Hoan Kiem

Hanoi
Ngoc Son Temple showing a bridge as well as an individual femail
The historic center 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 neighborhood 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


Hoan Kiem Hotel Deals

Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
3.5 out of 5
2 Hoi Vu Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Hanoi
The price is ¥5,233 per night from Apr 13 to Apr 14
¥5,233
per night
Apr 13 - Apr 14
Stay at this 3.5-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! (1,027 reviews)
"The room we were allocated did not have any windows or balconies."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
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 ¥32,302 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥32,302
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
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. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,631 reviews)
"From the first interaction with the Hotel we knew it would be a warm and helpful place for us to stay. The staff were all so enthusiastic and energetic and Jim went above and beyond to help the guests; arranging tours, providing information for guests about local restaurants and places to go or shop.Matthias ..."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
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 bar in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (540 reviews)
"The hotel is very cozy and perfect in a lot of things. It seems new, is clean with elegant decorations. It’s in Old quarter and is convenient to walk everywhere and surprisingly no noticeable noise from outside. The buffet breakfast is amazing with touches of locals and French, delicious and somewhat ..."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

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 ¥21,674 per night from Apr 10 to Apr 11
¥21,674
per night
Apr 10 - Apr 11
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! (343 reviews)
"Excellent hotel in the old quarter of Hanoi"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
5 out of 5
15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
The price is ¥50,033 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
¥50,033
per night
Apr 5 - Apr 6
Stay at this luxury hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"The staff are incredibly attentive to guests needs"

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
O'Gallery Premier Hotel & Spa
O'Gallery Premier Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
122 Hang Bong Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
The price is ¥12,410 per night from Apr 18 to Apr 19
¥12,410
per night
Apr 18 - Apr 19
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,013 reviews)
"It’s no wifi in this hotel"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

O'Gallery Premier Hotel & Spa
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 neighborhoods 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
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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 Ancient House while you're in town.

Hanoi Backpacker Quarter


Hoan Kiem