A city at the world's crossroads, Hanoi welcomes visitors with old-world charm and a modern demeanour. The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, has carried the title for the past thousand years, making it the foundational city of Vietnam. Hanoi is a city with a rich colonial heritage and architecture, iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and a delicious and dizzying array of food.
The city has survived through many events of history that are evident now in the numerous well-preserved heritage spots across the city. Hanoi offers an authentic Vietnamese experience through the lenses of its historic colonial influences. Staying in a heritage or boutique hotel in Hanoi makes the city's experience more vivid. As soon as you step into the Old Quarter of Hanoi, it brings out the feeling of colonial elegance in its heritage buildings. Dubbed ‘Paris of the East’, Hanoi’s old neighbourhoods have been influenced by hundreds of years of French and Chinese cultures.
Be it the French quarters and imperial buildings like the Temple of Literature lining the broad streets of its historic districts, or the iconic landmarks of the Grand Opera House and Grand Palais of the Old Quarter, Hanoi mesmerises you in its every turn. Some luxurious Hanoi stays in this area offer a glimpse into the city’s glorious history. The city is surrounded by lakes and rivers, as evident from the name Hanoi which translates to ‘inside the river’ in Vietnamese. Book a hotel in Hanoi closer to the picturesque lakes that offer a great view of the city and a perfect window to enjoy sunsets.
When you are in Hanoi, you feel like you have been transported back in history. The city offers a complete experience of old-world charm in its streets, buildings, culture, cuisine, and people. Book Hanoi hotels with IndiGo for an exquisite listing of hotels in the best location in the city and enjoy fabulous Hanoi hotel deals along the way. Wondering where to book hotels in Hanoi? Here is an overview of areas and districts across Hanoi where you can experience the city’s vibrant pulse.
The charms of Hanoi are palpable on every corner and each broad street of the city. Many of the heritage buildings are still in use and make some of the important addresses in the country. Historical pagodas and heritage structures of Hanoi enchantingly reflect on the serene waters of the lake, letting you soak in the deep roots and traditions of this ancient city.
Areas along the Red River of Hanoi offer panoramic views of the city and are dotted with various landmarks, iconic historic bridges, and much more. Whether you are in to experience the traditional life and livelihood of Vietnam or prefer to taste scrumptious Vietnamese food in the Hanoi alleyways, the warm hospitality of the cheerful locals will leave a smile on your face.
There are 6 major districts or areas in Hanoi among the 12 urban districts, each known for its signature sightseeing and experiences. Let us look further into some of these popular places to book hotels in Hanoi for an unforgettable memory that would withstand the test of time like this heritage city itself.
The Old Quarter, or as the locals call it the Hoan Kiem District, is located near the western banks of the Red River that traverses Hanoi city. The heritage part of the area has 36 streets that make up the real Old Quarter. Along the historic lanes, you will still find the merchandise once characteristic of Hanoi, like age-old trade items like silk, traditional bamboo handicrafts, silver jewellery, and tinwork.
In the area, visit the symbolic centre of Hanoi at the Hoan Kiem lake, and marvel at the historic 18-century Hanoi Opera House that still hosts high-profile operas and shows. Take a ride on the historic Long Bien Bridge and spend an evening at the traditional Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Stop by the iconic Hotel Metropole where the signature Vietnamese coffee, the egg coffee, was born. Hotels in the Old Quarter area are among the most sought-after places to stay in Hanoi.
Apart from the historic extravaganza of this area, it is also fast developing with residential buildings and diplomatic offices. Stay in hotels in Ba Dinh District for a historic stay with modern places to enjoy international cuisine.
A few hundred metres away is the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and historical artefacts that date back to the 6th century. The One Pillar Pagoda looks exactly as it has been named becoming a flocking point for tourists as the pond below turns into a carpet of lotus blooms in the summer.
One of the modern parts of Hanoi, Tay Ho District is considered one of the most picturesque districts of Hanoi. The district has the biggest freshwater lake in Hanoi, the West Lake at its centre has more than 17 kilometres of shoreline. Some of the signature activities to experience in Tay Ho District are taking a bike ride along the banks of this scenic lake on Trich Sai Road or taking a stroll down the romantic Trinh Cong Son Road lined with nostalgic cafes and serene alleys.
The many iconic hotels in Tay Ho District adorn this part of Hanoi, along with high-end gourmet restaurants featuring international cuisine and top Vietnamese ones. Dotted among the high rises, and posh hotels and cafes, the area has some of the most popular pagodas like the Tran Quoc, Van Nien and Tao Sach pagodas. To all lovers of flowers and exquisite bonsai, Tay Ho District is the place to be as it has multiple flower farms that equally delight buyers and shutterbugs.
