Hanoi is the world's most popular city for solo travel.

In the top 15 most popular destinations in the world for solo travel in 2023, Vietnam has two representatives: Hanoi ranked first and Ho Chi Minh City ranked sixth.

The rankings are based on the latest research by leading British travel company Explore Worldwide on global search data. Interest in Vietnam's capital among international travelers increased by over 940% compared to last year's search volume, while Ho Chi Minh City saw a 480% increase.

Pedestrian street in the heart of Hanoi. Photo: Ngoc Thanh — Pedestrian street in the heart of Hanoi . Photo: *Ngoc Thanh*

"It's no surprise that Hanoi is a worthy destination for a solo adventure. Boasting aesthetic beauty and ancient architecture, Hanoi is a place rich in cultural value. Solo travelers have many things to experience, such as visiting food markets, historical sites, or simply admiring the colorful streets," commented a UK-based travel company.

Explore Worldwide rated Ho Chi Minh City as "Vietnam's most vibrant city," a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. Suggested destinations include exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels, taking a boat trip, and dining on the rooftop of a skyscraper with panoramic city views, all in one day.

The remaining cities include: Bangkok (Thailand), Taipei (Taiwan), Seoul (South Korea), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Perth (Australia), Singapore, Sydney, Guangzhou (China), Zurich (Switzerland), Melbourne (Australia), Nice (France), and Manila (Philippines). The fact that only two European cities are in the top list shows the growing trend of solo travelers seeking and visiting destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Explore Worldwide has over 40 years of experience organizing adventure tours to more than 100 countries. Over 98% of customers surveyed said they would return to book a tour with Explore Worldwide for their next trip.

The research, conducted by Explore Worldwide, followed the rise of solo travel hashtag videos on TikTok, which garnered nearly four billion views and helped make solo travel a global cultural phenomenon. To identify the most popular destinations, the company analyzed Google search data over two years. The top cities were not only the most searched cities this year but also experienced a surge in growth compared to the previous year.

According to Ben Ittensoh, Regional Director for Australia and New Zealand at Explore Travel, the latest research shows that travelers are increasingly looking to explore more places beyond traditional Western destinations. "It's exciting to see cities like Hanoi and Bangkok emerging as hotspots for solo adventurers. This trend demonstrates the historical and cultural appeal of these cities, as well as the changing tastes of today's travelers – those seeking unique travel experiences," Ittensoh said.

(By Anh Minh , according to Travel Daily News )

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