Solo Travel in Vietnam

Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – Cultural, Foodie, Historical, Nature, Tribes GatG

If you’re considering solo travel in Asia, Vietnam is such an interesting country to explore. I spent 3 weeks in the country and loved travelling around Vietnam. If you’re planning a solo trip to Vietnam, I’ve included everything you need in this solo travel in Vietnam guide.

Discover what to see in Vietnam, where to stay, how to travel Vietnam alone, recommended tour companies and a Vietnam solo travel itinerary! Plus I answer the question “Is it safe to travel to Vietnam.” Happy planning!

N.b. For every booking made through this article, I donate money to projects helping vulnerable girls about the globe. Thank you for helping! Lisa x

Solo Travel in Vietnam

If you are planning a trip to Southeast Asia, look no further than Vietnam. Although it’s often overshadowed by Thailand and Cambodia, Vietnam is a surprising country with natural beauty and diverse terrain. You can spend time sailing on beautiful bays, trekking in the mountains, floating down the Delta, or exploring old French Colonial towns. 

This Southeast Asian gem offers a bit of everything, history, culture, nature, and food. There are so many places to see in Vietnam for solo female travellers, no matter what type of solo you are. Here’s some inspiration for the best place to go in Vietnam depending on your travel style: 

Active Solo
Vietnam is great for adventure. You can go sandboarding in Mui Ne, kayaking through the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, or caving in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (home to the largest cave in the world). If you enjoy hiking, the rice terraces around Sapa offer scenic treks and overnight stays in local homestays. It’s a great way to stay active and experience a slower, more traditional side of life; perfect for solos who love the outdoors.

Backpacking Solo
Backpacking Vietnam is a classic route for solo travellers. Vietnam has a well-trodden path from north to south (or vice versa), with loads of hostels, sleeper buses, and group tours along the way. Cities like Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City have great social scenes and plenty of affordable places to stay, ideal for budget travel to Vietnam. You’ll meet other solo travellers everywhere, especially if you hop on a motorbike tour or join a cooking class.

Culture Solo
Vietnam has a rich cultural mix shaped by history, religion, and regional traditions. Visit the old quarter in Hanoi, explore ancient towns like Hoi An, or take part in a traditional tea ceremony. Museums and war memorials, such as the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, offer a deeper understanding of the country’s complex past. Exploring local markets and joining a food tour is also a brilliant way to connect with the culture through your taste buds.

Food Solo
Vietnam is a foodie paradise and one of the best countries to travel solo if you love to eat. Pull up a plastic stool at a street food stall and tuck into a steaming bowl of pho or crispy banh xeo. Try a cooking class, take a street food tour, or just follow your nose through the markets. Meals are often shared, and locals are friendly so even eating alone doesn’t feel lonely. If you’re after the best cities to go in Vietnam for food, Hanoi and Hue are top of the list.

Historic Solo
You’ll find layers of history across the country from imperial cities and temples to colonial buildings and remnants of the Vietnam War. Explore the ancient capital of Hue, wander the My Son ruins, or crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels. These sites tell stories that are powerful and sometimes emotional, but always thought-provoking. If you’re looking for the best cities to visit in Vietnam for history, these are ideal.

Nature Solo
From lush rice paddies to misty mountains and tropical beaches, Vietnam’s landscapes are incredibly varied. Visit the Mekong Delta for floating markets and village life, or explore the highlands of Dalat with its pine forests and cool climate. There are loads of guided hikes and eco-tours if you prefer to explore with a bit of structure and local insight. It’s a beautiful country to take in slowly if you’re travelling Vietnam alone and want to avoid the rush.

Ocean Solo
If you’re drawn to the coast, Vietnam won’t disappoint. Head to Da Nang, Nha Trang or Phu Quoc for beach time and water sports. You can go snorkelling, diving, paddleboarding or just enjoy a relaxed day by the sea. There are also boat trips and overnight cruises in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay for those wanting a mix of scenery and social time (it can be a bit touristy).

