Solo Female Travel in Vietnam

Vietnam, a narrow Southeast Asian country stretching over 1,650 km from north to south, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural history, and vibrant city life. Nestled between the South China Sea to the east, and Laos and Cambodia to the west, the country displays a mesmerising blend of enchanting beaches, verdant mountains, terraced rice fields, and busy urban landscapes. Vietnam's highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ha Long Bay and the ancient town of Hoi An, the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh with its French colonial landmarks, and the capital, Hanoi, famous for its centuries-old architecture and a rich food culture with notable dishes such as Pho and Banh Mi. The allure of Vietnam is augmented by its fascinating war history, displayed in numerous war remnants sites, and the complex array of ethnicities that comprise its vibrant culture.

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Travel index

Safety:Safe

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.

Transport:Moderate

Getting around in Vietnam is manageable but requires a bit of local knowledge and patience. The country has a wide range of transport options such as local buses, taxis, motorbikes, and bicycles. However, language barriers and lack of regulation can sometimes create a challenging environment. Nevertheless, the friendliness of the Vietnamese people together with the cheap cost of transportation make it an overall positive experience. Always be aware of your surroundings and negotiate fees before using services.

Things to do:Interesting

Vietnam has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty and cultural experiences. From vibrant major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where you can immerse yourself in the bustling street life, to the tranquility of places like Halong Bay and the terraced fields of Sapa. There are opportunities for interesting activities such as cooking classes, trekking, caving, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Rich in history, it's home to ancient temples, French colonial architecture, and significant war sites. Also, Vietnam is famous for its street food, so it's a foodie paradise too.

Food:Excellent

Vietnam offers an impressive variety of delicious dishes, representing a range of flavors from diverse regional cuisines. From the ever-popular Pho and Banh Mi to the less-known but equally mouth-watering dishes like Bun Cha and Mi Quang, you will find yourself amazed by the depth of flavors in Vietnamese cuisine. Seafood lovers will find the coastal regions a paradise with fresh catches cooked to perfection. Besides, the local street food culture is a vibrant part of Vietnam's gastronomic identity, offering affordable and flavorful meals. Vegan or vegetarian? You won't be stranded as Vietnam also provides plenty of vegetarian options. In summary, Vietnam's food scene is a vivid tapestry of culinary experiences that cater to all tastes.

Budget:Very affordable

Vietnam is significantly budget-friendly particularly for solo female travelers. Accommodations, food, and travel expenses like public transportation and tours are relatively inexpensive. You can comfortably travel with a modest daily budget while experiencing the local cuisine, culture and exploring numerous attractions. However, remember to negotiate prices in markets as vendors often start with higher prices. Use of ride-hailing apps for transportation is advised over traditional taxicabs for safety and cost-effectiveness.

Is Vietnam worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 30 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

4.2/5
Saya

Saya (28)

Australia

Solo travel experience

I have travelled by myself to Vietnam Cambodia and Jordan. All destinations relatively safe with Jordan being the safest for tourists. In Vietnam and Cambodia with luggage and wallets you have to be vigilant but crime wise it was relatively safe. Im looking to travel to South America in July 2024 so would love some tips !

Posted: April 7, 2024Experienced: August, 2023
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 3/5
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Solo travel experience

I spent a month solo in Vietnam and had the best time ever. Because Vietnam has two routes - North to South and South to North I ended up bumping into the same people over and over again so I didn't worry about being lonely. Hostels always had something going on as well. I felt safe the whole time. The people in Vietnam were so lovely and the country itself was beautiful.

Posted: March 31, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Nikki

Nikki

Portugal

Solo travel experience

I felt perfectly safe on my own when I visited the area around Hoi Ann. I stayed in a hotel outside the town centre on the beach. But travelled the very short distance into town by taxi most days for shopping and eating. The street food was amazing and the thing you must do is create a Pinterest board of clothes you love so you can have them made up to measure in Hoi Ann (they’re famous for it). It rained quite a bit in January but it didn’t stop me from doing anything other than a bit of pool time. It’s a really budget friendly place on a whole.

