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Vietnam Solo Travel: Why to Try and What to Expect
Vietnam Solo Travel: Why to Try and What to Expect
Vietnam is one of the safest destinations in Asia and the world for solo travel. Whether young or old, male or female, you can enjoy exploring the country without worries.
Why should you consider solo travel in Vietnam?
Here are some of the top reasons why you should choose Vietnam solo travel:
Safety: Safety is always a big concern for every tourist, especially solo travelers. With its low crime rate and almost no natural disasters, Vietnam has been considered among the world’s safest destinations to visit. You can even feel secure even in remote rural areas. Our major cities offer international hospitals and clinics with well-trained staff if you need medical support.
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Affordable budget: Vietnam has everything to cater to every demand at reasonable prices. Accommodations like homestays, hostels, or dormitories may cost only $10 while food and drinks often range around $1-4. Therefore, backpackers, budget, or solo travelers can enjoy their journey without overspending.
Stunning scenery and warm hospitality: Vietnam boasts its magnificent landscapes and beautiful, long coastline. The country is home to many heritage sites and places recognized and honored by UNESCO such as Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, etc. Additionally, Vietnamese people are super friendly and supportive. You can feel a warm welcome wherever you go in Vietnam.
Delectable cuisine: Vietnamese food is diverse and seriously cheap, making it perfect for solo travelers on a budget. Try our famous foods such as banh mi, pho, bun bo, egg coffee, etc. and you will see that we don’t exaggerate.
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Rich culture and heroic history: Solo travelers can discover numerous ancient relics, temples, pagodas, and more in Vietnam. Each region or ethnicity's unique culture and traditions are also different, making it amazing to learn about.
Besides, exciting and diverse experiences and convenient transportation are what solo travelers can expect while visiting Vietnam. You can participate in many indoor and outdoor activities, from the air to ground or water, on your own or join in group to make friends. Traveling from one place to another is easy and quick thanks to Vietnam’s well-built transportation system. The prices are also affordable for solo travelers.
Best places for solo travel in Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City: This vibrant metropolis is one of Vietnam’s top destinations for solo travel. In the downtown, immerse yourself in the bustling life pace in the crowded streets, modern skyscrapers, and traditional markets. Visit the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, and more to have a glimpse of Vietnam’s history. Various experiences are awaiting such as biking, kayaking, sightseeing, archery, indoor skiing or hiking, and more. In the outskirts, you can enjoy the fresh air and vast greenery in Can Gio or fire a real AK47 gun in Cu Chi. Authentic and varied foods from other countries are available in Ho Chi Minh City.
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Hanoi: Vietnam’s capital is an ideal place for solo travelers seeking a cultural experience. Its over 1,000-year-old history, ancient architecture, and special cuisine will satisfy you. The Old Quarter is a must-visit spot for solo travelers in Hanoi. You should not miss activities such as watching a water puppet show, visiting traditional craft villages, joining a night walking tour, etc. Savor Hanoi’s best dishes including pho, bun cha, bun dau mam tom, and more to complete your solo trip.
Danang: The dynamic city is known for a range of unique bridges and glamorous beaches. Staying here, solo travelers can enjoy water activities and delicious seafood. Book a ticket to Ba Na Hills to try games and entertainment. Linh Ung Pagoda located on Son Tra Peninsula is a must for spiritual travel. Especially, luxury hotels and resorts in Danang offer affordable room rates. Award yourself some nights as the prices are reasonable and the services are great.
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Hoi An: This is a charming ancient city in Central Vietnam and a wonderful place for solo travel. It’s very easy to explore the town, from the nostalgia and vibrant center to peaceful suburbs and stunning beaches. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An preserves many traditional and long-standing values as well as constructions. You can travel around the city on foot or by bike to leisurely discover its one-of-a-kind beauty.
Ha Long Bay: Another renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site for Vietnam solo travel is Ha Long. You can take a cruise or kayak to admire the breathtaking landscapes with crystal water and thousands of limestone karsts and islands. A seaplane tour to see the bay from above is also a promising experience at around $60 or VND 1.5 million. Seafood is a real highlight that you should not ignore.
Sapa: Sapa is one of Northern Vietnam’s most famous mountainous places. Solo travelers can feel safe being in this town. It is home to picturesque rice terrace fields, mountains, and ethnic minority communities. Solo travelers can find distinct foods and cultures here. People are welcoming and friendly, willing to treat you to local meals, take you to many places, or let you stay at their houses with a low charge or even free.
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Budget for Vietnam solo travel
Let’s break down the average daily cost for a solo traveler in Vietnam:
- Foods and drinks: $8-12/day (VND 200,000 - 300,000)
- Accommodation: $8-20/night (VND 200,000 - 500,000)
- Transportation: Depending on the distances, your needs, and preferences. The price is around $0.5-1.5 if you take a city bus, about $1-6 if you book a taxi or motorbike, $10-30 to travel by a sleeper bus or train, etc. Domestic flights also come with affordable prices, starting from $40.
- Activities and experiences: Depending on your travel budget and hobbies. Entrance tickets to tourist attractions can be complimentary or cost only $2-8 (VND 50,000 - 200,000). Experiences such as kayaking, paragliding, skyboarding, diving, etc. may cost $15-80.
If you are a solo traveler on a budget, you just need $20-40 daily for all the above expenses.
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Tips for solo travelers in Vietnam
Don’t bring too much cash: Vietnam is moving towards cash-free consumption. You can transfer money or use your card even at street vendors and small shops. So, carry a little cash with you just to pay for the parking fees or some places only allow cash.
Be careful and stay safe: Keep your belongings with you and be aware of your surroundings. You are encouraged to wear a cross-body bag with your valuables such as money and phone. Don’t wander alone in secluded areas, especially at night or early morning.
Do some research: Before you visit a place or buy something, research online to avoid unpleasant surprises or hiccups. Network infrastructure in Vietnam is well-built so solo travelers don’t need to worry about the internet connection.
Pack light and comfortable clothes: Vietnam’s climate is tropical. The temperatures are usually quite high. That’s why you should wear light and breathable clothing.
Learn basic Vietnamese phrases: Vietnamese people are friendly, but not everyone can speak English. Basic phrases such as “xin chao” (hello), “cam on” (thank you), “bao nhieu” (how much?), or “xin loi” (sorry) can help you connect with the locals, especially in the countryside.
Vietnam is an ideal destination for solo travel, right?! If you ever want to join a private or group tour here, feel free to contact Visit Vietnam Tours. We will make your solo journey much more memorable and secure.