Mysterious aromas, rhythmic city sounds, and a way of life that is truly magnetizing – this whirlwind of senses is what you’ll find exploring one bustling Asian city.
With a young population driving rapid growth in the last decade, it’s a fitting testament for a country only reaching a consistent level of peace since the 1980s.
Once ruled for centuries by China, followed by France, then ongoing conflicts with the U.S., and ultimately neighboring Cambodia, the fascinating country of Vietnam has become one of Asia’s biggest thrills.
For a nation whose timeline is scarred by war, you’d almost never know it with such friendly locals welcoming all walks of life with open arms.
Vietnam is certainly not a one-stop shop, but a great starting point is the capital city, Hanoi.
Super safe, insanely cheap, and a dizzying array of experiences will captivate solo travelers instantly as you’ll discover a world unlike anything back home.
A Culture Seeker’s Dream
I remember that, in college, I went through a short-lived motorcycle phase. I was more determined to get a motorcycle than I was to graduate.
But my family talked some sense into me, ultimately deciding to avoid buying a highway death missile and stick to four wheels.
Hanoi is the exact opposite of what my family instilled in me. It’s safe to say if you’re not on two wheels, then you’re actually not getting the full Hanoi experience.
Almost everyone has a motorbike of some sort as a cheap, efficient way to get around, and it’s much safer than it appears; it’s all part of the rhythm of the city.
As previously influenced by both Chinese and French colonial rule, Hanoi offers visitors a unique blend of cultures.
More so on the French side in terms of cuisine and architecture, like the astounding French Quarter. And more so on the Chinese side in terms of deeply rooted traditions and customs that remain today, like the unmissable silk shops you’ll encounter.
You’ll find picturesque pagodas, eye-catching temples, and action-packed markets set within this metropolis of weaving scooters and quaint alleyways; the type of place that gives you permission to get lost as you never know the unexpected delights you’ll discover.
Besides the Old Quarter (another visit), the ‘North Star’ of many Hanoi tourists is the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, a great place to recharge away from the city chaos.
Everything Is Cheap! And I Mean EVERYTHING!
Since I’ll scold you if you don’t rent a pair of wheels, let’s get that one out of the way.
To start your epic trip off right, there are numerous rental agencies costing $5 to $10 per day.
Next, let’s talk food. Street food is a way of life here at all hours of the day.
It’s not unreasonable to find a cold local beer for just 25 cents, while a bowl of hot noodles may cost 90 cents to a dollar.
Circling back to Hanoi’s strong French influence, this translates to food too. If you’ve been to Vietnamese restaurants in the States, chances are you may have tried, or at the very least seen, Banh Mi’s on menus.
These delicious sandwiches are French-inspired baguettes filled with a variety of savory ingredients and cost under $3.
The list goes on and on… Anything with noodles and hot broth you’ll definitely want to try!
And don’t forget to start your day with a Vietnamese coffee. To really get your juices flowing, you can sit at numerous cafes along the famous Hanoi Train Street, where a train whizzes by a little too close for comfort but makes for an amazing photo-op.
Accommodations certainly won’t break the bank either. If flying solo, there is no need to stress booking lavish digs either.
Hanoi is the second cheapest tourist destination in the world, after all.
Hostels start out at just $3, but you can comfortably stay at 4-star hotels too, like the Riverside Hanoi Hotel as low as $31 per night.
All in all, you can easily get by under $50 per day if you choose.
The Elephant In The Room
Not to get political here, but not many Americans are visiting Afghanistan right now. Partly because it’s dangerous and partly because, well, it’s slightly awkward because of the U.S.’s involvement.
When nations go to war, it’s important to remember people are not their governments. Vietnam seems to hold no qualms with Americans visiting despite the dark blemish on both countries’ past.
Vietnam as a whole is very safe, and you don’t have to feel awkward exploring a country our elders controversially invaded in the ’60s.
Frankly, it’s a fascinating and important topic ranging from Woodstock to the invasion itself. And there may be no better place to delve into this complex timeline than Hanoi’s Vietnam Military History Museum.
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