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 60 experiences from female travelers

4.2 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.9 /5

Based on 14 experiences from local women

Vietnam is currently ranked #61 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 60 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

4/5

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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Annie

Vietnam

Ninh Binh, Solo travel

If you are interested in nature and historical attraction, Ninh Bình is a perfect place ti visit. It's totally safe even if you are a solo traveler, but you need to know how ride a motorbike and rent one to get around easily. There are many places to visit: Trang An river cruise, or Tam Coc boat trip( I find Tam Coc the most beautiful at sunset and less touristy), Hoa Lu ancient Town, Mua Cave hiking, and if you love pagoda, there is Bai Dinh pagoda, located in an island, is very impressive. The food there is very affordable if you can come to the places where the locals usually go, their specialties are nem nướng, chè and roasted duck. You can easily arrive in Ninh Bình by train or bus from either Ha Noi or Ho Chi Minh There are plenty of choices of accommodation, I recommend you should look around Tam Coc, though it a little bit far from the city center, around 3km, the view is stunning with limestone mountains.

Posted: August 5, 2024Experienced: August, 2023

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Phu Quoc, Couple travel

My boyfriend and i went there in the rainy season and we don't recommand. The island has a lot of potentiel but during the dry season to enjoy the beautiful beaches. For us it was rainy and windy, so the beaches were chaotic. We had one sunny day and we spend it in the aquatic park at the end of the cable car. It was super nice. Also, impressive to see the europeen influence on Vietnam's culture in the main town, otherwise ghost island nothing is going on there..

Posted: August 1, 2024

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Ayuzawa

Bangladesh

Vietnam, Solo travel

That trip could not be any more amazing than that I think, while I had zero clue about the culture, language, and everything from food to transportation. Regardless, I found so much inspiration, passion for traveling solo more, love, and unexpected help and support. I thank the whole of Vietnam for making my first ever international solo-trip (again India does not count XD!) so magnificent and appreciate all the kindness, help, and wishes I picked on the road.

Posted: July 29, 2024Experienced: February, 2024

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Steph

Taiwan

Da Nang, Solo travel

I loved Da Nang a lot more than Nha Trang. It feels more artsy and inviting. I absolutely loved the coffee culture, where every street has a beautiful cafe that you want to sit in all afternoon. There is a more hip and art vibe to the city, which is what I enjoy in a place. There are a lot of live music spots and bars, so it seems like the nightlife is still vibrant.

Posted: July 17, 2024

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Vietnam, Solo travel

Vietnam is one of the Buddhism countries, where the people believe do good to earn good. I feel completely safe. Travel transportation is 24/7 and you can book everything last minutes. The cost to travel is extremely cheap. The food is great and so healthy.

Posted: July 13, 2024Experienced: April, 2023

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Is Vietnam safe for women?

Safety index

3.9 /5

Based on 14 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 14 local experiences

Weronika

Da Nang

I feel Da Nang is an extremely safe city. Very similar to the cities in Thailand. People are very friendly. When I walk on my own during the night nobody is cat calling me. Also the Buddhism culture makes ppl here very calm

Posted: November 4, 2024

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Tris

Da Nang

I’m living in Da Nang for many years and feel very safe here. - Nice atmosphere: weather is nice and not polluted - People are nice, you can ask for help anytime - Foods are good and diverse - Great place for digital nomads

Posted: October 7, 2024

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Check all reviews

Meet locals in Vietnam

Lucy

About Me

I’m Lucy. I’m working in infrastructure development and investment advisory. I’m currently based in Hanoi. I’m a vegetarian and a nature enthusiast who loves hiking. I’d be thrilled to connect, share ideas, and experiences, enjoy vegetarian meals, go hiking, or even just meet up for coffee.