Best 6 Places to Meet Travellers in Hanoi for You to Know

Backpacking through Vietnam solo? You’re not alone if you know where to find new friends! So Where to Meet Travellers in Hanoi you ask?. Hanoi is buzzing with travellers from all over the world, and the best part is, meeting people here is surprisingly easy if you know where to look.

Whether you’ve just checked into your hostel or you’re prepping for your next adventure up north, here are six low-pressure, fun ways to connect with other travellers in Hanoi — plus a bonus tip on where many of them are heading next.

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1. Stay at a Social Hostel in Hanoi

The easiest way to meet travellers is still the old-school one: book into a good hostel.

Not just any hostel — a social hostel. That means shared dorms, free welcome drinks, and comfy common areas. These places naturally bring people together over breakfast, beers, or bunkbed small talk.

Quiri Hostel Hanoi is one of the most backpacker-friendly spots in the Old Quarter.
You get:

• Free breakfast

• A welcome beer on arrival

• Chill hangout vibes

• And — bonus — most guests are heading north to do the Ha Giang Loop

So you’re not just meeting travellers, you’re probably meeting your future Loop crew too.

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2. Grab a Beer on a Bia Hoi Corner

Hanoi’s street beer culture is legendary. You’ll find plastic stools, kegs of fresh beer for 10K VND, and a chaotic, lively energy — especially on Ta Hien Street (aka Beer Street).

It’s loud, it’s busy, and it’s the place to strike up random conversations with other backpackers, expats, or curious locals. Just sit down, clink glasses, and ask the classic:

“Where are you from?” or “Where are you heading next?”

You’ll be surprised how many say “I’m doing the Loop tomorrow.”

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3. Join a Food Tour or Cooking Class

If bar talk’s not your style, food is always a safer bet.

Backpacker-friendly food tours and cooking classes are a great way to bond with other travellers without awkward icebreakers. You’ll explore hidden stalls, learn to wrap spring rolls, and maybe swap travel plans over bun cha.

A few popular options:

• Hanoi Street Food Tour

• Vegan Food Tour Hanoi

• Local-style cooking workshops in the Old Quarter

And yes — these tours are often filled with people who have Ha Giang on their radar.

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4. Chill at a Backpacker Cafe

Some of the best conversations start at cafes, not bars. Hanoi is full of small, artsy spots where backpackers linger over egg coffee or punch out blog posts between trips.

Look for places with community tables or travel boards:

• The Note Coffee (with sticky notes from around the world)

• Blackbird Coffee (near Hoan Kiem)

• Sketch Coffee (quiet, good for casual chats)

Bonus tip: a lot of these cafes post flyers or handouts from Loop tour companies — especially Ha Giang Vision.

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5. Join a Pub Crawl or Party Night

If you’re ready to turn up the social dial, join a pub crawl.

Many hostels organize them nightly — and they’re open to anyone, not just guests. You’ll bounce between dive bars, play beer pong, and probably lose your voice by the third stop.

Places like 1900 Le Theatre and Dragonfly Bar are backpacker staples. If you’re into party-hostel energy, this is your move.

And don’t be surprised if the people you get drunk with end up on the same Ha Giang Loop tour with you the next day.

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6. Take a Free Walking Tour of the Old Quarter

Prefer something slower? Free walking tours are great for solo travellers.

They usually have small groups (6–10 people), and you’ll spend an hour or two walking around temples, markets, and hidden alleys with a local student guide. It’s easy to chat, share stories, and make plans.

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Bonus: Most Backpackers You Meet Are Doing the Ha Giang Loop

Here’s the truth: If you’re meeting backpackers in Hanoi, there’s a high chance they’ve just done the Ha Giang Loop or are about to.

At Quiri Hostel Hanoi, dozens of travellers book the Loop every week through our in-house partner, Ha Giang Vision. And when you book through us, everything’s smooth:

• Sleeper bus from Hanoi

• Free early dorm bed when you arrive in Ha Giang

• Motorbike rental or easy rider

• Meals, fuel, homestays included

• Small group size (8–14 max)

So if you’ve just met your new crew at breakfast or Bia Hoi, why not ride with them tomorrow?

Ask our reception team at Quiri Hostel Hanoi to reserve your seat. Trust us — this is the adventure most backpackers will tell you was the highlight of their Vietnam trip.