Hanoi: learning to swim with pleasure

No sea, but a lake of lanterns, a cathedral that looks like it's straight out of Paris, and the perfect metaphor for those traveling alone for the first time.

There is no sea in Hanoi; it's best to clarify that right away. There's a river where hundreds of lanterns float monthly, but that's not the place to dive in and learn to swim in Vietnam. Hanoi, in fact, possesses excellent characteristics that make it the ideal place to plunge into a journey, primarily of self-discovery. It's all a matter of numbers, environment, and personal inclination.

The city became the sole capital of the country starting in 1976. In that very year, with the victory of the northern army led by Ho Chi Minh, the civil war that had divided the country and led to the fall of old Saigon ended. According to Forbes, the famous economic and financial news magazine founded in New York in 1917, Hanoi was the cheapest destination in the world in 2024 and remains among the cheapest in 2026.

Consequently, and quite naturally, Hanoi has become a top-tier tourist destination in Asia over time. In this city rich in charm and history, one can explore multiculturalism at very reasonable prices. The reduced costs, combined with a deeply welcoming culture, make the capital an ideal destination even for solo travelers who don't want to forgo some basic comforts.

For those who have chosen travel as a lifestyle, sharing a bed in a dormitory with 5 or 11 other people is not always an appealing idea. As we have already seen for other cities in this country, in Vietnam it's possible to access decent accommodation at competitive prices without necessarily relying on the financial support of a travel companion.

An opportunity to get to know yourself beyond scrolling

By doing so, a trip to Vietnam can become an introspective experience of knowledge and self-determination; a journey of self-discovery as well as of beautiful and captivating places. By exploring the secrets linked to local traditions, it's possible to delve into your thoughts and, why not, dig deep into those emotions that the frantic pace of everyday life prevents us from paying due attention to, offering us constant distractions like scrolling on social media.

Traveling alone is wonderful, but it's not for everyone. It's a bit like diving into the deep end of the pool without armbands for the first time. Everyone can do it, and many are already aware of it. What differentiates a solo traveler from someone traveling in a group is simply a touch of recklessness and a pinch of self-confidence.

You're there at the edge of the pool. You know you can do it. You've done it before, and it went well, but there were adult eyes watching over you. Now it's just you and the pool. You know you can't touch the bottom there, and armbands are no longer an option. What do you do, jump?

If you've ever experienced the thrill of impulsively plunging into cold water with your clothes on, you know what it feels like. Your chest tightens as your shirt clings, increasing hyperventilation. Your feet touch the bottom, then you push off upwards. Once on the surface, your breath is still ragged, anxiety mixed with fear accompanies the rapid movement of your eyes scanning the surroundings. Slowly, you acclimate, and your heart rate calms. A half-smile appears on your face as you fully realize that the worst is over. It's done, you're floating.

Fear is overcome, and the initial apprehension about one's abilities quickly becomes a distant memory. In a few minutes, you're swimming lap after lap, and looking back, you feel a bit silly for having felt so insecure. Starting to travel alone is very similar to this. For this very reason, it's not good to be pushed into the pool when you're not ready. That's why true motivations must come from within and shouldn't solely come from external sources. Certain choices have their own timing, and they must be respected. Often, people don't leave because they can't find a companion or because they fear high costs, or even due to safety concerns. However, I hope these stories have managed to convey the idea of a safe, affordable, and hospitable Vietnam.

The dilemma of authenticity: the social media trap

Another side of the coin, however, concerns the frantic search for uniqueness and adventure at all costs. Very often you hear phrases like: "that place is touristy, everyone goes there." At that point, the autopilot in our brain makes the hasty conclusion that that destination should be discarded due to the large influx of people.

Hanoi is now a popular destination for many, but that doesn't mean it should be avoided. Very often, the obsessive search for an authentic experience at all costs risks leading people astray. With the advent of social media, a craze and an anti-craze have developed. The first involves visiting places and doing activities just because everyone else does them. The second concerns the historical opponents of the first, i.e., those who seek extreme originality at all costs.

If you're part of the first group, you run the serious risk of waiting hours in line to get the exact same photo that everyone else has already posted on their Instagram. If, on the other hand, you insist on taking the beaten path at all costs just because it's considered more authentic, you might end up spending an indefinite period in an isolated location, shunned even by the locals. Reconciling both sides of the coin is not easy, but it is certainly possible.

What to see in Hanoi: itinerary tips

If you are planning a stop in the capital of Vietnam, there are some urban must-sees that cannot be missing from your travel notebook:

St. Joseph's Cathedral: Located right in the historic center, this majestic church is inspired by the famous Notre Dame de Paris. Its architecture immediately harks back to the French colonial period and is dedicated to the patron saint of Vietnam for people of the Catholic faith.

The Old Quarter: An ancient and vibrant district where it's wonderful to get lost on foot among traditional cafés, historic temples, and charming spots ideal for photography.

Hoan Kiem Lake: The perfect place to take a relaxing stroll at sunset, observing city life slow down along its banks.

The Pho ritual: The evening can only conclude by enjoying an excellent hot Pho at one of the many small traditional eateries located around the lake area.

There are many things to do and see in the capital, and this column aims to be an explicit invitation to pack your bags and leave, disconnecting from a daily routine where you often risk drowning in too many daily commitments.

Lightly, which doesn't mean superficially, dive into the chaos of this splendid world. By traveling and seeing new places live that you usually only search for on digital maps, you will discover much more about yourself. You might feel a bit cold at first, but you'll get used to it quickly. And then, just like when your mom called you out of the water because your fingers had become wrinkled, you'll shake your head in disagreement, asking to stay a little longer. Exactly the same feeling as when a trip is over and it's time to go home.

Wear Your Mood: the essential for your introspective journey

Letting go of armbands and learning to float on your own requires confidence, but also the right gear to move with complete freedom. Tabishi's garments are designed for solo travelers who seek the perfect balance between comfort and style. Essential organic cotton pieces to travel light, without unnecessary burdens on your soul and in your luggage.

FAQ

Is Hanoi suitable for solo travelers?
Yes — it's affordable, safe, and welcoming, ideal for those experiencing solo travel for the first time.

What are the must-sees in Hanoi?
St. Joseph's Cathedral, the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and — in the evening — a hot Pho at a traditional eatery.

Is Hanoi too touristy a destination?
It's very popular, but that doesn't mean it should be avoided: authenticity depends on how you experience it, not on the crowds.