Whenever we think of “Solo Travel,” one common question is whether it's truly worth it. Many travel enthusiasts explore destinations on their own and uncover hidden gems in solitude. Countries like Austria, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, and Singapore are some of the top destinations preferred by solo travellers, according to Forbes. Vietnam also deserves a place on this list, thanks to its growing popularity among solo adventurers worldwide.

According to Statista, in 2023, Vietnam welcomed 12.6 million international visitors, a significant increase from just 3.66 million in 2022. A record-breaking 12.71 million international tourists visited Vietnam till May 2024, according to Vietnam's General Department of Tourism Statistics. This surge in tourism was driven primarily by visitors from Asian countries, with a total of 10.12 million tourists arriving from China, India, Japan, Singapore, and other nations in the region. 

This surge in tourist arrivals can be attributed to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and Vietnam's visa-free entry policy for citizens of 25 countries. However, other factors also play a role, including the country’s natural beauty, rich culture, delicious cuisine, exciting adventures, warm hospitality, stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and fascinating history. Here are some solo traveller reviews to help you understand how it can be a life-changing experience for people solo travelling to Vietnam. 

Source: Reddit

So, as you can interpret from fellow solo travellers' reviews and tourism data, Vietnam should be on every solo traveller’s bucket list. Now, let's explore why it is a top destination for those exploring the world independently.

In this blog, we’ll explore key factors that explain why Vietnam is an excellent choice for solo travel:

• Tourism Infrastructure

• Affordability

• Safety

• Weather 

• Accommodations

• Experiences

• Destinations

• Delicious Cuisine

• Do and Don’t

Each aspect contributes to making Vietnam a top destination for solo adventurers. Let’s dive in!

Tourism Infrastructure

As complicated as the term may sound, tourism infrastructure is quite simple. It refers to the essential facilities and services that ensure a comfortable stay in Vietnam, whether travelling solo or with a group. This includes transportation options like buses, trains, motorbike rentals, accommodation, and dining establishments. While Vietnam is still a developing country, and some facilities may not always be world-class, tourism plays a significant role in Vietnam’s economy. So authorities and locals take hospitality seriously, ensuring visitors feel welcomed and well-cared for.

Solo travellers, in particular, will find it easy to get around. Vietnam’s railway system is well-developed, allowing you to book train tickets months in advance at affordable prices. Travelling between major cities by bus or train is convenient and budget-friendly. In bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, ride-sharing apps make transportation even easier. You can opt for a motorbike ride, which saves time and reduces costs. For more detailed information, read our Easiest Transport Options in Vietnam guide.

Tip: Grab is a popular ride-sharing app in Vietnam that offers motorbike rides and rentals. It is perfect for solo travelers looking for a quick and affordable way to get around.

Affordability

Well, not all, but many solo travellers seek budget-friendly options when they are in Vietnam, and this country never disappoints in delivering them. From Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, backpacker dorms to Youth hostels in Hanoi are some affordable stay options for solo packers. Apart from accommodation, you can choose from various budget-friendly dining, sightseeing, and activity options. 

If you want to save time and explore the major cities of this country, you can choose Vietnam Airlines, the national carrier that dominates the skies with the most daily flights. For budget-conscious travellers seeking shorter domestic journeys, Vietjet, Bamboo Airways, and Pacific Airlines offer competitive fares. Here is a review by the passengers who have travelled from Vietnam Airlines.

Source: Tripadvisor

To plan your solo Vietnam trip within a strict budget, read our guide to learn more about Vietnam's budget-friendly trips. 

Safety

Now, the one thing that instantly comes to our mind is whether Vietnam is safe for solo travel. Especially if you are a female solo traveller, then you must be thinking, Is vietnam safe for solo female travellers? While Vietnam is generally a safe destination for solo female travellers, some areas are better suited for independent exploration than others. Coastal towns like Hoi An and Da Nang and bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are particularly popular due to their tourist-friendly infrastructure and welcoming atmosphere. 

Do you know? Vietnam moved up four positions to 41st out of 163 countries and territories in the 2023 Global Peace Index (GPI).

