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 74 experiences from female travelers

4.2 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.2 /5

Based on 21 experiences from local women

Vietnam is currently ranked #50 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 74 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

4/5

Vietnam, Family travel

My brother and I traveled from south to north for two weeks in Vietnam and it was an incredible time. We saw a lot of different things. Even in Vietnam the landscape and climate changed when we got further in the north direction.

Posted: February 19, 2025Experienced: February, 2024

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Jasmijn

Belgium

Vietnam, Group travel

I loved travelling Vietnam, I had an amazing time there. I felt always safe, the people are very friendly and there is always something to do. I would recommend Hoi An and visiting some caves. I didn’t get to do the ha giang loop, which I think is a must. I didn’t really think Ho Chin Min is that great. You must eat Banh Mi, Pho and Bun Cha. Look for local spots that only serve one dish, they are the best. If you can take a night train. They are a fun experience and easy way of crossing some distance. Not the best sleep but part of it.

Posted: February 8, 2025

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Ho Chi Minh City, Couple travel

At first I felt like the city has very dirty, and the fact there are rats all over the place is a bit scary, but somehow it is a charming city, a big dance community over there, and overall you have great things to do

Posted: February 2, 2025Experienced: December, 2024

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Rae

Australia

Da Nang, Solo travel

Da Nang is one of my favourite cities I’ve visited. From swimming in the ocean, to sampling the local specialty mì quàng, to visiting the Lady Buddha at the mountaintop temple, to exploring the brightly coloured and beautifully lit bridges after sunset. It has a lot to offer! I’d highly recommend visiting, and don’t forget to visit neighboring Hoi An for their incredible lanterns and delicious cao lau.

Posted: January 31, 2025

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Tally

Switzerland

Vietnam, Couple travel

Vietnam is a really interesting and beautiful country! People are helpful and curious and always want to chat with you. I traveled with my partner and never felt unsafe. We also did things on our own and I always felt safe. Sometimes people approached me to take pictures with me - and some of them didn't ask. Then I told that this is unpolite and they apologized. I recommend driving a motorcycle through the whole country or at least in the north. The mountains are incredible beautiful! But be aware of the traffic - it's just insane and not comparable to traffic in Europe. You need to get used to it. Food is delicious. I am vegetarian so at one point food became a bit boring because they have a lot of meat-menus. Nevertheless I always ate delicious, fresh food!

Posted: January 30, 2025Experienced: April, 2023

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orane

Israel

Vietnam, Family travel

I loved traveling to Vietnam. It was so gorgeous so many views and places and things to see a lot of great restaurants but not very tasty and they’re very local and cultural so it’s special If you like that. I did personally a lot of shopping there’s a huge market, flea market, and I went to Hotels because I stayed with Family so I had to luxury to stay at very nice hotels Vietnam in general is very cheap other than that Not very safe to be alone but if you’re with other people then I guess it could be good.

Posted: January 22, 2025Experienced: March, 2023

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Vietnam, Couple travel

Started our travel from the South and headed North. Visited many cities and places. I would choose to stay less in Ho Chi Minh city because it's very noisy and crowded. Vietnam is a very dirty country filled with garbage and locals tend to become pushy in order to buy something from them. Felt very safe everywhere around the country.

Posted: January 17, 2025

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Theresa

Germany

Ho Chi Minh City, Solo travel

Ho Chi Minh City was my first solo trip. From the moment I left the plane I felt safe. The people are amazing and always willing to help you out. I stayed at the city backpackers hostel and met the best people there. The receptionist was amazing and really helpful whenever I needed help with planing something. In the city you can walk to most of the attractions. But be careful with walking because they drive like they have unlimited lifes. There are so many good places to eat but the best one was definitely Bánh Mì Xanh in district one. They had the best vegan báhn mì ( try the spicy tofu one). I went there everyday🫣. Next to the city hall there’s a market and there are so many great food spots and you can buy nice clothes there:) I had an amazing time in HCM. I will definitely go there again and always recommend it to other people.

Posted: January 15, 2025

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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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Is Vietnam safe for women?

Safety index

4.2 /5

Based on 21 local experiences

Crime index

1.7 /5

Based on 21 local experiences

Ho Chi Minh City

It’s the safest place I’ve been to as a woman, being able to walk freely wearing whatever I want has been the most liberating experience, and men here are more friendly than predatory, it’s an amazing city with amazing people

Posted: February 14, 2025

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Gianne

Hanoi

Hanoi is a relaxing and safe city, it’s very secure and there is always ways people open to help, is very rare when people get robbed, and the few case that have gone down while I been here is when someone gets drunk and the pass out in a taxi and they get dropped off anywhere, or the case of being overcharged when going out if you double check the bills

Posted: February 12, 2025

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