Solo Travel in Vietnam: My Favourite Places & Real Tips

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Vietnam is a ridiculously easy country to enjoy on your own. A lot of the best experiences are easy to book through your hostel, naturally social or just better when you’re free to do them at your own pace. Whether you’re into history, food, nature or just meeting other travellers, you won’t be short of things to do.

Here are a few of my favourites:

1. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels

If you’re travelling through Ho Chi Minh City, chances are you’ll end up at the Cu Chi Tunnels sooner or later. Half your hostel will probably be going too.

It’s one of the most popular day trips from the city, and for good reason. The tunnels played a huge role during the Vietnam War, and seeing them in person gives you a much better understanding of what people endured. It’s one thing to read about them. It’s another thing crouching your way through a dark, narrow tunnel, wondering how anybody managed to spend days, weeks or even months down there.

It’s also a great solo traveller activity because Cu Chi group tours are easy to book and tend to be pretty social. So even if you arrived in Vietnam knowing absolutely nobody, you’ll probably have found somebody to grab a beer with by the end of the day.

One tip: choose a guide who takes the history seriously. The tunnels are fascinating, but they’re much more impactful when you understand the stories behind them rather than treating them as a novelty attraction.

And one final warning: if you don’t like confined spaces, this might be the moment you discover just how much you don’t like confined spaces.

2. Spend a Night in an Authentic Junk at Ha Long Bay

Spending a night on a junk boat in Ha Long Bay is one of those things that ends up on pretty much every Vietnam itinerary.

And fair enough.

The bay is packed with those huge limestone karsts you’ve probably seen in photos a hundred times before, and trust me, they look even better when you’re there. It’s also one of the easiest places to meet people whilst travelling solo. You’re all on the same boat, looking at the same scenery, so conversations tend to happen pretty naturally.

There are plenty of different trips to choose from too. Some boats lean heavily into the backpacker party vibe, while others are a bit quieter and more relaxed. If you want something in between, there are loads of solid mid-range options as well.

Then again, if you’ve had enough of people for a bit, nobody’s forcing you to socialise. Find a spot on deck, crack open a beer and watch the sun disappear behind the karsts.

One final thing: if Ha Long Bay feels a bit too busy for your liking, it’s worth looking at trips around Cat Ba or Lan Ha Bay too. You get similar scenery and usually with a few fewer boats around.

3. Watch a Show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t exactly rushing to see a puppet show.

But it turned out to be one of those one of those random things that becomes a trip highlight. Water puppetry has been part of Vietnamese culture for centuries, with the shows bringing old folk tales and legends to life through music, storytelling and puppets performing across the water.

It’s also a great activity for solo travellers. No group tour, no planning, no awkwardness. Just turn up, grab a seat and enjoy something a bit different for an hour or so.

However, if you’re visiting Hanoi during peak season, it’s worth booking ahead as shows can fill up quickly.

4. Eat Your Way Through Hoi An Night Market

One of the best things about travelling solo is that nobody can judge how much of your day revolves around food. My days totally revolve around it.

Hoi An Night Market is perfect for a casual evening of wandering, snacking and seeing where your appetite takes you. It’s busy enough to feel social, but nobody looks twice at somebody eating alone, which makes it ideal for solo travellers.

This is the place to try local specialities like cao lau, banh mi and white rose dumplings, though I somehow always end up grabbing a Vietnamese coffee and a few extra snacks I definitely wasn’t planning on buying.

Turn up hungry and you’ll do just fine.

5. Experience the Power of Nature at the Ban Gioc Waterfalls

Most backpackers stick to the classic Vietnam route. Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An… you know the drill.

Ban Gioc is a bit different.

Sitting right up near the Chinese border, it’s home to some seriously impressive waterfalls and some of the best scenery you’ll find in northern Vietnam. Think limestone mountains, rice fields and way fewer people than you’ll find at the country’s bigger tourist hotspots.

Getting there takes a bit more effort, which is probably why it still feels a little under the radar. If you’re travelling solo, joining a small group or multi-day tour is an easy way to do it without spending hours trying to figure out buses and connections.

I wouldn’t recommend squeezing it into a rushed trip, but if you’ve got a bit of extra time, it’s one of those places you’ll be glad you made the effort for.

One of the best things about travelling in Vietnam solo is just how much variety you get. One week you can be wandering around lantern-lit streets, the next you’re hiking through the mountains or eating your body weight in street food somewhere completely different.