Wellness Solo
Vietnam has a growing wellness scene, especially in places like Hoi An and Da Nang. You’ll find yoga studios, massage centres, and wellness resorts offering everything from meditation to herbal baths, perfect for some rejuvenation after all the travelling Vietnam by yourself. Even a peaceful cycle through the countryside or a day at a quiet beach can do wonders for your wellbeing.

Pham Ngu Lao

Is Vietnam Safe For Solo Female Travellers?

Before traveling Vietnam, there are a few things to know before going to Vietnam.

There is a reason that Vietnam doesn’t get the volume of travellers as its neighbours. It is not as easy to travel here as the infrastructure isn’t as good. For Hanoi solo travel, for example, you do need a bit of patience as the capital is loud with a lot of traffic so it can be overwhelming.

If you’re travelling Vietnam by yourself, you’ll be pleased to know it’s easy to meet other travellers, and locals are usually warm and welcoming, especially if you learn a few words of Vietnamese. Enough people speak English here to get by and you’ll have no problem being understood when you solo travel in Ho Chi Minh, the capital. 

Being a conservative country means that it is respectful to dress modestly when you aren’t laying on the beach. This doesn’t mean having to completely cover yourself but look at what the locals are wearing and follow in their footsteps.

You need to be careful with your belongings in Ho Chi Minh. Bag snatching on motorbikes is common here so make sure you put your money and phone in your pockets and out of sight. Begging can be quite common especially by children in tourist areas. Look at other ways to help such as buying from many of the social impact businesses in Vietnam.

Like anywhere, be respectful when you take pictures and ask a local’s permission. Vietnam is a fascinating country to explore independently, but if you are unsure what to see in Vietnam, and don’t want to miss any of the best places to go in Vietnam, you may feel more comfortable and find it easier to join a group tour in Vietnam. 

Hi Chi Minh City

Best Places To Go in Vietnam For Solo Travellers

Ho Chi Minh City Solo Travel

When you solo travel Ho Chi Minh, the city is perfect to explore on foot but crossing the road isn’t the easiest task. If you prefer to take transport instead there is nothing more fun than hopping on the back of a motorbike (complete with a driver) to take you on your own tour. HCM is a city wired for action with a growing art and music scene. See the beautiful architecture by day and experience the nightlife when the sun goes down.

The size of the city, the noise and the chaotic traffic can be overwhelming so give yourself time to adjust (and enjoy the gourmet food and street snacks) before moving on. Even though Ho Chi Minh isn’t the capital many cheap flights fly here so it is a good base to begin your Vietnam trip.

Spend time visiting old war relics, museums, the red-brick Notre Dame Cathedral, or just relax in one of the guesthouses along the riverfront. You’ll find company in the backpacker area of Le Loi and plenty of rooftops to mingle on.

For great views of the city head to the Panorama Saigon Trade Centre (which was once the highest building) or the Bitexco Financial Tower which is the highest. Close to the palace you can pick up cheap goods at Ben Thanh market.

When traveling to Vietnam alone, the War Remnants Museum is one of the places to see in Vietnam to learn more about the Vietnam war. Although this is one of the tourist attractions in Vietnam, be prepared to get emotional as the narrative and the photographs from the war are very moving. Victims from landmines left from the war work in the souvenir shop.

The Mekong River, Vietnam

The city is a good base to visit the nearby Cu Chi tunnels used by the Vietnamese during the Vietnam War as a way to transport supplies and as living quarters.  Be ready for some goosebumps while visiting such an important part of the world’s history.

Slow down the pace on the Mekong River on a Mekong Delta tour and visit the floating markets at Can Tho, sailing through canals on a sampan (a flat bottomed wooden boat). You’ll find lush greens, rice paddies, and rivers all beautifully woven together as you canoe or kayak along – a must-do in Vietnam.

Dalat

Da Lat

Head to the Central Highlands for a less-trodden area of Vietnam, not part of the usual tourist track. Spend a few days in Da Lat, a charming alpine area with a colonial palace, French-style villas, and the Xuan Huong Lake. Da Lat is a lovely budget-friendly town. From here you can visit three different waterfalls and even abseil down them.

