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 82 experiences from female travelers

4.2 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.3 /5

Based on 26 experiences from local women

Vietnam is currently ranked #48 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

4.7 /5

based on 82 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

4/5

Ha Giang, Couple travel

Loved it! Really great experience with a small group, did 3 days 2 nights and it was perfect. We were well taken care of by the riders and saw the most stunning scenery. Only thing is that lunch and dinner is the same food for every day 😂

Posted: April 14, 2025

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Vietnam, Solo travel

Transport -GRAB The e-hailing app in Southeast Asia was easy to navigate and call for riders which makes travelling cheap and easy. -Buses are my go-to when I travel to different districts -There are also overnight buses with beds operating between different city (I travelled from Ho Chi Minh to Da Lat via overnight bus)

Posted: April 14, 2025

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Vietnam, Solo travel

I felt very safe in Vietnam. I definitely would recommend the Ha Giang motorcycle loop. I had a budget which I was able to stay under. I used the Hostelworld app for my accommodations. I find it very easy to use that app. I used Grab which was also very easy to figure out.

Posted: April 5, 2025

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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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Is Vietnam safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 26 local experiences

Crime index

1.7 /5

Based on 26 local experiences

Hanoi

I used to go very late at night, but nothing had happened. Despite sometimes there was news about catcalling at night, but I have never experienced that. But for safety reason, I prefer to dress more covered and not show too much skin

Posted: April 29, 2025

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Tlynh

Ho Chi Minh City

Pretty safe here, people in nightlife also active frequently so it doesnt scare you that much when you walking alone around. Only need to keep an eyes on your belongings like cash, phone, and you'll be fine. The people are welcoming and friendly, if you feel scared or sb follows you, tell the locals near there and they'll do their best to keep you safe

Posted: April 16, 2025

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Meet locals in Vietnam

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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Daria

About Me

Ex-doctor, now studying Swift👩🏼‍💻 I enjoy art, gym, music, games, pop culture stuff like anime, manga, series etc. Currently living in Da Nang, planning to stay here for few months, would be great to find friends here😊

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

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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Upcoming visitors to Vietnam

Kristin

About Me

Hi all, I’m a 19 years old girl who loves sailing, nature and traveling. In July I’m going backpacking in south east Asia, working my way through Vietnam, Cambodja, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore. Don’t hesitate to write to me if you’d like a travel buddy yourself or just would like to meet up :)