Arriving in Hanoi for the first can be overwhelming, that’s for sure. It’s an intensely busy city with lots of loud noises, crowded streets, and buzzing motorbikes. It’s also one of the coolest cities in the whole country, so don’t let the first impression scare you off. Hanoi is actually a super friendly city with scenic parks, delicious street food, and loads of local charm. What can make your stay in Hanoi even better is staying at an awesome hostel. Below you’ll find the best hostels to stay at if you’re traveling solo, on a tight budget, wanting to make new travel buddies, looking for a place to party, or a digital nomad looking for a place to relax and get some work done…Read on! We’ve reviewed five excellent hostels for you to choose from:

Vietnam Backpacker Hostel – Party Hostel

Vietnam Backpacker Hostel – Party Hostel in Hanoi

With a prime location in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, this hostel is known for bringing young backpackers together with nightly parties, organized pub crawls, and a constant stream of activities and events. Guests can partake in a free walking tour of the Old Quarter, quiz night, themed dress up nights, or a game of beer pong. This hostel has a top floor chill-out space with a big screen TV, pool table, foosball table, and comfy couches and bean bag chairs for lounging. The downstairs bar and restaurant are constantly buzzing with people watching the latest sports game, enjoying happy hour, or getting their western of Vietnamese food fix. It’s literally impossible not to meet new friends in a place like this. The staff at the travel desk can even help you with visa questions and trip planning.

Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel – Digital Nomad Sanctuary

Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel

Digital nomads know that parties and meeting new people are important, but so is a quiet space where they can get some work done. That’s why the Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel is a good bet. The low-key hostel has a peaceful atmosphere, free Wi-Fi with a strong signal, and enough space to find your own private corner and get to work. It’s also ideally located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, which means when you’re finished working, it’s easy to head out and enjoy the city. This hostel is located just a 3-minute walk away from famous attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake, the Water Puppet Theater, and Ngoc Son temple. Each dorm room and private room has its own bathroom, which cuts down on the time it takes to get ready and start the day. Lastly, the free daily breakfast ensures you’ll get a great jump start.

The Drift Backpackers Hostel – Solo travelers

The Drift Backpackers Hostel in Hanoi city

This hostel is owned and operated by two former Aussie backpackers who know what it means to travel Southeast Asia. This hostel is a combination of everything a solo traveler could be looking for. The movie room, billiard room hosting nightly competitions, and rooftop bar are great places to mingle and meet other travelers in a chill environment. It’s also a comfortable place to hang out with a clean and tidy environment, large beds, and movie library rental available. Personal lockers, cheap airport and train transfer, free breakfast and Wi-Fi, and motorbike for hire on the premises are all part of the deal, too. All this for just $7.50 a night. Additionally, the on-site restaurant cooks up authentic western favorites, so you’re covered if you’re craving some familiar comfort food. If you need to change money you can even do it here. This is a favorite pick among solo travelers who are also traveling on a budget because these guys have thought of everything to make your life easier!

Central Backpackers Hostel – Budget travelers

Central Backpackers Hostel in Hanoi city

If you’re traveling solo and looking to make new friends on the road, Central Backpackers Hostel is a sure bet. The friendly staff make sure you have everything you need from trip planning tips to cheap and reliable airport pick up. This hostel also boasts free breakfast and free happy hour beer from 7pm-8pm. This is a great place to mingle and get to know other guests before the guided pub crawl begins (a nightly event). They also provide a free walking tour of Hanoi, free Wi-Fi, and free use of their lobby’s computers. All this for just $5 a night. Central Backpackers Hostel makes it possible to stay comfortably and happily for cheap.

Hanoi Friends Inn & Travel Hostel – Traveling couples

Hanoi Friends Inn & Travel Hostel

This hostel nailed it with affordable and spacious private rooms with quality rivaling those rooms at a 3-star hotel. For less than $30 a night, couples can book ensuite rooms that feel miles away from a hostel-style setup. With a large bed, flat screen TV, and private balcony, couples have the option for seclusion when they want it. Balancing the privacy factor is the socializing that can be done in the bar, café, and restaurant. The location is also ideal with Hoan Kiem Lake, the Dong Xuan Central Market and popular Night Market just a 10-minute walk or less away. Also included in the price is free breakfast, coffee, tea, computer use, and Wi-Fi in the all the rooms.

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No matter your style, budget, or travel companion, Hanoi has dozens of hostels that can fit every backpacker’s desires. Time spent in Hanoi can be even better when you pick the right hostel!

St. Joseph’s Cathedral (1886) in Hanoi capital city of Vietnam