Vietnam is generally safe for solo female travelers, offering a welcoming environment and positive experiences for women exploring the country alone. Although petty theft such as pickpocketing can occasionally happen in crowded areas, violent crime remains rare. Moreover, many solo female travelers report feeling secure and enjoy Vietnam’s rich culture and warm hospitality. Always stay aware of your surroundings and follow standard safety precautions, especially in busy cities and tourist hotspots.
Solo Trip to Thailand: The Ultimate Women’s Travel Guide
Women often preoccupied with few questions before making a holiday plan, and, safety concern is one of the top priorities. If you’re thinking of Vietnam as your next destination but are a bit anxious about solo female travel, you’re not alone. Vietnam is often one of the first places new solo travelers consider when it comes to Southeast of Asia, and safety is almost always the biggest question.
British magazine Time Out has named Vietnam, as one of world’s nine safest destinations for solo female travelers. Here in this article, i am going to share moe about tips and what to do in order to make your vacation turn to a memorable one.
Solo Female Travel in Vietnam — Is Vietnam Safe?
I’ve traveled solo in Vietnam several times in the past ten years and i consider it as one of the best destinations in the world for women traveling on their own, including first-time solo female travelers.
There are a number of guides out in Google, but they seems to be lacking in specific tips for women to stay safe while traveling. Additionally, your family or close friends may questioning you “It’s not safe for a woman to travel alone in Asia and Vietnam!” Believe it or not, I know. Are they experienced Vietnam travelers? If not, they’re not the right people to question you.
I’m an expert on solo female travel in Vietnam. I’ve spent few months in Hanoi and almost a year in Saigon, altogether, most of the time traveling on my own, solo. I’ve traveled on a medium budget and in luxury; I’ve traveled to big cities, small towns, lovely islands, and been lucky to explore north of Vietnam on a famous Ha Giang Loop – All as a solo woman traveling alone in Vietnam.
By this time, I have a strong understanding about what traveling in Vietnam is like for women, and I want to share the story about Vietnam solo travel with all of you.
Good things about solo travel in Vietnam
If it’s your first time in Southeast of Asia, then Go to Vietnam. It’s the perfect place to be, cheaper than Thailand (If money concerns), and can be perfectly overwhelming if you’ve never been to Asia before. The good thing about Vietnam is, the country has everything, winter & summer in same time, beach and lush mountain, ethnic minority villages and what else, the beautiful countrysides.
Vietnam offers solo travelers (visitors in general) an ideal mix of everything, many young locals speak enough English, and the well-traveled tourist route makes meeting fellow adventurers simple. Getting a SIM card and staying connected is hassle-free, Wifi is available anywhere. Hostels, day tours, and activities provide great opportunities to socialize. Friendly locals enjoy chatting, creating a warm and unforgettable travel experience.
Vietnam has something for everyone. Vietnam is equally fantastic for students & backpackers who want to party, older couples who love history, and families with young kids. It’s a safe and welcoming country for LGBT travelers. It’s a top culinary destination and within an hour or two flight to it’s big rival, Thailand.
Is Vietnam Good for First-Time Solo Travelers?
If it’s going to be the first time traveling solo, I think south-east of Asia, specially, Vietnam is a great place to start. Even though other destinations in Asia may seem daunting, Vietnam yet is as easy as Asia gets.
Vietnam has been a popular travel destination in the region and you’ll find great places to travel within the country, there are accommodations for all budgets, for backpackers, mid-range travelers, and luxury holiday-makers. Transportation is widely available and easy and the language barrier is not a big deal.
Vietnamese foods are cheap and will likely be familiar to you, the Pho noodle soup, the Bun Cha Obama, and a big variety of veggie dishes, oh wait, and the world’s famous Vietnamese Coffee.
Is Vietnam Good for Experienced Solo Travelers?
O yea, of-course, you can have a great vacation in Thailand if you’re an experienced solo female traveler. If you’re used to traveling in different countries, you’ll find Vietnam and it’s neighboring destinations to be a very easy to travel to.
If you’ve done a lot of solo travel on a moderate budget, you probably have less tolerance for touristy streets or so called old-quarters as a place to stay, i would skip the touristy places like Hanoi old quarter, or Saigon’s Bui Vien, these areas are packed with tourists and usually very noisy.
If you’re heading for the beach cities, i’d recommend avoiding the best known and heading to lesser-known beach town like An Bang in Hoi An, Lang Co between Danang & Hue, Quy Nhon and the Phu Quoc Island. Many of the well-known beach cities in Vietnam are overwhelmed with tourists.
Is Vietnam Safe in General?
Honestly speaking, Vietnam is a very safe country to visit. Few of my western expat friends who have been living in Hanoi have share the same thing as well. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare, and most theft can be prevented with common sense. Petty criminals tend to seek out inebriated travelers, which makes it all the more important to stay sober enough to know where are you going .
