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 P2,353 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
P2,353
P2,668 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 18 - Mar 19
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! (3,917 reviews)
"We had an incredible experience during our stay! The staff went above and beyond, helping us organize our trips to Ha Long Bay and Hoi An, making everything smooth and stress-free. These destinations were absolutely breathtaking, and we felt completely comfortable thanks to their support. The room ..."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 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! (2,272 reviews)
"This property has very basic accommodations but very central and convenient to Hanoi sites. The staff goes above and beyond to make sure you are safe, fed and able to navigate the area. Lots of helpful tips and even arranged transportation to/from airport."

Reviewed on Mar 14, 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! (979 reviews)
"The staff was very attentive. Breakfast was excellent. I had an insode room very comfortable and quiet"

Reviewed on Mar 12, 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 P13,142 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
P13,142
P14,903 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! (717 reviews)
Great location & nice hotel.
"It was a lovely hotel although very hard to find from the outside. It was down a narrow entrance way. Breakfast was great, the room service food we ordered was delicious & our room was spacious (suite). The hotel was situated right in the middle of the old town. Very hectic but I didn’t notice any ..."

Reviewed on Mar 14, 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! (363 reviews)
Lovely Hotel
"Great little hotel in the heart of old town Hanoi"

Reviewed on Mar 13, 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! (1,002 reviews)
"My husband and I had the pleasure of staying at the Oriental Jade Hotel in Hanoi, and it absolutely exceeded all expectations! The hotel itself is beautiful, with a perfect blend of modern elegance and local charm. What truly made the experience exceptional, though, was the staff. They were incredibly ..."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 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 which includes dining out as well as a small group of people

Trang Tien

While visiting Trang Tien, you might make a stop by sights like Hoan Kiem Lake and Trang Tien Plaza.

Trang Tien
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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