. The staff was very accommodating helping us with looking after our bags, and upgrading our room for an extra bed. Good breakfast. Great walkability to anything you’d like. Highly recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on Mar 20, 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! (2,313 reviews)
"I was a bit nervous about this place based on the mixed reviews I had read. The photos on the site made the property look better than in real life. The hotel itself is run down and in need of some updates. The room was fine and bed was comfortable however the supplies white towels looked old and ..."

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2025

Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
5 out of 5
33 Duong Thanh, Hanoi
The price is P14,266 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
P14,266
P16,177 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
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! (726 reviews)
"Great stay at the Peridot. Our first room for one night was on the small side but the suite on the second night was wonderful. Both well appointed and beautiful though. The location was fantastic and staff were great. Would recommend The Peridot for sure if your travels bring you to Hanoi."

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2025

Peridot Grand Luxury 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! (987 reviews)
Top-notch service and breafast
"The staff at this hotel are wonderful and made it standout as the best service we had on our trip. Super friendly and helpful. Shoutout to Ammelina working the breakfast service (which was the best breakfast we had on our trip). She provided excellent service and so friendly! Also, Chloe on our checkout. ..."

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2025

L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
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! (370 reviews)
"Vivienne was super helpful with great places to eat and visit and Sophia kindly sorted our booking issue. Hotel is an oasis in the hectic but very charming city of Hanoi."

Reviewed on Mar 19, 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
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! (1,004 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