Key Takeaways
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Vietnam is a well-known country, and after Thailand, it is an affordable destination for Indians, offering beaches, nightlife, islands, adventure, food, and culture.
But is Vietnam a good country for solo travel? Yes, if you plan your Vietnam itinerary well. Visit Hanoi’s historic streets, take a boat trip through Ninh Binh, spend a few days by the coast in Da Nang, or join a cooking class in Hoi An. There are more interesting options for you.
You can stay in a social hostel, book a private room in a guesthouse, or choose a quieter beach area, depending on how you want to spend your trip.
Whether you are a male or female traveller planning to visit Vietnam solo, this blog will guide you. From arrival timing and attraction choices to activities, budgeting, and safety tips, find everything you need to prepare for your Vietnamese holiday.
How to Reach Vietnam for Solo Travellers
Vietnam has many airports, and the best airport depends on which part of the country you want to spend your time in.
Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City are must-visit places in Vietnam. Land in any of these cities based on your itinerary.
What time should you land in Vietnam?
For solo travellers, especially women, the time you land in Vietnam matters most for safety.
If possible, land during the day or before 9 pm local time. This gives you more time to clear immigration, collect your baggage, arrange a SIM or eSIM, and reach your accommodation.
After a long flight, navigating an unfamiliar airport and finding your hotel can feel difficult and take time when you are alone.
Things to do before departure from India:
- Arrange an airport pickup through your accommodation or download a recognised taxi app such as Grab.
- Save your accommodation’s address and contact number offline.
- Check whether the property accepts late check-ins if your flight lands at night.
A late-night arrival doesn’t put you in an unsafe environment, but an earlier arrival is easier to manage on your first visit.
Top Places in Vietnam and Areas to Stay for Solo Travellers
You don’t need to cover the whole country in one trip. Choose destinations based on your interests, the time you have, and how much travelling between places you are comfortable with.
1. Hanoi
Landing in Hanoi, the capital, is never a bad idea, as it is the obvious choice for many travellers. Enjoy Hanoi’s best street food, which you can explore on your own or join a food tour. Then, there are museums, cafes, night markets, temples, and lakes to keep you engaged every day.
- Where to stay in Hanoi: Near Hoan Kiem Lake and in the Old Quarter.
- Stay Duration: 7 days.
- Short Plan: Relaxed 4 days in Hanoi for a food tour, cafe workshop, shopping, and city tours. Then one day for a Ninh Binh tour and an overnight cruise in Halong Bay.
2. Da Nang
For travellers looking for a beach vacation in Vietnam, land in Da Nang. Besides beach time, the city is known for its Dragon Bridge. The bridge is one of Da Nang’s main nightlife attractions, as it becomes even more impressive with a fire-and-water show. After watching the show, relax at the beach clubs or take a river cruise.
- Where to stay in Da Nang: My Khe Beach and the An Thuong area.
- Stay Duration: 5 days.
- Short Plan: Stay in Da Nang city for 3 days for beach, shopping, and nightlife. Add two days in Hoi An for cultural experiences.
3. Ho Chi Minh City
For travellers interested in Vietnamese history, Ho Chi Minh City is an ideal place to be. Visit the War Remnants Museum and consider a guided trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta. There is more than just history; Ho Chi Minh City offers a mix of experiences such as cafes, night markets, the Saigon Opera House, and dinner cruises.
- Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City: District 1 and District 3.
- Stay Duration: 4 days.
- Short Plan: Spend 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City for Cu Chi Tunnels, sightseeing, and nightlife. Then, set aside one day for a Mekong Delta day tour.
4. Phu Quoc: For beaches and island time
To make your trip even cheaper, visit Phu Quoc from India. The island offers a 30-day visa exemption, but only if you fly to Phu Quoc without entering mainland Vietnam. From beach time and boat trips to shopping, Venice vibes, adventure, and island life, Phu Quoc offers a lot to do.
- Where to stay in Phu Quoc: Long Beach and Duong Dong Town.
- Stay Duration: 6 days.
- Short Plan: Plan a minimum of 6 days in Phu Quoc for VinWonders, Vinpearl Safari, Grand World, water activities, Hon Thom Cable Car, pearl farming, and Sunset Town. For a calm island life with no rush, 8 days are suggested.