Wait! saying this, it doesn’t mean that nothing bad happens, at all. There’s no 100% perfectly safe place in this world. Even if you follow everything perfectly, you can still get scammed.
Best places for solo travel in Vietnam
Here are few destination you should definitely fit it in your Vietnam itinerary, no matter solo, with family and or with friends, these cities are must-see and they offer a great variety of activities to do;
Hoi An
Hoi An makes an excellent choice for solo travel, blending charm with accessibility. The old town provides a wide range of accommodations and activities while maintaining an intimate size that fosters connections with fellow travelers.
This picturesque city captivates visitors with its timeless beauty. Some may call it touristy, but who can resist exploring such an enchanting destination?
- Explore Old Town’s temples and ancient houses
- Cross the iconic Japanese Bridge
- Relax on the tranquil shores of An Bang Beach
- Visit Tra Que vegetable garden to see local produce and enjoy a meal
- Indulge in Hoi An’s unique street food, including Cao lầu noodles and white rose dumplings
- Take a day trip to the breathtaking Marble Mountains
- Discover the city’s cozy and inviting cafes
Hue
Hue, a charming city between Hoi An and Hanoi, served as Vietnam’s imperial capital. While the Citadel sustained damage during the Vietnam War, restoration efforts have brought it back to life, showcasing some of Asia’s most stunning temples.
Start your visit at the Citadel, then explore the Temple of Literature, Linh Mu Pagoda along the Perfume River, and the Royal Temple of Tu Duc. Don’t miss Tu Hieu Pagoda, Minh Mang Tomb, and Khai Dinh Tomb, all perfect for history enthusiasts.
Plan two days in Hue: one for exploring the Citadel and temples, and another for visiting the quirky Abandoned Waterpark, featuring the iconic dragon statue, and fitting in an additional historic site. Hue offers a rich blend of history and unique experiences!
Hanoi
After months of living in Hanoi, it has become one of my favorite places in Asia. The city’s chaos and energy blend with its undeniable charm, making it a top spot for solo travel in Vietnam. Towering mansions, endless street food stalls, and cozy cafes where locals and travelers sip on cà phê nâu or cà phê sữa (Vietnamese drip coffee with or without milk) create a vibrant atmosphere.
Add these must-see attractions to your Hanoi itinerary: the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Train Street, the Women’s Museum, the Water Puppet Show, the French Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Hoa Lo Prison. Beyond the main sights, explore lesser-visited areas like the charming Ngoc Ha neighborhood and Truc Bach Island for a deeper connection to the city.Food lovers should try egg coffee (trust me, it’s better than it sounds!) at local cafes, enjoy street food, find cool spots like Polite & Co bar, and spend an evening at Beer Corner (Ta Hien), sipping on cheap bia hơi (fresh beer). For social vibes, stay in a hostel in the Old Quarter—it’s a great way to meet fellow travelers and plan your adventures together!
Sapa
I spent three days in Sapa, and it became one of the highlights of my Northern Vietnam adventure. This stunning mountainous region offers breathtaking views, incredible hikes, and the chance to connect with hill tribes that preserve their rich cultural heritage.Getting there is straightforward. Book a bus or train from Hanoi and stay in Sapa town, where you can arrange hiking trips and excursions. For an even easier and more social experience, consider joining an organized tour from Hanoi that includes accommodation, guided hikes, and transport.
Hiking boots are ideal if you have them, but I managed fine with old, worn-out sneakers. Be prepared for slippery terrain depending on the season—I slipped and fell more than once, but at least the soft mud cushioned the landings! The hikes suit most fitness levels, making Sapa an accessible and unforgettable destination.
- Check out best things to do in Sapa, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
I prefer Hanoi, don’t ask me why, even though I’ve thoroughly enjoyed visiting Saigon (also called Ho Chi Minh City) over the years. Saigon feels slightly more Westernized than Hanoi and lacks the Old Quarter’s charm, yet it shares similarities like bustling scooter-filled streets and grand French colonial architecture.
- Dive into history at the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace
- Take a day trip to explore the Mekong Delta
- Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an essential part of war history
- Enjoy a show at the Opera House and explore the French district, including City Hall and the Post Office
- Indulge in Saigon’s vibrant food scene at Ben Thanh Market and savor southern specialties like bún bò Huế (beef noodle soup), bún riêu(crab noodles), and bún mắm(seafood broth noodles).
Saigon’s mix of history, culture, and cuisine makes it a fascinating stop in Vietnam!
- Check out best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Halong Bay
The best way to explore Halong Bay is through an overnight cruise. These cruises can be pricier for solo travelers due to single cabin surcharges, but Ha Long Bay is a must-see destination on any Southeast Asia itinerary. don’t even hesitate on this.
