Avoid These 8 Places to Avoid in Hanoi for Safety

Hanoi is a captivating city of lakes, ancient temples, and lively markets, but knowing the places to avoid in Hanoi can help you enjoy it safely. From crowded night markets and risky Red River ferry crossings to poorly lit alleys in the Old Quarter, each location has unique safety challenges. Drawing on years of guiding travelers, Vietpower Travel—a trusted Vietnam tour operator—shares local insights to protect visitors from theft, unsafe transport, and hygiene risks. This guide blends Hanoi safety tips with insider recommendations so you can explore the capital confidently.

1. 8 Places to Avoid in Hanoi – Local Guide’s List

Dong Xuan Night Market during Peak Hours

Located at Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District, the Dong Xuan Night Market stretches along Hang Dao to Dong Xuan Market and comes alive from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The vibrant atmosphere is enticing, but on weekend nights, the narrow lanes can be packed shoulder-to-shoulder, making it easy for pickpockets to operate unnoticed.

Another overlooked hazard is flooding on nearby Hang Chieu and Hang Giay streets during sudden downpours. The drainage system here struggles with heavy rain, leaving ankle-deep water that slows movement and hides potholes.

How to visit safely:

• Arrive before 7:00 PM to browse before the largest crowds arrive.
• Carry a crossbody bag with secure zippers and keep it in front of you.
• Check the weather forecast—skip visiting during storm warnings.
• If it rains, use alternative entrances from Hang Khoai Street where flooding is less severe.

Train Street (Phung Hung)

Running parallel to Phung Hung Street between Tran Phu and Dien Bien Phu, Train Street is famous for its close encounters with passing trains. The track runs within inches of residential homes, leaving no safe space when a train approaches. Many visitors have been caught off guard by the sudden horn and high-speed rush of the train, leading to injuries.

Since 2019, authorities have blocked access to certain parts of the street, but visitors still try to slip past barricades for a photo, risking fines and personal safety.

How to visit safely:

• Join a licensed photography tour that knows the official viewing spots—some cafes along the track are approved for visitors.
• Avoid standing directly on the tracks. Instead, take elevated shots from the pedestrian bridge on Dien Bien Phu Street.
• If you hear a train approaching, move immediately to a secure area and follow local instructions.

Unsafe Ferry Crossings on the Red River

Small ferry services still operate along the Red River, especially near Nhat Tan, Long Bien, and Chuong Duong. While they may seem like a shortcut to cross between rural and urban areas, many of these boats lack official inspection, proper life-saving equipment, and insurance coverage. Passengers sometimes stand or sit on unstable wooden benches, increasing accident risks.

How to avoid danger:

• Use Nhat Tan Bridge or Long Bien Bridge for crossing—both are safe for pedestrians, bicycles, and motorbikes.
• If you wish to experience the river, choose an official boat cruise from reputable operators at Nhat Tan Wharf or Gia Lam Wharf, which comply with maritime safety rules and offer life jackets for all passengers.

Street Food Stalls with Poor Hygiene

Some of Hanoi’s most authentic flavors can be found on the sidewalks of the Old Quarter and around Ho Tay (West Lake). However, not all stalls uphold food safety standards—some reuse cooking oil repeatedly, store raw meat at room temperature, or leave ingredients exposed to dust and insects.

Safer dining options:

• Choose stalls where you can watch the cooking process from start to finish.
• Look for busy spots favored by locals—high turnover means fresher ingredients.
• Avoid raw salads or uncooked herbs if you have a sensitive stomach.
• Join Vietpower Travel’s Street Food & Culture Tour, which carefully selects vendors with strong hygiene practices, so you can savor pho, bun cha, and banh cuon without health worries.

West Lake at Night

West Lake (Hồ Tây) is one of Hanoi’s largest and most scenic bodies of water, stretching across the Tay Ho District. By day, it’s a peaceful escape with lakeside cafés, temples, and walking paths. At night, however, certain areas—especially the far western side near Nhat Tan Bridge—can feel isolated. Lighting is limited, and police patrols are less frequent here, which has led to reports of petty theft.

The quieter streets along Ve Ho and Thuy Khue can also become congested with motorbikes late at night, making it harder to move away quickly if an incident occurs.

How to enjoy West Lake safely:

• Visit during daylight to explore cafes, Trấn Quốc Pagoda, and the walking paths.
• If you go in the evening, stay in well-lit zones such as Quang An Peninsula or Xuan Dieu Street, where there are more restaurants and people.
• Avoid secluded stretches of the lake after 10:00 PM, especially if alone.
• Keep valuables in a secured bag, and avoid displaying expensive devices or jewelry.

Narrow Old Quarter Alleys

The Old Quarter is famous for its maze of alleys, some barely wide enough for two people to pass. While charming during the day, at night these small lanes—particularly those between Hang Bac, Hang Be, and Ta Hien—become poorly lit and deserted. This creates challenges if you need help, as emergency vehicles cannot access these tight spaces.

