10 Tips for Solo Travelers in Vietnam

Traveling alone in Vietnam gives you the chance to submerge yourself with your surroundings without getting distracted entirely, but that comes with tradeoffs such as loneliness and safety concerns. All you need to do is spend some preparation for your trip and exercise common sense at all times when you are in Vietnam, and you should be alright.

1. Trust Everyone and No One

One of the best reasons to travel solo and the best way to overcome loneliness on this kind of trip is to meet new people and make new friends, but this does not mean you should trust them to hold onto your valuables and money. Common scams and petty thieves are often lurking around, especially in the major cities such as Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, spotting out foreign tourists to make their next move, so exercise common sense.

2. Pre-arrange Accommodation and Transportation

At times it is nice to be spontaneous and book rooms and transports as you go, but this comes at a price of things getting booked out, and you will need to pay for higher prices for last-minute bookings.

3. Travel during the Daytime

For safety reasons when going to an unknown country, avoid traveling on buses, taxis, trains, and dimly lit areas at night. Theft is common during the day, but it can be more dangerous at night. If you're thinking of roaming the city on foot, read more on Vietnamese Street Crossing and the best time to visit Vietnam.

4. Do Not Draw Attention to Yourself by Wearing Flashy Clothes or Jewelry

Don’t brand yourself as someone who does not belong.

5. Respect Local Culture

Spend time doing research on local cultures and taboos before visiting local attractions, such as the temples and pagodas. Learn about local customs, etiquette, and how to dress appropriately. Read more on Vietnam's Dos and Dont's.

6. Leave a Trace

Make copies of your itinerary to your friends or family and stay in touch regularly through emails, phone, texts, etc. Learn more about SIM cards in Vietnam.

7. Make Friends with a Hotel Staff

These locals can provide excellent pieces of advice on things to do and see in Vietnam. Ask them for information on a quality tour, local cuisines or Vietnamese street foods to try, best markets for shopping, or even free things to do in Vietnam.

8. Carry Suitable Identification in More than One Place

It is wise to take pictures of your passport on your phone and email a copy to yourself.

9. Know the Costs

Before you get into any means of transportation in Vietnam, do your research on costs and distances ahead of time. It is recommended to do a Google Maps check on the distance and routes first, so you know how long it takes and how much it costs to get from point A to B. Read more on the Vietnamese currency and travel times and taxi fares from major airports in Vietnam to the city center.

10. Follow Your Conscience

If it does not feel right, do not do it.

Summing Up on the Tips for Solo Travelers in Vietnam

Traveling alone in Vietnam comes with concerns such as loneliness and safety, but as long as you exercise caution, you will be able to enjoy your trip without being paranoid.

Any questions? Leave a message in the comments!

Additional reading: a solo trip in New Zealand by Bobohaha.com

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