When planning your itinerary, prioritize destinations known for their safety and female-friendly amenities, including well-lit streets, reputable accommodations, and easy access to reliable transportation. This will help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable solo travel experience. Here are some additional tips that can help you while travelling solo:

• Petty theft: Vietnam is generally safe, but petty theft can be a concern, especially in big cities. Avoid displaying cameras and phones on busy streets; most robberies are quick drive-by snatchings. When taking photos, keep your camera close and away from traffic. Women should keep a firm grip on bags, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. On motorbikes, keep bags in the seat compartment or hook them in front, as shoulder bags and bike baskets can be easily grabbed. In hotels, lock valuables in a safe or secure your bags before leaving. Be mindful of your belongings and avoid showing large amounts of cash or expensive gadgets, especially in rural areas. Unfortunately, recovering stolen items through law enforcement is difficult.

• Taxi scams: Taxi scams in Vietnam, such as rigged meters, overcharging, confusing currency, and fixed prices, are common among some local drivers. To avoid these, stick to reputable domestic taxi companies like Mai Linh and Vinasun, which are known for offering reliable service at fair rates. Another option is Grab, where you can book a ride and compare prices to ensure transparency.

• Tourist Scams: Tourists traveling alone and unfamiliar with a country are often targets of scams. In Halong Bay, Vietnam, it’s important to book with a reputable cruise company for a safe experience. Similarly, when booking a tour guide for city or history tours, opt for a trusted, vetted travel agent to avoid falling victim to scams.

Weather 

Vietnam's climate, shaped by its extensive coastline and mountainous regions, plays a crucial role in tourism. The country boasts beautiful landscapes and rich cultural experiences throughout the year, but being aware of seasonal weather patterns can help travelers plan their visits more effectively. Shifting weather conditions also influence tourist numbers, with peak seasons occurring when the climate is pleasant, not too hot or cold. For budget-conscious travelers, exploring Vietnam outside of the peak season can significantly reduce costs. To help you plan your trip, here's a breakdown of Vietnam's regions based on weather conditions:

Dry Season (November to April):

• North: Pleasant temperatures, ideal for exploring historical sites and trekking in the mountains.

• Central: Sunny skies, perfect for beach vacations and water sports.

• South: Warm and sunny, with occasional showers.

Rainy Season (May to October):

• North: Heavy rainfall and occasional typhoons.

• Central: Frequent rain showers, especially in the central region.

• South: Less intense rainfall compared to the north and central regions.

Vietnam's diverse climate offers a wealth of experiences for travellers. By understanding seasonal patterns and aligning your plans with your preferences, you can create a memorable trip with minimal disruptions. However, when planning adventurous activities like hiking, snorkelling, or beach excursions, consider potential weather-related cancellations. To ensure a smooth experience, consider staying flexible and having backup plans in inclement weather.

Accommodations

The place where you stay during your adventure can play an important role, especially if you travel solo. Some solo travellers plan to stay in a quiet environment, and some prefer the hustle and bustle of the city. Some travel enthusiasts want an experience of luxury, while others look for affordable options. So, choosing where to stay in Vietnam is part of the adventure. From traditional homestays and ethnic stilt houses to budget hostels and luxury resorts, there’s something for everyone. For a truly unique experience, stay with a local family or in a nature-surrounded spot. These affordable options offer a deeper connection to Vietnamese life.

Family-run homestays provide excellent value, delicious meals, and insider tours. In Northern Vietnam, try sleeping in an ethnic stilt house with views of mountains and rice terraces. In the Centre and South, homestays are often nestled in tropical settings, like fruit farms or riverbanks, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Experiences

Many activities, such as cycling, trekking, island-hopping, and food tours, welcome solo bookings. For an enhanced experience, choose sustainable tour providers. Footprint Travel offers responsible trekking tours in Đà Lạt, Huế, and Ninh Bình, while Sens Asia organizes street food tours in Hanoi. For adventure seekers, Jungle Boss leads cave expeditions in Phong Nha, where you'll marvel at ancient stalagmites and stalactites.

Tip: For solo female travellers, Grab offers the option to choose a female driver at night, offering a safer and more comfortable way to return to your hotel. When booking a cruise, it's wise to contact multiple companies, visit their official websites, read customer reviews, compare prices, and decide.