Posted: March 26, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 4/5
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Lina

Lina

Germany

Solo travel experience

I stayed in Vietnam for two weeks and traveled from the Central to the North. After arriving in Da Nang and visiting Marble Mountains, I headed towards Hoi An. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t so good but I still good to explore the city. After that I took a long bus ride to Ninh Binh - also known as the Halong Bay on Land - great place to get around with a bicycle which I missed during my time in South East Asia. From there I headed towards Ha Giang where I did the famous Ha Giang Loop with an easy rider. Definitely recommend doing this!!! Due to lack of time I had to skip Sapa, and headed straight to Hanoi where I spent a few days including a day trip incl. cruise to Halong Bay. From Hanoi I left the country. I wish I had more time explore this beautiful and diverse country!

Posted: March 7, 2024
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

First of all, Solo traveling is a gift and it’s great. But in Vietnam I haven’t had the best experience. It’s dirty everywhere, you can see the locals just throw their trash everywhere. The Food is ok, but more expensive then social media always said. In general Vietnam is more expensive than social media ever said. The attractions are average, but mostly way too expensive. In most places I just waited at my Hostel, until going to the next destination, cause there is not much to do or see. And the locals are not very friendly to foreigners.

Posted: March 6, 2024
Things to do: 3/5Food: 2/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 2/5
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Lilli

Lilli (19)

Austria

Group travel experience

Vietnam was AMAZING! Met the best travelers there. Almost all of them were German in Vietnam. December is "cold" & wet (round 15°) I'd rather visit any other month Ha Giang Loop & Fansipan Hike were the absolute HIGHLIGHTS!!! Economy is booming, but Vientam is still very cheap (except for hostels) Cigarettes ~ 0.5€ Pho (Soup) ~ 2€ Accommodation ~ 10€+ Transport most expensive (like everywhere in Southeastasia) Nature in the Northern part is ASTONISHING! Definitely worth it! South has nice beaches & warm climate Visit some museums when visiting Vietnam! They have lots of (very young) war history Enjoy Vietnam, its amazing! 😁

Posted: March 5, 2024Experienced: November, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 3/5
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Solo travel experience

Loved my time in Vietnam. Pretty cheap unless you do western type bars. The country's rich culture, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes offer endless opportunities for exploration. However, like any travel experience, there are also unique challenges that women may face, such as cultural differences, language barriers, and safety concerns. It's important to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions, but overall, experiencing Vietnam's beauty and vibrant energy can be an unforgettable adventure.

Posted: February 18, 2024Experienced: January, 2016
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Alyssa

Alyssa

United States

Solo travel experience

Vietnam is a vast, budget-friendly country with several exciting activities. My favorite activity when I was there was the Ha Giang Loop in North Vietnam - a 3 day motorcycle adventure! You can either drive or (like I did) sit on the back of an experienced driver. I felt very safe during my time there. I stayed in a mix of hostels and home stays and was surprised by the hospitality and friendliness of the locals, despite the language barrier. As a vegetarian, the food was absolutely amazing and so affordable. Vietnam is definitely one of my favorite countries, I can’t recommend it enough.

Posted: February 16, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

Vietnam was my first solo travel experience and I can say it was amazing. People are so nice and always keen to help, the food is delicious and has tons of vegetarian options. Vietnam has so much to offer from amazing beaches to mountains, caves, national parks and diverse culture.

Posted: February 11, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

It was my first solo trip and I truly felt completely safe as a young woman traveling alone. Vietnamese are wonderful people and they are incredibly respectful. I spent there almost 3 weeks and it was the most amazing place I have ever been.

Posted: November 8, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Local tips

You don't have to take so many clothes, everything is cheap here. Vietnam has long latitudes, so it's hot in the south and cooler in the north (even cold in winter). High humidity and dust. Be careful when crossing the street due to crazy traffic.

Posted: November 10, 2022
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Hoi An is currently very commercialized. You will mainly find Chinese and Korean shops there. If you have time, just go there to see the old houses. Da Nang is wonderful, you must visit the Hai Van Pass, all the beautiful bridges, and Son Tra Peninsula. In Northern Vietnam, go to Ha Giang and rent a motorcycle to go to Ma Pi Leng pass, to Dong Van. It's a popular place among Vietnamese backpackers. You can go to the Ban Gioc waterfall in Cao Bang - it's the fourth largest waterfall in the world. The forests in North Vietnam are much more extraordinary than in the South, but the ocean in the South is much, much more beautiful.

Posted: August 19, 2022
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