Plenty of tours from Hanoi include overnight stays on the boat, kayaking, and other activities. To get the most out of your experience, research and choose a tour that fits your travel style and of course your budget.
Picking the right cruise ensures you enjoy your Halong Bay adventure without feeling out of place. Plan wisely and make this iconic destination unforgettable!
- Learn more about What to do in Halong Bay
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh showcases Vietnam’s breathtaking beauty with towering cliffs, cave complexes to explore by paddle boat, and hiking trails offering stunning views.
Solo female travel in Ninh Binh can be tricky due to its attractions spread across the countryside, requiring a scooter for convenient access. If, like me, you’re not confident driving, consider alternative options. Book a day trip from Hanoi with an organized tour, or stay overnight in Ninh Binh town. From there, arrange a scooter tour with a local driver through your accommodation. Confident drivers can simply rent a scooter and explore independently.
- Ninh Binh’s stunning landscapes make it a must-visit, whether solo or with a guide. Check out Things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam
How to dress-up and what to wear?
Vietnam is hot and humid for most of the year so, for a female Vietnam packing last, choose clothes that keep you cool and protect you from the sun during the summer and keep you warm during the winter (Hanoi and norther has a wild winter). Pack 2-3 pairs of shorts and a couple of summer dresses and you’ll be fine.
Check out best time of the year to visit Vietnam
In terms of what is best to wear, please consider it a conservative country, so it’s important to dress appropriately. You should wear clothes that keep you cool, protect you from the sun, and respect local customs. This advice applies to both men and solo female travelers.
While shorts and short dresses are fine in bigger cities, cover your legs and shoulders when visiting temples. A light sarong is a great option for quick coverage. In other areas, lightweight summer clothes will keep you comfortable. So, cover up with cool, breathable fabrics to avoid sunburn. If you visit Sapa, remember it can get cold, so pack extra layers.
Finally, don’t forget to bring your swimwear, comfortable walking sandals or sneakers for outdoor activities and flip flops for beach time), a sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
Vietnam Packing List
The female packing list doesn’t need to be too large, you don’t really ned to pack way too many clothing. Laundry is cheap, here are my essential packing list suggestion
- 4-5 cotton tops/t-shirts
- 2-3 skirts or lightweight pants
- 1 athletic outfit for hiking in Sapa
- Underwear & Pyjamas
- Sarong or temple cover-up
- Swimwear
- Footwear: 1 pair of sandals, 1 pair of flip-flops, 1 pair of lightweight runners
- A microfibre towel
- Large backpack and small day backpack for hiking
- Secure bag to wear under your clothes on night buses
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
What every woman should know before visiting Vietnam
Traveling alone as a woman in Vietnam is a safe and secure experience. In fact, I feel safer and more comfortable in Hanoi than almost any other destination in Europe. Here’s why:
- Catcalling and street harassment are almost nonexistent. It’s almost disconcerting how pleasant it is. If any man catcalls you as you walk down the street, it will likely be a foreign visitor, not a Vietnamese, it’s really surprising.
- People are out all night in Vietnam. You see locals manning street carts even late at night. This is a good sign which. means you’ll never be alone on the street.
- Vietnamese are incredibly kind and smiling. The locals are kind, they are happily ready to help a solo female tourist, i got help without asking, few times in Hanoi and Danang.
- Cover up a bit. Vietnamese women tend to cover up more than tourists, or westerners in general, and it’s good to blend in by dressing a bit more conservatively and not wearing tight-shorts or super revealing tops.
- Here are a few things to know as a woman traveling solo in Vietnam:
- Tampons and pads are readily available, but… It’s hard to find tampons with applicators in smaller town and northern region such as in Sapa or Ha Giang.
- Condoms are also widely available. You can get them at Circle-K marts, including Western brands like Durex. And in the event that you get a UTI, just head to a pharmacy and they’ll give you a prescription. Vietnamese pharmacists often prescribe quick taking pills for UTIs.
- Many Vietnamese toiletries have bleaching agents added to them. This even happens in products you wouldn’t expect, like deodorant. Make sure to read the labels when you buy any skin products.
Food & Health tips
Eat at busy eateries or street-stalls with both local and foreign customers. Food poisoning could happen anywhere so don’t avoid those yum bite street foodies in favour of a Western restaurant. However, it’s best always to eat where it’s busy, so you know that food hasn’t been sitting around for ages. Read google reviews could be a big help too.
Don’t drink tap water: not a good idea at all and since plastic bottles of water considered unsustainable, I would recommend bringing a refillable water bottle. In Vietnam, some cafes offer free waters from the large filtered units.
Check what vaccines you need: it’s best to check with your healthcare professional back in your home country before heading to Asia, however, NHS recommends Diphtheria, Tetanus, Hepatitis A & B and Typhoid. Rabies and Japanese Encephalitis may also be recommended, specially for the long term travelers.