Visit the coffee region of Buon Ma Thout for unique tasting coffee before hiking to the thunderous waterfalls. If you’ve never seen a pepper plantation before, go to Pleiku which is surrounded by these amongst tea, coffee and rubber plantations.

Stay in a longhouse with the local Mnong in Lak Lake. Here you can watch a Mnong gong performance, and watch their tradition of fishing, whilst being surrounded by low-lying hills. The Central Highlands are perfect for the cultural solo who is interested in the traditional ways of life of the highlanders who live here.

One of the unique places to visit in Vietnam is the Crazy House in Da Lat. Designed by a Vietnamese architect, this Gaudi-style building resembles the arty design of Antoni Gaudi that you would find in Barcelona with its colourful design and use of natural elements. Seeing the exterior is one of the free things to do in Vietnam. Although it is a guesthouse (called Hang Nga Guesthouse) you don’t have to be a guest to look inside. For an admission fee, you can wander around its interior and marvel at its fairytale design.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang

When you are ready for the beach, either head south to the beautiful bay of Ke Ga, or follow the crowd to Nha Trang, a popular beach town. Nha Trang has three lakes or you can head to Doc Let Beach for a white sand beach (just 1.5 hours by bus). To meet others head to the Sailing Club.

Visit Mui Me for a day or two to see the sand dunes. Yellow is best to visit at sunset and white in the early morning. The Fairy Stream will send you into a fairy world with an enchanting red canyon and bamboo forest. 

Phu Quoc Island

The best place to visit in Vietnam if you’re a beach GatG is Phu Quoc Island, a paradise island with white-sand beaches, traditional villages and a UNESCO National Park. Find local markets and street food amongst its resorts, bars and cafes. Long Beach is the place for a beachfront restaurant and luxury resort. It’s a gorgeous place located in the south of the country.

A local Vietnamese seller

Danang

Next to Hoi An is Da Nang, a coastal city once a colonial port. Danang is halfway between the south and the north. The French influence is easy to see here amongst its French colonial buildings, and with a coastline of 30 km it’s a good place to stop for the beach. Lang Co Beach and My Khe Beach are the most popular and you can also try diving or water-skiing along the coastline. 

Things to do in Da Nang include climbing to the top of the Marble Mountains, limestone and marble hills where you can find Buddhist pagoda temples and craftsmen working. At the top, you can see the beaches in the distance, or visit Son Tra Mountain, a national park where you can hike jungle scenery and spot monkeys.

See the pink Da Nang Cathedral, a unique Vietnam church with views of the city from the tower. See hundreds of stone and terracotta sculptures and learn more about the Cham tribe at the Cham Museum. Go surfing or jet-skiing at Non Nuoc Beach, see the Buddha statue at the Phap Lam Pagoda or take a photo of Dragon Bridge, the longest bridge in the country.

Hoi An

Hue

If you’re a history GatG you should definitely stay a night or two in this riverfront town. Hue was once the country’s former Royal Capital and is one of the most charming places in Vietnam oozing with Tombs of the Ancient Emperors, pagodas, temples and the gorgeously-names Perfumed River. Visit the Institute of the Blind to support the blind and experience a blind massage. 

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An is the perfect place to learn about local life in Vietnam and see a less “touristy” side of the country.  Take this opportunity to learn how to cook traditional Vietnamese food or go crab-fishing in the coconut groves.

Things to do in Hoi An – Travel from Hue to Hoi An to see beautiful views as you over the Ho An pass. If you are looking for a hand-made silk dress, look no further than the coastal city of Hoi An. The ancient town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a well-preserved port town.

This old French colonial town has hidden gems amongst the Chinese temples, adding to its things to see in Hoi An. See the My Son – a Hindu temple complex, take a culinary cooking class or just sample the local delicacies of banh mi and egg coffee instead. As one of the best places in Vietnam for Vietnamese cuisine, you should definitely come here and sample the noodles which are only sold in Hoi An. There’s also a beach nearby.

