Solo female travelling in Vietnam

If being a solo female traveller in Vietnam isn’t yet on your bucket list, we recommend adding it ASAP. Effortlessly safe for women, catering to practically every budget, great transport system… what more do you need?

Vietnam comes packed with places to go and things to do. The great news is you can explore all of it on a solo trip, whether backpacker or luxury traveller. Read our comprehensive guide for a solo female travelling in Vietnam, and get those bags a-packin’!

Don’t let fear stop you-Vietnam is safe and promises stunning views to solo female travellers

Everything good

We can’t possibly overstate this- Vietnam is an excellent destination for solo female travellers. Backpackers can rest at ease as hostels are quite safe, and you stand a chance to meet fellow solo female travellers. Mid-range hotels and high-end luxury boutiques follow suit.

The country is crawling with an efficient transportation system that caters to every budget yet maintains safety standards. The locals of Vietnam further uphold its reputation as a safe destination. They are reserved by nature, and are a people of few words. If anything, this can make it hard to get to know them! At the same time they are hospitable and welcoming to those exploring their country.

Bikes, found across Vietnam, are an interesting and cheap mode to get around.

Transport made easy for a solo female travelling in Vietnam 

If you have a fast-paced itinerary, you’d naturally have a few flights. There are several providers, and no dearth of domestic flights. But if you’re looking for something more authentic and can afford the time, we highly recommend the overnight trains. They are cheap, comfortable, and make for a great way to truly take in the sights.

You always get to meet other travellers and share some great stories. Additionally, we recommend it for backpackers and anyone on a limited budget. They take you directly to the city center and save you an overnight hotel stay.

An even cheaper option is the bus. You will get your own bunker and that remains your space for the rest of the journey so there’s no awkward sharing with strangers. In terms of safety, we recommend fastening your bags close to you and keeping an eye on them. A travel lock should do to secure any additional anxiety you may have. When it comes to taxis, we highly recommend using Grab, widely considered to be the Vietnamese Uber. The pre-set price and convenience of booking will help you avoid getting scammed to pay more. Additionally, you can share your location with friends or family to further ensure your safety.

Of course, you can also rent a car and driver. However if you’re looking at a more limited budget, look into bikes! Motorbikes are an integral aspect of Vietnam, and riding pillion is a fantastic way to discover the country. There are options to ride pillion from one city to another with your baggage on the back. This comes at a relatively cheaper cost.

If you’d like to know more, feel free to contact us. Just hit Plan Your Trip and we’ll look after the rest. Transport for a solo female traveller in Vietnam is endless in its options and very safe, so let us help you decide what’s best.

Trains crawl across the country and are cheap and safe for a solo female travelling in Vietnam.

Culturally appropriate behaviour

Despite becoming an increasingly popular destination on tourist maps, Vietnam remains a fairly conservative country. Largely avoid wearing sleeveless tops, tank tops and very short pants unless you’re in a touristy area. There are certain beaches that the tourists frequent where you can wear a bikini. However, going nude is a big no-no, irrespective of where you are or how many tourists surround you.

Dress modestly when visiting pagodas and temples, and avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Always cover your shoulders and legs, and remove your shoes before you enter. These are venerated places for the Vietnamese. As a guest of their country, it is your duty to respect and observe their cultural norms.

Use discretion when taking photographs. Try to avoid the urge to click away at military areas, or where you see police or military presence. In some cases, they may tell you to delete your photographs or even seize your memory card.

Make sure you ask someone to click some photos of you against Vietnam’s raw beauty!

Safety tips for a solo female travelling in Vietnam

The universal rulebook of safety for women comes into play for a solo female traveller in Vietnam. Just like with any new destination, avoid wandering around and venturing too far from your hotel at night. Always avoid dark alleyways, and don’t walk back to your hostel or hotel alone. There is a chance of getting robbed that both men and women are equally susceptible to.

Keep an eye on your drinks, especially in party areas of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Roofies being slipped in drinks is an unfortunately common occurrence here but can easily be avoided if you pay attention.

With a safe eye on your drink, you’ll truly be able to enjoy the nightlife in Vietnam.

Theft and Crime in Vietnam

There are very few crimes of a serious and heinous nature that take place in Vietnam. And rarely do they involve tourists. If anything, it’s the petty crimes and scams you need to watch out for. One common method of theft that targets tourists is from the back of a motorbike. Thieves can snatch away a bag before you realize, so ensure you keep your bag (ideally small and sturdy) close to your body. We recommend carrying a small backpack, just enough to fit your daily essentials. 

Avoid attracting attention to yourself by wearing any heavy jewellery or expensive sunglasses, especially in more local areas less frequented by tourists. The Vietnamese live modest lives, and doing this will not only avoid attracting petty thieves, but also help you blend in. These are a few general tips that will benefit not just female solo travellers, but travellers in general.

Vietnam’s overwhelming, crowded streets can make you an easy target for pickpockets if you’re not alert.

There’s a good reason why you won’t find any stringent guidelines for solo female travellers in Vietnam- there’s no need for them! The country is exceedingly safe for women, with a range of accommodation that all meet safety standards. The hostels are as comfortable as they are safe, as is the transportation. We can help you plan your ideal itinerary, catered to your budget, with all the sights you’d like to see. Hit Plan Your Trip to go ahead and fulfill that dream!