Hanoi crowned Asia’s top solo travel destination in 2026: Know Vietnamese capital’s culture, food and history

By Samira Vishwas On Jan 20, 2026

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.

2. Hoan Kiem Lake

At the centre of Hanoi lies Hoan Kiem Lake, a tranquil oasis loved by locals. People gather here at dawn for tai chi, evening walks, and photos by the iconic Turtle Tower. Cross the striking red Huc Bridge to reach the Ngoc Son Temple, which adds a serene cultural touch to the scenic surroundings. It’s one of the most peaceful places in the city.

Built in the 1070, the Temple of literature is one of Vietam’s proudest hertiage structures. Dedicated to Confucius, it once served as Vietnams’ first national university.

4. Spritial calm at Tran Quoc Pagoda

Set along the serene waters of West Lake, Trấn Quốc Pagoda is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Vietnam. The peaceful atmosphere, tall pagoda structures, and reflection of shrines on the water create a picture-perfect moment.

5. Iconic food items

Hanoi is heaven for food lovers, especially if you enjoy fresh, simple, flavour-packed meals. Must-try dishes include:

Pho – the city’s iconic noodle soup
Bun Cha – grilled pork with noodles
Not on him – crispy fried spring rolls
Egg coffee – a Hanoi-born delicacy made with whipped egg cream

Add this beautiful place to your list of solo travellers for this year and know why it is on the top, with best culture, food and history, one can easily travel alone and explore.