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

4.5 /5

Based on 79 experiences from female travelers

4.2 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.2 /5

Based on 22 experiences from local women

Vietnam is currently ranked #46 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.5 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 79 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

4/5

Sa Pa, Solo travel

I had an amazing time. The people are very nice and warm. I would say it was a comfortable city to be in, if only they're now putting the children to work so much. There are a lot of scammers so you need to watch out

Posted: March 17, 2025

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yzc

Singapore

Vietnam, Group travel

I went to Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue. As I was with a tour group, they took me to restaurants crowded with tourists, and I didn’t like the taste of the food as it was probably adjusted to suit foreign tastes. I found the street banh mi vendors amazing. The night markets there were really nice, and the people were all very friendly and welcoming, often trying to speak with me despite limited English. I can’t wait to go back!

Posted: March 17, 2025

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Nguyen

Vietnam

Hue, Family travel

Hue is ancient capital of Vietnam, in the center of Vietnam geographically. The best season to travel to Hue is in Lunar new year holidays, when the weather is not so hot and the rainy season has just passed… People in Hue are very honest and sincere. Foods are deliciuous and not expensive at all. You can find easily a good bow of noodle with much meat with price of 1.5 usd. Accomodations are at very affordable price. I really love Hue, every year I had to visit Hue at least once

Posted: March 13, 2025Experienced: December, 2024

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Vietnam, Family travel

vietnamese aunties are really kind and don't mind showing you how things are done there. the atmosphere overall is so familial and warm. I felt like I was just taking a trip to my granny's local town! I suggest saving up all your money to spend there because there are just so much stuff to buy for a decent price, just be wary of the scammers <3

Posted: March 13, 2025

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Vietnam, Solo travel

Absolutely had a bash of a time. So safe so comfy. People are so warm and there’s sooooooooooooooooooooooo much to explore it’s insane. Would love going there again. It was my first solo international trip

Posted: February 28, 2025

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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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Is Vietnam safe for women?

Safety index

4.2 /5

Based on 22 local experiences

Crime index

1.7 /5

Based on 22 local experiences

Nguyen

Vietnam

I find Vietnam is one of the safest countries I have been travelling. Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Can Tho, etc are safe as you travel in Japan. Ho Chi Minh city is a bit more chaotic than other cities but compared to Rome or Paris, it’s still safe city for solo traveller

Posted: March 13, 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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Meet locals in Vietnam

Nguyen

About Me

My philosophy in life is the famous quotation of Einstein "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid". And I'm also a buddisht following the spirit of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh (who is also vietnamese person) with his philosophy "mindfulnesses" and "to understand is to love".

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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Nguyen

Hanoi

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Vietnam

Sarah

About Me

I‘m currently traveling throw south east asia with a friend. Starting in April, I'll be traveling alone for the first time. I hope to meet many new people on my journey.

Speaking

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Jocelyn

About Me

Hey, I am Jocelyn from Malaysia and I’ll be traveling to South America soon. I would love to meet like-minded people along my journey. I love all things culture, creating content, reading, learning and exploring new things, working out, and cafe hopping.