Hoan Kiem Travel Guide

Hanoi
Hoan Kiem showing a city, signage and street scenes
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


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 ₹4,102 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
₹4,102
₹4,652 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (2,782 reviews)
"Hotel location is good & staff are helpful. Room clean, breakfast is good.I highly recommended that hotel to my friends. You can ask they what you need at reception desk.exspecial Jenny can help you for show you visit in hanoi."

Reviewed on 4 Nov 2024

Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
5 out of 5
15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
The price is ₹24,385 per night from 4 Dec to 5 Dec
₹24,385
₹27,652 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Dec - 5 Dec
Stay at this luxury hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in their ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,007 reviews)
"Perfect"

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2024

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
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 Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the WiFi in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,370 reviews)
"The hotel is very nice and the location is great, but the best thing is the staff. Amazing hospitality, very friendly and helpful personal - special thanks to Anna and Mia for the assistance and the care they took of us."

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

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 Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (815 reviews)
"Comfortable room, excellent and helpful staff. Good breakfast options. Terrific value and location in the Old Quarter."

Reviewed on 2 Nov 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 ₹12,277 per night from 4 Dec to 5 Dec
₹12,277
₹13,922 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Dec - 5 Dec
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (556 reviews)
Penny 😊
"We had a fabulous stay at the Peridot. All the staff were wonderful. The rooftop patio is absolutely stunning. We had cocktails there every evening and watched the sunset. Thanks to Helen, Quinn and Lucy and all the staff"

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2024

Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
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 ₹8,755 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
₹8,755
₹9,928 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,016 reviews)
"Excellent stay due to attentive staff, pristine facilities, great food and service and of course some of the most romantic views over historical Hanoi from a rooftop bar and infinity pool. An oasis of relaxation amongst the bustle of life around the beautiful lake. If new to Hanoi this is the perfect ..."

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

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 showing a city, religious elements and a church or cathedral

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 featuring street scenes

Old Quarter

Old Quarter is beloved for its panoramic lake views. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Hoan Kiem Lake and Hang Gai Street.

Old Quarter
Hanoi which includes dining out as well as a small group of people

Trang Tien

If you're spending some time in Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem Lake and Trang Tien Plaza are top sights worth seeing.

Trang Tien
Hanoi which includes street scenes, night scenes and signage

French Quarter

The ample dining options and fantastic 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 which includes outdoor eating and markets

Hang Bac

While visiting Hang Bac, you might make a stop by sights like Hoan Kiem Lake and The Old Quarter Gallery.

Hang Bac
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Hanoi Backpacker Quarter

Hanoi Backpacker Quarter is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Ta Hien Street and Ancient House while you're in town.

Hanoi Backpacker Quarter


Hoan Kiem Travel Guide