Hanoi, Vietnam
Quieter colonial district with wide boulevards, upscale cafes, and better lighting than the Old Quarter. More expensive and less authentically Vietnamese, but walkable and calm. Good if you want a peaceful base near the main sights.
Just south of the Old Quarter, this area has wide tree-lined boulevards, colonial buildings, and way less traffic. You'll find the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, the Opera House, and cafes serving French pastries with Vietnamese coffee. It's quieter and more upscale than the Old Quarter - better lighting, cleaner sidewalks, higher prices. St. Joseph's Cathedral is the main landmark, with good cafes around it for working. English is more common here. The calmer atmosphere is nice, but it feels less authentically Vietnamese and more like a preserved colonial zone. Good if you want a peaceful base that's still walking distance to major sites, though you'll need to go elsewhere for street food and nightlife.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
ExcellentHarassment Risk
LowPublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
LowGetting By in English
Excellent"Much calmer than Old Quarter but still walkable to everything"
"Felt safe walking at night with good lighting"
"More expensive but worth it for the peace"
"Beautiful architecture, feels like Paris"
"Less authentic but comfortable"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
The expat neighborhood around West Lake with cafes set up for remote work and a residential feel. Safe and comfortable but far from tourist sites and more expensive than central Hanoi. Good for digital nomads or people who want a quieter base.
Government district with major historical sites like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature. Very safe with constant police but quiet at night with few dining or nightlife options. Better as a day trip than a place to stay.
Hanoi's main tourist area with intense street energy, constant activity, and good street food. Chaotic and crowded but well-lit and busy enough to feel safe. Best for first-timers who want to be in the center of things, though bag snatching is common.
Help other women stay safe in French Quarter
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.