6 Best Hostels in Hanoi (Updated 2026)

Hanoi is the vibrant capital of Vietnam. It is also one of the main travel hubs (most visitors start or end their trips here).

However, because Hanoi is part of the main route to Southeast Asia, hostels abound. I mean, there’s a ton of stuff here. And they are not all created equal.

To help you choose a hostel among the many options, here is a list of the best hostels in Hanoi!

If you don’t want to read a longer list, here are the best for each category:

Do you want specific details? Here’s a breakdown of the best hostels in Hanoi and why I love them.

1. The One Hostel

This is a lively and energetic hostel. There are events every night, including live music and DJ nights, so there’s always something fun to do and easy to meet other travellers. There is a swimming pool, bar and restaurant on the rooftop. I like that they give you a wristband when you check in so you can top up food and drinks to your room instead of carrying cash. I also appreciate that work ends at midnight, so I can maintain a balance between partying and sleep. To help you cure any hangovers, a delicious complimentary breakfast is also provided each morning (including a veggie option).

Dormitory rooms are spacious and all beds have personal fans (a big plus when Hanoi gets hot), curtains, USB chargers and comfortable mattresses. I especially like that the top bed has an angled ladder, almost like a step, making it easy to access the bed. There are also female-only dormitories. And although the water pressure in the showers isn’t great, everything is clean and the volunteer staff here make you feel really welcome.

Overview of The One Hostel:

• Swimming pool, bar, restaurant
• free breakfast
• live music every night

2. Old town view

Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, one of the city’s best areas, this hostel features a colorful and stylish design. It looks more like a hotel than a hostel, but it’s still pretty sociable. Rooms are clean and spacious, with plenty of natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows (some even have small balconies). Dormitory beds feature thick mattresses, privacy curtains, lockers, and reading lights. The top bunk has stairs instead of a ladder and the hostel also has air conditioning (a big plus).

There’s no party atmosphere here, but the hostel encourages travelers to mingle during daily happy hour with free beer, free walking tours, and weekly cooking classes (not free, but very cheap, and you’ll learn a lot!). There is also a great breakfast at a really affordable price (50,000 VND). Overall, this is a more upscale choice for travelers who want something within walking distance of all the major attractions.

More about the Old Quarter view:

• Free happy hour every day
• Clean and spacious dormitory
• very comfortable bed

3. Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel

This is a lively hostel. There is a party every night. But it only lasts until 11pm, so you can still get a good night’s sleep. There is a small movie theater here, but what I like most is that there are lots of free perks, including breakfast, beers during happy hour, walking tours, and nightly pub crawls. Not only that, but it’s also one of the cheapest hostels on this list. Get great value here!

The dorm rooms are not large and look a bit old, but the beds have curtains, individual lights and plugs, and lockers. The mattresses are also quite comfortable compared to most party hostels. But the highlight for me is the outdoor terrace area. It’s a great place to relax and have a drink after a long day of exploring.

Hanoi Central Overview:

• very affordable
• Lots of free benefits (breakfast, beer, walking tours)
• The party ended early so I can still sleep well.

4. Hanoi Buffalo Hostel

This very budget hostel in the Old Quarter boasts a cool outdoor lounge area with a swimming pool, perfect for unwinding after a long day of sightseeing. Staff can also organize tours to all major attractions nearby, including Halong Bay and Sapa. But most importantly, you can enjoy a variety of free perks, including free breakfast, free beer during happy hour, free pub crawls, free walking tours, and more.

The rooms are nothing to write home about (the bathrooms are a bit cramped and the dorm beds are basic), but the beds do have curtains, lights, outlets and lockers. But the staff here more than makes up for the shortcomings. They try their best to make sure you have a good time. They are attentive and will resolve any issues immediately.

Hostel Buffalo Overview:

• on-site swimming pool
• Organized day trips and tours
• Free breakfast, free beer, and free tours

5. Crazy Monkey

Mad Monkey is one of the largest and best hostel chains. Their nature is always social and this is no exception. It’s a lively party spot with a bar that serves free drinks during happy hour every night. There are always events happening too, from DJ nights to pub crawls and drag parties. There is also a restaurant serving delicious food. Since the hostel is located right in the Old Quarter, some of the city’s best food is just minutes away.

The dorm rooms are not large and the mattresses are a bit thin, but this is the standard for party hostels. However, I really appreciate that the beds have curtains and each bed has a light, outlet, and locker. The hostel also has AC, which is a must as it is so hot here. The bathroom is always clean and the water pressure in the shower is adequate. If you want to party, stay here.

Mad Monkey Overview:

• Night parties and events
• Female-only dormitory
• Free beer during happy hour

6. The Drift Backpackers Hostel

This is a quiet and relaxing hostel. The entire place is painted in soft, soothing pastel colors and there is also a beautiful terrace overlooking the Old Quarter and the Cathedral. There is a free breakfast buffet (a wide selection including fresh fruit, bread, vegetables, noodles, coffee and tea), it is pet friendly and the hostel has free Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

The dorm rooms are spacious, bright and clean. The mattress is thick, and I like that the bed has a personal light, outlet, locker, and curtain. There are also female-only dormitories and double beds for couples. The bathroom is not particularly fancy, but is clean and spacious enough. Additionally, all residence halls have en-suite bathrooms. Overall, this is a great hostel for travelers looking for a quiet stay.

Drift Overview:

• Relaxing and quiet
• Rich free breakfast buffet
• Female-only dormitory

A hub for backpackers, expats and foodies, Hanoi is a must-visit when traveling to Southeast Asia. Not only is it very affordable, but there is a lot to see and do. Staying at one of the hostels above is a fun, affordable, and great place to stay!