Is Vietnam Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Vietnam is generally a safe destination for solo female travelers. Both urban and rural areas are generally welcoming and respectful towards foreign visitors. Violent crime rates are low and most locals are helpful towards travelers. However, like anywhere else, it's vital to exercise common sense, stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid isolated areas especially at night. Pickpocketing and petty theft can be a concern in crowded tourist areas and public transportation. It's advised to stay vigilant with personal belongings. Solo female travelers should also note cultural norms and dress respectfully, especially in religious sites.

Safety rating

4.4 /5

Based on 88 experiences from female travelers

4.2 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.3 /5

Based on 31 experiences from local women

Vietnam is currently ranked #56 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.4 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Vietnam?

Safety at night:Moderate

Vietnam is relatively safe for solo female travelers, even at nighttime. The streets tend to be lively with street vendors and tourists; however, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas. As anywhere, it's best to remain aware of your surroundings and stay cautious at all times.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Vietnam generally falls mid-range on the safety spectrum. Buses, taxis and trains are widely used by locals and tourists alike. However, overcrowding and traffic can pose certain risks. It's important to be cautious of your belongings at all times as pick-pocketing can occur, particularly in busy areas. Additionally, taxi scams are known to be prevalent, so always ensure that the meter is on or negotiate a price before the journey starts. Booking taxis through a reputable company or your hotel is advisable. Despite these issues, most people use public transportation without any major problems.

Street harassment:Low

Vietnam tends to be quite respectful towards tourists. Street harassment is not usually a common issue and tourists, including solo female travelers, generally report that they feel quite safe. However, this doesn't mean it is non-existent. Like in any part of the world, it's important to always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Travelers may encounter occasional instances of catcalling or persistent vendors, particularly in busy urban areas, but as a whole, street harassment in Vietnam is not a significant concern.

Petty crimes:Low

Vietnam is relatively safe and petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag-snatching might occur, especially in crowded places such as markets, bus stations, and tourist areas. However, these are not predominantly significant and they can be avoided by taking some usual precautions like not exposing valuables, using a money belt or a pouch hidden under your clothing for important documents and money. It's always sensible to stay alert of your surroundings.

Is Vietnam worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 88 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

iola

United Kingdom

Ho Chi Minh City, Solo travel

I stayed with Mai Mai and her parents from Travel Ladies which was a truly amazing experience, I felt incredibly welcomed and learned a lot from them. It’s a massive city so more expensive than much of vietnam but still massively competitively cheap coming from the UK. I got around almost entirely on motorbikes; using Grab and getting rides from my host. It is a walkable city but to go to big distances a motarbike is useful. I loved seeing the war museum and enjoyed local temples that my hosts showed me far more than the popular tourist ones. I reccomend walking around and exploring if you have the time too, as I found a few hidden gems of pop-up markets and things.

Posted: June 10, 2025

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Tiffany

Switzerland

Vietnam, Solo travel

I spent about 3 weeks traveling solo in Vietnam and overall felt pretty safe—though there were a few moments that come with the territory of being a solo female traveler. I especially loved Da Nang, Huế, and Ninh Bình—each place had its own rhythm, and I could’ve easily stayed longer. I don’t remember my exact budget, but most of my spending definitely went toward flights and hotels. Getting around was surprisingly easy—trains, buses, and even local rides all worked out smoothly. I spent about five days in Hanoi, which in hindsight might have been a bit too long, but the food and coffee scene made up for it. It was a great trip overall. The food was incredible, the culture rich and welcoming, and the coffee—truly next level. Would absolutely go back.

Posted: May 29, 2025

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Sparrow

China

Hanoi, Group travel

Great food and even better people! My friends and I visited Hanoi, Vietnam for approximately a week a few months ago, and the experience still sticks with me. The attractions were amazing and we got to experience the local culture. Overall, a very vibrant and aesthetically rich region.

Posted: May 19, 2025

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Maya

Sweden

Vietnam, Solo travel

I loved the people there and the food was wow, started from Hanoi and ended in Ho chi minh city. Dalat was romantic city and Da nang for nomads , beach city . I spent mist of the time in Da nang and met a lot of friends

Posted: May 15, 2025Experienced: December, 2024

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Hanoi, Solo travel

I felt very safe in Hanoi apart from maybe in traffic. Main way to get around is on a moto so be prepared for that. If u travel during winter remember it can be quite cold. I always wore a sweatshirt and a jacket. Food is great! I felt super safe! Sometimes Google Maps works poorly. Over all amazing!

Posted: May 6, 2025

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Ha Giang, Couple travel

Loved it! Really great experience with a small group, did 3 days 2 nights and it was perfect. We were well taken care of by the riders and saw the most stunning scenery. Only thing is that lunch and dinner is the same food for every day 😂

Posted: April 14, 2025

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Is Vietnam safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 31 local experiences

Crime index

1.7 /5

Based on 31 local experiences

Natalie

Ho Chi Minh City

I’ve lived in HCMC my whole life and honestly it feels like one of the safest places in the world. The traffic in Vietnam is notoriously chaotic but can got used to after a few times of careful navigation. The harassment scene is not terrible, men/ older natives would stare, sometimes with an inappropriate/ judgmental look (especially if we show skin or if you’re a foreigner, not our faults!) but they don’t actively act on it. Catcalling is rare for me also. I was never mugged/ robbed in daylight, even in super crowded places or on public transports, still, always lock the doors at your accommodation and keep valuables close to be safe. Generally, people are kind, friendly, and easy to ask for directions or any other kind of questions as they often try their best to help even if they can’t fluently speak English. Being a young woman myself, I have utter faith in young people here and very comfortable around them, even strangers.

Posted: June 20, 2025

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Kieu

Ho Chi Minh City

I’ve been living in Ho Chi Minh City for more than 2 years and haven’t experienced anything negative when it comes to walking around on the streets, physical abuse, or robbery. Still, as women we should all be cautious of the situation, then it will be alright!

Posted: June 20, 2025

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