Ha Song Doon Cave

This monstrous cave has earned the title of the “largest cave on earth,” and for good reason.  It is absolutely massive and incredibly beautiful.  You have to take a private guided tour to see it, but it is well worth it to be one of the few people who get to experience its glory every year.

Hanoi

Northern Vietnam

Hanoi

Northern Vietnam has many ethnic minority villages within its highlands and offers the opportunity to stay with local families, cook traditional meals and hike the beautiful highlands.

As the best city in Vietnam for tourists, you’ll find plenty of company in Northern Vietnam, whether you decide to stay in a homestay or the city of Hanoi, known as the Paris-of-the-East. Hanoi can be chaotic and a bit overwhelming for some but it does have a nice vibe. Learn about its rich history or take a rickshaw ride to fully experience the city.

When you are in Hanoi, one of the top things to see in Vietnam is a water puppet show. This tradition originated in northern Vietnam from flooded rice paddies where the locals would entertain themselves by performing with puppets whilst standing in the flooded water.

It is an art form that dates back to the 11th century and is usually accompanied by traditional music. Watching a show is one of the non-touristy things to do in Vietnam and the Water Puppet shows take place at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and last for about one hour in total.  When in Hanoi, make sure to see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the resting place of Vietnam’s most popular leader.

If Old Quarter Hanoi gets too much head to the lake to watch the locals doing their morning Thai Chai, dancing and downward dogs. Hanoi is walkable and it’s easy to see the main attraction in one day. Check out the Women’s Museum near the lake. Take a street food tour and go on a cruise in Halong Bay, one of the country’s amazing places and one of the top things to do in Vietnam but it can be a bit touristy.

How to get around Hanoi – Most of the things to see in Hanoi are close to each other so if you enjoy walking you can take your time seeing the sights. Taking a motorcycle taxi is one of the most common ways and easiest but you do need to haggle and write down the address of where you are going to.

Sapa

Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Another of the places to go in Vietnam when you are in the north is Pu Luong Nature Reserve. It’s an ideal place to get off the beaten track and see one of the unexplored places in Vietnam, away from the tourism. It’s a place for the nature GatG with mountains, valleys and jungle thrown into the Vietnamese mix. Stay in one of the homestays and learn from the White Thai, and Black Thai ethnic communities, creating crafts, swimming in waterfalls and hiking rice paddies. The Reserve is 150 kms from Hanoi and reachable via a private shuttle, stopping in Mai Chau on the way.

Sapa

Travel even further north and you’ll reach Lao Cai Province, 8 hours by overnight train from Hanoi. Sapa is only 30 minutes away and if you are a trekking GatG, Sapa is a beautiful area to hike. Sapa is an endless sea of green mountains and rice paddies that looks straight out of the movies. Fan Si Pan, the highest mountain in Vietnam, is also located in Sapa and is one of the must-sees in Vietnam in the north. 

From day hikes to multi-day hikes you’ll pass breathtaking views as you trek through rice paddies. Choose a homestay for an authentic and cultural experience. You’ll need to allow a few days to get here and back.

Mai Chau is an area 160 km from Hanoi and is a good alternative to Sapa. Known for their traditional weaving you can also do a homestay here and learn their traditional weaving techniques. If you are travelling around by motorbike Mu Cang Chai is less touristy but can be difficult to get to without your own transport.

Rice field terraces, near Sapa

Mu Cang Chai

The exploration of gorgeous green mountains and rice paddies continues in Mu Cang Chai. These views never get old but if you only have time to go to one, Sapa and Mu Cang Chai can be interchanged for the same effect pretty easily. This spot is known for its colourful sunsets and the gorgeous yellow that the rice plants turn during harvest.

Ban Gioc-detian Falls

Contrary to public belief, you should in fact go chasing waterfalls.  At least chase down these falls as they are stunning. You can take a raft ride right up to the edge or swim in the turquoise pools below, either way, you can’t go wrong.  Talk about a picturesque moment, it doesn’t get better than this!

Halong Bay

Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a really popular area with limestone mountains lining the bay. People come here to scuba dive, kayak and rock climb and take one of the area’s many cruises to see the pristine waters and epic mountains up close.  The beaches here are stunning and there are beautiful islands to spend the night on with views difficult to beat.

