The Best Backpacker Hostels in Hanoi

You’ll hear Hanoi before you see it. Known for its swarms of buzzing motorbikes, the capital of Vietnam rewards the adventurous traveller. Most hostels occupy the narrow townhouses of the Old Quarter, so budget travellers can step straight into the heart of the action. Here’s our pick of the best, all bookable with Culture Trip.
There’s plenty to do and see in lively Hanoi: go cafe-hopping and sample frothy egg coffee, or pull up a plastic stool by the roadside and tuck into a steaming-hot bowl of pho.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.VATC SleepPod Terminal 1
Hostel

VATC Sleep Pod, at Terminal 1 of the Noi Bai International Airport complex, provides a private, no-frills resting place for travellers catching an early flight. Hunker down and turn out the light (or flip on the TV at the end of your bed), before freshening up in the airport toilets come dawn. Note that these pods aren’t suitable for those transiting through Hanoi – as they’re located in the public area, you’ll need a visa to use them.
Nexy Hostel
Hostel

Sociable types will love the Nexy Hostel – the mural-splashed hangout areas come with beanbags, games, a television and a library for borrowing books. Most popular are the huge, 14-bed dorms, but if that’s not your style, opt for the eight-bed mixed and female-only dorms or the cheerful en-suite private rooms. In Hanoi to party? The cafe and bar host regular happy hours, whilst Hanoi’s Old Quarter is right on your doorstep.
Friends Inn and Travel
Inn, Hostel

The backpacker and family-friendly Friends Inn and Travel, in the lively Hang Bo area, has a home-from-home feel, with all the mod cons. Some rooms come with private balconies, though bear in mind that others lack windows. Make the most of the hotel’s Vietnamese and European breakfasts, plus free all-day coffee, from the relaxed eating area, which spills out onto an old railway track. Hire a bike from the hotel if you’re feeling adventurous, and ask the hospitable staff to organise Halong Bay and Tam Coc day-trips.
Backy Posh Hostel by Poshtel Vietnam
Hostel

With beanbag chairs and hammocks slung across well-lit common areas, the Backy Poshtel is the image of a laid-back backpacker hostel. Challenge new friends to a game of table football, connect over a drink in the on-site bar or catch up on your remote work in the wifi equipped cafe, before retiring to your room complete with a kitchenette and flat-screen TV. When you want true peace and quiet, tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake is just a few blocks away.
Luxury Backpackers
Hostel

Despite its central location, in the beating heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, this stylish hotel is more peaceful than a party destination. Its proximity to Hoan Kiem Lake (a five-minute walk) might have something to do with this. The private en-suite double and family rooms are well-suited to older travellers or couples, while mixed dorms can sleep up to 10 people. Allow the staff to help you get around: they can organise airport transfers and trips to Halong Bay and Sapa Valley.
Tomodachi House
Hostel

Planning on staying in Hanoi for some time? Tomodachi House ensures a comfortable and hassle-free stay, with mixed and single-sex dorms, plus spacious family rooms available. A daily, free cooked-to-order breakfast comes as standard, as do free toiletries, wifi and bottled water, while laundry facilities are also available. Just a short walk away is the Fine Arts Museum and St Joseph’s Cathedral – though there are plenty of Oriental curios to admire at your hotel, too.
Daisy Hostel
Hostel

There’s no need to bring earplugs to the centrally located Daisy Hotel – its 10 air-conditioned rooms are soundproofed, so you can recharge with a decent night’s sleep. As daylight rolls in, soak up the Hanoi sun from your balcony, which comes as standard in the mixed and female-only dorms here. Heading out to explore? Hanoi Old City Gate, Dong Xuan Market and numerous restaurants are all within five minutes on foot.
Hay Hostel
Hostel

Affordability doesn’t mean a compromise on thoughtful touches at Hay Hostel, where you can expect a welcome drink on arrival. Opt for an alcoholic tipple to kick your night off and head out to a nearby restaurant and nightclub, before crashing out in either a six-bed mixed dorm with a balcony, a four-bed female-only dorm or a private en-suite room. As for exploring the area, choose from the hostel’s city tours, Halong Bay tours, countryside tours or heavily discounted packages combining all of the above.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.