Your stay — Hanoi Backpackers Hostel
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The Property — Hanoi Backpackers Hostel
Hanoi Backpackers Hostel is a loud, social hub in the Old Quarter, built around a bar and rooftop terrace where solo travellers and groups meet before hitting the nightlife. The lobby is a chaotic swirl of backpacks, beer pong tables and chalkboard tours — expect dorm beds and private rooms with shared bathrooms. It suits budget travellers under 40 who want easy access to beer street and don’t mind noise until 2am. The vibe is frat-house hostel, not hotel.
Chronicles of Hanoi
Hanoi was founded as the capital of Đại Việt in 1010 under Lý Thái Tổ, who moved the court from Hoa Lư to the Citadel of Thăng Long. French colonial rule from 1887 reshaped the city with boulevards, villas and the Gothic St. Joseph’s Cathedral, while Vietnamese architecture retained traditional tube houses and pagodas. The Old Quarter’s 36 streets, each historically named for a craft guild, still buzz with street commerce. After reunification in 1976, Hanoi became the unified capital and has balanced socialist monumentality with a flourishing cafe and art scene. Today it’s a mix of ancient alleyways, brutalist Soviet-era blocks and shiny new high-rises.
Best Time to Visit
Full Hanoi guide →Best months
March-April and October-November: dry, mild 20-28°C days with low humidity, clear skies and no typhoon risk. Crowds are moderate, prices for hostels still low.
Peak / festival surge
December-January: cool weather (15-20°C) and Tet holiday (late Jan/early Feb) drive domestic and international visitors. Hostel dorm beds in the Old Quarter often sell out; prices jump 30-50%. Events: Tet fireworks and flower markets.
Budget shoulder season
May and September: still warm (30-35°C) but fewer tourists, hostel rates drop 20-30%, and rain is intermittent rather than daily downpours. Good if you pack for humidity.
Weather & packing
Hanoi’s climate is subtropical monsoon: July sees 250mm average rainfall, often short but heavy afternoon showers that flood streets. Pack a quick-dry travel umbrella and a cheap pair of flip-flops — your trainers will not survive a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake after a downpour.
Live City Briefing — Hanoi
- The new Hanoi metro line 2 (Cat Linh–Ha Dong) now runs from 5am to 10pm, costing 8,000-15,000 VND — a cheap way to avoid Old Quarter traffic jams.
- Street food vendors near Hoan Kiem Lake have been cleared under tighter sidewalk regulations since early 2025; for pho, head to Bat Dan Street or the night market.
- A heatwave warning for July 2026: temperatures may hit 38°C; the hostel’s AC in dorms can be weak, so request a room with a fan.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hanoi Backpackers Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floor 3 or 4 facing the rear courtyard. These floors avoid street-level noise (the hostel sits directly on a busy Hanoi street), and the internal courtyard is quieter at night with less motorbike roar or bar chatter from the ground-floor common areas.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on floor 1 and 2. Floor 1 is adjacent to reception, the bar, and the street entrance – expect noise from late-returning guests, loud music, and street traffic. Floor 2 may catch lift noise and smoke drift from the lobby area.
Best views
Best views are from upper-floor rooms facing the street (floors 3–4), where you see Hanoi’s chaotic traffic, street vendors, and old town rooftops. But these will be noisy. For a quieter view, courtyard-facing rooms look onto internal balconies or neighboring walls – less interesting but far more restful.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4 are the quietest. The hostel has a lift, so you can skip stairs with bags, but these upper floors still sit well below roof level (most multi-storey Hanoi streets have no more than 5–6 storeys), reducing street echo.
🔊 Noise notes
The hostel is on a main Hanoi street – expect 24/7 motorbike noise, especially from 6am–10pm. The ground-floor bar runs loud music until late (often 11pm–midnight). Lift doors clatter on all floors. Some rooms share thin walls with showers or toilets – bring earplugs.
Insider tips
1. Check in after 2pm and ask to see a courtyard-facing room before accepting – some ‘standard’ rooms actually face internal corridors with no windows. 2. If you’re a light sleeper, request a top-floor room (floor 4) and avoid room numbers ending in 01 or 02 (often next to the lift or stairwell).
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Hanoi Backpackers Hostel
Free WiFi throughout; typical 20 Mbps download; no login constraints
Small lift serves all 5 floors; no stairs-only sections
No newspapers or digital newsstand; common area has a TV with local channels
Standard check-in from 14:00; early bag-drop allowed from 07:00 (no fee). Late check-out until 12:00 free, after 12:00 charged half-night rate (approx 150,000 VND)
Free storage for same-day arrivals/departures; longer-term (2+ days) 20,000 VND per bag per day
Step-free access at main entrance (ramp); no wheelchair-accessible rooms; lift is narrow (about 70 cm wide)
No on-site parking; nearest public car park is at Hang Bai Street (10 min walk), 30,000 VND per hour or 120,000 VND overnight; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None (no separate city tax; quoted rate includes VAT and service charge)
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking for most room types; incidental card hold of 200,000 VND (approx £6.50) upon check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: Chùa Lý Triều Quốc Sư (499 m · ~6 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Nhà 48 phố Hàng Ngang — 987 m · ~12 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 88 m · ~1 min walk
Shop & Go — 325 m · ~4 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Vietnamese Dong, VND
Gold shops and jewellers on Hàng Bạc street give the best rates; avoid airport and tourist-area exchange bureaux which add a poor margin.
Mid-range hotels, chain supermarkets, and international restaurants accept cards; most street food, small shops and taxis will want cash.
