Solo Female Travel in Hanoi

Solo travel experience

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.

Solo travel experience

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.

Solo travel experience

I'm a budget traveler, so hanoi and vietnam in general feel really cheap after Thailand. I've stayed in hanoi for 1 week, hostel cost me around 900k vnd for the whole period. Food prices are different from place to place but in general you can find something to eat starting from 45k vnd (for example pho and other types of soup usually cost around this price). For side dishe + rice or stir fried noodles with vegetables you'll pay 60-80k, also, you can find cafes serving buffet the cost of it starting at 60k vnd. Also, I'm vegan, so can speak only for vegan food. Hanoi felt quite save. There wasn't many people staring at you, and non who would approach and disturb me, except of few hostes who asked to come to their cafes. Even at the night time it wasn't a problem to walk home enjoying the weather 🙌🏻 For the transportation hanoi has quite good public transportation system and google maps will easily accommodate you with it showing needed route and bus numbers, ticket costs 7-8k. Also, you can use grab app to get a car or a bike as a taxi, bikes are quite cheaper than cars, but still x3 and more times more expensive than buses. Bike taxi for a 20-25min route cost me around 20-30k. And for sure try to explore hanoi by walk! Hanoi is super cozy city and lovely architecture. Every corner is so picturesque and vibrant, you don't wanna miss it, trust me!

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.

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!

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.

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.

Hanoi is not having lots of robbery on the street or in public but still when being alone, it’s something to consider and be cautious. In some remote area, you need to pay more attention. Don’t use phone too much while being out on the street.

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.

- How safe is it for women solo trip: 3/10. Better if you have male company or travel in group of more than 4. - Food is great everywhere but do check the restaurant review before you go. You don’t really need to make reservations except for fine dining, hot pot, or BBQ. - Crowded places is good for not being robbed. Pickpocket only happens when it’s overcrowded to the point you can’t walk easily. - Beware of tourist’s price tag. That doesn’t just happen in Old Quarter street but also any flea market. It’s good to have a local guide go with you for most your trip. - Most people here use bank’s QR code scanning for payment but prepare cash just in case. - Reliable sources for food review from locals are from tiktok and instagram.