Halong Bay can be more pricey than other areas in Vietnam and can get overly busy so take an overnight cruise (2 days 1 night) instead of a day trip to make the most of your experience.

Cat Ba

To avoid the crowds, go to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi instead. You can stay overnight and take the one-day boat trip for less than the price to Halong Bay.

Here you can hike mountain trails, sunbathe on the beach, and walk along the promenade. It is also home to one of the world’s most endangered primates – the golden-headed langur.

Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh contains endless rice paddies and gorgeous mountains to explore. It also has the incredible Dragon Mountain Viewpoint that is a Vietnam must-see. Hike up to the top to see this absolutely breathtaking view for yourself. Solo travel Vietnam for beautiful landscapes, culture and a historical journey. 

Best Vietnam Tours For Solo Travellers

When you are traveling solo in Vietnam, it can be easy to meet others in Vietnam so you’ll never be short of company travelling here alone. But if you are unsure where to go in Vietnam and feel more comfortable in a group for either part of your trip or the whole of your Vietnam vacation, below are some of the best Vietnam tours for solo travellers. 

G Adventures Vietnam

G Adventures is a responsible tour company which mainly caters for budget travellers. Most of their small group tours have an average of 12 people and there is no upper age limit. Once you book your trip you pay extra for any excursions you want to do when you’re there. 

Their trips to Vietnam range from a 3 day Halong Bay Independent Adventure to a 15 day G Adventures Best of Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa. I have personally used G Adventures and recommend them as a solo female friendly company. * Click here for the full itineraries, prices, and start dates

TruTravels Vietnam

For the backpacker solo, TruTravels offers a 13 day tour to Vietnam. Beginning in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll travel to Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh and Hanoi, trying street food, taking part in cooking classes and egg coffee workshops and getting your heart pumping with basket boat splashing in Hoi An. Trips have a maximum of 20 people with most travellers between the ages of 18 and mid 30’s. Prices start from £975 based on a twin share. * Check prices & availability for TruTravels tour

Take a tuk tuk ride through the streets of Hanoi

Vietnam Day Tours

You don’t need to pre-book day tours of Vietnam as some hostels and tour companies offer these when you arrive. See You At Lilly’s offer a great Sapa tour (opt for the bus instead of the train if you book), or pop into the Real Kangaroo Cafe in Hanoi for more tours. 

Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated local tours and must do Vietnam activities. Choose from a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, take a boat ride along the Mekong Delta, or a cruise around Halong Bay visiting the islands and caves. Although some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people, there are plenty to book as a solo including Vietnam tours from Hanoi and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. * Check all tours and prices here

Best Accommodation For Vietnam Solo Travel

You’ll find plenty of Vietnam accommodation from international Vietnam hotels in the main cities, luxury coastal resorts and Vietnam beach resorts to budget hostels. You may need to pay a tax on top of your room cost and expect the accommodation to ask for your passport.

You’ll find local guesthouses along the river which may use an honour system where you write all the food and drink you consume into the guest book and pay when you leave. Rooms generally come with a fan unless you pay more for air-conditioning.

For a more cultural experience, the central highlands and the north of Vietnam offer home-stays in traditional stilt houses within the local communities. They can be quite basic but it definitely an experience. There is also Airbnb where you can stay with locals in a spare room or even book the whole apartment. 

All of the accommodation below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community and come with a Solo Female Friendly endorsement. For all other accommodation Vietnam including budget hotels in Vietnam, Vietnam resorts, or 4 or 5 stars Vietnam, click on the link below. * To book, check prices or availability for all accommodation in Vietnam

Da Lat – Mr Rot’s Secret Hostel

If you are planning on budget travel to Vietnam, Mr Rot’s Secret Hostel is located a short drive to Xuan Huong Lake. You can hire a bike or a car or book Mr Rots Secret day tour (which is amazing). The rooms are clean and modern and there is a beautiful sun terrace with mountain views.