The places below are some of my favourite stops for solo travellers. They’re easy to get around, easy to meet people in, and, most importantly, they all offer something a little different.

Hoi An

• Best for: Food lovers, first-time visitors and slower travel.
• Solo travel vibe: Relaxed and easy-going.
• How long to stay: 3-4 days.
• Don’t miss: The Night Market and a sunset on the Thu Bon River.
• Good hostel base: SnapStay Hoi An

Everybody seems to love Hoi An. Normally, that would make me suspicious, but in this case, they’re right.

It’s a pretty easy place to settle into. The old town isn’t huge, you can walk pretty much everywhere, and there’s always something going on without it ever feeling hectic. If you’re travelling solo, it’s the sort of place where you can happily spend the day wandering around on your own and not feel weird about it.

You’ll eat well too. Really well. Between the night market, banh mi stalls and little local restaurants, it’s one of those places where you end up planning your day around your next meal.

Then there’s the tailoring. Even backpackers who’ve spent months wearing the same three outfits somehow end up leaving with custom-made clothes.

If you fancy escaping town for a bit, An Bang Beach is close by, and Da Nang is an easy day trip. But honestly, don’t be surprised if you end up hanging around Hoi An longer than planned. It seems to have that effect on people.

Ha Long Bay

• Best for: Scenery, cruises and meeting other travellers.
• Solo travel vibe: Social and easy-going.
• How long to stay: 2-3 days.
• Don’t miss: An overnight cruise or sunrise over the bay.
• Good hostel base: Ha Long Fancy Hostel.

You’ve probably already seen photos of Ha Long Bay. The crazy thing is, they don’t actually do it justice!

Most solo travellers end up doing some kind of cruise here, and it’s a pretty easy way to meet people. Just make sure you pick the right one. Some boats are basically floating backpacker parties, while others are a lot more chilled. Neither is better; it just depends on what sort of trip you’re after.

If spending your entire time on a boat doesn’t sound like your thing, have a look at Cat Ba. A lot of backpackers use it as a base, and it gives you a bit more freedom to explore at your own pace.

And yes, the sunrise is worth getting out of bed for. So is the seafood.

Ha Long Fancy Hostel is a good shout if you’re travelling solo. The staff know the area well and can help sort out cruises, transport and all the boring logistical stuff.

Hanoi

• Best for: Food, culture, nightlife and first-time visitors.
• Solo travel vibe: Busy, social and full of energy.
• How long to stay: 3-5 days.
• Don’t miss: The Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.
• Good hostel base: Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel.

Hanoi is LEGENDARY. It’s one of my favourite cities in Vietnam and a place most backpackers end up passing through at least once.

If you’re travelling solo, it’s a pretty easy place to land. The Old Quarter is packed with hostels, street food, coffee shops and other travellers, so getting around and meeting people doesn’t usually take much effort.

That said, don’t be surprised if Hanoi feels a bit mental at first. The traffic is relentless, and crossing the road can feel like you’re taking part in some sort of weird trust exercise. Somehow it works though, just remember your childhood training and look both ways (a lot).

When you’re not dodging scooters, spend some time wandering around Hoan Kiem Lake, checking out the temples and hopping between cafés. Hanoi’s one of those cities that’s best enjoyed without too much of a plan.

It’s also the jumping-off point for a lot of northern Vietnam. Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Ha Giang, Sa Pa and Ban Gioc are all easy to reach from here, so there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself back in Hanoi at some point.

For solo travellers, Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel is a good shout and a handy place to meet people before heading off on your next adventure.

Sa Pa

• Best for: Trekking, mountain views and homestays.
• Solo travel vibe: Adventurous and outdoorsy.
• How long to stay: 2-4 days.
• Don’t miss: A guided trek and Fansipan Mountain.
• Good hostel base: Saigonese Trekking Hostel.

If your idea of a good time involves hiking boots and sore legs, you’re probably going to love Sa Pa.

Up in northern Vietnam, it’s known for its rice terraces, mountain scenery and trekking routes that wind through the countryside. There are walks for pretty much every fitness level, whether you fancy a gentle stroll or something that leaves you questioning your life choices.

A lot of backpackers join guided treks or stay in local homestays, which is a great way to see more of the countryside and learn a bit more about life in the region. Just be sure to choose a reputable local guide, as Sa Pa has become hugely popular over the years and some experiences are definitely better run than others.

