When looking for a hotel or Airbnb, you want to find out about the neighborhoods to avoid in Hanoi and the best places to stay.
Indeed, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and as in the majority of capitals, there are neighborhoods that are less safe than others, red light districts or areas to avoid because they are less interesting for tourists.
In this article, we will see if Hanoi is a dangerous city or not. Then I will present to you a complete guide to the neighborhoods to avoid in Hanoi and the best places to stay for tourists.
Is Hanoi dangerous in 2025?
When I started my research, I expected to find Hanoi in rankings of the world's safest cities ( WorldPopulationReview or WorldAtlas ) like Hong Kong , Tokyo , or Singapore . But I was surprised to find that Hanoi wasn't included.
So, I consulted the world statistics of large cities classified by crime index.
Well, according to Numbeo's 2025 ranking , Hanoi has a crime index of 37.2, which is quite low. Thus, the Vietnamese capital is ranked among the least crime-ridden cities in the world.
Compared to other Asian cities, Hanoi appears less dangerous than Jakarta , Bangkok , Pattaya and even Ho Chi Minh City.
Is Hanoi a safe city to visit?
When it comes to safety, Hanoi has made considerable progress over the years to be a safe city for tourists.
With improved infrastructure, increased security measures, and efforts to address health and sanitation concerns, Hanoi is well-positioned to offer tourists a safe and enjoyable experience in 2025. However, it is Travelers are always advised to exercise caution and be informed of potential risks before embarking on their trip.
Indeed, here are the recommendations of the French Government published on France Diplomatie :
“However, we observe a trend towards the development of petty crime in Hanoi. This targeted delinquency targets foreigners and more specifically tourists. It mainly involves snatching, often carried out on motorbikes, pickpocket theft and scams. »
However, the city has measures in place to combat pickpocketing and other petty crimes that can occur in busy tourist spots.
The neighborhoods of Hanoi
Hanoi consists of 30 administrative districts, 579 administrative units, 383 communes, 175 neighborhoods and 21 towns. You will be lost if I give you the detailed list of all the districts and neighborhoods.
This is why I will only show you the main districts of the city:
- Hoan Kiem District
- Ba Dinh District
- Dong Da
- Tay Ho District
- Hai Ba Trung District
- Cau Giay District
- Hoang Mai District
Dangerous neighborhoods in Hanoi?
As we just explained, Hanoi is a safe city for tourists. There is no dangerous area in Hanoi where tourists would not be safe. However, there are still some places where you should be careful and some areas to avoid, especially at night.
Here is a map that will help you locate areas to avoid in Hanoi, as well as the best places to stay (see detailed list below): Google Maps
Neighborhoods to avoid in Hanoi
Without being really dangerous, here are the 3 neighborhoods where tourists should remain cautious or avoid the night:
- One of the districts of Hanoi often considered the most dangerous is Long Good located on the east bank of the Red River. Indeed, in Long Bien petty crime and pickpocketing are common in this neighborhood, particularly in busy areas such as markets and train stations.
- Hai ba trung is another district of Hanoi where petty crime is present, particularly in the lively street markets and local shops.
- Neighborhood Ta Hien which is “backpacker street”, is a popular spot for tourists looking for nighttime entertainment and local street food. It's not really Hanoi's red light district, but due to its popularity, this area can attract pickpockets. It is therefore important to remain vigilant and keep your valuables safe.
Are Hanoi’s slums dangerous?
Slums emerged in Hanoi in the 50s, after the Indochina War, when many people migrated to the city in search of economic opportunities. They developed chaotically, without urban planning and were quickly invaded by poverty, overpopulation and lack of basic infrastructure.
Even if they are not dangerous areas, it is obvious that they are areas to avoid when looking for good accommodation in Hanoi.
On the other hand, you can venture into these neighborhoods to discover bustling markets, talented artisans and a wealth of culture and traditions. Locals are generally welcoming and proud to share their history with visitors. It is important to approach these meetings with respect and sensitivity, listening to them and supporting their economic initiatives.
The 2 best neighborhoods to stay in Hanoi
When visiting the capital of Vietnam, you have a wide range of accommodation options.
However, two neighborhoods stand out as the best choices for tourists looking for convenience, accessibility, and a lively atmosphere: Hanoi's Old Quarter and the French Quarter.
The Old Quarter tourist district in Hanoi
The Old Quarter also known as 36 Streets, is one of the most popular places for tourists to stay in Hanoi.
Located in the heart of the city, Hanoi's Old Quarter is its historic district with narrow streets, colonial architecture, bustling markets, street food stalls, shops and small restaurants.
Staying in the Old Quarter, tourists can easily walk to popular attractions such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan Market, Temple of Literature, and Water Puppet Theater.
The Old Quarter is also well connected to other parts of Hanoi by public transportation networks, making it easy for tourists to explore the different areas of the city.
The Old Quarter offers a unique blend of old charm and modern conveniences, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Hanoi. It is home to numerous guesthouses, boutique hotels, and budget accommodations that cater to all types of travelers.
Here is a well-located hotel in the Old Quarter, making it ideal for exploring Hanoi on foot: Hanoian Central Hotel
Indeed, Hanoian Central Hotel is just a 3-minute walk from Dong Xuan Market and the weekend night market. Hoan Kiem Lake and the famous Water Puppet Theater are a 10-minute walk away.
The French Quarter in Hanoi
The French Quarter , located in the Hoan Kiem district, is another great place to stay in Hanoi. Situated just west of the Old Quarter, this area was once the center of French colonial administration.
Staying in the French Quarter offers tourists a glimpse of Hanoi's colonial past, with many buildings dating from the French occupation of Vietnam. This district is home to the Hanoi Opera House and the Presidential Palace which are worth a visit during a stay in Hanoi.
The French Quarter offers a more upscale and sophisticated atmosphere than the Old Quarter. It is home to luxury hotels, upscale restaurants and trendy cafes that cater to a more discerning clientele.
Staying in the French Quarter allows tourists to enjoy a more relaxed and refined experience, while still being within walking distance of Hanoi's main attractions.
One of the highlights of this area is Hoan Kiem Lake, a picturesque lake surrounded by beautiful parks and gardens. The French Quarter is home to numerous art galleries, museums and cultural institutions, making it an ideal choice for art and history lovers.
If you want to experience sleeping in an exceptional location and enjoy a Michelin-starred restaurant, I recommend the best hotel in Hanoi: Le Capella Hanoi
In the heart of the French Quarter, it is the ideal place for a tourist stay as you will be close to the Hanoi Opera House, the Trang Tien Plaza shopping center and the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.
This guide is a synthesis of information published in 2024 on neighborhood safety in Hanoi (press articles, studies, rankings and statistics). It therefore does not contain any discriminatory judgment or remarks.
Images by Xuan Duong – Sinh Đặng – Xuan Duong – Thomas G. on Pixabay