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 91 experiences from female travelers

4.2 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.3 /5

Based on 33 experiences from local women

Vietnam is currently ranked #55 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 91 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

Caitlin

Ireland

Vietnam, Couple travel

If you do one thing in Vietnam, go to the north and do the ha giang motorbike loop it’s incredible!!! Everywhere up the north of Vietnam is beautiful. The scenery is so contrasting and amazing to look at. So many mountains, caves and waterfalls.

Posted: August 11, 2025

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Vietnam, Solo travel

Vietnam is my 1st solo travelling. I was really worried about that, about my safety but I am really surprised that it's very safe country. People are very friendly and i make some new friends here. Really enjoyed their food

Posted: July 11, 2025Experienced: June, 2025

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Hoi An, Solo travel

Do: definitely get a custom dress from a tailor, it costs around 50-70usd, but you can customize it to your liking. Go to the rice fields, it’s super beautiful. Try all local food. If you are a competent driver, get a scooter.

Posted: July 9, 2025Experienced: July, 2025

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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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Is Vietnam safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 33 local experiences

Crime index

1.7 /5

Based on 33 local experiences

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho chi minh is the safe place for girls, specially for solo female travelers. Vietnam is 1 of the safest countries in the world for solo travelers, especially women. We have a lot of options for playing, sightseeing and shopping, etc... So don't worry, feel free to come and enjoy.

Posted: August 21, 2025

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