Hanoi, Vietnam
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.
Wraps around West Lake and has become the expat area with trendy cafes, international restaurants, and a different vibe from central Hanoi. Xuan Dieu Street has cafes with good wifi and outlets - Capella, Bonjour, and Lakeside have lake views and are set up for remote work. You'll hear more English since many foreigners live here. It's residential and safe, with families walking around the lake and less traffic than the Old Quarter. Sitting alone at cafes all day is normal. Downside is you're far from tourist sites - you'll need Grab to get to the Old Quarter, museums, or historical spots. It's also more expensive with Western-style pricing. Good if you want a quiet base with good cafes and an expat community, but you'll be commuting to see anything.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
LowPublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
LowScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
LowGetting By in English
Excellent"Good for digital nomads - cafes have wifi and outlets"
"Felt safe walking around the lake late at night"
"More expensive but peaceful"
"Far from tourist sites, spent a lot on Grab"
"Easy to meet other foreigners"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
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.
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 Tay Ho (West Lake)
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.