Mr Rot is really friendly and the staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Choose from a bed in a 4-bed dormitory room, a deluxe single or a deluxe double. Breakfast is included. * Check rates & availability: Mr Rot’s Secret Hotel

Hanoi – See You At Lily’s

If you’re wondering where to stay in Hanoi, See You At Lily’s is a fabulous hostel. Situated in the Hang Trong District, this friendly hostel is a 15-minute walk to the Opera House. Reception is open 24 hours so it doesn’t matter if you arrive late at night and there is a restaurant on site serving local and Western cuisine and a kitchen to cook your own food (breakfast is included too).

The hostel is colourful and vibrant with friendly staff who can arrange tours for you such as a Sapa tour. Choose from a bed in an 8-bed mixed dorm, a 6-bed female-only dorm, or a twin room or suite. * Check rates & availability: See You At Lily’s

Hanoi – Republik Backpackers

This backpackers is a great place to meet others and socialise with a good vibe. They offer free beers in the early evenings to get you mingling and free walking tours for an overview of the city. Breakfast is fantastic and there’s also a terrace with views of the city. Hoan Kiem Lake is less than 1km away and you only a few minutes from Dong Xuan Market.

The beds have their own curtains and plug sockets and the lockers big enough to fit your bag. If you want to meet others and do some activities in Hanoi this hostel is perfect. Choose from a bed in a 16-bed dorm room, an 8-bed mixed or female-only dorms or upgrade to a double room. * Check rates & availability: Republik Backpackers Hostel

Ho Chi Minh – Cozy House 160

This cosy hostel is in a great location, next to lots of restaurants and bars and walking distance to the Vietnam tourist attractions and the things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. (if you don’t mind walking), yet in a side street away from the noise of the busy streets.

The rooms are spacious, clean and stylish and come in a standard double, superior double or deluxe. You can book tours with the helpful staff and you get a buffet breakfast included too (plus free fruit). * Check rates & availability: Cozy House 160

Hoi An – Under The Coconut Tree

If you’re in need of somewhere to rejuvenate yourself and are unsure where to stay in Hoi An, this charming homestay is perfect to get back in touch with nature. With a private path that leads to the beach, you’ll definitely leave here ready for your next adventure.

Choose from a bed in a mixed dormitory room, a bungalow with a double bed or a standard double private room. All come with a fan and toiletries and a shower that makes you feel as though you are outside. Breakfast isn’t included but it only costs a little bit extra. * Check rates & availability: Under The Coconut Tree 

Hue – Bonjour Hostel

This hostel is a great choice if you choose to stay in Hue. Bonjour Hostel is close to bars and restaurants and within walking distance to the citadel. The rooms are clean and come with a fan or air conditioning and hot water. The beds are comfortable and have their own curtain for more privacy.

There is free coffee and tea and banana pancakes for breakfast and the staff are great. The only downside is that you may have to queue for a shower if you are in hurry. Choose from a bed in a 10-bed dormitory, a 6-bed dorm or a double room. * Check rates & availability: Bonjour Hostel

Transport For Travelling Vietnam Solo 

If you are travelling Vietnam solo and unsure how to travel around Vietnam, there is a variety of transportation in Vietnam. If you are short on time then consider taking an internal flight. There is a cheap airline called VietJet that fly throughout Vietnam. You can fly from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City in 1 hour 15 minutes then travel onward from Danang Airport to Hoi An.

Vietnam Travel by Train – There is also Vietnam train travel and for any places where the trains in Vietnam don’t go, you can take minibuses around the country. Vietnam is a long country so distances can be vast. For longer distances, the best way to travel through Vietnam is by taking one of the overnight trains from Sapa to Hanoi, or fly from Hanoi to Danang or Hanoi to Hue instead (which only takes 1 hour 10 minutes).

