How to Plan a Solo Female Trip to Vietnam

Between bowls of steaming pho and coffee strong enough to wake your ancestors, Vietnam is a country filled to the brim with exciting experiences for visitors. It’s especially having its main character moment among solo travelers—and for good reason.

With its friendly locals, landscapes so stunning they look fake, and relatively inexpensive food and hotels, what’s not to like? Of course, for solo female travelers, there’s more to consider than just where to find the best banh mi.

This guide breaks down everything from dodging motorbike traffic (an extreme sport in itself) to finding the best accommodations that won't blow your budget.

Is Vietnam safe for solo female travelers?

Short answer: yes! Honestly, the most unsafe you’ll probably be is when crossing the street during rush hour and having to dodge hundreds of motorcycles from all directions.

Vietnamese people are warm and welcoming, plus in bigger cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, the streets are alive until the wee hours of the morning, so it feels safe walking back to your hotel at night.

Locals in most touristy places can also understand and speak English, so if you meet them halfway and keep a few common Vietnamese phrases in your back pocket, communication wouldn’t be a problem. 

Of course, as with visiting anywhere new, you have to keep a clear head and be aware of your surroundings all the time.

Where and when to go in Vietnam?

Once you’ve deemed Vietnam your next solo travel destination, the next question is where in Vietnam do you go, and when?

Weather

Weather will play a huge role in your enjoyment and safety in Vietnam. Even if it’s all clear skies in Ha Long Bay today, you might arrive in a dreary Saigon tomorrow if you don’t plan properly.

We recommend visiting Vietnam twice if you want to see the entire country. Explore the northern cities first like Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa, and then come back for a beach-themed trip to the central and southern cities.

The fall and winter months (September to early March) are the best months to visit northern Vietnam as skies are mostly clear and the air is cooler. Spring and early summer, meanwhile (April to June) are perfect for enjoying the beaches of Danang and Phu Quoc or learning about Vietnamese history in Hue and Ho Chi Minh City.

If you don’t want to split your trip, though, November to April will give you generally good weather conditions from north to south, with March as the most ideal month.

Activities

Vietnam is a choose-your-own-adventure playground, with experiences that cater to every type of traveler. The key is matching your interests with the right regions. 

History buffs can dive into war museums in Saigon and imperial citadels in Hue, while adventure seekers can trek Sapa’s misty mountain trails, kayak along Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, or motorbike through the stunning Hai Van Pass.

If you’re a foodie, you’ll find yourself in paradise taking cooking classes in Hoi An and sampling regional cuisines that range from hearty northern dishes to fresh southern seafood. And if you’re after some relaxation, 5-star beach resorts in Phu Quoc, affordable spa treatments in Hanoi, and cozy cafes in Danang offer the perfect counterpoint to more active experiences.

What to prepare before going to Vietnam?

When traveling solo, it’s best to be prepared by having everything you need because you can’t rely on anyone else to have them. Here’s our list of pre-trip essentials for traveling to Vietnam:

• Visa - Check if you need a visa to visit Vietnam for however long you intend to stay. The great thing is you can apply for an e-visa online.

• Accommodations - One tricky thing about choosing accommodations is the abundance of fake reviews for hotels you’ll find online. Make sure to check reviews across multiple websites and always look at pictures that past guests have posted so you know what you can expect. Booking in advance is always ideal so you can get better prices, although you can find great options for as cheap as $10.

• Driver’s license - One of the most economical ways of getting around Vietnam is by driving a motorbike or scooter by yourself (if you know how to drive one, of course). Make sure you have your driving license from your country, as well as an international driving permit so you can drive legally in Vietnam.

• Planes, trains, and buses - Other popular ways of getting around Vietnam, particularly from one city to another are taking trains and buses or hopping on a flight. If planned right, sleeper trains and buses are ideal if you want to save on accommodation for one night and get to your next destination without wasting your time traveling during the day. Tickets to these tend to sell out early, so make sure to book, at the very least, two weeks in advance. For longer distances, though, flying is the best option. Domestic flights in Vietnam are pretty cheap and don’t take more than a couple of hours.

• Local apps - Make sure to have helpful apps installed on your phone, such as Grab, Gojek, Xahn SM, and WhatsApp. Of course, Google Maps is ever reliable and allows you to download offline maps of a neighborhood, city, or country so you can still find your way around even if you don’t have reception.

• Clothes - You can wear whatever feels comfortable in Vietnam. Just make sure to have options that go below your knees and cover your shoulders if you’re planning on visiting temples, as well as layers if you’re planning on visiting during the cooler months.

• Travel insurance - Make sure you’re covered for any unexpected medical expenses, delayed/canceled flights, lost baggage, and more with travel insurance.

• Other essentials - Don’t forget your passport, first aid kit, and meds, if applicable. A power bank is crucial, especially if you’re going on overnight trains or buses, and make sure your device chargers are compatible with types A, B, or C power outlets common across Vietnam.

Tips for Solo Female Travel in Vietnam

Beware of common scams. Every country has its scams and Vietnam is no exception. If you’re taking taxis, it’s better to book them through an app like Grab so you only pay the amount that’s shown on the app. Some independent taxi drivers can charge you double or go on longer routes to keep the meter up so you pay more. In addition, shortchanging is also a common scam. Vietnamese bills look similar to each other so if you pay 500,000 VND and are supposed to get 200,000 VND change, you might only get 20,000 VND back. To avoid this, make sure to say how much you’re paying and then count the change you get. 

Get a local SIM card. Don’t buy SIM cards at the airport—they cost twice as much. Instead, use the airport wifi to book a transfer to your accommodation and find a network provider’s store in the city. They have way better rates and can offer you packages that suit your trip.

Drink only bottled water. Vietnam’s tap water isn’t safe to drink. Avoid the risk of serious digestive problems by drinking only from sealed water bottles. 

Put a buffer on your visa. If you need a visa to travel to Vietnam, don’t put the day of your intended flight out of the country as the end date for your visa. Put a buffer of two to five days in case you decide to stay a little longer or unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel/reschedule your departure. Overstaying your visa means paying fines and possibly getting blacklisted.

Make friends. With Vietnam a popular solo female travel destination, you’ll likely meet others exploring the country on their own like you. Whether you’re on the same cruise ship in Ha Long Bay or the same coffee-making class in Hoi An, making friends with people you meet is a great way to make your solo trip to Vietnam more fun. 

With the right prep, an open mind, and this handy guide, solo female travel in Vietnam goes from intimidating to totally doable.