Guide to safe solo travel in Vietnam

Ha Long Bay – one of the most attractive destinations in the North

Traveling to Vietnam brings many challenges and rewarding experiences. In which, safety is the biggest concern of solo travelers, especially for women.

Just like other ways of traveling, solo travel in Vietnam can bring rewarding but equally challenging experiences because you can only rely on yourself. Safety issues are often a concern for solo travelers, especially female travelers in Vietnam.

But don’t worry too much. Our helpful guide will help you release all concerns! Whether it’s your first or many times to this awe-inspiring country, you’ll have a wonderful solo trip in Vietnam.

Ma Thien Lanh – One of the famous beautiful scenes of Vietnam in Tay Ninh

• Safety issues in Vietnam

Vietnam is a safe country and so is safe travel. Its popularity itself is like a real testament to the backpacker paradise in Southeast Asia. Petty crimes do happen from time to time, but visitors generally don’t face any serious danger. As long as you use a sense of community wherever you are in Vietnam, safely moving around the country shouldn’t be a difficult task.

Ba Den mountain tourist attraction – one of the famous Vietnamese beautiful scenes in Tay Ninh

1- Theft and other crimes

Violent crime is rare. In fact, the main safety concern for solo travelers in Vietnam is petty crimes such as pickpocketing, theft, bag snatching, etc. This problem often occurs in crowded areas and on public roads. public transport when tourists lose focus. The good news, however, is that the rate of petty theft is still relatively low.

Ninh Kieu Wharf – Vietnam’s beautiful scenery is a symbol of Can Tho city

2- Go around the cities

Navigating around Vietnam’s chaotic traffic can be intimidating. Solo travelers often prefer to travel by taxi to relieve stress. The advice is that you should trust reliable brands such as Mai Linh, VinaSun and Taxi Group to minimize taxi scams. Accordingly, solo travelers do not need to worry about the driver taking a detour or surreptitiously paying the wrong change.

Alternatively, you can also book a car (and even a motorbike) on ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be or Go Viet, the equivalent of Uber in Vietnam.

Ong Pagoda – Vietnam’s beautiful landscape in Can Tho with bold Asian architecture

3- Safe for female travelers

Women in general will feel comfortable traveling alone in Vietnam. Harassment and assault are rare incidents. However, to avoid attracting unwanted attention, solo travelers in Vietnam should not wear tight and revealing clothes such as shorts, tank tops, etc.

Leave uncomfortable situations with confidence and go to public spaces to let people around you know you’re not feeling safe.

Ho Chi Minh City Post Office

7 tips for solo travelers in Vietnam

If you’re still nervous as a solo traveler, here are some tips to keep in mind for a safe and comfortable trip around Vietnam.

Discover the beauty of Vietnam in Hai Phong – Tuyet Tinh Coc

1- Stay connected with your family and friends

Even if you want to enjoy complete freedom in solitude, it’s important to stay in touch with friends and family. Make sure to tell someone where you are and where you’re going. It helps you get quick support in case of an emergency.

It’s smart to buy a sim card with mobile data access as soon as you arrive at the airport to stay connected wherever you are in Vietnam. Be sure to buy them from genuine vendor kiosks such as Viettel, Mobiphone and Vinaphone, which offer affordable travel packages.

Notre Dame Cathedral – Vietnam’s beautiful scenery in Saigon that any tourist wants to visit

2- Understanding the local culture

Traditional values still play an important role in Vietnamese culture. To avoid judgmental eyes, it’s best to avoid showing off your possessions excessively. The same goes for your attire in Vietnam, even if the heat and humidity cause you to dress differently. Remember that many temples and shrines require covering the limbs. So, it’s always a good idea to dress casually to avoid unintentionally disrespecting the local culture.

Check-in at the pristine seas of Ha Tinh – one of the typical beauty of Vietnam

Some cultural differences can also surprise international solo travelers. For example, how often Vietnamese people ask personal questions about age, income level or marital status. These questions are not intended to offend. That’s because Vietnamese people believe that this information helps them become closer to someone. If you don’t feel comfortable answering, don’t worry, they won’t ask again!

The beautiful scenery of Vietnam in Da Lat attracts many tourists

3- Prepare means of protection

Research is always the best defense for solo travelers. You need to find out the neighborhoods around your accommodation in Vietnam. Do some investigation on where you are going next, this preparation is very useful in the event of a taxi scam.

When conducting your research, you should also record emergency contacts if assistance is needed such as police (113), ambulance (115) and embassy phone numbers.

It’s your prerogative if you want to arm yourself with a Swiss army knife or some non-irritating spray. Note, however, that pepper spray and gun possession are illegal in Vietnam.

Nha Trang – One of the famous tourist destinations beautiful scenery in Vietnam

4- Copy IDs and important documents

For solo travelers, losing your travel documents can be extremely troublesome if not an unpleasant experience. Help yourself by keeping copies of your identification and important documents with you in both physical and digital form.

Better yet, keep the originals in your hotel safe if you have one. Otherwise, always check these items before leaving the room.

Diep Son Island – One of the beautiful scenes of Vietnam in Nha Trang

5- Protect personal belongings

To avoid becoming a victim of petty theft, store valuables such as jewelry, smartphones, and cameras in an inconspicuous place out of sight. Don’t make yourself a target even as a solo traveler!

