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Hanoi is Vietnam’s vibrant capital city. It’s also one of its main travel hubs (most visitors either start or end their trip here).

While I didn’t love my first trip to Vietnam, the country is one of the most affordable in the region, brimming with amazing eats and stunning natural beauty. It’s also easy to navigate and has a well-worn travel trail running north to south.

But because Hanoi is part of the main route around Southeast Asia, it’s awash in hostels. I mean, there are tons of them here. And not all of them are created equal.

To help you pick a hostel from all the overwhelming options, here is my list of the best hostels in Hanoi!

If you don’t want to read the longer list, the following are the best in each category:

Want the specifics? Here’s my breakdown of the best hostels in Hanoi and why I love them:

Price Legend:

• $ = Under 200,000 VND per night
• $$ = 200,000-300,000 VND per night
• $$$ = Over 300,000 VND per night

1. The One Hostel

This is a lively, energetic hostel. There are events every single night, including live music and DJ nights, so there’s always something fun happening where you can easily meet other travelers. There’s a pool and bar on the roof, as well as a restaurant. I like that they give you a bracelet at check-in, so you can charge food and drinks to your room (instead of carrying cash). I also appreciate that things shut down at midnight, so you can still balance partying and sleeping. To help with the hangover, there’s a tasty free breakfast each morning too (with veg options).

The dorm rooms are spacious, and all bunks have individual fans (a big plus, as Hanoi gets hot), as well as curtains, USB chargers, and comfy mattresses. I especially like that the top bunks have angled ladders that are almost like stairs, so the bunk is easy to access. There are female-only dorms too. And while the water pressure in the showers isn’t great, everything is clean, and the volunteer staff here really make you feel welcome.

The One Hostel at a glance:

• $$
• Pool, bar, and restaurant
• Free breakfast
• Live music every night

Beds from 251,000 VND.

2. Old Quarter View

Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, one of the best parts of town, this hostel has a colorful, chic design. While it does look more like a hotel than a hostel, it’s still quite social. The rooms are clean and spacious, with lots of natural light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows (some even have small balconies). Dorm beds have thick mattresses, privacy curtains, lockers, and reading lights. The top bunks have stairs instead of ladders and the hostel also has AC (a big plus).

While there’s no party atmosphere here, the hostel encourages travelers to hang out during the daily happy hour with free beer, on the free walking tours, and during a weekly cooking class (it’s not free, but it’s super cheap and you’ll learn a lot!). There’s also a great breakfast that’s really affordable (just 50,000 VND). Overall, this is a more upscale choice for travelers who want something within walking distance of all the main sights.

Old Quarter View at a glance:

• $$$
• Daily free happy hour
• Clean and spacious dorm rooms
• Very comfy beds

Beds from 384,000 VND.

3. Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel

This is an energetic hostel. Every night, there’s a party — but it only goes until around 11pm, so you can still get a decent night’s sleep. There’s a small movie room here, but the thing I love most is that there are lots of free perks, including breakfast, beer during happy hour, walking tours, and a nightly pub crawl. Not only that, but it’s also one of the cheaper hostels on this list. You get a lot of value here!

The dorm rooms aren’t huge, and they look a bit dated, but the beds have curtains, individual lights and plugs, and lockers. The mattresses are also pretty comfy compared to most party hostels. But the highlight for me is the outdoor terrace area. It’s a nice place to relax with a drink after a long day of exploring.

Hanoi Central at a glance:

• $
• Super affordable
• Lots of free perks (breakfast, beer, walking tours)
• Party ends early so you can still sleep well

Beds from 152,000 VND, private rooms from 800,000 VND.

4. Hanoi Buffalo Hostel

This is a super cheap hostel in the Old Quarter that boasts a chill outdoor lounge area with a pool, perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. The staff also organize tours to all the main sights nearby, such as Ha Long Bay and Sapa. The high point, though, is that you get lots of free perks here, including free breakfast, free beer during happy hour, free pub crawls, and free walking tours.

The rooms aren’t anything to write home about (the bathrooms are a bit cramped and the dorms bunks are basic), but the beds have curtains, lights, outlets, and lockers. The staff here more than make up for the drawbacks though. They really go out of their way to make sure you have a good stay — they’re attentive and will solve any issues right away.

Hostel Buffalo at a glance:

• $
• Pool on-site
• Organized day trips and tours
• Free breakfast, free beer, and free tours

Beds from 120,000 VND, private rooms from 880,000 VND.

5. Mad Monkey

Mad Monkey is one of the biggest and best hostel chains out there. Their properties are always social, and this one is no exception. It’s a lively party place with a bar that offers free drinks every night during happy hour. There are always events too, from DJ nights to pub crawls to drag parties. There’s also a restaurant that serves delicious eats, though since the hostel is right in the Old Quarter, you’re just minutes from some of the best food in the city.

The dorm rooms aren’t huge, and the mattresses are a bit thin, but that’s standard for party hostels. I do appreciate that the beds have curtains though, and there are also lights, outlets, and lockers for each bed. The hostel also has AC, which is a must since it gets so hot here. The bathrooms are always clean, and the showers have decent pressure. If you want to party, stay here.

Mad Monkey at a glance:

• $$
• Nightly parties and events
• Female-only dorms
• Free beer during happy hour

Beds from 201,000 VND, private rooms from 1,363,000 VND.

6. The Drift Backpackers Hostel

This is a chill, laid-back hostel. The entire place is painted in soft, calming pastels, and there’s a lovely terrace that overlooks the Old Quarter and the cathedral. There’s a free breakfast buffet (with an expansive selection, including fresh fruit, bread, veggies, noodles, coffee, and tea), it’s pet friendly, and the hostel features free Wi-Fi and AC.

The dorm rooms are spacious, bright, and clean. I like that the mattresses are thick, and beds also have individual lights, outlets, lockers, and curtains. There are also female-only dorm rooms, as well as double beds for couples. The bathrooms aren’t particularly fancy, but they are clean and big enough. Plus, every dorm room has an en suite bathroom. Overall, it’s a great hostel for travelers looking for a quiet stay.

The Drift at a glance:

• $$
• Laid-back and quiet
• Expansive free buffet breakfast
• Female-only dorms

Beds from 231,000 VND.

A hub of backpackers, expats, and foodies, Hanoi is a must-visit stop on any trip around Southeast Asia. Not only is it super affordable but there’s a ton to see and do here. Just be sure to stay in one of the hostels above and you’ll have a fun, affordable, and nice place to stay!