Vietnam Trip for Older Travellers: Hanoi at 69 & 73

If you think a Vietnam trip for older travellers has to be slow or timid, Lorraine and Grace will happily prove you wrong. At 69 and 73, these two lovely ladies from Melbourne took on Hanoi with more confidence and enthusiasm than travellers half their age — phone left at home and all.

Lorraine & Grace’s trip at a glance

Travellers: Lorraine and Grace, friends from Melbourne (69 and 73)
Trip length: 9 days, 8 nights in Vietnam
Base: Hanoi — including a self-guided evening at Train Street
Trip style: independent, confident, full of curiosity
Highlight: watching the train roar past, drinks in hand

How a Vietnam trip for older travellers came together in no time

I still remember the very first moment Lorraine reached out through our chat box, asking about her travel plans to Vietnam. Everything after that moved quickly and effortlessly — within a short time, Lorraine and her friend Grace had already locked in their nine-day, eight-night journey.

On the day they arrived, I messaged to check in, but Lorraine wasn’t online, and I started to worry a little. A moment later, Grace called to let me know they’d completed all the arrival procedures and were already waiting for our driver. That’s when I learned Lorraine had accidentally left her phone back in Australia.

Confidence, curiosity, and Train Street

I’ll admit I was concerned — travelling in a new country without a phone can be inconvenient. But everything went smoothly. These two truly embraced the adventure, exploring confidently and independently.

During their time in Hanoi, they even made their own way to Train Street, enjoyed a few drinks, and experienced the train passing right in front of them. I was genuinely impressed.

“At 69 and 73, they travel with such skill, confidence and enthusiasm — it was genuinely inspiring to see.”

Ideal pacing: for confident older travellers I still like an unhurried rhythm — a couple of full Hanoi days, an easy day out, then free evenings to wander (Train Street is perfect for that) rather than early starts back to back.

On the day they flew home, I felt grateful to have met them and to be a small part of their journey. I truly hope our paths cross again here in Vietnam — and I wish them both plenty of health, happiness and many more beautiful trips ahead.

Tips from Lorraine and Grace’s trip

Age is no barrier. With arrivals and transfers arranged, Vietnam is very manageable — and rewarding — for travellers in their 60s and 70s.
Have a local contact. Even if a phone goes missing, knowing your driver and team are organised keeps everything calm.
Leave room to explore. Some of the best moments, like Train Street, happen when you wander on your own in the evening.

Want a trip like theirs?

Fancy an independent yet well-supported week in the north? Their route is close to our Best of Northern Vietnam tour, and easy to stretch to nine days like a relaxed highlights route. Message me, Lan, and I’ll pace it comfortably for you, starting in Hanoi.

Over to you: have you been to Hanoi’s Train Street? I’d love to hear how you found it — tell me in the comments below. Thank you!

Quick FAQ from Lorraine and Grace’s trip

Is Vietnam suitable for travellers in their 70s?

Absolutely. With transfers, hotels and tours arranged in advance, it’s comfortable and rewarding for older travellers. An unhurried pace and a reliable local team make all the difference.

Is Hanoi’s Train Street worth visiting?

Yes — it’s a genuinely memorable Hanoi experience, watching the train squeeze past the cafés. Go in the early evening around train times and take a seat at one of the trackside spots.

If you’d like a confident, comfortable Vietnam trip at your own pace, get in touch with My Viva Tour — we’ll look after every detail, just as we did for Lorraine and Grace.