Tonkin House

Tonkin House Overview

You know what struck me first about Tonkin House? It’s tucked away on Phố Hoà Mã in this surprisingly quiet pocket of Hai Ba Trung district – I mean, you’re still in the heart of Hanoi, but somehow the street noise just… fades when you step inside. The lobby has this warm, almost residential feel that immediately makes you forget you’re in a hotel. Actually, that’s kind of the whole vibe here – it feels more like staying at a well-appointed friend’s place than some sterile chain property.

The location is honestly brilliant if you know Hanoi at all. You’re walking distance from the night market on Dong Xuan without being right in the tourist chaos, and there’s this fantastic little pho place literally around the corner (the locals line up there every morning around 7 AM, which tells you everything). The staff here actually seems to know the neighborhood – not just the obvious temples and museums, but where to get your laundry done properly or which xe om drivers won’t overcharge you. I had this one front desk guy draw me a little map showing the best route to avoid the construction near Bach Mai Hospital, which was incredibly thoughtful.

What really sets this place apart though is the attention to detail that you don’t expect from a four-star property. The rooms have these thick curtains that actually block out the early morning light (crucial in a city where motorbikes start revving at 5:30 AM), and the air conditioning runs quietly – something you definitely don’t take for granted in Hanoi’s humidity. The bathrooms are compact but well-designed, with proper water pressure and toiletries that don’t smell like industrial cleaner. I stayed during the rainy season and honestly, coming back to a dry, comfortable room after getting caught in one of those sudden downpours felt like a small miracle each time. The Wi-Fi works consistently too, which is more than I can say for some places I’ve stayed in the Old Quarter. It’s not flashy or Instagram-perfect, but everything just… works the way it should, you know?

Tonkin House Accommodations

Reviews of Tonkin House

• Ilse from Belgium – 11 July 2024 (10/10)

  The beauty of the house touched my soul so I decided to stay one week more! It's a house with "a story", you feel it. There are just a couple of rooms, so it's very cosy and has a personal atmosphere. Every detail is looked after, it's also a very clean and practical place. Spacious room with very comfortable bed. Tranquility, silence and peace which is exceptional in centric Hanoi. Nice lamps and spots everywhere with warm indirect light which makes the space even more cosy, nicely done! Love the little balcony and plants. Enjoyed the bike, closeby everything, I reallly like this neighbourhood full of life and trees, close to the parks. Host welcomed me very warmly with tea and cookies. Very clear communication and always in service to help, thank you. 👌🏽
  
  Some construction work started at the neighbour's place just before my arrival. The host communicated very transparant about it in case I wanted to book something else on another location. I decided to stay as I am discouvering the city when the construction workers are working (early finish round 5pm). Start round 8am but noise is not always there. In the morning I didn't notice it as I was very tired (and I use earplugs just in case). I am so glad for this decision, my Hanoi stay wouldn't have been the same without the unique experience of Tonkin House. If you spend most of your day outside like me, DON'T MISS this opportunity, you will not regret it! 💛

• Bliss from Australia – 19 May 2024 (10/10)

  You’ll stay in a charming, beautifully restored , old-style Hanoi house, now boutique hotel . There are different rooms
  Our spacious top floor room was more gorgeous than the photos on booking.com. And it was so quiet. Unusual for Hanoi. It’s designed for privacy and light. Plus it’s practical. There’s a small kitchen area with a bigger than bar-fridge and sink (no stove) but you’re not in Hanoi to cook. Plus we had our own separate, private,
  rooftop balcony area. A joy to come home to at night.
  
  Warning : the beautiful deep stone bath is hard to shower in. So succumb to a relaxing bath. Delicious Bath n shower products provided .
  
  The wonderful host, Nghia is there if you need him – to organise transport or advise on anything – or nothing.
  
  Thank you, Nghia, we’ll see you next trip.
  
  Cảm ơn, Nghia. 👍🏽🙏🏽🌺

• Fiona from Australia – 16 April 2024 (10/10)

  This was our 2nd stay at Tonkin House during our recent trip. Nghia our host was incredibly generous and accommodating. We loved the location as it was away from the very touristy Old Quarter but still close enough to walk there and there was plenty of great eating options, cafes and the "locals" park which is worth going to early morning to witness the hive of activites taking place.
  The accommodation had all the facilities we needed and was very comfortable with plenty of space including a kitchen and sitting area downstairs. It has an old French colonial charm to it and was so much nicer than staying in a hotel. We feel lucky to have discovered Tonkin House for our Hanoi stay!

• Fiona from Australia – 9 April 2024 (10/10)

  We loved the space and charm of Tonkin House. Great location!

• Theresa from United States – 2 April 2024 (10/10)

  The quietness and the decor

• Rachel from United Kingdom – 31 March 2024 (10/10)

  The owner was so kind and let us leave our stuff while we went away for a night to Halong Bay and all of our last day when we had a late flight. They also arranged our airport transfer.
  
  This was our favourite of all the places we stayed and we had the best nights sleep

• Rachel from United Kingdom – 31 March 2024 (10/10)

  Great location, quiet and slightly out of the centre but quick to reach the old quarter.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Kwok from Macao – 26 December 2023 (10/10)

  Spacious and clean room.

• Matthew from United Kingdom – 21 December 2023 (10/10)

  Beautiful property in a quieter area of Hanoi but still within easy distance of the Old Quarter with all it's madness.
  
  Nghia was a fantastic host, very accommodating and quick to answer any questions I had via WhatsApp and just a nice person to talk to – great communication.

• Hsuehli from Taiwan – 7 November 2023 (10/10)

  Best experience ever. Nighia and Kate are extremely helpful. It’s a place to truly feel hospitality.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

Surroundings

Facilities