Where to stay in Hanoi?

To stay in the old quarter: around Lake Hoàn Kiếm

The city commonly referred to as the “city between the rivers” was built around them. Indeed, Hanoi's best-known lake, Hoàn Kiếm, is small and adjoins the old city to the north. It's the place most visited and invested in by visitors coming to discover the Vietnamese capital.

A former colonial city in the days of the Indochina Empire, its narrow streets with their distinctive architecture, pagodas and temples lend a unique charm to the old quarter, once a major economic center.

Today, the “36 streets and corporations” district is a special place that has preserved its ancient traditions. Since the 20th century, the old town has retained its distinctive economic organization.

Each street has its own trade, from textiles and ironwork to woodworking, confectioners and fishmongers. It's a flamboyant place that's sure to give you a change of scenery, even if it does confuse you! You'll be perfectly immersed, which is why staying here is ideal for a first visit.

We've also put together a list of the best places to visit:

• Ngoc Son Temple: Situated on a small island in the middle of the lake, this Confucian temple is joined by a historic red bridge.
• Hanoi Opera House: Dating from 1911 and a former cultural landmark of the colonial era, it was inspired by the Opéra Garnier, hence its recognizable classical style.
• National Museum of Vietnamese History: A museum retracing the history of the Vietnam War, with a collection of ancient artworks.
• Hang Luoc flower market : 500 years old, this is a must-see for visitors, especially just before Tet, who will discover an impressive display of multiple colors and prized flowers such as peach and kumquat, the traditional flowers of Tet.

When it comes to where to stay, you'll be spoilt for choice, from hostels to the most chic and upmarket spa hotels, so it's easy to find the perfect place for your budget.

Overall, it's affordable but more expensive than other areas. You're in the beating heart of the capital, which explains why the range is higher, that said, it's still possible to stay for a few dozen euros at most.

Choose to stay in the North near Lake Hồ Tây: the quiet corner

Also close to the airport, this area lies to the north of the old town, named after the large Hồ Tây lake at its center.

It's the ideal place to stay if you're looking for something a little greener, and especially if you want to be away from the noise. Spread over more than 500 hectares, it is surrounded by ancient buildings that add to the charm of this part of Hanoi.

It takes 10 minutes by car from the old quarter to reach this northern part of the Vietnamese capital. Cabs are certainly recommended to reach the key points of both areas.

That said, it's much more interesting to choose to stay on the banks of Hồ Tây, where you'll find a much more restful calm and serenity than in the Old Quarter. A place of encounters, memories and history; visitors will love strolling among the many temples and discovering the most beautiful cultural sites we've listed below:

• Pagoda Trấn Quốc: Buddhist temple mounted on a small isthmus with an atypical pagoda tower, a must-see in the district.
• Quan Thanh: Taoist temple with a highly decorated interior located just at the entrance to the area.
• Quang Ba flower market: This is one of the capital's most typical and folkloric markets.

You'll find hotels and apartments mainly in this northern part, all around Hồ Tây, near the busiest spots such as the old pagoda, where you'll find numerous modern hotels and boutique apartments at prices ranging from very attractive to higher, corresponding to top-of-the-range service.

The advantage is theexcellent quality/price ratio, as accommodation in Hanoi remains very affordable on the whole, so you'll be well advised to opt for a mid-range or top-of-the-range solution that will remain advantageous.

Choosing to stay in Ba Dinh: authenticity

It's in the Ba Dinh district, south of the great Hồ Tây watering hole and west of the ancient city, that you'll find a much quieter corner where authenticity is felt. It's an interesting place to stay in Hanoi, as you're still a good distance from the cultural sights.

It takes about 25 minutes on foot to reach the old quarter and Ba Dinh Square. As the capital's political center, you'll find a large number of official buildings here, including the headquarters of the Vietnamese Communist Party and many buildings dating from the French colonial era.

Less touristy than the other districts mentioned above, this is a good option if you're close to your budget and want to stay close to the old city.

The best place to set down your suitcases is to the east of this district, between the Old District and the Botanical Garden, at a good distance from the two main ponds.

• Thang Long Imperial Citadel (Hoàng Thành Thăng Long): A former imperial residence brimming with history. A must-see in the capital of Hanoi.
• Hô Chi Minh Mausoleum: You'll find the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing Communist edifice with the look of an acropolis. Appropriate dress is required to enter.
• Presidential Palace: This French colonial-style palace cannot be visited from the inside, only from the outside. A must-see with the surrounding park, which includes a carp pond.
• Pagoda Môt Côt: A Buddhist temple dating back to the 11th century.

Here, you'll find mostly apartments or small hotels in modern style, ideally located to the south of the large garden surrounding the presidential palace.

You'll be able to save money on accommodation in this part of town, compared with the more expensive old town.