You may want to ride the Reunification Express when you’re here. The North-South railway connects Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and the term applies to any train that operates along this line. The railway is a symbol of a reunified Vietnam and passes through rice fields and small towns. The trains have different seating and sleeping options such as a hard seat, a hard berth (with 6 beds), or a soft berth (with 4 beds). You can always upgrade to a VIP cabin for more privacy. You can book tickets for the trains online or with a local travel company. Check train times here

Boat transportation in Vietnam – Boats are another form of public transport in Vietnam and there are also overnight boats such as the overnight boat to Halong Bay which are great if you are travelling Vietnam alone. Some destinations are easy to travel to overland such as Hue to Hoi An.

Bus Vietnam – If you are backpacking Vietnam alone, you can travel from the south to the north entirely by bus, choosing sleeper buses for overnight journeys (the best way to travel within Vietnam overnight). They are comfortable and reduce your costs travelling as you the bus ticket is also your accommodation costs. It’s easy to book a local bus as you go through hostels or small tour companies in Vietnam. When touring in Vietnam, to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay, for example, you can take a bus for 2 hours 40 minutes then a 30-minute ferry across to Ha Long Bay. PSD Express or Giant Ibis are comfortable buses with air conditioning and free water and snacks. 

How to get around Vietnam by bike – One of the fun things to do in Vietnam and the best way to experience road trips in Vietnam is on the back of a motorbike with a hired driver. This way of traveling in Vietnam is such an experience and you can hire a driver to motorbike the Ha Giang Loop or just travel from Hue to Hoi An for example with Hue Easy Driver. 

Internal flights – If you are short on time, the best way to travel around Vietnam quickly is with the domestic Vietnam airlines that operate domestically to the major cities in the country. 

To help you travel through Vietnam, use an offline map such as maps.me to get around and download a taxi app such as Grab or Uber to get from the airport to your accommodation. BaoLau is a useful website for booking your Vietnam transportation.

Vietnam Solo Travel Itinerary

Because of its size, you need at least two weeks to get a taster of the country. Three to four weeks is recommended to see the whole country if you have the time, if not look at spending time in either the south or the north for your Vietnam travel itinerary, or fly internally to maximise your days.

You could combine your trip with a neighbouring country and solo travel Vietnam and Cambodia in a month or six weeks for example. Below are examples of Vietnam itineraries, whether you are looking for a Vietnam itinerary 10 days, a week Vietnam itinerary or 14 days in Vietnam. Here are the best spots in Vietnam to stay. 

Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days

Ho Chi Minh City (3 nights), Hoi An (2 nights), Da Lat (2 nights)

Hanoi (3 nights), Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba Island, (1 night), Sapa (3 nights)

10 Days in Vietnam

Hanoi (2 nights), Ha Long Bay (1 night), Hue (2 nights), Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park (2 nights), Ho Chi Minh (3 nights)

2 Weeks in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City (3 nights), Hoi An (2 nights), Da Lat (2 nights), Hanoi (3 nights), Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba Island, (1 night), Sapa (3 nights)

Vietnam Itinerary 3 Weeks

Hanoi (2 nights), Sapa (3 nights), Ha Long Bay (1 night), Ninh Binh (2 nights), Hue (2 nights). Da Nang (2 nights), Hoi An (2 nights), Nha Trang (2 nights), Mui Ne (2 nights), Ho Chi Minh City (3 nights). N.b. If you have a month in Vietnam, you may want to spend longer in some of these places. 

* Use Rome2Rio or BaoLau to plan your journeys.

Travel Guide For Vietnam

If you need a guidebook for your travels we recommend the Solo Girl’s Travel Guides. These guides are written specifically for women and cover every travel detail including exclusive access to off-the-beaten-path destinations and secret beaches.

The author, Alexa West, has plenty of experience of Vietnam solo female travel. She lived in Vietnam and shares all her knowledge including local markets and social hotspots. 

Vietnam: The Solo Girl’s Travel Guide

If you are planning on travelling to Vietnam for the first time, the Solo Girl’s Travel Guide to Vietnam covers topics such as must-see places in Vietnam, things to see in Vietnam including Vietnam attractions, what to pack, the best beaches and resorts for your budget, and money-saving tips. It also includes how to get to your hotel without paying tourist prices, off-the-beaten-path adventures and local secrets. For any girl planning a solo trip to Vietnam, it’s your travel Bible. * Buy The Solo Girl’s Vietnam Travel Guide

Best Time For Travelling Solo in Vietnam

Due to the country being so vast the climate varies from region to region so even if it’s hot in one destination it can be colder in another such as the Central Highlands. Ho Chi Minh is hot year-round you can visit anytime but it can be very humid in April.