Not expected or required; some nicer restaurants add a 5-10% service charge. Round up taxi fares or leave a few thousand dong for hotel cleaners.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Iced black coffee (cà phê đen đá) from a sidewalk stall or sit-in cafe – about 15,000–25,000 VND.
Bún chả (grilled pork with noodles) or phở from a local bún/phở shop – around 35,000–50,000 VND.
A main of cơm tấm (broken rice with grilled pork) or bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls) – about 40,000–60,000 VND.
Hàng Bông, Tống Duy Tân, and the Old Quarter’s night-market alleys are packed with plastic-stool stalls; reliable cheap eats.
VinMart+, Co.op Food, and local chợ (markets) for basics; VinMart+ accepts card and has consistent prices.
Chợ Đồng Xuân (Dong Xuan Market) and Hàng Ngang/Hàng Đào streets for bargain cotton T-shirts, silk scarves, and knock-off sportswear.
Public bus from Noi Bai airport (route 86/109/90) costs 30,000–45,000 VND. Within the Old Quarter, walk; for longer trips, GrabBike (motorbike taxi) at 10,000–15,000 VND per mile.
Eat at street stalls with low plastic chairs – same food, half the price of tourist-restaurants. Carry small notes (10–20k VND) to avoid haggling over change. Buy bottled water from local tạp hóa (corner shops) for 5,000 VND, not mini-marts.
Emergency Contacts
HanoiIn Hanoi, Vietnam, dial 113 for police, 114 for fire department, and 115 for ambulance services. For tourist assistance, contact the Hanoi Police Tourist Support Unit at +84-24-3825-7890. English-speaking operators may not always be available; consider having hotel staff assist with calls.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Hanoi, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hanoi Backpackers Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 88 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Long Bien Station → Tho Xuong Station (near hotel)
💡 Scenic ride along Red River. Best for local experience. Hotel is walkable from tram stop.
Noi Bai International Airport → Hanoi City Center
💡 Budget option but limited luggage space. Walk 10 mins to hotel from city center bus station.
Noi Bai International Airport → Lucien Hanoi Lakeside Hotel & Rooftop
💡 Book via Grab app for fixed prices and safety features. Avoid unlicensed taxis at airport.
Noi Bai International Airport → Hanoi Central District
💡 Currently under development. Check status before arrival. Will be fastest option when operational.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hanoi Backpackers Hostel?
Request a room on floor 3 or 4 facing the rear courtyard. These floors avoid street-level noise (the hostel sits directly on a busy Hanoi street), and the internal courtyard is quieter at night with less motorbike roar or bar chatter from the ground-floor common areas.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hanoi Backpackers Hostel?
Avoid rooms on floor 1 and 2. Floor 1 is adjacent to reception, the bar, and the street entrance – expect noise from late-returning guests, loud music, and street traffic. Floor 2 may catch lift noise and smoke drift from the lobby area.
Is Hanoi Backpackers Hostel noisy?
The hostel is on a main Hanoi street – expect 24/7 motorbike noise, especially from 6am–10pm. The ground-floor bar runs loud music until late (often 11pm–midnight). Lift doors clatter on all floors. Some rooms share thin walls with showers or toilets – bring earplugs.
Which rooms have the best views at Hanoi Backpackers Hostel?
Best views are from upper-floor rooms facing the street (floors 3–4), where you see Hanoi’s chaotic traffic, street vendors, and old town rooftops. But these will be noisy. For a quieter view, courtyard-facing rooms look onto internal balconies or neighboring walls – less interesting but far more restful.
What are insider tips for staying at Hanoi Backpackers Hostel?
1. Check in after 2pm and ask to see a courtyard-facing room before accepting – some ‘standard’ rooms actually face internal corridors with no windows. 2. If you’re a light sleeper, request a top-floor room (floor 4) and avoid room numbers ending in 01 or 02 (often next to the lift or stairwell).
What time is check-in at Hanoi Backpackers Hostel?
Check-in at Hanoi Backpackers Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hanoi Backpackers Hostel have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi throughout; typical 20 Mbps download; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hanoi Backpackers Hostel?
None (no separate city tax; quoted rate includes VAT and service charge)
Where can I eat cheaply near Hanoi Backpackers Hostel?
Bún chả (grilled pork with noodles) or phở from a local bún/phở shop – around 35,000–50,000 VND.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hanoi Backpackers Hostel?
Public bus from Noi Bai airport (route 86/109/90) costs 30,000–45,000 VND. Within the Old Quarter, walk; for longer trips, GrabBike (motorbike taxi) at 10,000–15,000 VND per mile.
When is the best time to visit Hanoi?
March-April and October-November: dry, mild 20-28°C days with low humidity, clear skies and no typhoon risk. Crowds are moderate, prices for hostels still low.
Top Attractions in Hanoi
💡 Start at Hang Bac (Silver Street) around 9am – the silver workshops are fascinating. Avoid motorbikes by sticking to the narrowest alleys. Street food here costs 20-40,000 VND a dish.
💡 Walk the lake at 6am to see locals doing tai chi and badminton. Sunset is crowded with photographers but worth it for the light on Turtle Tower.
💡 Book the 5:15pm show to avoid tourist crowds. Sit in row C or D – row A gets wet from splashes. Arrive 20 minutes early to see the puppets being prepared backstage (ask nicely).
💡 Go early on a weekday to avoid tour groups. The back garden has a banyan tree and koi pond that most people miss.
💡 The outdoor section is the highlight – allow 2 hours. Go on a Saturday when ethnic minority guides sometimes give free tours. Taxi from the centre costs 50,000 VND.