Looking for a place to travel solo? Vietnam is an ideal place for women

Vietnam has been named one of the safest destinations in the world for solo women travellers.

British magazine Time Out lists Vietnam among the nine top places on the planet for solo female travellers. It's also the only country in Southeast Asia to make the list.

India-Jayne Trainor from Time Out wrote: “With a well-trodden tourist route, stretching from the capital of Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south, the country encompasses mountains, beaches, islands and ancient villages like Hoi An and Hue, plus some of the region’s best cuisine. Whether you make the journey by train, sleeper bus or scooter, thousands of other solo travellers will be making the same trip.”

Vu Thi Uyen, a lecturer at the Tourism Administration and International Language Faculty at Hanoi University of Culture, believes low crime rates and solid infrastructure are key to ensuring safety.

“The transportation system in Vietnam is quite stable and convenient for travelling," she said.

"When you travel, you can choose numerous different means of transport, including planes, trains, buses, motorbikes, and ride-hailing services, which are also popular.

“Vietnam has a low crime rate due to its stringent legal system, so it is a safe country, not only for female visitors but also for everyone.”

Safety and convenience

Vietnam News took to the streets of the capital and Ho Chi Minh City to ask female tourists their opinions.

Abisola Onojobi, 29, from Nigeria, described Vietnam's e-visa registration as seamless, adding that the country is easy to visit.

“Coming from the airport, I didn't feel weird, as I was literally the only black person on board. I didn't feel uncomfortable with immigration, getting a Grab, and going to tourist destinations,” she said.

Emer Handly, content creator of Where In Hanoi and an expat living in Vietnam, said: “I'm safe compared to other countries I've been to. There are always lots of people around even at nighttime, and police stations are pretty close to where you are, which always gives me comfort.

“I found there are less scams here than there are in other parts of Southeast Asia, so there are not as many people coming up to you on the street and trying to scam you.”

Other female visitors think Vietnam is on the list for female backpacking due to its convenience and kind locals.

Indonesian tourist Lintang Lutfyana said: “Vietnamese people are willing to help. When I want to find a local shop or a recommendation, they will direct you where to go, and tell you what is recommended by local people.”

Amanda Ibarra, a visitor from the Philippines, added: “I feel very safe walking along the different streets, whether in the morning, afternoon, or evening — not a lot of people bother me or stop me, so I feel very comfortable walking around on my own.

“I think the people are very friendly and welcoming, and it's a very lively vibe in Ho Chi Minh City.”

Ride-hailing services are more popular, as they provide dependable and safe transportation options.

“The only transport that I have been using is Grab because it's very easy to use on the app, and the Grab drivers are also very friendly and helpful as well,” Ibarra added.

Supportive community

There is a strong female community to support women travelling alone in Vietnam.

Where in Vietnam, founded and run by Vietnamese and expats living in the country, aims to become the number one lifestyle hub and community connector for citizens and visitors in Vietnam. They have a massive community, earning them nearly 40,000 followers on Instagram.

“We are constantly being reached out to by people about what to do when they are travelling here – from any question you can think about,” said Cydny Voice, co-founder of Where in Vietnam.

“From Where In Hanoi to Where In HCMC, depending on which city you decide to go to, there is a team behind each account that is all female, answering any questions you have.”

Handly told Vietnam News: “We want visitors to have an authentic, fun and engaging experience here. The starter pack offers everything you need to know about visiting Vietnam, such as a SIM card, Grab app, emergency line numbers, currency, and basic Vietnamese words.”

Another option is Girl Gone International, the world's largest female expat community and network. Their vision is to support women who live and travel overseas.

In Vietnam, Girl Gone International is present in Hanoi, HCM City, and Danang, powered by global and local communities.

“Even if you visit here long-term or short-term, there are great discussions. It's a great way to find events held by Girl Gone International,” Voice said.