Name: Solo Female Travel in Hanoi
Address: Hanoi, Vietnam
Rating: 3.84209199346425

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Hanoi, the vibrant capital city of Vietnam, is a fascinating blend of East and West, combining traditional Sino-Vietnamese motifs with French flair. Nested in the northern region of the country, Hanoi is known for its centuries-old architecture and a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences. The heart of Hanoi, the Old Quarter, is a lively area buzzing with motorbikes, street vendors, and Bia Hoi bars serving local draft beer. Another iconic feature of this city is the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, surrounded by bustling streets and ancient temples. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the intricate Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum are other must-visit spots reflecting the city’s rich history. The culinary scene is also unrivaled, the city's street food being a highlight with popular dishes like Pho and Bun Cha making a strong representation.

3.8 /5

Based on 4 experiences

4 /5

Based on our research

3.8 /5

Based on safety reports

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Safety:Safe

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.

Transport:Moderate

Hanoi provides an authentic cultural experience, but navigation might be challenging. The old historic districts entail tangled and bustling streets. However, the city is walkable, and the locals are generally happy to offer directions. Be wary of heavy traffic and remember that English is not widely spoken.

Things to do:Interesting

Hanoi offers a rich blend of eastern and western cultures, reflected in its architecture and lifestyle. You can explore its antique old quarter, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, or shop at Dong Xuan Market. Its culinary scene is unique and you can savor the world-renowned Pho and other local dishes. There is a multitude of museums and galleries to visit, as well as taking a leisurely stroll in many of its parks. Although generally safe, caution and common sense should prevail in crowded areas.

Food:Excellent

The food scene in Hanoi is incredibly diverse and enticing. The city is a culinary hub where traditional Vietnamese cuisine meets international flavors. You'll find various street foods ranging from mouth-watering Banh Mi, Pho to unique dishes like Bun Cha and Cha Ca. Vegetarian options are also plenty. Street food stalls, local markets, and upscale restaurants offer something for every palate. The city's food is not just about taste but also about the culture, making the dining experience worthwhile.

Budget:Affordable

Hanoi is quite affordable for travelers. Accommodations, food, transportation, and attractions are all reasonably priced. You can find plenty of hostels, local eateries, and inexpensive recreational activities. However, local vendors might sometimes elevate prices for tourists, so bargaining is important. The cost of traveling could slightly increase if you opt for luxury services.

Overall rating

3.8 /5

based on 4 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4/5

Safety

3.8/5

Food

4/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5

Solo travel experience

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

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

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Maria

Romania

Solo travel experience

Hanoi is such a vibrant city! People here are friendly but also pretty chill compared to other places. Traffic is also not that crazy. The food is amazing and the city comes alive at night during weekends - especially in the old quarter area when they close some streets for vehicles. I strongly recommend checking out the French quarter as well and going further South to experience some local things. I went to Complex 1 for a watercolor workshop and open mic night where Vietnamese locals came together to sing. It was a truly amazing experience!

Posted: August 28, 2023

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

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Solo travel experience

Hanoi is amazing. Allow yourself to get lost in the chaos and smells. Get to know as many locals as possible. Sit on small plastic stools and eat bun cha. Gain a higher perspective on popular intersections and watch as scooters pass by each other but never touch.

Posted: November 3, 2022

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

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Solo travel experience

Ninh Binh is wonderful. The Women's Museum was amazing, but very emotional. I love Mrs. Huong's cafe located nearby - it's like being in Paris. I highly recommend the coconut milk coffee. Lo Hoa prison is also very interesting. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake at dawn to practice Tai Chi, and in the evening to the dance groups. Book food tours and hikes, as well as cooking courses in advance, because they fill up quickly. There are amazing places to eat here. Try Banh Mi. I recommend checking out Lonely Planet or Trip Advisor guides to get the most current information.

Posted: August 21, 2022

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

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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.

Tran

About Me

I’m Dung. I’m a nurse. I love traveling and exchange language

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Trang

About Me

Hi, my name is Trang. I was born in Hanoi, Vietnam. I have been living in Singapore since I was 15 years old. About myself: - I am inquisitive, sensitive, reflective and introspective. I care about being thoughtful, considerate, truthful, sincere, understanding, accommodating, and sharing authentically. - To me, it comes down to inner peace, being your natural self, expressing your essence and potential, engaging, connecting, caring, and sharing. These are the moments that would flash back and warm the heart. - I appreciate having personal space to retreat to and recharge when needed. - These days, nothing instills in me more peace and nourishment than nature and greenery, and when watching videos of gardening and life in the countryside. My story: 2 years ago, I quit my full-time corporate job in Singapore to take a personal break. Many things did not feel right at that point, with work and personal relations, and I felt stuck in, living by the design of a modern life that became personally unfulfilling. “How can I have such a big chunk of my life that feels so impersonal?” was what I felt with work. It had been a process internally to reach that point of decision to break out of the “secure” and familiar template and blueprint, but it was freeing and absolutely needed for my life. At that time of leaving, I needed to leave Singapore and go back to my own country. It was in the middle of the pandemic. The new journey started with a rescue flight and a 3-week quarantine, right into the culmination of the summer heat in a basic facility. That made for a personal story. Currently, I have been on a 2-year break. It had definitely not been my original plan, but natural progression brought me here. In the beginning, I generously gave myself a 7-month timeframe, made possible by tagging the deadline to my birthday. My key intention was to have a safe personal space to resolve my feelings and shift my path. It has been a journey of still taking needed time and space to explore further what I feel compelled to, in order to arrive at somewhere and something suiting for myself. It is also a freeing experience to enable myself to spend my time naturally, how I feel like and need, which manifests in a lot of singing and journalling among other personal interests. Along the way were many instances of forfeiting the urges of settling myself into “comfort” options like a “safety” master's degree or regular employment, and the anxious urges of family members, such as “Aren’t you afraid of a lapse in your CV?”. But continuity in the CV doesn’t matter for my life. I guess the drive that sustained me was how much I hadn’t felt right when I left, so I kept on the journey of following what I felt I needed at each stage. The 2-year break was invaluable to me because I feel like I live my life. I went to search for what I needed and had a lot of needed space to feel and be myself. I have had many new exposures grounded in reality, and so real-life experiences, being back home and venturing out to new environments. It is not trite to say it is life-opening to go out there. My takeaway has been more inner grounding and the capacity to make choices for myself and to go back to living more naturally (less forced engagement and less self-pressure). I also get to be informed about living in my home country and the state of its inhabited environment, and how it is not for me.

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

Tran

Hanoi