Traveling alone in Vietnam gives you the chance to submerge yourself with your surroundings without getting distracted entirely, but that comes with tradeoffs such as loneliness and safety concerns. All you need to do is spend some preparation for your trip and exercise common sense at all times when you are in Vietnam, and you should be alright.
1. Trust Everyone and No One
One of the best reasons to travel solo and the best way to overcome loneliness on this kind of trip is to meet new people and make new friends, but this does not mean you should trust them to hold onto your valuables and money. Common scams and petty thieves are often lurking around, especially in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, spotting out foreign tourists to make their next move, so exercise common sense.
2. Pre-arrange Accommodation and Transportation
At times it is nice to be spontaneous and book rooms and transports as you go, but this comes at a price of things getting booked out, and you will need to pay for higher prices for last-minute bookings. We recommend using 12GoAsia for transport tickets and Agoda for accommodations.
Check bus ticket prices for Vietnam trip:
Check price and availability of hotels in Vietnam:
3. Travel during the Daytime
For safety reasons when going to an unknown country, avoid traveling on buses, taxis, trains, and dimly lit areas at night. Theft is common during the day, but it can be more dangerous at night. If you’re thinking of roaming the city on foot, read more on Vietnamese Street Crossing and the best time to visit Vietnam.
4. Do Not Draw Attention to Yourself by Wearing Flashy Clothes or Jewelry
Don’t brand yourself as someone who does not belong. Vietnam is a country of motorbikes and it is advisable not to flaunt your belongings especially while you’re on the back of the bike as snatch-thefts and accidents can happen.
5. Respect Local Culture
Spend time doing research on local cultures and taboos before visiting local attractions, such as the temples and pagodas. Learn about local customs, etiquette, and how to dress appropriately. Read more on Vietnam’s Dos and Dont’s.
| To have fun trips in Ho Chi Minh City, check out our authentic motorbike tours with professional local guides! |
6. Leave a Trace
Make copies of your itinerary to your friends or family and stay in touch regularly through emails, phone, texts, etc. Learn more about SIM cards in Vietnam.
7. Make Friends with a Hotel Staff
These locals can provide excellent pieces of advice on things to do and see in Vietnam. Ask them for information on a quality tour, local cuisines or Vietnamese street foods to try, best markets for shopping, or even free things to do in Vietnam.
8. Carry Suitable Identification in More than One Place
It is wise to take pictures of your passport on your phone and email a copy to yourself. Even better, consider attaching Air Tags with your belongings.
Buy Air Tags online here9. Know the Costs
Before you get into any means of transportation in Vietnam, do your research on costs and distances ahead of time. It is recommended to do a Google Maps check on the distance and routes first, so you know how long it takes and how much it costs to get from point A to B. Read more on the Vietnamese currency and travel times and taxi fares from major airports in Vietnam to the city center.
10. Follow Your Conscience
If it does not feel right, do not do it. We understand the spirit of adventures may want to try everything new that you come across. However, since you are in a foreign country, better be safe and enjoy the rest of the trip than risk it all for the thrills.
Summing Up on the Tips for Solo Travelers in Vietnam
Traveling alone in Vietnam comes with concerns such as loneliness and safety, but as long as you exercise caution, you will be able to enjoy your trip without being paranoid.
Any questions? Leave a message in the comments!
Additional reading: a solo trip in New Zealand by Bobohaha.com