Whether savoring local dishes, admiring extraordinary architecture, or rambling through the tranquil countryside, Hanoi is the perfect destination for a solo traveler in Vietnam.

Even Google seems to agree, with Google Search Statistics collected over the past two years revealing that Hanoi ranked first on the list of the best Asian destinations for solo travel.

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, this year witnessed an astounding 946-percent increase in year-on-year solo travel searches, likely due to its burgeoning culinary scene, rich culture, and ranking amongst the safest cities in Southeast Asia.

To help these solo travelers out, we have created a bucket list of must-dos while in rich, vibrant Hanoi.

Take a city food tour

Home to rich gastronomic traditions, the Vietnamese capital boasts a wide selection of delicacies for visitors, including must-try dishes such as phở (beef/chicken noodle soup), bún riêu (crab noodle soup), bún thang (noodle soup served with chicken, egg, and pork), as well as famous Trang Tien and West Lake ice cream.

Recently, that three Hanoi restaurants being awarded a Michelin star and a dozen more being recognized as 'Michelin Selected' has created a ton of buzz in the city’s foodie circles.

Most local delicacies in Hanoi can be easily found in inner-city areas, with prices ranging between VND30,000 (US$1.3) and VND70,000 ($3) per dish.

Explore a rich architectural tradition

With over 1,000 years of history, Hanoi is known for the bold and brilliant Vietnamese architectural style reflected in its buildings.

Visitors to the city can enjoy colonial French architecture, including the Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Hanoi Opera House, and the State Guest House, aka Tonkin Palace.

Double-decker bus tours, city jeep tours, or trips to popular landmarks such as Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature), Thang Long Imperial Citadel, or Mot Cot (One-pillar) Pagoda are also must-dos in the capital city.

Admire the tranquil beauty of northern Vietnam’s countryside

Unlike the hustle and bustle of downtown Hanoi, the fresh air and tranquility of the suburbs promise travelers a northern Vietnam pastoral vibe.

Solo travelers should definitely not miss Duong Lam Ancient Village in Son Tay Town, 60 kilometers away from Hanoi’s city center.

Duong Lam Ancient Village features the original architectural style of the northern Vietnamese countryside reflected in every single house, temple, and pagoda.

Travelers who visit Duong Lam Ancient Village during the lotus season in June can also enjoy the unforgettable dining experience of being served delicious food trays filled with various lotus dishes.

The ancient village is acclaimed for its chè lam (sticky rice ginger peanut bars), peanut candy, and tương bần (fermented soybean paste).

Visitors should also stop by the beverage stall opposite the Mong Phu communal house to enjoy an iced tea, peanut candy, and the peaceful atmosphere.

A Hanoi for thrill-seekers

Hanoi is not only a cultural tourist attraction, but it is also a destination for adrenaline junkies thanks to its scores of new and exciting custom-made adventure travel products.

Speed enthusiasts can try go-kart racing at four locations in the city for VND30,000-390,000 ($1.3-14.5) a ride.

Adrenaline junkies can also take paragliding tours during sunset and sunrise at Bu Hill in the outlying district of Chuong My where they can enjoy panoramic views of Hanoi at an altitude of 600 meters.

Each ride costs VND1.69-2.59 million ($71-109).​

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