The rainy season is generally from June to October but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider travelling solo in Vietnam during this time. Just take a raincoat and keep an eye on the hourly weather forecast. The rain can sometimes be a welcome respite to the heat and it may only rain heavily for a short while before clearing for the rest of the day or night. You may prefer to avoid the rainy seasons if you are taking a cruise in Ha Long Bay.

November to March are good months to travel here as it can be cooler in the north and not so humid in the south. It is also a good destination for a Christmas break in the south. Try to time your visit with the blossom season in the mountainous areas. September to October is a good period to see the Sapa rice paddies before harvest.

Below is a weather chart showing the annual weather from January to December for solo female travel Hanoi. Click on this link for other regions.

Travel Insurance For Vietnam

Vietnam is a fascinating country to explore but travel insurance is always recommended if you tour Vietnam to cover you for any travel delays, medical assistance and accidents.

True Traveller and World Nomads are two insurance companies which can cover travel to Vietnam. True Traveller is available to UK and European residents, and World Nomads is available to over 100 countries worldwide, including the USA and UK. For digital nomads, Safety Wing is a nomad insurance that covers people from all over the world.

All companies allow you to buy insurance when you are already on the road and offer different plans depending on your needs including additional adventure cover. * Check insurance cover and prices for True Traveller

N.b. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Vietnam Airports

Vietnam has several international airports. One in Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Da Nang International Airport. Here’s how to get to and from each one.

Ho Chi Minh – Tan So Nhat International Airport (SGN) is Vietnam’s largest airport and is very close to the city centre. A taxi costs approx £5 for the 6-minute drive. Cheaper options are Airport bus 119 bus which departs Mien Tay Bus Station every 30 minutes and takes 9 minutes from the airport.

Airport bus 109 also runs to the airport. Shuttle bus 49 runs directly from the airport to your hotel. Click here for details of the buses 

Hanoi – Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is a 45-minute bus ride from Hanoi. Taxis cost approximately £18 and only take 25 minutes or you can take the bus for just £1. Hanoi Airport Shuttles run every hour and cost £2. Click here for details 

Da Nang – Da Nang International (DAD) is only a 4-minute ride into Danang. There doesn’t seem to be any bus services so you may have to opt for a taxi for £3. If you are travelling from here to Hoi An it’s just a 30-minute ride.

* Feel more confident with someone waiting for you at the airport when you pre-book a transfer with Hoppa, a reliable and safe service for solo females.

For other airports use Rome2Rio to plan your journey.

Questions About Vietnam

• Can I drink the water? It isn’t recommended to drink tap water. Consider taking your own water filter with you.
• Is tipping expected?  Tipping isn’t expected but it is appreciated
• Fixed price or barter? You can barter in the markets but people come to the city to sell goods because they don’t make enough money in their villages. Just remember that one dollar is not much to us but a lot to them
• Any ATMs? Yes, there are ATMs across the country. It can be difficult to find one in Halong Bay so keep some cash on you. If you are changing money try Lily’s Travel Agency in Hanoi. Make sure that your notes have no marks on them before changing them.
• Which side of the road do they drive? On the right-hand side but the roads can be chaotic with erratic drivers and motorbikes so be careful.
• Good for vegetarians? Yes, and vegans and if you are gluten-free. Try ‘pho chay’ a soup with tofu which is gluten-free, ‘goi cuon’ Vietnamese rice paper rolls with vegetables or ‘banh mi chay’ a baguette with a vegetarian filling.
• Any seven wonders of the world? No, but Halong Bay should be.
• Is Vietnam safe for women? Yes but you do need to be careful of bag snatching. When you solo female travel Vietnam, keep your valuables out of sight and your bag tightly on you in the cities in Vietnam. 

Map of Vietnam

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