Solo Travel Vietnam Guide: Safety, Budget & Tips

Planning solo travel to Vietnam? This comprehensive guide covers everything from Vietnam visa requirements and daily budgets to safety tips and ideal itineraries. Whether you’re a first-time backpacker or experienced solo traveller, learn how to navigate Vietnam safely, budget effectively, and maximise your experience. Discover the best time to visit Vietnam, essential apps, scam prevention strategies, and region-specific advice for Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and beyond. Get practical insights on accommodation, transport, and cultural etiquette to ensure a smooth, memorable solo adventure through Southeast Asia’s most captivating destination.

When to Visit Vietnam: Regional Climate Guide

Vietnam’s climate varies dramatically by region. Choose your timing based on destination:

Ho Chi Minh

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay)

• Best months: October–November, March–April
• Temperature: 15–25°C
• Why: Clear skies, minimal rainfall, comfortable trekking weather
• Pack: Light jacket for highland evenings

Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An)

• Best months: February–May
• Temperature: 22–30°C
• Why: Dry season, ideal beach weather, typhoon-free
• Avoid: September–December (heavy rainfall)

Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)

• Best months: December–April
• Temperature: 25–35°C
• Why: Dry season, vibrant city energy
• Note: May–November brings afternoon monsoons; carry waterproof gear

Vietnam Visa Requirements for Solo Travellers

E-Visa Application Process

• Duration: 90 days, single or multiple entries
• Processing time: 3–5 business days
• Application: Vietnam Immigration Portal
• Passport validity: 6 months minimum from arrival date
• Cost: Approximately 25 USD (check current rates)
  

Alternative Options

• Visa on Arrival: Available at major airports; requires an approval letter
• Embassy visas: For extended stays or special circumstances

Important: Vietnam visa policies change frequently. Verify current requirements before booking flights.

Vietnam Solo Travel Budget Breakdown

Budget	Accommodation(VND)	Daily Meals(VND)	Transport(VND)	Activities(VND)	Total/Day (VND)
Backpacker	200,000 (dorm)	150,000 (street food)	100,000 (local bus/bike)	150,000	600,000
Mid-Range	700,000 (private room)	400,000 (restaurants)	200,000 (Grab rides)	300,000	1,600,000
Comfort	1,500,000+ (hotel)	800,000 (dining)	400,000 (private transport)	500,000+	3,200,000+

Money-Saving Tips

• Withdraw large amounts to minimise ATM fees (30,000–50,000 VND per transaction)
• Use Visa/Mastercard at hotels; carry cash for markets and street vendors
• Download budget travel apps for real-time expense tracking

Is Vietnam Safe for Solo Travellers? 

things to do in Haoi

Hanoi Solo Travel Safety

• Old Quarter: High tourist traffic; watch for bag snatchers on motorbikes
• Night safety: Generally safe in lit areas; avoid empty streets after midnight
• Transport: Use the Grab app instead of street taxis

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) Safety Tips

• District 1: Busy and safe; exercise standard precautions
• Scam awareness: Confirm taxi meters; avoid unlicensed drivers
• Solo female travellers: Stick to well-reviewed hostels near Ben Thanh Market

Da Nang & Hoi An

• Beach safety: Don’t leave belongings unattended
• Night activities: Hoi An riverside is well-lit and patrolled
• Transport: Rent motorbikes only with proper insurance

Common Vietnam Travel Scams

• Taxi meter tampering: Solution: Use the Grab or Gojek apps
• Overcharging at markets: Confirm prices before purchasing
• ATM skimming: Use machines inside banks

Essential Vietnam Solo Travel Apps 

• Grab: Ride-hailing (taxis, motorbikes, food delivery)
• Zalo: Local messaging (required for many services)
• MoMo/ZaloPay: Digital payment wallets
• Google Maps: Download offline maps for rural areas
• Google Translate: Vietnamese language support

Vietnam Travel Insurance & Health Essentials

Required Vaccinations

• Routine immunisations (MMR, tetanus)
• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid (for rural travel)
• Japanese encephalitis (if trekking in highlands)

Travel Insurance Must-Haves

• Medical evacuation coverage (minimum 100,000 USD)
• Hospital stays and emergency treatment
• Trip cancellation and lost baggage
• Recommended providers: Best travel insurance for Southeast Asia

Emergency Contacts (Save Before Departure)

• Vietnam emergency hotline: 113 (police), 114 (fire), 115 (ambulance)
• Tourist hotline: 1900 9095
• Your embassy contact numbers

Solo Female Travel Vietnam: Additional Safety Tips

• Accommodation: Book female-only dorms or private rooms in reviewed hostels
• Night travel: Use app-based transport; share trip details with friends
• Cultural dress: Cover shoulders and knees at temples and in rural areas
• Join group tours: For overnight trips and remote destinations

Vietnam Transport Guide for Solo Travellers

Domestic Flights

• Routes: Hanoi–HCMC, Hanoi–Da Nang, HCMC–Phu Quoc
• Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Bamboo Airways
• Booking tip: Use flight comparison tools

Sleeper Trains

• Route: Hanoi to HCMC (30+ hours)
• Book: 4-berth cabin for safety; lower berths are easier to secure luggage
• Cost: 800,000–1,500,000 VND depending on class

Sleeper Buses

• Operators: Phuong Trang (Futa), Hanh Cafe
• Safety: Use luggage locks; keep valuables in a day pack
• Cost: 300,000–600,000 VND for long routes

Final Thoughts: Your Vietnam Solo Adventure Awaits

Solo travel in Vietnam offers unparalleled opportunities for cultural immersion, budget-friendly exploration, and personal growth. By following this guide’s safety protocols, budget strategies, and regional timing advice, you’ll navigate Vietnam confidently and avoid common pitfalls. Remember to secure comprehensive travel insurance, download essential apps before arrival, and respect local customs throughout your journey. Whether exploring Hanoi’s ancient streets, cruising Halong Bay, or wandering Hoi An’s lantern-lit alleys, Vietnam rewards prepared solo travellers with unforgettable experiences. Start planning your adventure today using these proven strategies and resources.

FAQ’S

1. How much money do I need for solo travel in Vietnam?

A: 600K/day VND (budget) or 1.6M/day VND(mid-range). Carry extra cash for emergencies and rural areas.

2. Is Vietnam safe for solo female travellers at night?

A: Yes. Use Grab, stay in well-rated hostels, and avoid isolated spots after dark.

3. Do I need a visa for Vietnam as a solo traveller?

A: Yes, most need an e-visa (valid 90 days). Apply online 3–5 days before travel.

4. What is the best time to visit Vietnam for solo backpackers?

A: North: Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr, Central: Feb–May,  South: Dec–Apr. Avoid typhoon season (Sep–Dec).

5. Can I use Grab everywhere in Vietnam?

A: Yes, in big cities. Limited in rural areas, carry cash and know basic phrases.