Get travel insurance: Don’t travel if you can’t get yourself a proper insurance, it is a big travel essentials and not worth taking a risk on. Get one and make sure it covers you while traveling solo in Vientam.
How to Get Around Vietnam on your own
Vietnam is a very easy country to get around. In every tourist destination there are travel agencies on what seems like every corner, and that’s in addition to the guesthouses that double as travel agencies!
Domestic flights
It’s easy to get cheap flights all over Vietnam. Vietnam Airline, Vietjet are the 2 main airline to book domestic flights. Remember to book your flight as early as possible if you’re traveling during Vietnam tet (local new year).
Let me cleat this up: an overnight bus or train from Hanoi to Danang or Hoi An is about 15 hours. A flight is about 70 minutes and usually costs around than $50, one way….
Taking an overnight Train
Vietnam’s train network spans the country, with Hanoi connecting Ho Chi Minh City (with stops on Hoi An, Danang, Nha Trang), or from Hanoi to Sapa. Many routes operate overnight, and taking an overnight train is an experience worth trying! Vietnam reunification express trains often fill up quickly, especially during national holidays. To secure your berth, book tickets through an agency as soon as you arrive in Vietnam.
What about overnight buses?
Not all Vietnamese buses are equal. You have regular-sized buses, usually to popular destinations, and “minibuses,” which are essentially 16 seat vans that drive pretty fast and they are very comfy and modern.
Always ask for a VIP bus, avoid cheap buses as they tend to be not comfortable at all. Bus travel is cheap and affordable. The cost of the sleeper bus ticket for the approximately 7 hour trip from Hanoi to Ha Giang is around 250,000 VND or ~10 USD.
- Check out overnight bus from Hanoi to Danang
Traveling by car
With other popular options to travel inside Vietnam, i don’t think there is a need to rent a car in Vietnam as a solo female traveler, however, it’s an option. It will give you the more freedom to come and go as you like.
Traveling by motorbike
Renting a motorbike in Vietnam adds a sense of adventure to your holiday. Exploring open roads as a solo female, on a motorbike remains one of my favorite experiences.
Always wear a helmet, have an international driving license, and best is not to ride in the evening.
Motorbike rental shops often hold your passport as collateral during the rental period. Check the bike you rent carefully, take photos of scratches and fix the bike condition with the shop before renting one.
Safety tips for travelers
Learn to ride a scooter as this is an adventurous way to explore Vietnam. You need to have an international driving license and if you not have one, simply, don’t drive. Grab app (download it) it’s a very popular ride hailing app, it’s usually cheap and affordable. In smaller town and rural areas, get a Xeo Om (motorbike taxi), fix the price and enjoy.
How to Meet other solo travelers
I’ve met so many friends while traveling solo in Vietnam. If you’re backpacking or traveling on a budget, it’s very easy to meet other travelers traveling alone.
- Join local tours and events. Taking a cooking class or book a day tour to a few different places is a great way to meet other travelers in Vietnam.
- Join the local party scene. If you’re up for party friends, join a local pub crawl, or head to a popular bar in town.
- Put out location on social media. You never know, probably, a friend of yours will have another friend or a family member in Vietnam at the same time as you.
What to budget for solo travel in Vietnam
Your travel budget depends on your style, but for budget travel, staying in hostels, eating street food, and using public transport, i’d say USD 1,000 for one month travel would be more than enough. Add a few hundred dollars if you prefer more comfortable hotels. Traveling solo in Vietnam won’t strain your budget, even if you stay in hotels or take taxis as an individual.
- Street food meal: $2-2
- Bed in a hostel dorm: $5-10
- Private room with breakfast: from $15 or $10 is smaller towns
- Bus ticket between cities: $5-20 depending on distance
Get a holiday-friendly bank account
Revolut and Wise bank accounts are easy to use and possible to sign-up for one to almost all nationalities and allow you to pay without transaction fees or ATM fees. They’re a godsend! However, cary more than one credit card and make sure to ask your home-country bank to check if they are working in Vietnam. The usual bank fee for visa and master would be around 2-4 USD per transactions.
- Find out more info on Vietnam currency and money exchange
My experience as a solo female traveller in Vietnam
I’ve traveled solo to Vietnam three times, and it remains one of my all-time favorite countries and one of the best destinations for solo travelers for sure.
After visiting New Zealand, Bali, Thailand, Manila and Japan’s Tokyo during my 12-month gap year, Vietnam stood out as the easiest and most rewarding country for solo travel.
Moreover, I’ve always felt safe in Vietnam—whether walking alone during the day or at night. The only real concerns were traffic and the occasional barking dog haha, but overall, locals have been incredibly friendly and always smiled at me.
I highly recommend Vietnam for first-time solo travelers. The country has a strong backpacker scene, making it easy to meet people, build connections, and enjoy the journey with confidence.
Enjoy beautiful…
