Vietnam is an amazing country, and the government has worked tirelessly over the last decade to boost tourism. I visited Vietnam for the first time in 2013 and again in 2023 and was shocked to see the additional infrastructure, tourist’s sights, tours and above all, the increase in English spoken throughout the country. In 2013, it was hard for an American to visit the country, with the sting of the Vietnam War still fresh in many minds. But today, the country welcomes tourists and expats from around the world. If you are visiting Vietnam as a solo female traveler (or really any traveler), check out these 7 tips for making your trip smoother and safer.
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Transportation App
You may have heard of Uber, but in Asia, the ride sharing app of the day is GRAB. Download Grab before you go and link your credit card for easy use. Some of my friends struggled with the app accepting their credit card, so be sure to link and trial your card (when they process a $0.01 fee to check the status) before you go. You can also pay in cash and the app has a way to select this option when you book your ride.
ATMs
Vietnam is still largely a cash society, though more restaurants and tours are accepting foreign credit cards. I recommend getting cash at the airport so you can pay for transportation, food, etc. Break a big bill before leaving the airport so you don’t have any issues with change. My favorite checking account for travel is Charles Schwab. They offer a free checking account with no foreign transaction fees and will even reimburse ATM fees while traveling! They have saved me >$250 this year on ATM fees and allow me to select any ATM when I’m traveling without having to worry about the fees. If you are traveling internationally for the first time, check out these 12 tips for travel or my favorite debit cards for overseas travel.
Accommodations
If you are a backpacker, like me, select a hostel that has reviews like you (female in your age group). I try to read reviews from people like me, as it may not really matter what a 55-year-old male thinks of the music or “extra social” activities. I always prioritize privacy curtains and lockers. My favorite hostels in Vietnam are:
Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel
Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel is located in the Old Quarter, just off the famous Beer Street (Ta Hein). They offer female dormitories, a 24/7 front desk and a safety deposit box at each bunk for your personal use. I really appreciated the A/C in each room and the fast internet. They offer a happy hour each day, which is a great way to meet other travelers at the hostel. Breakfast is also available each day.
SnapStay HoiAn
SnapStay was perfectly located in the Old Town, only 10 mins to the river. The owner, Ernest, goes above and beyond to create a welcoming environment and bring travelers together. There is a group What’s App with daily events, including cooking classes or lantern making (for an additional fee) or complimentary language classes, happy hours and travel advice. He offers a travel agency in house, which can help arrange transportation to nearby Da Nang or My Son Sanctuary. Loved the large lockers and private beds in the mixed dorms.
Rom Casa Da Nang
Rom Casa in Da Nang offers a pool during the hot season, cool rooms and clean bathrooms. It’s located just 5-minute walk to the beach and around the corner from the amazing Bikini Bottoms restaurant. After a day in Da Nang, you’ll know this place well. 😊 Their recent renovations have improved the bathrooms and the added privacy curtains are a nice touch. But the best part is the price point and the friendly staff.
Learn a Few Words in Vietnamese
The Vietnamese working in the tourism industry have worked hard to learn English, but I think it’s always important to learn some of the local language whenever you travel. If you wanted an American experience, stay in the U.S. Vietnam is filled with friendly people, unique culture and amazing food. Learning to speak some Vietnamese, even if it’s just “hello – xin chào” and “thank you - cảm ơn bạn” helps you engage in the culture and shows the locals you appreciate THEM, not just the tourist's sights!
Stay Connected
When traveling in Vietnam, cell phone service is usually pretty strong, but you may end up in some rural areas for hiking or local sights. Try to stay connected with your American cellular service, e-sim or a local sim card when traveling throughout the country. If you are looking for some easy ways to use your phone while overseas, check out my post on international phone plans.
Travel With Others
While traveling through Vietnam is generally safe for solo female travelers, this is one of the best countries to meet other backpackers. Many people are following the same routes, and I had the best time meeting so many different people here. If you are planning to visit some remote areas (like Ninh Binh or My Son Sanctuary) I would recommend traveling with others. Not only is it safer, but transportation is much cheaper, and you can often receive group discounts on tours.
Register with STEP
If are an American and haven’t heard of the State Department’s STEP program, check it out here. The American Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service for those traveling abroad. Enroll and register your trips so the nearest embassy can reach you in case of emergency, natural disaster or civil unrest. I always register before a trip, even if I don’t know all the specifics. It’s important for the U.S. Embassy to know you are in the country in case of major disasters. Also check out the U.S. Department of State website for the latest travel advisories before you leave.
Lastly, how do you cross the street in Vietnam?
If you've done any research on Vietnam, I'm sure you have seen the crazy street traffic in Vietnam. Traffic lights are generally a suggestion, especially for the motorbikes. When crossing the cross in Vietnam, walk slowly but steadily across the road. The motorbike drivers will see you and move around you. Not to worry!
Hope these tips for female solo travel in Vietnam help make your trip even better! Vietnam is an incredible country with so many different landscapes, wonderful food and hospitable people.
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