5 Of The Best Hostels In Hanoi
More than you might think, hostels have a significant part in influencing our travels in more ways than one. Hostels lay down the tracks that allow the infinite train of travellers to pass through a city in a meaningful fashion from intelligently constructed public spaces that foster interaction among travellers to meticulously designed affordable excursions and activities that let us experience a city.
It can be a challenge for some of us to find a nice hostel that goes beyond merely providing a place to sleep, especially if we’re unfamiliar with the area we’re visiting. It also doesn’t help that there are a plethora of hostels to pick from, all with identical ratings, prices and locations.
To that end, we’ve compiled a list of 5 of the top backpacker hostels in Hanoi in the hopes of assisting travellers in finding the perfect place to stay. So, in no particular order…
1. Hostel Hanoi Backpackers – the heart of the city
There is little doubt that all of Hanoi’s backpackers have assembled at this place for a night of drinking and dancing. The hostel’s bar and communal space pull a lot of people every night but it’s not the only thing it excels at.
Located on Ma May street, this institution is a popular choice for most people. Its dorms are immaculate, with comfortable beds, air conditioning, fans and windows in every room. On the fifth floor of the seven-story structure, there’s a guest-only lounge that’s a great location to unwind.
Customers like how well-trained and customer-focused the team is (which is rare and always a plus for a hostel). For about US$7 a night, you get a lot for your money.
However, this is not a hostel for everyone and certainly isn’t for you if you’re hoping for peace and quiet, a homey atmosphere or a more traditional experience.
2. The Hanoi Youth Hostel – in the city centre
If a hostel isn’t remarkable because of the people who run it, it’s because of the people that stay there. This hostel is owned by a family and that makes a huge difference in the experience. If you’re ever in need of a recommendation, a tour, a ride about the city or anything else for that matter, they’ll jump at the chance to assist you.
The parties at the Hanoi Youth Hostel aren’t too wild and in spite of its diminutive size, most nights the mood is casual and fun and just a short walk away from some of the most popular attractions in Ma May without being too far away from the bustling city centre.
With a price tag currently of under US$5 a night, the rooms are simple but clean with common facilities. Additionally, they provide a variety of trips throughout Hanoi and you won’t be compelled to purchase any of them at any point, so just enjoy your stay and have fun.
3. The Drift Backpackers Hostel
The Drift Backpacker Hostel is the best value in town and the current lodging rate of just US$2.5 per night sets it apart from the majority of the competition in town. There’s more to this establishment than meets the eye, however while those on a limited budget can enjoy a complimentary breakfast made to order and a free beer during happy hour at the restaurant.
The common space is small, yet it constantly seems to be full. The employees are warm and helpful and will go above and beyond to meet your needs. You’ll quickly make friends with the locals who manage the hostel because of the welcoming atmosphere and the fact that it feels like a home away from home. However, the site is a bit out of the way but still within walking distance to Hoan Kiem Lake and the remainder of the Old Quarter.
4 – The Original Hanoi Backpackers’ Hostel
The Hanoi Backpacker Hostel is the sister of the Downtown hostel but with a more subdued atmosphere. Because of its smaller size, it isn’t as noisy as the Downtown hostel, yet it still manages to have a vibrant environment at night. They also have barbecue nights on their rooftop, so there are plenty of opportunities to meet and mix in the communal rooms when they aren’t being used as a bar.
Even though the private rooms are more expensive, the dorm beds start at just $7 a night, making the hostel excellent value for money. For backpackers staying here, the Ha Long Bay / Castaways Island Tour and the Buffalo Run from Hanoi to Hoi An are two of the most popular tours especially with the younger generation.
5. The Hanoi Rock Hostel – is a great option for backpackers.
Even though it’s a hostel where people congregate when the sun sets, this one has its own special vibe. The lobby and public room on the first level are often bustling with travellers, so you’ll always have someone to chat with.
It’s a sleek, contemporary establishment with a large common space and a bar with a wide selection of alcoholic beverages although some might find the pricey food to be a turn-off compared to some other hostels. This is a large structure in comparison to the majority of the town’s lodging alternatives, which are primarily located in narrow shop buildings.
In addition, the hostel has a rooftop bar that offers a great view of the city and many of their amenities and events are more than adequate for the backpacker population. A fresh new gym and spa are also in the works, in addition to billiards, table tennis and a movie theatre. Not only that, but there’s currently free beer every night for two hours and live music three nights a week as well as having party games also available.
This is a terrific addition to Hanoi’s hostel scene for the low price of around US$7 that includes all of these goodies and activities so it’s easy to see why this hotel is so popular with tourists. Single-sex dorms and mixed-sex dorm rooms are available on all five floors so just choose what you prefer.
So there you go, those are 5 of the top Hanoi hostels for travellers on the lookout for a good time in Northern Vietnam. There are obviously dozens if not hundreds of other hostels in this amazing city but after checking out many of them, these 5 were definitely worth a special mention.
Happy travels!!