Top 5 Hostels for Backpackers in Hanoi You Can’t Miss

If you are planning a trip to Hanoi, finding the right hostel for backpackers can make all the difference. From affordable dorms to social spaces and convenient locations, a well-chosen hostel ensures comfort, safety, and an exciting experience. Below is a guide to the best hostels in Hanoi, with detailed reviews to help you choose your perfect stay.

Criteria To Choose A Good Hostel For Backpackers

When searching for hostels for backpackers in Hanoi, consider these key factors:

• Price: Should fit a backpacker’s budget while providing value for money.
• Amenities: Clean rooms, air conditioning, free WiFi, shared kitchen, and hygienic bathrooms.
• Location: Close to main attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter for easy sightseeing.
• Social spaces: Hostels that organize events, tours, and have communal areas encourage meeting other travelers and sharing experiences.

Read more: What Makes a Great Hanoi Hostel?

Top 5 Hostels for Backpackers in Hanoi

Finding the suitable hostel for backpackers in Hanoi can make your trip more enjoyable and affordable. Here are the top 5 best hostels in Hanoi that combine comfort, location, and social vibes.

Quiri Hostel

Quiri Hostel sits in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, just 1 km from Hoan Kiem Lake. It’s perfect for travelers who want comfort, convenience, and a lively social scene on a backpacker budget. This hostel for backpackers combines modern amenities with social spaces, making it ideal for solo travelers and groups alike. With a rooftop pool, fun evening activities, and well-organized tours, Quiri Hostel brings a premium experience at a fraction of the price.

What Quiri Hostel offers:

• Price: $10–$15 per night
• Amenities: Rooftop pool, free breakfast, pub crawl, rooftop bar, evening entertainment, currency exchange, free walking tour, etc.
• Location: Center of the Old Quarter, only a short 10-minute walk to Hoan Kiem Lake
• Highlights: Social events, professional staff, organized tours, and vibrant rooftop areas.

Quiri Hostel offers an unbeatable combination of affordable rates, great location, and interesting bonding activities. You get all the perks of a high-end hostel but at a fraction of the price – perfect for backpackers.

Hanoi Buffalo Hostel

Hanoi Buffalo Hostel is a lively and social hostel located just 500 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to be in the center of Hanoi while enjoying poolside relaxation and common areas to meet other backpackers. The hostel hosts events that make socializing easy, creating a fun environment for solo travelers and groups. With a convenient location and active vibe, it’s a solid option for those exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

What Hanoi Buffalo Hostel offers:

• Price: $39–$52 per night
• Amenities: Pool, free breakfast, 24-hour check-in, etc.
• Location: 500 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake
• Highlights: Social atmosphere, pool area, easy access to the Old Quarter

It’s a lively place near the lake, but it can get a bit crowded and the prices are on the higher side for budget travelers.

Mad Monkey Hanoi

Mad Monkey Hanoi is known for its energetic and vibrant atmosphere, catering to travelers who enjoy nightlife and meeting new friends. The hostel features bars, communal spaces, and frequent social events that encourage interaction among guests. Its location, 3 km from Hoan Kiem Lake, makes it a bit farther from the city center, so taxis are often needed. Despite this, the lively environment and engaging pub crawls make it a favorite for solo travelers and groups who prioritize fun and socializing.

What Mad Monkey Hanoi offers:

• Price: $12–$69 per night
• Amenities: Bar/lounge, shared bathroom, on-site ATM, etc.
• Location: 3.0 km from Hoan Kiem Lake (taxi recommended)
• Highlights: Pub crawls, vibrant social events, perfect for solo travelers and groups

Mad Monkey is fun if you like social nights, but it’s quite far from the main attractions and the shared bathrooms aren’t the most private.

Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel

Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel offers a lively social experience with a rooftop terrace and communal areas designed for interaction. It’s an ideal hostel for backpackers who enjoy meeting new people while having access to basic amenities like free breakfast and a bar/lounge. The hostel is located 2.8 km from Hoan Kiem Lake, which may require transport for sightseeing. Its rooftop terrace and social spaces make it popular among travelers seeking a friendly environment, though some may find the distance from the city center a drawback.

What Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel offers:

• Price: $14–$42 per night
• Amenities: Free breakfast, rooftop terrace, bar/lounge, shared bathroom, etc.
• Location: 2.8 km from Hoan Kiem Lake
• Highlights: Active social environment, rooftop views, opportunities to meet other travelers

The rooftop terrace is cool, but being nearly 3 km from the city center can make sightseeing a hassle, and the shared bathrooms are a bit limiting.

Hanoi Solo Hostel

Hanoi Solo Hostel is tailored for travelers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed stay while still being close to central attractions. Located 1.3 km from Hoan Kiem Lake, it provides lockers and a communal living area for practical use and moderate social interaction. The hostel is great for solo travelers who want privacy and a calm environment after a day of exploring. While it lacks the nightlife energy of larger hostels, its location and simplicity make it a solid choice for peaceful stays.

What Hanoi Solo Hostel offers:

• Price: $17–$58 per night
• Amenities: Lockers, common living area, etc.
• Location: 1.3 km from Hoan Kiem Lake
• Highlights: Quiet social scene, central location, suitable for solo travelers

It’s cozy and quiet, perfect if you want some peace, but don’t expect much nightlife or extra amenities here.

Tips to Choose the Best Hostel in Hanoi

Before booking your stay, it helps to know what really matters when choosing a hostel for backpackers in Hanoi. Whether you’re searching for a Vietnam backpackers hostel Hanoi or simply a budget-friendly spot to meet other travelers, here are some practical tips:

• Check reviews: Read past guest experiences to ensure quality.

• Confirm amenities: Make sure essentials like WiFi, air conditioning, and clean bathrooms are available.
• Consider location: Pick a hostel near the main attractions to save time.
• Evaluate social opportunities: Communal areas and organized events help you meet other travelers.
• Compare prices: Make sure you’re getting the best value for your budget.

Read more: Top 10 tips before staying in a hostel in Hanoi

Final thoughts

Hanoi has a diverse range of hostel for backpackers, catering to different travel styles and preferences. Whether you’re looking for social nightlife, a cheap hostel with budget-friendly dorms, or central convenience, these top hostels offer memorable experiences.

If you’re after a place that’s affordable, social, and right in the Old Quarter, book a hostel that’s worth your stay in Hanoi now!