6 Unique Things To Do In Hanoi For Solo Travellers

Did you know that North Vietnam has winter? Me neither! I went to Hanoi straight from Bali and it’s been a physical/mental shock! I went from 30 degrees to 10, which made me think I was going to die hibernating (I know drama queen). So make sure you are not visiting Hanoi between December and February if you don’t want to freeze!

In this blog post, I will tell you the absolute best things to do in Hanoi for Solo Travellers. I will also add some notes about where to stay and how to get around! Are you ready? Let’s dive in!

Before we start… Going to Hanoi does not mean wearing a cone-shaped hat and riding a bike in the rice fields (although you could if you wanted to). Going to Hanoi means being in a city where everyone’s parents have witnessed at least one war. Hanoians are fearless, strong, protective, caring and creative. I don’t want to generalise, but this is the feeling I got from them and I loved it!

Top things to do in Hanoi

#1 Visit the Temples

As you walk through Hanoi, you’ll come across countless temples and pagodas. While you can visit famous ones like Temple Of Literature or Bach Ma Temple, the experience isn’t just about checking them off a list. It’s about the feeling you get when you visit the temple. Enjoy the wind going through the lanterns outside, the perfume from the incense, and the chanting inside the temple 💛

#2 Walk around the market

Travel blogger at night market in Hanoi, Vietnam.

There are different markets every day, so I would suggest asking your hotel if they can recommend the closest market to you. I particularly enjoyed the Weekend Night Market, which takes place at 8 P. Hàng Đào, Hàng Đào, Hoàn Kiếm. I loved that it was in the evening and it was a lovely place to go after dinner.

#3 Evening stroll at Hoan Kiem Lake

Walking around Hoan Kiem Lake is always a nice experience because it’s treated like a town square. Everything happens around the lake. Every weekend in the evening, they would close the roads heading to the lake and set up a stage for singers; there would be markets and street shows.

#4 Check out the museums

History museum: this museum is mainly focused on the wars that Hanoi has been through. It doesn’t provide a lot of information for tourists, so I would recommend doing your own research before going. That will make it easier to follow each room.

Fine art museum: This museum was probably one of the highlights of this trip. It’s been very inspiring looking at different painting techniques I’ve never seen before and how the subjects/stories behind each painting are so different from the European standards.

#5 Head to the Water Puppet Show

The Water Puppet Show is very unique and fun. The show is actually on the water and it’s very colourful! The dialogue wouldn’t be in English, but there are 2 screens on the sides of the stage, which would explain each scene in English. The Water Puppet show is not only entertaining, but it also gives you a taste of the local culture and traditions.

Cafes and restaurants

By walking around Hanoi you will see that eating is the main activity in town. Everyone eats at any time during the day until late at night. Unfortunately, I got the “Bali belly” before my trip to Hanoi, so I wasn’t able to eat most of the local food. However, I still have some tips for you:

My absolute favourite cafes were: Skyline Coffee and Loading Cafe. The first one is because it gives you the best view over Hanoi, and it’s a beautiful cafe. Perfect if you also want to try the famous “coffee with egg”. The Loading Cafe is absolutely stunning. It’s within a French building surrounded by amazing plants. The interior design is vintage, and they play old French songs, which makes you think you are on the French Riviera rather than in the heart of Vietnam.

Must-try restaurants: The options here are close to infinite! However, the street food is delicious. I just stopped at wherever I fancied and got some snacks on the way. So don’t be afraid to have chicken broth noodles or anything that inspires you! That being said I would suggest The Hanoi Social Club for the lovely atmosphere and Uu Dam Chay, which is perfect for vegans or anyone who is up for a healthy meal.

Out of all of them, I have to say Pizza 4P’s blew my mind! I had it twice in one day! It’s a Japanese pizza place with super fresh ingredients and amazing sourdough. I know it sounds odd, but trust me on this one!

🍜 If you are looking for the best lunch spots in Hanoi, check out this blog post!

Must-try Tours in Hanoi

6 things to do in Hanoi for female solo travellers. Street in Hanoi, Vietnam.

If you are visiting in the cold months, I would recommend the first 2 tours you can find below. They are totally doable, and it would be a lot of fun! If you are in Hanoi when it’s warm and sunny, definitely go for the cruise tour (last tour listed here!).

➡️ Guided Food Tour with Train Street Visit

➡️ Incense, Hat Making and Lacquer Villages

➡️ From Hanoi: Ninh Binh- Hoa Lu – Trang An – Mua Cave – Best seller

📷 Looking for more inspiration? Check out this blog post that lists all the best tours in Hanoi for female solo travellers!

Where to stay

I stayed at the Golden Legend Boutique Hotel in the Old Quarter, which is very central in Hanoi and one of the best places to stay in Hanoi for female solo travellers! The price was around £27 per night including breakfast! It’s actually a nice place with super helpful staff, who are happy to book cruises, trips and theatre for you. Each room also comes with a kettle, which was a lifesaver when I went, as I was freezing to death!