Tourists who book budget guesthouses deep inside these alleys sometimes find themselves feeling uneasy after dark due to the low visibility and reduced foot traffic.

Safety tips for Old Quarter alleys:

• Choose accommodation on or near main roads such as Hang Dao or Ma May for better lighting and accessibility.
• If your hotel is located in an alley, arrange for a ride back at night instead of walking alone.
• Travel in small groups after dark, and carry a flashlight app on your phone.
• Stay alert to avoid potential pickpockets or opportunistic theft.

Spontaneous Motorbike Taxi Services

Hanoi’s streets are full of xe ôm (motorbike taxis), but some unregistered drivers cluster around busy tourist spots such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan Market, and the Old Quarter. These drivers may offer cheap fares at first, then demand more mid-ride, or take longer routes to increase the price. Groups of such drivers sometimes pressure travelers into accepting a ride.

How to avoid motorbike taxi scams:

• Use ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be, or Xanh SM for transparent pricing and driver verification.
• If you must take a traditional xe ôm, agree on the fare beforehand and pay only upon arrival.
• Avoid drivers who appear aggressive or who refuse to state a price upfront.
• For visitors following our hanoi travel tips, having a trusted transportation method is one of the easiest ways to stay safe.

Overcrowded Bars and Clubs on Weekends

Hanoi’s nightlife is centered around Ta Hien Street, Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, and several rooftop clubs in the city center. On weekend nights, these areas are crammed with both locals and tourists, making it easy for pickpockets to blend into the crowd.

A particular risk is unlicensed nightlife tours operated by so-called “guides,” who may lead travelers to overpriced bars in exchange for a commission. These venues sometimes overcharge for drinks, add hidden service fees, or provide poor security, putting visitors at risk of theft.

How to enjoy Hanoi nightlife safely:

• Visit well-reviewed bars and clubs with security staff and visible safety measures.
• Avoid leaving drinks unattended, and keep personal items in front of you.
• Consider booking a nightlife experience through a licensed tour operator like Vietpower Travel, which selects reputable venues and ensures you return safely to your accommodation.
• Leave large amounts of cash and expensive jewelry in your hotel safe before heading out.

2. Additional Risk Areas Travelers Should Know

Construction Zones and High-Noise Areas

Hanoi’s rapid urban growth means you’ll often encounter large construction sites, especially in districts like Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem, and Tay Ho. These areas can present multiple hazards, including scattered debris, dust, and restricted walkways. Some major building projects near Tran Hung Dao Street and Kim Ma Street also produce prolonged noise and vibrations, which can cause discomfort, especially if your hotel is nearby.

How to stay safe around construction zones:

• Avoid walking too close to fenced-off sites, as heavy machinery may be in operation.
• Wear a lightweight face mask to reduce dust inhalation.
• Check local traffic updates or hotel reception notices for temporary road closures.
• If noise disrupts your stay, request a room away from street-facing windows or consider moving to another accommodation.

Public Playgrounds Without Supervision

While Hanoi has charming green spaces such as Thong Nhat Park and Lenin Park, some smaller neighborhood playgrounds lack supervision or maintenance. Broken swings, rusty slides, and poorly lit areas can pose risks to children. Locations in less busy residential zones often have no staff present, increasing the chance of injury without immediate assistance.

How to ensure safety for kids:

• Stick to well-maintained, monitored attractions like Bao Son Paradise Park or the Vincom Mega Mall Times City Play Zone.
• If visiting local parks, check that the equipment is in good condition before use.
• Always keep children within arm’s reach, especially in playgrounds without attendants.

3. How to Stay Safe While Enjoying Hanoi

Knowing where the potential risks lie doesn’t mean you can’t fully enjoy the city. By taking a few simple precautions, you can explore Hanoi with peace of mind.

Practical safety measures:

• Use ride-hailing apps such as Grab, Be, or Xanh SM instead of unverified taxis or motorbike services.
• Avoid unsafe ferries by using official bridges or licensed boat operators.
• Pay attention to weather alerts, especially during the rainy season when flooding can occur.
• Reduce exposure to high-noise areas like construction sites or busy nightlife streets if you’re sensitive to loud environments.
• For the most secure and enriching experience, join guided tours from licensed operators like Vietpower Travel, who have years of experience creating itineraries that keep visitors safe while still showing the best of the city.

4. Conclusion

Hanoi rewards those who explore with awareness, steering clear of hazards like unsafe street food stalls, unregistered motorbike taxis, and unmonitored nightlife venues. By following these places to avoid in Hanoi and applying our proven Hanoi travel tips, you’ll discover the city’s charm without compromising safety. Let Vietpower Travel—with its licensed guides, secure transport, and carefully curated itineraries—be your companion in experiencing Vietnam’s capital with confidence. Book your safe and memorable Hanoi journey with us today