Destinations

Travelling solo gives you complete freedom over your itinerary. Destinations like Hội An, Huế, Pù Luông, Côn Đảo, and Phú Quốc are perfect for solo travellers. Even in Vietnam’s chaotic cities, you’ll quickly get the hang of navigating solo. Just cross the street with confidence and clear body language! Vietnam offers various destinations perfect for solo travellers, each with unique charm and experiences; for those seeking adventure and natural beauty, Sapa, Halong Bay, and Mui Ne, and if you are interested in culture and history, Hoi An, Hue, and Hanoi. No matter your interests, Vietnam has something to offer solo travellers. Consider your preferences, budget, and the time you have available to choose the perfect destinations for your adventure.

Delicious Cuisine

Vietnam is a food lover’s paradise, offering rich flavours and textures. Staples like rice porridge, steamed rice, glutinous rice cakes, and Bánh Chung form the foundation of Vietnamese cuisine. In addition to these, iconic dishes such as Pho, Bánh Mì (Saigon's Sandwich), Bún Bò Huế, Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese pancake), and Mì Quảng are beloved by both locals and international travellers. The vibrant mix of fresh farm ingredients, flavorful broths, and rice dishes that resemble pearls draws foodies from around the globe. In Hoi An, don’t miss Bánh Mì Phượng, and in Ho Chi Minh City, The Lunch Lady is a must-visit.

For a cute Pinteresty getaway, you can explore the small cafes in the countryside and the city, where you can enjoy the warm Vietnamese coffee the country is known for or a cup of potent robusta. Ho Chi Minh City is famous for popular cafes like  Amigo Café, Little Hanoi Egg Coffee, and The Vintage Emporium Đa Kao. Don’t shy away from socializing with locals. There are higher chances of getting invited by Vietnamese families for lunch, which is a great opportunity to deepen your understanding of Vietnamese culture and authentic dishes and enjoy the local way of living. 

Tip: As a female solo traveler, you may encounter questions about why you're traveling alone. It's usually out of curiosity and can be answered politely without oversharing. Don’t take it personally.

Do’s

Here are some helpful tips that can be applied when you are travelling solo in Vietnam:

• Visa: Before planning your Vietnam trip, ensure a valid visa. Research visa requirements, determine the appropriate type, and apply accordingly. If uncertain, consider partnering with Atlys to streamline the visa application process.

• Carry Essential Documents: Vietnamese law requires you to carry a photocopy of your ID at all times. Keep the original in a safe place if you don’t want to carry it everywhere. Always carry printed copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance policy.

• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is suggested. Even for a short trip to Vietnam, make sure you have coverage. Get your travel insurance from trusted companies.

• Get an E-SIM Card: It helps with navigation, maps (even offline), and staying connected while travelling solo.

• Stay Connected: Keep your devices charged with portable chargers and universal adapters.

• First Aid Essentials: Pack essential medications, insect repellent, and basic first aid supplies to address minor health concerns.

• Personal Safety Items: Enhance your safety with a whistle, personal alarm, and doorstop alarm.

• Modest Attire: Female solo travellers are advised to pack modest attire to avoid unwanted negative attention from locals. Respect local customs by packing lightweight, modest clothing suitable for the tropical climate.

Don’ts

• Avoid Carrying Cash: The Vietnamese dong is less valuable (USD 1 = VND 25164 approx), so you’ll carry a lot of cash. Avoid being an easy target by using money belts or keeping your wallet secure. Always count your change, as shopkeepers might shortchange tourists. To save yourself from the problems of carrying cash, you can also obtain a Forex card. Read more about choosing the best Forex cards for the Vietnam trip and travel safely.

• Avoid High-Priced Taxis: Vietnam has taxi scams, so public transport is often safer for intercity travel. Buses and trains are reliable and comfortable, but avoid overnight journeys.

• Avoid Isolated Areas: Stick to well-traveled areas, especially at night. Avoid secluded areas or walking alone in dark alleys.

• Mind Your Belongings: Be cautious of pickpockets and keep your valuables secure. Avoid displaying excessive amounts of cash or jewellery.

• Be Mindful of Scams: Be aware of common scams, such as overcharging for goods or services or offering fake tours.

Final Thoughts

Vietnam offers an exceptional solo travel experience, combining natural beauty, cultural richness, and affordability. With its diverse landscapes, friendly locals, and exciting adventures, Vietnam is the perfect destination for those seeking a memorable and fulfilling solo travel experience. Happy Travels!