The district is the amusement and shopping area of Hanoi. Besides its historical buildings and intricate architecture, the glitzy district of Hai Ba Trung District is known for its shopping malls and fashion streets. The district has some of the big names in fashion and is dotted with shopping malls like the Vincom Time City and the Vincom Centre, and fashion streets like Pho Hue. Hai Ba Trung district offers some of the most luxurious Hanoi stays.
Other than outlets for international brands, these malls are popular among tourists for having Vietnam’s largest aquarium, cinema halls, and other ritzy entertainment areas. Shop till you drop at Hai Ba Trung, but before that Vietnamese coffee is a must. Stop at one of the traditional aromatic cafes, like the Tho Cafe, lining the streets of this district or stay at one of the glamourous hotels in Hai Ba Trung District.
Another iconic district of Hanoi, Dong Da is famous for its lineup of renowned educational institutions, like the prestigious Imperial Academy, the nation’s first university. Famous for being the scholarly centre of Hanoi, you cannot miss the tell-tale youthful and fresh vibe when you stay at the hotels in Dong Da District. The area has some cool cafes, boba shops, and cosy French bistros like the C’est Si Bon.
If you are looking for safe hotels in Hanoi that would not pinch your purse, this is the place to stay. The district also boasts some of the most prominent heritage and cultural spots of Vietnam, like the Temple of Literature built in honour of Vietnam’s glorious scholars, as well as the Vietnam National Academy of Music, and the massive movie theatre National Cinema Centre.
If you want to experience nature in Northern Vietnam without leaving the city limits, then Soc Son is the place to be. This picturesque district is a serene getaway surrounded by lush hills, vast lakes, and rivers teeming with wildlife. Staying at hotels in Soc Son for a week is an ideal way to explore the area. Relax at the tropical resorts and head out in the day for adventure in nature like hiking in the trails, rafting on the rivers and lakes and trying signature rustic dishes of northern Vietnam.
When looking for some of the best Hanoi hotels, you must consider a few important factors like amenities and location. Taking note of these factors while choosing hotels in Hanoi can significantly contribute to a pleasant stay in Hanoi.
When you book Hanoi hotels through IndiGo, you can easily filter through a wide range of options by location and amenities to find accommodations that suit your travel style and preferences. This helps visitors make informed choices for a comfortable and personalised stay in Hanoi. Need more reasons as to why book Hanoi hotels with IndiGo? Read on!
Hanoi is the ideal destination for year-round travel. Depending on your travel preferences, choosing the right month to visit Hanoi brings out the best experience in your itinerary. Be it going on a heritage city tour of Hanoi, taking culinary tours, or taking part in the colourful festivals, pleasant weather is a must and choosing the ideal month for your experience of Hanoi is paramount.
Overall, the best time to visit Hanoi is the winter season between November through March. The weather is pleasant and cool. With mostly dry winters, these months are ideal for outdoor adventures in nature or exploring the city. But that is not all, as the seasons of spring and fall are also a great time to make a trip to Hanoi.
In the autumn/fall season, orange trees and other vegetation adorn Hanoi with warm autumnal hues which make some best photoshoots. Winter, spring and fall are also ideal times for enjoying Hanoi festivals like the Mid Autumn Festival or Vietnamese Lunar New Year in late January or early February depending on the lunar calendar.
You will find plenty of options for budget Hanoi stays in a vibrant and cosmopolitan city like Hanoi. Whether you are looking for hotels in Hanoi that would provide you with amenities for a delightful stay yet are some of the safe hotels in Hanoi.
Looking to stay in the heritage parts of Hanoi? IndiGo has some fabulous listings of cheap hotels in Hanoi that would gladden you. Check out the Affa Boutique Hotel near Lotus Water Puppet Theatre or the Hanoi Old Quarter House near the National Tuong Theatre. Want to stay in chic areas of Hanoi without pulling strings on your purse? Make a Hanoi hotel booking at the Westlake Tay Ho Hotel on the romantic Trinh Cong Son Walking Street or the Legend Westlake Hotel near the beloved Tran Quoc Pagoda.
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Book Hanoi hotels with IndiGo and find great listings like opulent Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi near Trang Tien Plaza or the Hotel de L'Opera Hanoi-Mgallery near the majestic Hanoi Opera House. Want to live offshore instead? We have you covered with enticing listings of luxurious Hanoi stays on cruises like the Stellar of the Seas cruise.