Things to do alone in Hanoi: Activities for solo travelers

Vietnam’s capital city has much to offer — especially for solo travelers. In fact, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do alone in Hanoi. Whether you’re embracing the culture at a captivating water puppetry performance or exploring the 11th-century Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, solo travelers are spoilt for choice. It’s hard to feel alone amongst the hustle and bustle of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, but there are still peaceful spots for a well-deserved time out. Discover the best activities for solo travelers in Hanoi, from scenic day trips to street food tours.

1. Taste the flavors of Vietnam on a food tour

Dive into Hanoi’s food scene on a street food tour to try mouthwatering Vietnamese dishes. Visit bustling food stalls across the city to sample local favorites, from pho, a famous noodle soup, to bánh mì, a flavorful sandwich.

Why it’s great for solo travelers

Group food tours are one of the best things to do alone in Hanoi, offering the chance to bond with fellow food enthusiasts while indulging in Vietnam’s must-try dishes.

Insider tip

With so many restaurants to try, ask your guide for their personal recommendations to maximize their expert knowledge and narrow down your choices.

2. Experience a magical water puppet show

Discover ancient legends and myths with a mesmerizing water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, an iconic landmark of Hanoi. Vietnamese water puppetry dates back to the 11th century and is a unique aspect of the local culture.

Why it’s great for solo travelers

Water puppetry performances are perfect for anyone traveling to Hanoi alone — just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

Insider tip

It’s worth paying extra for seats near the front for a close-up look at the intricate movements that make this art form so enchanting.

Address and opening hours

57B P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội. Open daily, performance times vary.

3. Grab a cold beer at Hanoi’s famous Beer Street

Ta Hien Street, often called “Beer Street,” is the heart of Hanoi’s nightlife. Come nightfall, locals and tourists flock here to soak up the lively atmosphere and sample the low-cost bia hoi — fresh Vietnamese beer.

Why it’s great for solo travelers

The casual outdoor seating with communal tables makes conversing with locals and other travelers easy, so you won’t be alone for long, but be mindful of your belongings along this busy street.

Best time to go

Visit on a Friday or Saturday to see Beer Street buzzing with energy, but arrive around sunset or earlier to save waiting for a seat.

Address

2VM2+VVM, Tạ Hiện, P. Lương Ngọc Quyến, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000.

4. Explore the historic Old Quarter

Hanoi’s Old Quarter offers a perfect mix of old-world charm and modern energy. Wander the streets to discover colonial architecture, local shops, and bustling marketplaces.

Why it’s great for solo travelers

Traveling to Hanoi alone gives you the freedom to explore the Old Quarter’s busy streets and narrow alleyways at your own pace. Alternatively, group walking tours are ideal for solo travelers looking to meet new people while learning about the rich history and culture.

Insider tip

Street food vendors in the Old Quarter only accept cash, so bring small notes to recharge your energy with local favorites like bánh xèo (crispy rice pancakes).

5. Step back in time at the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel

Discover ancient artifacts and grand architecture at the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, where dynasties ruled over Vietnam for centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Hanoi’s most important historical landmarks.

Why it’s great for solo travelers

Visiting this historic citadel is vital for understanding Vietnam’s past. Discover the expansive grounds and rich history at your own pace, whether you join a group tour or are exploring alone.

What not to miss

Make sure to visit the secret underground bunkers that served as the headquarters for North Vietnamese generals during the Vietnam War.

Address and opening hours

19c Hoàng Diệu, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000. Open daily, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.

6. Visit the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is one of Hanoi’s unmissable landmarks, symbolizing Vietnam’s history. Revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body is open to visitors, while iconic spots nearby include the One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House.

Why it’s great for solo travelers

Silence must be observed inside the mausoleum, and traveling solo gives you more time to reflect on the site’s historical significance.

Best time to go

Arrive around opening time to avoid long queues, as later on during the day wait times can exceed an hour, and unfortunately skip-the-line tickets aren’t offered at this iconic landmark.

Address and opening hours

1 Hùng Vương, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội. Opening hours vary by season.

7. Sail through stunning scenery in Ha Long Bay

Discover the natural wonders of Ha Long Bay on one of Hanoi’s most popular day trips. With towering limestone cliffs and shimmering emerald waters, the breathtaking beauty led to its induction as a World Heritage Site in 1994.

Why it’s great for solo travelers

Group tours to Ha Long Bay are one of the best activities for solo travelers in Hanoi. Meals and transport are taken care of, and you can bond with fellow adventurers while sailing past dramatic limestone formations.

Insider tip

If time permits, opt for an overnight stay rather than a day trip to wake up surrounded by the bay’s striking landscapes.

8. Stroll around the peaceful Hoàn Kiếm Lake

Hoàn Kiếm Lake is a tranquil escape in the heart of Hanoi, away from the busy streets crowded with motorbikes. It offers a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle, and iconic landmarks like the Turtle Tower and Ngoc Son Temple add to the picturesque setting.

Why it’s great for solo travelers

It’s a peaceful spot to explore alone, with benches and quiet corners for solo travelers to relax and watch the world go by.

Best time to go

Early mornings are less crowded and offer the chance to see locals practicing tai chi by the waterfront.

Address

Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam.

9. Uncover culinary secrets in a cooking class

Cooking classes are a popular activity for those traveling to Hanoi alone, offering you the chance to take the flavors of Vietnam wherever you go. Start with a visit to buy fresh ingredients from a local market, before learning to cook up traditional dishes from pho to spring rolls.

Why it’s great for solo travelers

These engaging group classes rank among the most fun things to do in Hanoi, offering an easy way to bond with fellow travelers over a shared love of food and culture.

Insider tip

Opt for a class that offers a recipe booklet to easily recreate the dishes back home.

Solo travel in Hanoi FAQs

Is it safe to travel alone in Hanoi?

Hanoi is relatively safe for solo travelers, with welcoming locals and a friendly atmosphere. Like any major city, staying aware of your surroundings is important, particularly in busy markets where pickpockets target tourists.

What are some other popular things to do alone in Hanoi?

The city’s museums are ideal for solo travelers wanting a deeper insight into Vietnam’s history and culture, with the Vietnamese Women’s Museum and Military History Museum being two spots worth a visit. Day trips from Hanoi are a great way to discover more of Vietnam while meeting new people as you explore the country’s breathtaking landscapes, from the rice paddies of Mai Chau to the towering karsts of Ninh Binh.

What’s the best way to get around on your own in Hanoi?

Getting around Hanoi is easy, whether you opt to explore on foot or use public transport. The Old Quarter is easily walkable, but some attractions, like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, are further away. Use buses or the Hanoi Metro for longer journeys, but stick to e-hailing apps to avoid being overcharged.

How do I meet other solo travelers in Hanoi?

Group tours and activities are an easy way to meet other solo travelers in Hanoi, whether you’re sailing through the scenery of Ha Long Bay or on a walking tour of the Old Quarter.

Is it safe to walk around Hanoi at night?

Tourist-friendly neighborhoods like the Old Quarter are relatively safe to walk at night, especially in busy areas. However, as a precaution, it’s best to avoid secluded and poorly lit areas.