Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam, is a must-see for backpackers. It’s a historic and beautiful place with an often-tragic past. If you’re travelling alone, it’s the ideal stop. Hanoi is a welcoming city with friendly people who love sharing the delights of their home with visitors.
To make your visit to this exciting part of Vietnam comfortable, fun and great value, we’ve created a list of the best hostels in Hanoi for solo travellers.
Once you’ve settled into your home from home, you’ll soon find many fantastic things to do in Hanoi. From exploring the Old Quarter, discovering delicious Vietnamese cuisine on a food tour, learning about the French and Chinese occupations, and experiencing a Water Puppet Show.
Best Hostels in Hanoi for solo travellers
Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel
The Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel is only 15 miles from Noi Bai International airport and makes a great base as it is in one of the most popular parts of the city. It’s a 3-star hostel, and stays here include an à la carte breakfast with American and Asian options.
Solo travellers who need to work or keep in touch with home will appreciate the high-speed internet. The Old Quarter View is a modern hostel with minimalist white décor and the occasional splash of colour. It is clean, and there is a 24-hour reception manned by friendly staff ready to answer any question or query.
Ask about the fantastic free walking tour led by a knowledgeable guide, Phuc. He’ll show you around the neighbourhood and share history, stories and recommendations. These tours are a great way to meet fellow tourists, discover street art, learn more about Hanoi and enjoy a tasty egg coffee in a local café.
> Find the latest deals at Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel | Read reviews on Tripadvisor
Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel
The Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel is close to the centre of the action in the historic Old Quarter of Hanoi. It is a superb place to explore from down a quiet side street in an authentic Vietnamese neighbourhood. You’ll find family-run shops, restaurants with great reviews and public transport links.
The hostel is comfortable and super clean, thanks to daily housekeeping. There is free, reliable WiFi, a 24-hour reception desk and a cosy bar that serves free beer and wine every day at happy hour.
Guests were impressed with the hot showers and air conditioning and felt the staff were cheerful and always happy to help. Ask them about the free walking tour the hostel offers. It is the ideal way to start a visit to Hanoi. Your guide will regale you with historical facts and invaluable local knowledge, and when your legs are tired, it’s time to chill in a friendly coffee shop.
> Find the latest deals at Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel | Read reviews on Tripadvisor
Nexy Hostel
The Nexy Hostel is beautifully designed and has a modern, trendy feel. Choose from private rooms with colourful murals or spacious dormitories with bunks painted in soothing tones and complete with privacy curtains. The social spaces are plentiful and comfy, so this is a fab hostel to chat with other travellers.
The Old Quarter is a beautiful part of Hanoi to stay. Ngoc Son Temple is only 350 yards away, and some rooms have views of the lake and city skyline. The terrace is a fantastic place to sit and chill with a cold beer while soaking up the sights and people-watching.
Despite its relatively large size and 100 beds, solo travellers report feeling safe at the Next Hostel. Each room has its own key, the staff are attentive, and the vibe is relaxed and friendly.
> Find the latest deals at Nexy Hostel | Read reviews on Tripadvisor
Feliz Hostel
The Feliz Hostel is in the centre of Hanoi near the Opera House and Trang Tien Plaza. It also has excellent public transport links. It is only 14 miles from the International Airport, to which there’s a shuttle service and 0.9 miles from Ha Noi train station.
This is a basic yet clean Hostel. The bunk rooms are small but have privacy curtains, wardrobe space and city views. Housekeeping is frequent and thorough. At the front desk, there is a 24-hour service from staff who will go above and beyond to make your stay perfect. The complimentary breakfast is tasty too!
Currency exchange is available at the Feliz, and they offer organised tours around Hanoi’s main attractions and Halong Bay. The large terrace is a great space to kick back after a long day of sightseeing. Guests were particularly impressed with how peaceful their stay was, despite the Hostel’s central location.
