This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I receive commissions for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you. Read disclosure.

If you’re wondering whether or not Vietnam Solo Travel is safe, this guide will walk you through what you need to know. As a bonus, if you want to know the best time of year to visit Vietnam or which regions to tour, you’ll find the answers to those questions here, as well.

There are many reasons to visit Vietnam. Tourists, the world over, travel to Vietnam to learn more about the history of the country and to experience its phenomenal views.

Vietnam should definitely be on your travel list! LISTEN…the waterfalls, the parks, the caves, the rice fields, and the beaches offer views that are unparalleled. And that’s just barely scratching the surface of what you’ll see.

AND LET’S TALK ABOUT THE FOOD! The affordable cuisine and street food is a big draw to this Southeast Asian country. The food alone makes the trip to Vietnam worthwhile.

So you can see why Vietnam is a popular tourist destination. With more and more solo travelers making the leap. Because why wait around for somebody to travel with when you can go by yourself? Solo travel ROCKS!

When Should I Visit Vietnam?

So when is the best time to travel to Vietnam? Well, that all depends on which part of the country you’d like to visit, what you want to do, and your tolerance for hot weather.

Which Region of Vietnam Should You Visit and When

Solo Travel in Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam is most temperate for travelers from April to May and September to October. Generally, the rainy season has ended and the days are mostly sun-filled.

Winter months from December through March can be significantly colder and not conducive to exploring nature trails, hiking or boating activities. It is important to keep the weather in mind when visiting Vietnam to ensure the most enjoyable experience.

Northern Vietnam includes Hanoi, which is the capital of Vietnam. Here’s where you will find Halong Bay’s stunning clear waters surrounded by rainforests. The views are breathtaking! This is a MUST SEE!

Kayaking and boating expeditions are popular activities for solo travelers in Northern Vietnam, so be sure to check out the available tours in that area.

Sa Pa is also in Northern Vietnam and is a great spot for hiking along the mountainside or rice field terraces. 

When to Visit Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam is ideal in the first half of the year. From January to June, Phong Nha, Hoi An, and Hue are popular tourist destinations in this area.

It rains heavily in Central Vietnam during the months of October and November and generally May through August are overwhelmingly hot. If you like it hot, like I do, this is the perfect time to visit!

Phong Nha National Park (a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site) with its limestone caves, tropical rainforests, rivers, and clear blue waters is exceptional in its beauty.

If you’re opting for solo travel in Vietnam, it is a safe bet that this region will be among your favorites.

Best Months for Solo Travel in Southern Vietnam

Much like Central Vietnam, Southern Vietnam is most temperate from January to April. The months of May to November bring heavy rains. Regardless, this region is one of the most popular tourist destinations.

Ho Chi Minh City offers countless things to do and see. Steeped in vast history and culture, it is truly a bucket-list travel spot.

Home of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh City is a history-buffs candy store and offers exceptional street food stalls that attract foodies from all over the world.

Read: Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

When traveling (no matter the destination) whether in a group or all alone, safety should always be your number one priority. The following information should allay any fears you have about traveling solo in Vietnam.

Is It Safe To Travel Solo In Vietnam?

The simple answer is…YES!

Vietnam Safety Information

Overall, tourists opting for solo travel in Vietnam will find that it is a safe place to visit alone. The U.S. Department of State-Bureau of Consular Affairs has 4 travel advisory levels: 1-Exercise Normal Precautions; 2-Exercise Increased Cautions; 3-Reconsider Travel; and 4-Do Not Travel.

Vietnam is listed as a Level 1 travel advisory. So it’s considered very safe! Violent crimes are rare. It’s the petty crimes you need to be aware of.

General Safety Tips for Vietnam Travel 

When attempting solo travel in Vietnam, take measures to stay safe in terms of carrying around your belongings and valuables. Invest in secure travel bags with hidden pockets for cash, credit cards, tickets, and other valuable items.

Keep your valuables secure

There are a few options when it comes to anti-theft bags. An anti-theft crossbody, organizer travel purse, or travel neck wallet are all good choices.

When traveling from location to location, be sure to secure your camera or phone in a bag as well vs. carrying it your hand or around your neck. It may be inconvenient at first but think about the alternative.

Having your phone snatched, by someone riding by on a motorbike, while on vacation can really put a damper on your trip!

So when walking around, keep your phone in your pocket or bag. DO NOT walk around looking at your phone. If you’re using google maps or the like for directions, pull up the map, turn on the sound, put your headphones on and put the phone away.

Don’t keep valuables like jewelry, watches and digital devices on display. This will lessen your chance of being targeted for theft.

Keep your eyes on the money

It’s also important to note that there will always be scams and dishonest practices meant to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists.

The one to watch out for in Vietnam is the money switch. Always check the money given back to you as change. The 20,000VND and 50,000VND are both blue and can easily be switched without your knowledge, shortchanging you.

Motorbike taxis are where you have to really watch out for this scam.

Getting Around in Vietnam: Safe Transportation Options for Solo Travelers 

There are over 20+ airports in Vietnam, which makes getting from one region of the country to another quite easy.

While it’s not the fastest method of transportation, traveling by train is also a great option in Vietnam. Obviously, it’s the most scenic route.

Fans of solo travel have been opting for this safe, budget-friendly mode of transportation for a number of years. As a matter of fact, it might be the best way to see the country!

Taking an overnight train in Vietnam as a solo traveler could turn out to be the experience of a lifetime!

Rail travel takes visitors to several of the popular tourist destinations. Popular routes include areas in and around Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Nah Trang.

Open tour buses are another popular transportation option in Vietnam.

Commonly known as on-off bus tours in the states, the open tour buses take visitors through various routes on a set schedule. There are also state bus options that run more generally through the cities.

These are a bit more laid-back and tend to be crowded and often don’t follow a regular set schedule, so it is important to note that when planning how you’ll get around.

YOU CAN DO IT ALONE

In summary, there is really no need to worry about your safety as a solo traveler in Vietnam. Staying safe here just requires general common sense, a few minor precautions and being aware of your surroundings at all times. 

YES! Solo travel in Vietnam is safe. Much like anywhere in the world, it just comes down to not letting your guard down, keeping your valuables close, and exercising wisdom.

With countless trails to trek, beaches to explore, street food to eat and cultural experiences at every turn, Vietnam is an ideal travel destination for tourists, whether visiting as a group or stepping out as a solo traveler. 

Are you considering traveling to Vietnam solo? If so, I say GO FOR IT!

Sign Up For The Sojourner Moxie Newsletter

You’ll get new blog posts and travel tips that will help you make the most of your adventures–directly to your inbox!