New Delhi: Have you ever dreamt of packing your bags, booking your tickets, and just taking a vacation away from everything for peace and relaxation? A culturally rich destination which is known for its history and food. Hanoi should top the list for all the right reasons, as it is one of the best capital cities in the world for someone to explore it as a first timer or alone.
Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, has officially been recognised as Asia’s best solo travel destination for 2026, as per TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026. For travellers who are looking to explore alone, Hanoi is safe yet thrilling, historic, and full of youthful culture to learn and explore. It is a city of calm with lots of adventure and self to find.
Hanoi tops Asia’s best solo travel destination
Hanoi, founded more than a thousand years ago, is among Southeast Asia’s oldest capitals, and its long history is visible in everyday life. The city has carried many names over the centuries, including the well-known Thăng Long, or “Ascending Dragon.” Each period has left behind its own stories, preserved in its monuments, buildings, and cultural traditions.
Things to do in Hanoi
1. Explore the Old Quarter
If there’s one place that you cannot miss, as it captures the heartbeat of Hanoi, it’s the Old Quarter. This centuries-old neighbourhood is a maze of narrow lanes and is dedicated to age-old rituals such as silk, herbs and handicrafts.