> Find the latest deals at Feliz Hostel | Read reviews on Tripadvisor
Little Charm Hanoi Hostel – Homestay
The Little Charm Hanoi Hostel is beautifully decorated and elegant. The bunk rooms have a touch of luxury, secure storage space, reading light and access to a clean and modern bathroom. They even supply complimentary toiletries, so if the Little Charm is a last-minute stay after exploring the Old Town of Hanoi, you’re sorted!
The Little Charm is a fantastic hostel for an extended stay when you need to recharge. If you’re feeling energetic or want to relax, there’s an indoor swimming pool. The 24-hour front desk will organise bike hire, luggage storage and a laundry service. The continental breakfast is basic but tasty.
The shuttle service to the airport, just 13 miles away, can be booked for any time of day or night. If you’re hungry but can’t be bothered to go far after a long flight or day of sightseeing, there’s a fab restaurant and bar on site.
> Find the latest deals at Little Charm Hanoi Hostel | Read reviews on Tripadvisor
Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel
The Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel is the place to be if you’re feeling social. It has a comfy shared lounge, a terrace to chill out on and a rooftop bar that serves free beer at Happy Hour. The style of this bustling Hostel is bright and modern, and if you’re a digital nomad, you’ll appreciate the free WiFi throughout.
The free breakfast buffet has Asian and Western options and will set you up for a day of wandering around this incredible city. The Hostel is close to the Old City Gate, Thanh Temple and the Water Puppet Theatre. You can walk anywhere in the city from Hanoi Central.
Staff members were always happy to help, and if you book one of their excellent tours, they may throw in a free night’s stay. The rooms are clean, and each comfy pre-made bed has a privacy curtain and personal storage.
> Find the latest deals at Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel | Read reviews on Tripadvisor
Hanoi Buffalo Hostel
The Hanoi Buffalo Hostel is in the centre of Hanoi, just over half a mile from Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old City Gate. It’s modern and colourful, with an outdoor swimming pool and occasional evening entertainment. They organise informative walking tours, trips to Halong Bay, and fun bar crawls too.
The breakfast is à la carte and has many healthy options, including vegetarian. The on-site restaurant, with a menu of local and international cuisine, is impressive too; it’s a great spot to catch up and plan with fellow travellers. Finally, if you want to party, head to the bar; it has a lovely, warm atmosphere, free beer pong and a nightly happy hour.
The Hanoi Buffalo offers a mixture of basic but attractive dormitories and more luxurious private rooms. All rooms are clean and well-maintained, and you’ll be provided with a towel, lockable personal storage and a privacy curtain. If you have any questions or concerns, the English-speaking 24-hour reception staff will greet you with a smile and a readiness to help.
> Find the latest deals at Hanoi Buffalo Hostel | Read reviews on Tripadvisor
EcoStay 1 Hostel
The EcoStay 1 Hostel is centrally located near Dong Xuan Market and Ngoc Son Temple. The décor is beautiful, with blonde wood, natural fabric, and splashes of calming green. It has excellent air-con, free WiFi and space to work if you need to.
Each cosy room has a coffee machine, a kettle, a sitting area and access to a clean, modern bathroom. The beds are comfy and generous in size, and complimentary slippers and toiletries are provided. Towel hire is available for a small fee. Breakfast is home-cooked and delicious.
Guests mention the kind and helpful staff who are happy to help you organise onward travel, sort out any problems, arrange tours and make personal recommendations of what to do and see in their city. The EcoStay1 is on a busy street, so there is some noise, but it’s exciting to be at the heart of such an energetic and vibrant city.
> Find the latest deals at EcoStay 1 Hostel | Read reviews on Tripadvisor
Plan your perfect Hanoi Trip
Book ahead for your Hanoi trip
- Find the best hostel + hotel deals in Hanoi on Booking.com
- Download WeSolo Travel App to plan trips with like-minded travellers
Book tours from Hanoi
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Gemma Lumley
Gemma loves scribbling words and exploring new cities and big mountains. She has trekked at altitudes in India, Nepal, Patagonia, South America and Africa. She is also a trainee Mountain Leader and loves leading walks in the UK.
