Hoan Kiem Travel Guide

Hanoi

Hoan Kiem showing a city, signage and street scenes
Ngoc Son Temple showing a bridge as well as an individual female
Hoan Kiem Lake featuring a lake or waterhole and a garden
Hanoi which includes motorcycle riding and street scenes
Hoan Kiem Lake showing a monument, heritage architecture and a lake or waterhole

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 ฿1,382 per night from 28 Oct to 29 Oct
฿1,382
฿1,567 total
28 Oct - 29 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5,724 reviews)
I recently stayed at [ The Royal Place 2], and I must say, the staff was incredible! From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and valued. They went above and beyond to ensure my comfort, making my stay truly enjoyable. Every interaction was friendly and professional, reminding me how important ...

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
Hanoi Royal Premium Hotel

Hanoi Royal Premium Hotel

4 out of 5
59 Phu Doan street, Old Quarter, Hanoi
The price is ฿1,626 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
฿1,626
฿1,844 total
30 Oct - 31 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Town Night ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1,299 reviews)
All staff are so helpful, friendly, pleasures. Their smiles are always make me feel comfortable. They always tried the ways to help customers . Specially Duc Anh and Anna Hương. I really appreciate it. Thanks!

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Hanoi Royal Premium Hotel
Hanoi Indochine Premium Hotel

Hanoi Indochine Premium Hotel

4 out of 5
52 Ngo Huyen, Hang Trong, Hanoi, 30, Hanoi
The price is ฿1,677 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
฿1,677
฿1,902 total
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free valet parking. Popular attractions Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Town Night ...
10/10 Exceptional! (891 reviews)
I booked 4 nights at the Hanoi Indochine Premium Hotel for my first trip to Hanoi and I couldn't be happier. STAFF: The staff was very polite and helpful; recommending things to do, looking for museums opening hours and even organizing a late check out as we had multiple flight delays. They also ...

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Hanoi Indochine Premium Hotel
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

5 out of 5
15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
The price is ฿10,327 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
฿10,327
฿11,710 total
7 Nov - 8 Nov
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,009 reviews)
Hanoi Gem
Breakfast by the pool is excellent. Perfect poached eggs and lots of Vietnamese and Western choices. All fresh with staff very attentive.

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

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
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! (3,428 reviews)
Staff was very nice and helpful, the rooms were clean but has a slight smell not to my liking but overall this is great place to stay in the old quarter. You can walk to a lot of places including train street. Visit the nail salon at the end of The street and try her Salt coffee when you get your ...

Reviewed on 17 Oct 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
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! (1,219 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
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 Hang Gai Street 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 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
Hoan Kiem which includes outdoor eating and markets

Hang Dao

While visiting Hang Dao, you might make a stop by sights like Hanoi Old Town Night Market and Hoan Kiem Lake Weekend Walking Street.

Hang Dao
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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