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Is Hanoi Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Hanoi is generally safe for solo female travelers. The residents are often friendly and willing to help, and crime rates are relatively low. Still, it's important to stay vigilant, especially at night, and keep an eye on your belongings at all times as petty theft can occur. Public transportation is reliable but can get crowded, which may lead to unwanted attention. Always be clear and firm with taxi drivers to avoid overcharging issues. Overall, most travelers have a positive and safe experience in Hanoi.

Hanoi is currently ranked #16 safest place in Vietnam for solo female travellers. Check the full ranking.

Safety rating

4.1 /5

Based on 9 travel experiences

4 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3 /5

Based on 4 local experiences

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How safe is Hanoi?

Safety at night:Safe

As a solo female traveler, Hanoi offers a generally safe environment during nighttime. People are often seen out late and there's a vibrant night market and street food scene. However, like any big city, one should maintain awareness of their surroundings and avoid dark or deserted areas. Some occasional instances of petty crimes like bag snatching may happen, so keep your belongings secure when walking around. Walking alone at night in populated, well-lit areas tends to be okay, but it's always smart to use caution and common sense.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Hanoi, is generally safe. There is a noticeable police presence in major areas, which deters most major crimes. However, one should still be cautious of their belongings due to occasional reports of pick-pocketing. Buses are the most common form of public transportation and are typically crowded. As an alternative, Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are widely available, reliable and safe. While traveling after dark, it's safer to use a taxi or Grab rather than the local buses. Always follow basic safety precautions such as not showing off expensive items, being aware of your surroundings, and keeping firm hold on your personal belongings.

Street harassment:Low

Street harassment in Hanoi, is relatively low compared to many other cities around the world. The general Vietnamese culture is one of respect. Any perceived rudeness is usually due to cultural differences or misunderstandings. But of course, occasional catcalling or relentless vendors can sometimes be an issue. Still, it's not common to encounter overly aggressive or endangering behavior. Always take personal safety measures that you would take while traveling to any other city in the world.

Petty crimes:Low

Hanoi is relatively safe when it comes to petty crimes. Pickpocketing and purse snatching incidents are not unheard of, particularly in crowded markets and tourist areas. However, if you practice vigilance and common-sense precautions such as not displaying flashy jewelry or electronics in public, you can significantly reduce the chances of becoming a target.

Is Hanoi safe to travel?

4.1 /5

Based on 9 experiences

Solo travel

The best city ever! I just love how it was both kinda choatic and very authentic. Just walking around the city was an adventure, crossing the streets from all the motorbikes, and walking by the lake, and riding grab motorbikes. I had the best absolute time there. I felt extremely safe as well.

Posted: June 28, 2024Experienced: December, 2023

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Solo travel

Hanoi was the first ever country I visited and I traveled solo. With this considered, I took all efforts in researching not only its accessibility (as a Philippine resident) but also its overall safety as a first time international traveler. I was told people there weren't as friendly than those in southern Vietnam but most locals I met are extremely nice if not a bit reserved. I felt safe even walking alone in their street market at night, but I only stuck to the walking street and avoided dark & quiet alleys. There are, however, a lot of scams especially around Hoan Kiem Lake so be extra careful and vigilant. I booked my tours via Klook and paid them in advance so I won't have to carry as much cash.

Posted: March 6, 2024

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Is Hanoi safe for women?

Safety rating

3 /5

Based on 4 experiences

Crime rates rating

1.8 /5

Based on 4 experiences

It's quite safe here. Nothing critical happened so far. I don’t need to be killed or kidnapped when I hang out whenever. A lot of good food here, and nice people. You’ll feel the weather and the vibe is so good here in Autumn

Posted: August 13, 2024

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Luk

It’s better to have at least 1 male companion in your group rather than travel solo to this country. It’s not like you can’t, but if you decide to travel solo, better stick to big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh. If you decide to travel somewhere else, better research carefully and look for a local guide if needed.

Posted: June 10, 2024

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Is Hanoi safe right now?

Before your visit to Hanoi, it's essential to check travel advisories for Vietnam, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.

🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The United States government advises to exercise normal precautions in Vietnam. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: July 24, 2023

🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Vietnam due to the high rate of petty crime. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: September 8, 2024

🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian government advises exercising normal safety precautions in Vietnam. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: September 5, 2024

Is Hanoi worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 9 experiences

Solo travel

Hanoi is chaotic and bustling, especially in the old quarter. Don't let this deter you, as the Old Quarter is really the only place you should be staying in on your trip to Hanoi. There is coffee shops and food there, the best.

Posted: August 16, 2024Experienced: July, 2024

Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 1/5Safety: 4/5

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Maxine

Australia

Solo travel

I totally recommend visiting Hanoi. The old town was very nice to walk around in and the history at the old jail was very interesting. I only had one comment by someone about my appearance and then someone crack onto me after a tour. You could avoid the tour and just catch the local buses. Super cheap! From Hanoi you can visit SAPA or Cat Ba Island with a local bus or ferry. There is also the waterpuppet show that is a must visit in the area. I would go back to Hanoi.

Posted: July 10, 2024Experienced: August, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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Meet locals in Hanoi

Meet local women in Hanoi who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Sarah

About Me

Hi, I’m Sarah, a local ready to take you on a unique Hanoi adventure to explore hidden gems, savor the best street food, and dive into local culture. Pay only for your food and tip based on your satisfaction. Message me on WhatsApp at +84 346035784 – let’s discover the real Hanoi together!

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Linh

About Me

I'm a free spirit and adventurous, curious, and open-minded. Always ready to explore things! I update a list of 100 things I have to do before I die and I'm super determined to check the boxes in that list. What brings me happiness is the ability to be present and stay conscious in anything I do. I am most present when I solo travel or do things outside my daily routine. My goal in life is to be the happiest that I can with the least that I have. This doesn't mean I don't have ambition for a high-quality life, It means that I appreciate what I have now and still look forward to opportunities life brings me

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Hanoi

Stay with local women in Hanoi who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Hospitality exchange is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Linh

Hanoi

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Speaking

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Sarah

Hanoi

Can host for:

3 days

About me

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Upcoming visitors to Hanoi

Connect with upcoming visitors to Hanoi who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.

Audham

About Me

I'm Estelle, originally from Bordeaux, France. I moved to Japan and I've been living in Tokyo for the past 20 years. I love to travel across Asia (I regularly visit Okinawa and Vietnam) and sometimes go back to France to see my family. My favorite city is Hanoï and my dream destination is Mongolia. I love and know Tokyo very very well, and always enjoy showing new people around.

Speaking

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Ariana

About Me

Hello! My name is Ariana and I am currently on a six-month trip around central and southeast Asia. I'm originally from Canada but live in Scotland, and lived in England, Germany and Australia over the last number of years. I am travelling solo, so would love to meet fellow travellers and locals along the way. I am interested in running, hiking, reading, art, korfball, ice hockey, travel, board games, rollerblading, swimming, and enjoy spending time outdoors as much as a cute, quiet cafe.