Hanoi among ideal destinations for solo adventure

Almost 50,000 people from 31 countries worldwide who use the Booking app for their vacations have chosen Hanoi as one of the five ideal destinations to enjoy the single happy day that falls on November 11 this year.

The Sword Lake, Hanoi, in late autumn. Photo: Le Duc Kim

Every year on November 11, singles around the world celebrate spouseless on Singles' Day. There is no better way to practice self-love and appreciation than on a solo trip. Booking.com has compiled a list of six destinations for travelers who want to embrace their independence and explore solo.

A budget-friendly destination

Indeed, Vietnam's capital has much to offer solo visitors, who will soon get a feel for the city as they step onto the busy streets and begin to appreciate the culture and mix of architectural styles, and of course, the exquisite yet affordable local cuisine.

The daily life in Hanoi's Old Quarter Area. File Photo

According to travel experts, Hanoi is always acclaimed a fantastic-yet-affordable destination for a long getaway. In 2019, the city was named among the world’s ten countries you should visit in 2019 if you’re on a budget by Traveller.com.au.

“The best meal of your life will only cost US$2. That’s what’s on offer in Vietnam, not just on one rare occasion, but every time you sit down for breakfast, lunch or dinner,” according to the staff writer from the tourism website.

For breakfast, The Hanoi Times suggests you have the Pho bo, or Hanoi’s specialty of noodle soup with beef or chicken, and banh mi, or a split baguette filled typically with meat and pickled vegetables. Visitors can have lunch with a serving of bun cha or fresh noodles with grilled pork, or indulge in stir-fried noodles with beef and vegetables for breakfast. These dishes cost less than VND100,000 or about $4 for a soft drink or beer portion.

Food lovers are suggested to join a guided street food tour, a private tour that takes you through the city's most iconic restaurants. Don't forget to stop along the way and try the "egg coffee" during your stay in Hanoi, according to the website.

For accommodation, there is a wide range of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Hanoi's Old Quarter area that offer travelers stylish, state-of-the-art rooms at very affordable prices, ranging from $20 to $40.

Hanoi Opera House by Night. Photo: Hanoi Free Tour Guides

Various options for within-a-day tours

Solo travelers who want to save money can take a walking tour or book a group tour with a free Vietnamese tour guide from the non-profit Hanoi Free Tour Guides.

Travelers can hop on a Full-day city private tour to visit several of Hanoi’s most significant temples and historical buildings, such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, built in the 6th century, one of the city’s oldest pagodas, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda, and Museum of Ethnology.

“During your walking tour, you’ll have the chance to discover some of Hanoi’s most iconic street food dishes alongside a local guide,” Booking.com suggested.

“After meeting at your accommodations in the city’s Old Quarter, you’ll pay a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, an area often called the heart of Hanoi. From here, you’ll peruse the city’s bustling streets on your journey to several renowned street food vendors. You’ll get to sample dishes such as Bun Cha and Banh Cuon as you pour over the menu. Before wrapping up the tour, you’ll also get to stop for dessert and egg coffee,” it wrote.

Trekking or camping at Ham Lon Moutain of Soc Son District in Hanoi's outskirts is also a good choice. Photo: Linh Pham

After a one-day walking tour around Hanoi, travelers who want to escape the chaos of the always-buzzing city life can take a short drive to its tranquil countryside. There are numerous options for you, such as lush parks like Yen So Park and Ba Vi National Park; the Ham Lon or Tram Mountains for trekking; and traditional villages like Bat Trang, Duong Lam, and Son Tay, among others.  

Other favorite destinations for a solo traveler in the list of Booking.com are Liverpool City in the United Kingdom, Ko Ngai Island in Thailand, Búzios Town in Brazil, and Yaeyama Islands in Japan.

For those singles inspired to celebrate Singles Day traveling, the accommodation booking website also shares the “Late Escape Deals” for travelers to tick another destination off their 2022 wishlist. Discounts start at 15 percent at participating properties indicated by the “Late Escape Deals” badge and are valid for stays with check-out on or before 3 January 2023.