See the beautiful country of Vietnam from the peaks of Sapa

Bring some cash. Continue to use padlocks to lock your bags even if they’re in your hotel room. You also need to be very careful when getting on and off public transport, taxis and cyclos because bag snatchers often take advantage of these times to grab things and then run away. Always keep your hand in the bag and place it in a safe location, especially in crowded areas.

Vinpearl Nha Trang is in the top of a beautiful scene in Vietnam

6- Research your accommodation

You will be intrigued when traveling alone in Vietnam but it is best to thoroughly research your accommodation options first. Avoid last minute booking. It’s risky to ignore customer reviews because you’re more prone to anxiety when you don’t know what to do.

Pu Luong – One of the beautiful scenes of Vietnam in Thanh Hoa

If you like, check out the popular Dorm room style for backpackers and solo travelers in Vietnam. It’s a great opportunity to bring together like-minded people. Sharing some stories and travel tips with your fellow travelers doesn’t hurt anyone either.

Street corners and tourist attractions in Hoi An leave many impressions in the hearts of visitors

7- Drink responsibly

The bustling nightlife in famous areas such as Ta Hien beer street – Hanoi and Bui Vien – Ho Chi Minh City allows you to relax and have fun. However, as a solo traveler in Vietnam, only you are responsible for yourself.

Drink in moderation and understand that illegal possession of drugs (including marijuana) can have serious consequences in Vietnam. Alcohol poisoning sometimes occurs due to the addition of fake alcohol by tea vendors, so it’s best to be on the lookout for some branded wines that have a bargain price tag.

Cu Lao Cham, Hoi An – A great check-in place of beautiful scenery in Vietnam

• Activities for Solo Travelers in Vietnam

1- Soak in the beach sunshine

Your trip cannot be complete without a day on the beach in Vietnam.

First, you can visit My Khe beach in Da Nang to take a dip in the water. Then enjoy the refreshing feeling of water sports such as paragliding, jet skiing, all just a few minutes drive from the city center. For those who love luxury, the Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, a multi-time winner of Asia’s Leading Luxury Resort, is also about a 30-minute drive away.

Visiting famous destinations in Lang Son

Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, is another great choice for solo travelers who love the sea. The gateway of this island is home to beautiful beaches such as Bai Sao, Bai Dai and Bai Khem. Bask in the picturesque views of fine white sands and swaying palm trees as you dive into the warm pristine waters of this gem.

Cua Lo Nghe An – The most beautiful and pristine beach in the Gulf of Tonkin

2- Immerse yourself in history and heritage

A good way to immerse yourself in the vibrant Vietnamese culture and history is to explore 8 UNESCO-recognized Vietnamese heritage sites. You can add unique experiences to your travel list, from kayaking through the fishing villages of dear Ha Long Bay to visiting a tailor in Hoi An to purchase a traditional ao dai with a unique design. not two .

Check-in West Lake Hanoi

Food-loving solo travelers can satisfy their cravings with a variety of street foods at night markets in HCMC. Go on an excursion the next day by visiting the nearby Mekong Delta. Don’t forget to visit the colorful floating markets in the Mekong Delta, including Cai Rang floating market, Phong Dien floating market…

Preserve photos of beautiful Vietnamese landscapes in Ninh Binh

3- Join the courses

Traveling alone in Vietnam can be stressful. Why not take some time to completely relax to improve your mindfulness and achieve mind-body balance?

Hoi An and Phu Quoc are the most popular destinations for short-term yoga retreat tours that last an average of 4-7 days.

Guests can also treat themselves with luxurious spa packages to clear their minds and calm their souls. Services vary from place to place, from guided meditation and yoga, to healing massages and reflexology.

Check out notable names such as Amanoi boutique resort in Nha Trang, Six Senses in Con Dao Island, Emeralda in Ninh Binh… If you choose to spend the weekend in Nha Trang, you should also consider visiting some mud bathing areas. and hot mineral springs.

Bai Dinh Pagoda – One of the beautiful scenes of Vietnam in Ninh Binh

Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue – One of the beautiful scenes in Vietnam visited by many tourists

4- Volunteer

For the solo traveler, volunteering can enrich the travel experience in unimaginable ways. Make your trip more meaningful by making a real impact wherever you go!

There are many volunteering opportunities for solo travelers in Vietnam and most of them can be easily found online. The range of activities is limitless with countless social enterprises, non-profit organizations. We welcome you to teach English to children in Hanoi, rescue animals in Hoi An, pick tea leaves in Ha Giang as well as join a medical volunteer program in Ho Chi Minh City.

Mau Son – One of the beautiful scenes of Vietnam in Lang Son

5- Take small-scale tours

Signing up for a small tour is a great way for solo travelers to feel safe in an organized group without committing to long trips. Especially, as the number of female solo travelers in Vietnam continues to increase, it is not difficult to find female-only short-term tours.

Consider taking some female-guided motorbike tours in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hoi An. In addition to the usual tours, these tours also allow you to participate in culinary activities or take photos.

Additionally, unique experiences like a hiking tour by a female guide in Sapa and a cooking class in Hoi An are great opportunities to make your trip more memorable.

Thanh Hoa possesses many beautiful scenes that Vietnam attracts, becoming an ideal check-in point chosen by many tourists