How to get around Hanoi

Hanoi is generally walkable, however, the traffic is insane, and it’s difficult to cross the road. So, although there are sidewalks everywhere, bear in mind that crossing the road might be a mission. There are nearly no traffic lights, and if there are any, they are not really considered.

If you don’t want to get run over, there are other ways to get around easily. Quite similarly to Bali, going around by scooter is your best bet unless you want to spend hours sitting in traffic. The most used apps for scooters and car taxis are Grab and Gojek.

FAQs on Visiting Hanoi Alone

Is Hanoi good for solo travel?

Yes, Hanoi is a great destination for solo travellers. The city is walkable, affordable, and packed with cultural and historical attractions. It has a vibrant backpacker scene, making it easy to meet other travellers. Street food is widely available, and public transport, including Grab rides, makes getting around convenient.

Is 6 days in Hanoi enough?

Six days in Hanoi is more than enough to explore the city’s key attractions, such as the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Train Street. You’ll also have time for day trips to places like Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay. If you prefer a slower pace, six days allow you to experience local life, try different street foods, and take a cooking class or motorbike tour.

Is it safe to walk around Hanoi at night?

Hanoi is generally safe for solo travellers at night, especially in areas like the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake, where there are always people around. However, be cautious of petty theft, such as pickpocketing. Stick to well-lit streets, avoid displaying valuables, and use Grab if you need to travel late at night. I had no problems at all, but always got Grab in the evening!

What are some solo travel tips for Vietnam?

Use Grab for safe and affordable transport.
Make sure you have travel insurance -> I recommend Safety Wing. It’s easy to use and affordable!
Stay in social hostels or join group tours to meet other travellers.
Carry some cash, as smaller shops and street vendors may not accept cards.
Get an eSIM so you are sure to have data for your entire trip. I use Ubigi and you can get 10% off with the code OBSERVER10!
Be cautious with street crossings, traffic in Vietnam can be chaotic.
Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases for better interactions with locals.
Always agree on prices before purchasing anything or taking a motorbike taxi.

What kind of place can I visit from Hanoi for a 3-day trip?

Ha Long Bay – Take a cruise to explore the famous limestone karsts and caves.
Ninh Binh (Tam Coc & Trang An) – Often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” this area offers scenic boat rides, pagodas, and hikes.
Sapa – Known for its stunning rice terraces and ethnic minority villages, ideal for trekking.
Mai Chau – A peaceful countryside retreat with homestays and bike tours through rice fields.

I am planning a 10-day Vietnam trip. What is a budget-friendly trip plan?

A budget-friendly 10-day Vietnam itinerary could include:

Day 1-3: Hanoi – Explore the Old Quarter, street food, and Hoan Kiem Lake.
Day 4-5: Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay – Choose between a budget-friendly cruise in Ha Long Bay or a stay in Ninh Binh.
Day 6-7: Da Nang & Hoi An – Take a cheap domestic flight to central Vietnam, explore Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets and Da Nang’s beaches.
Day 8-10: Ho Chi Minh City – Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market.
Use buses and trains where possible to save money, and stay in hostels or guesthouses for affordable accommodation.

I am planning a solo trip to Vietnam for a week. Should I visit North or South Vietnam?

It depends on what you’re looking for.

North Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa) – Best for history, stunning landscapes, and a cooler climate. Ideal for trekking and cultural experiences.
South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc, Mui Ne) – Best for warm weather, beaches, and a more modern city vibe.

If you prefer nature and historical sites, go for the North. If you like beaches and a lively nightlife, choose the South.

What should I pack for my trip to Hanoi?

Comfortable walking shoes (the streets are uneven).
Lightweight, breathable clothing (it can be hot and humid).
A light jacket or sweater (cooler months can be chilly).
Rain jacket or umbrella (especially from May to October).
Power adapter (Vietnam uses Type A, C, and F plugs).
Sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
A small crossbody bag to avoid pickpocketing.

What is the best 10-day itinerary for a first-time visit to Vietnam?

Day 1-3: Hanoi – Visit the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Train Street.
Day 4-5: Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh – Overnight cruise or scenic boat ride through limestone cliffs.
Day 6-7: Hoi An & Da Nang – Explore ancient streets, take a cooking class, and visit My Khe Beach.
Day 8-10: Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta – Learn about Vietnam War history, experience local life in the Mekong Delta, and enjoy the city’s vibrant food scene.

Conclusion

Move to South Vietnam for a warmer and sunnier climate if you are visiting in winter (from December to February). If you are not sure about what and how to pack for this trip and how to travel light, check out my blog post on packing tips!

I hope you enjoy your time in Vietnam!

Ciao for now,

Silvia x