Hoan Kiem

Hanoi
Hoan Kiem showing a city, signage and motorcycle riding
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 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 CA $68 per night from Nov. 6 to Nov. 7
CA $68
CA $77 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 6 - Nov 7
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. ...
9.8/10 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 Nov. 4, 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 CA $405 per night from Dec. 4 to Dec. 5
CA $405
CA $459 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 4 - Dec 5
Book a 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,007 reviews)
"Perfect"

Reviewed on Nov. 2, 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
The price is CA $78 per night from Nov. 12 to Nov. 13
CA $78
CA $88 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 12 - Nov 13
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 WiFi in our 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 Nov. 3, 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
The price is CA $132 per night from Nov. 13 to Nov. 14
CA $132
CA $157 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 13 - Nov 14
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 restaurant in our reviews. ...
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 Nov. 2, 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 CA $203 per night from Dec. 4 to Dec. 5
CA $203
CA $230 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 4 - Dec 5
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! (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 Oct. 29, 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 CA $145 per night from Nov. 7 to Nov. 8
CA $145
CA $164 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 7 - Nov 8
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
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 Nov. 1, 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 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

Historical civic urban core, the Old Quarter boasts specialized trade streets, 18th and 19th-century shophouses, and historic sights like Mã Mây Temple and Quan Chưởng gate. Explore the vibrant commercial heart of Hanoi.

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

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