If you’re feeling energetic, head up Fansipan, the highest mountain in Indochina. You can hike it if you’re feeling ambitious or take the cable car if you’re not. No judgment here.

The local markets and waterfalls are worth checking out too, but one thing to keep in mind is the weather. Sa Pa can be cold, wet and incredibly misty, especially outside the dry season, so pack accordingly.

Saigonese Trekking Hostel is a great base for solo travllers, staff there are awesome and can help organise treks, guides and transport around the area.

Ho Chi Minh City

• Best for: Nightlife, food and southern Vietnam adventures.
• Solo travel vibe: Fast-paced and social.
• How long to stay: 3-4 days.
• Don’t miss: The War Remnants Museum and a Vietnamese iced coffee.
• Good hostel base: Saigon Authentic Hostel

Cards on the table…Ho Chi Minh City isn’t as pretty as Hoi An or as instantly impressive as Ha Long Bay.

But if you want to feel the energy of Vietnam, this is the place.

Still called Saigon by plenty of locals, the city is loud, chaotic and packed with life. One minute you’re walking past colonial-era buildings, the next you’re dodging a sea of scooters on your way to a tiny café serving notoriously strong Vietnamese iced coffee.

For solo travellers, I’d definitely recommend staying in a social hostel or a central area. Ho Chi Minh City is huge, and it’s a much more enjoyable place when you’ve got a few fellow backpackers to grab dinner, drinks or a day trip with.

Make time for the War Remnants Museum while you’re here. It’s not exactly a cheerful visit, but it gives important context to Vietnam’s recent history. Beyond that, spend some time exploring the markets, eating as much street food as possible and generally soaking up the chaos.

The city is also a great base for trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta, both of which are easy to visit as part of a day tour.

Saigon Authentic Hostel is a good base if you’re travelling solo. You’ll find plenty of backpackers passing through, and the staff can help point you towards some great day trips.

You don’t need a phone full of apps to travel Vietnam, but a few can make life a whole lot easier.

Accommodation & Meeting People

• Hostelworld: Find hostels and fellow backpackers.
• Booking.com: Great for hotels, guesthouses and last-minute stays.
• Couchsurfing: A good way to meet locals and other travellers, but use common sense and trust your instincts.

Transport & Navigation

• Grab: You’ll use this constantly.
• Google Maps: Your second brain.
• 12Go: The easiest way to book buses, trains and ferries around Vietnam.

Food & Experiences

• GetYourGuide: Handy for tours, day trips and activities.
• Foody: Great for finding local restaurants, cafés and hidden food spots.

Money & Communication

• XE Currency: Stops you doing the math.
• Google Translate: Ever so slightly ESSENTIAL.
• Jetpac (or another eSIM app): Get connected in minutes.

One final tip: don’t overlook Facebook groups. Vietnam backpacker groups can be surprisingly useful for finding travel buddies, getting transport advice and figuring out what’s actually worth doing from people already on the road.

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Travelling in Vietnam alone will no doubt be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but safety precautions are key. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, and use a money belt to keep valuables close to you. 

While Vietnam is generally safe, solo female travellers in Vietnam are advised to stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night. Female travellers should also dress modestly to respect local customs. 

As always, opt for reputable accommodations and transportation options. Let someone know your whereabouts and plans by sharing your ‘live location.’ 

Remember the basics: avoid leaving drinks unattended, use official taxis, and trust your instincts – if a situation doesn’t feel right, there is usually a good reason.

Stay in Hostels at Least Some of the Time

Even if you’re not a die-hard hostel person, I’d recommend staying in hostels for at least part of your trip. Vietnam has one of the best hostel scenes in Southeast Asia, and they’re often the easiest place to meet people, book tours and get local advice.

Places like Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang, Phong Nha, Ninh Binh and Ho Chi Minh City all have excellent hostel options, whether you’re after a social backpacker vibe or somewhere a little more chilled.

One hostel I’d always recommend is The One Hostel & Rooftop Pool Hanoi. Any hostel with a rooftop pool in Hanoi is already off to a good start, but it’s also a genuinely social place that’s great for meeting other backpackers.

Book a Few Group Activities Early

One of the easiest ways to settle into solo travel is to have a couple of activities locked in before you arrive.

A food tour, walking tour, Ha Long Bay cruise, Sa Pa trek, Cu Chi Tunnels trip or Ha Giang Loop tour can all be great icebreakers. You’ll see something cool, meet other travellers and avoid spending your first few days wondering what to do.

