How to Plan a Solo Female Trip to Vietnam

Between bowls of steaming pho and coffee strong enough to wake your ancestors, Vietnam is a country filled to the brim with exciting experiences for visitors. It’s especially having its main character moment among solo travelers—and for good reason.

With its friendly locals, landscapes so stunning they look fake, and relatively inexpensive food and hotels, what’s not to like? Of course, for solo female travelers, there’s more to consider than just where to find the best banh mi.

This guide breaks down everything from dodging motorbike traffic (an extreme sport in itself) to finding the best accommodations that won't blow your budget.

Is Vietnam safe for solo female travelers?

Short answer: yes! Honestly, the most unsafe you’ll probably be is when crossing the street during rush hour and having to dodge hundreds of motorcycles from all directions.

Vietnamese people are warm and welcoming, plus in bigger cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, the streets are alive until the wee hours of the morning, so it feels safe walking back to your hotel at night.

Locals in most touristy places can also understand and speak English, so if you meet them halfway and keep a few common Vietnamese phrases in your back pocket, communication wouldn’t be a problem. 

Of course, as with visiting anywhere new, you have to keep a clear head and be aware of your surroundings all the time.

Where and when to go in Vietnam?

Once you’ve deemed Vietnam your next solo travel destination, the next question is where in Vietnam do you go, and when?

Weather

Weather will play a huge role in your enjoyment and safety in Vietnam. Even if it’s all clear skies in Ha Long Bay today, you might arrive in a dreary Saigon tomorrow if you don’t plan properly.

We recommend visiting Vietnam twice if you want to see the entire country. Explore the northern cities first like Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa, and then come back for a beach-themed trip to the central and southern cities.

The fall and winter months (September to early March) are the best months to visit northern Vietnam as skies are mostly clear and the air is cooler. Spring and early summer, meanwhile (April to June) are perfect for enjoying the beaches of Danang and Phu Quoc or learning about Vietnamese history in Hue and Ho Chi Minh City.

If you don’t want to split your trip, though, November to April will give you generally good weather conditions from north to south, with March as the most ideal month.

Activities

Vietnam is a choose-your-own-adventure playground, with experiences that cater to every type of traveler. The key is matching your interests with the right regions. 

History buffs can dive into war museums in Saigon and imperial citadels in Hue, while adventure seekers can trek Sapa’s misty mountain trails, kayak along Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, or motorbike through the stunning Hai Van Pass.

If you’re a foodie, you’ll find yourself in paradise taking cooking classes in Hoi An and sampling regional cuisines that range from hearty northern dishes to fresh southern seafood. And if you’re after some relaxation, 5-star beach resorts in Phu Quoc, affordable spa treatments in Hanoi, and cozy cafes in Danang offer the perfect counterpoint to more active experiences.