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 66 experiences from female travelers

4.2 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4 /5

Based on 16 experiences from local women

Vietnam is currently ranked #51 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 66 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

4.1/5

Vietnam, Solo travel

My first solo trip - felt super safe all throughout. Loved the people, food, beauty, culture - everything the country had to offer. Can’t wait to go back and see more of north Vietnam, including Sapa valley and the Ha Giang loop.

Posted: January 6, 2025

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Hoi An, Couple travel

In Hoi An I felt very safe. I was traveling with my partner, but some nights, when he was in need of a break and just wanted to relax, I would go by my self to explore and find some fresh snacks at the streetfood-markets. Loved it!

Posted: January 6, 2025Experienced: March, 2024

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Nicole

Switzerland

Vietnam, Group travel

It was amazing. I travallet from ho chi minh city to hanoi. Food was nice, travalling was safe, open a d friendly people, respectfull treatmenf as a woman, i felt wellcomed and safe all the time. There is a lot to see and enjoy. I advice more then 2 weeks of spending time there.

Posted: January 4, 2025

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Shiri

Germany

Vietnam, Solo travel

I motobiked from Saigon to Ha Giang and then back to Hanoi. Highly highly recommend! There is no better way to see Vietnam. I was scared at first to rent a motobike (I rented in Saigon and returned it 1 month later in Hanoi) without a licence and as a solo traveller. But they taught me to drive in the rent shop and I also met there my first road trip buddy. I also had parts of my trip when I was driving alone for a few days here and there, and I felt completely safe and confident. Actually, I would say driving a motorbike on my own increased my confidence. My favourite part was when me and two friends I met on the way took a 3 day detour off the main highways into the central Highlands to find an abandoned airport runway in the middle of the mountains, where we could go at our top speed without any other traffic, only us and the forest. This detour also gave us another opportunity to stay in rural towns and villages and see the side of Vietnam other than the main tourist attractions, and in those areas, I encountered the most kindness as well!

Posted: December 26, 2024Experienced: March, 2023

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Sofia

Morocco

Vietnam, Solo travel

It was incredibly safe despite the buzzing life almost every where. The food was varied and rich. All restaurants had a good food experience. And the coffee was always cheap and excellent. I highly recommend for a first time solo traveler !

Posted: December 4, 2024

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Maliy

Taiwan

Vietnam, Solo travel

I spent a month in Vietnam, and it’s surprising to see how much effort they put into taking the travel industry to the next level. At the same time, you might wonder how the locals manage to get by. The regions—north, central, and south Vietnam—each have very distinct characteristics. However, after the pandemic and with inflation, prices have increased by around 15-20%. The only time I felt unsafe was when I was seen as an easy target to get money from. But overall, Vietnam is still a wonderful place to visit.

Posted: October 8, 2024

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Hina

Japan

Hanoi, Solo travel

I felt the mixture of Asian and European style in their architecture and food. Also, the Hanoi old quarter is full of beautiful trees which made me so happy and relaxed! Everything is cheap there so you don’t need to care too much about your budget while staying there!

Posted: September 21, 2024

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Hanoi, Solo travel

Hanoi is chaotic and bustling, especially in the old quarter. Don't let this deter you, as the Old Quarter is really the only place you should be staying in on your trip to Hanoi. There is coffee shops and food there, the best.

Posted: August 16, 2024Experienced: July, 2024

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Vietnam, Solo travel

I spent most of my time in the north of Vietnam. The pictures are mostly from the Ha Giang and the Cao Bang region. Both regions are especially famous for scooter loops. I can especially recommend the cao bang loop. You can do it by yourself, just rent a scooter and follow the roads. The hostels in cao bang also have all necessary informations regarding the route and the attractions. I was alone there and there are not as many foreigners there but the locals are very friendly and kind. Highlight: angel eye mountain (see photos) Food is delicious and everything is pretty cheap.

Posted: August 8, 2024Experienced: June, 2024

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Natalie

Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, Solo travel

HCMC is a surprise. Not only safe for women but full of chaotic experiences. The food is mouthwatering good, the transport or Grab bike is cheap and easy and the Vietnamese are peaceful. Its a vibe!

Posted: August 8, 2024

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Is Vietnam safe for women?

Safety index

4 /5

Based on 16 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 16 local experiences

Uyen

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a big city but still safe for foreign travelers as long as they are not too relying. Crimes can happen everywhere in the world not just in Ho Chi Minh City when people are not prepared and cautious.

Posted: January 9, 2025

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Tây Ninh Province

I’m a local in Tay Ninh, I have been living here for more than 22 years. I’m strongly believe my hometown is one of the safest destinations in Vietnam. The living cost here is pretty cheap so I don’t think there’s a reason for someone to rob your property.

Posted: December 25, 2024

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Meet locals in Vietnam

Sunny

About Me

I’m Vietnamese, I live in Phu Yen province and welcome all friends to visit my hometown with free couchsurfing

Speaking

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Mal

About Me

Im a travel lover. Also, a foodie. Been to 63 provinces in Vietnam and 17 countries. Hope i can be of your help!

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Vietnam

Mal

Ho Chi Minh City

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Im a travel lover. Also, a foodie. Been to 63 provinces in Vietnam and 17 countries. Hope i can be of your help!

Speaking

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Sunny

Sông Cầu

Can host for:

7 days

About me

I’m Vietnamese, I live in Phu Yen province and welcome all friends to visit my hometown with free couchsurfing

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Vietnam

Valentina

About Me

Hello world ✨️ I'm Valentina, 28 years old. I had a nomadic upbringing with a German father and a Russian (from Kazakhstan) mother. After many years of moving I made Brussels my home — still I yearn to see and discover different parts of the globe and that's why I'm here. When I'm not travelling I'm reading, singing in my choir, hosting dinner parties, coming up with unusual inspirational ideas with friends and trying to make them into a reality. I love being surrounded by good people, which is what makes life, in my opinion, truly magical:)

Speaking

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Kateřina

About Me

Hello dear travelers this is Katerina from the Czech Republic (the writer, screenwriter, director and writing mentor originally from Prague), now living 3,5 years in the countryside of Prague. I am currently a full time mum and I am coming love these kinds of special and amazing possibilies to get to know each other world wide. I have studied the literature and film and worked as a director and in many fields. And now I am mostly with my two little goblins :) my daughter Astrid - 4 years old, and my son Arne - 1 year old. It would be wonderful to meet you in person when you are around. We are a very relaxed family and we have done a lot of hosting via Couchsurfing, AirBnB, BeWelcome, Trustroots and Warm Showers, So I think I have some idea of how to manage us. I have also previously studied Hotel Management, Travel and Tourism, and I have travelled a bit, so I think I am travel experienced, independent, responsible and reliable as well. So I will be excited to get any kind of message from you. CONTACTS: By the way I am able to video call with you almost any time if you would like to have a chat in person - online. I can also send you my Facebook profile link, or other social links (as Pinterest, or LinkedIn, etc… I can also share with you the references of people I have hosted through other platforms and references from the people I have hosted in my places as well if you would like to have some more idea about me, by the experiences and eyes of the others. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to write to me and I will get back to write you as soon as possible of course. Anyway thank you for reading this far, I really appreciate it. Warm greetings from Czech Republic to you, Katerina, Astrid and Arne