If you’ve got the time, I’d also recommend booking a trip to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Between the caves, jungle scenery and adventure activities, it’s one of the most memorable stops in Vietnam and another easy place to connect with fellow backpackers.

Have flexibility in your itinerary.

This might be the most important tip on the list.

You want to allow yourself to go with the flow based on who you meet and what you discover along the way.

Leave yourself some wiggle room.

Plan Around Your Own Travel Style

Not everybody wants the same Vietnam trip.

Some people come for the nightlife. Others want food, trekking, motorbike adventures, beaches or a quiet place to work remotely for a few weeks. The good news is Vietnam caters to all of them, so don’t feel pressured into following somebody else’s itinerary.

Join Walking Tours

Walking tours are a great shout when you first arrive somewhere.

You get a feel for the city, learn a few things you probably wouldn’t have found on your own, and there’s usually a decent chance you’ll end up chatting to a few other travellers along the way.

They’re particularly popular in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An and Da Nang, and you’ll often find free or low-cost options through hostels.

Respect Local Customs

Vietnam is a very easy country to travel in, and people are generally incredibly welcoming.

Just remember you’re a guest. Dress respectfully when visiting temples and religious sites, be mindful when visiting family homes or rural communities and take your cue from the locals where you can.

Use Apps to Meet People Carefully

Hostel events, walking tours and Facebook groups are usually the easiest ways to meet people in Vietnam.

Apps like Bumble and Hinge can work too, especially if you’re using the friendship features. Just use a bit of common sense. Meet in public places, let somebody know where you’re going and trust your instincts.

If a new friend suggests meeting in a busy café, great. If they suggest a remote jungle location on the outskirts of town… maybe give that one a miss.

Pack for More Than One Climate

Vietnam likes to keep you on your toes when it comes to the weather.

You can be shivering in the north, getting drenched in central Vietnam and sweating through your t-shirt in the south, all on the same trip. Don’t assume the forecast in Hanoi will tell you much about what you’ll find in Ho Chi Minh City a week later.

Check the weather for each region before you travel and throw at least one warm layer to your packing list. Future you will be grateful.

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Nobody buys travel insurance because it’s exciting.

But all it takes is one dodgy scooter ride, a cancelled bus, some questionable street food or an airline deciding your backpack deserves a holiday of its own.

Travel insurance is one of those things you hope you’ll never need, but you’ll be very glad it’s there if something goes wrong.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

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• Be open and up for the task. The key to meeting people while travelling solo is to be friendly and approachable. Step outside your comfort zone and strike up a conversation. My usual ‘in’ is to ask another traveller to take my picture! 

• Stay in a hostel. When deciding where to stay in Vietnam, I always opt for hostels. Not only are they dirt cheap, but this is a sure way to meet other solo travellers. Most hostels have communal spaces like bars and restaurants, and also organise tours for guests to join.

• Join group tours. This could be a free walking tour of a city or a more adventurous tour like a trek or river rafting excursion. Tours are a great way to meet other tourists with similar interests! 

• Explore shared spaces. Coffee shops or communal workspaces are the perfect setting to meet other travellers. You’ll never meet anyone if you stay in your hotel room! 

• Join a pub crawl or food tour. Delicious food and cold beers bring people together, right? Even if you aren’t a drinker, these food-based activities are a fun and relaxed way to connect with fellow explorers. 

• Sign up for a few workshops. One of the best Vietnam solo travel tips is that the country offers fantastic skill-building classes like cooking and traditional crafts. Look out for ones that include communal dining at the end – where you enjoy the fruits of your labour with fellow participants.

• Use social media and apps. Facebook is a great place to find events in your area, while dating apps can be switched to ‘friend mode’ to connect with others travelling solo.

• Volunteer… Volunteering in Vietnam is elite! Not only will you walk away with the warm feeling of giving back, but you might gain a new like-minded friend, too.

Absolutely.

Vietnam is one of those countries that just seems to “work” for solo travel.

It’s affordable, easy to get around, packed with things to do and full of other travellers figuring it all out alongside you. Whether you’re here for the food, the mountains, the beaches, the history or just a break from real life for a while, you’ll find something that keeps you hanging around longer than planned.

My biggest advice? Leave some room for spontaneity. Vietnam has a habit of rewarding people who are willing to change their plans.

And keep in mind…Solo doesn’t necessarily stay solo for very long in Vietnam.