Hoan Kiem Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Ngoc Son Temple which includes a bridge as well as an individual female
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

Activities


Our pick of the best 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 AU$59 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
AU$59
per night
13 Apr - 14 Apr
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 26 Mar. 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 AU$366 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$366
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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! (1,648 reviews)
"Located at the old town but the area is not crowded at night, good food and attractions are few steps away, accommodating concierge-Jim and friendly housekeepers, we enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 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! (542 reviews)
"Thank you to Mary and all the staff for the great service and friendliness"

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 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 AU$232 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
AU$232
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
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 27 Mar. 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 AU$574 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
AU$574
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
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 24 Mar. 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 AU$141 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
AU$141
per night
18 Apr - 19 Apr
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! (1,010 reviews)
Amazing staff in Hanoi.
"The most amazing staff we have ever had the pleasure of meeting at a hotel. The service was exceptional, from the reception area to the restaurant. Location is good and the included breakfast was also very good."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 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 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

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