Vietnam Solo Travel Budget Planning
Your expenses depend on whether you stay in dormitories or private rooms, how often you eat at restaurants, and which excursions you book. The following prices mentioned are rough planning estimates, not live quotes. Prices vary by city, accommodation, and the season you visit Vietnam.
| Common Expenses | Approx. Cost in INR |
| Round-trip flight from India | 30,000 – 37,000 |
| Single-entry visa | 2,500 – 3,000 |
| Hostel or 3-star stay per night | 800 – 2,800 |
| One-way domestic flight | 5,000 – 7,000 |
| SIM card for a week | 600 – 800 |
| Food from local vendors per day | 1,000 – 1,500 |
| Grab for 4 km | 200 – 250 |
| Bike rental per day | 600 – 800 |
| Minimal shopping | 4,000 – 5,000 |
| City | Major Activities in Each City | Approx. Cost in INR |
| Hanoi | Full-day city tour | 4,500 – 5,000 |
| Food tour | 2,000 – 2,500 | |
| Ninh Binh day trip | 4,000 – 4,500 | |
| Ha Long Bay overnight trip | 12,000 – 14,000 | |
| Da Nang | Han River Night Cruise | 700 – 1,100 |
| Ba Na Hills | 350 – 500 | |
| Marble Mountain | 150 – 200 | |
| Cooking class in Hoi An | 1,800 – 2,200 | |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Cu Chi Tunnels tour | 1,500 – 1,800 |
| Dinner Cruise | 3,500 – 4,000 | |
| Mekong Delta tour | 1,700 – 2,300 | |
| Coffee making workshop | 2,000 – 2,500 | |
| Phu Quoc | Island tour | 3,500 – 4,000 |
| VinWonders | 3,800 – 4,200 | |
| Hon Thom Cable Car along with Aquatopia Water Park | 3,000 – 3,500 |
Note: For a simple 7-day Vietnam solo travel itinerary, expect a total cost of around 65,000 – 70,000 INR. This cost is estimated for a budget-friendly holiday for travellers who prefer dorm stays and street food.
How to Choose a Hostel that Suits Your Travel Style
Not every solo traveller wants a party hostel. Before booking, think about what kind of social environment you prefer.
- Social but quieter stay: Look for communal spaces, shared meals, and small-group tours. Read reviews to see whether guests describe the atmosphere as sociable or noisy.
- Privacy with opportunities to meet people: Stay in a private room or quieter guesthouse, then join day tours or workshops whenever you want to socialise.
- Nightlife and organised events: Check whether the property advertises bar crawls, evening events, or late-night entertainment, and decide if that suits your trip.
Note: Compare listings on Hostelworld. Read recent reviews, check security arrangements, and review the property’s current activity schedule or excursion options before paying.
Safety Tips for Solo Travellers in Vietnam
Vietnam can be a safe destination for solo travel, but it’s worth preparing for petty theft, transport scams, and unwanted attention.
1. Plan your arrival
Land before 9 pm and arrange your airport transfer and check-in ahead of time.
2. Choose accommodation by location and reviews
Look for recent comments on reception hours, cleanliness, and the walk back at night. If you are a female solo traveller in Vietnam, it’s good to look for a female-only dormitory.
3. Protect your phone and bag
Bag-snatching from passing motorbikes is a common risk in Vietnamese cities. Keep your phone away from the road when walking near traffic, and carry your bag on the side away from passing vehicles.
4. Use traceable transport
Use a recognised ride-hailing app where available or arrange a taxi through your accommodation. Confirm the vehicle and driver details before getting in.
5. Be thoughtful about nights out
Choose well-lit routes when you are returning late. Watch your drink and belongings, and leave if someone makes you uncomfortable.
6. Back up important things
Always share your itinerary and stay details with someone you trust. Keep your phone charged, save offline maps, and carry travel insurance details. Keep your passport secure and store a digital copy separately.
7. Local emergency numbers
Remember these numbers; they will help when you have no one to depend on or trust. Police: 113, Ambulance: 115, and Fire: 114.
8. Indian Embassy details
If you lose or damage your passport, or get into legal trouble, you can contact the Embassy of India in Hanoi or the Consulate General of India (Ho Chi Minh City).
Conclusion
A solo trip to Vietnam can include city sightseeing, countryside excursions, beaches, or a mix of all three. The best route depends on how much time you have, your budget, and whether you prefer organised trips or independent travel.
For a first trip, consider Hanoi and Ninh Binh or Da Nang and Hoi An. Stay in the main area, plan your arrival and intercity transfers, and budget separately for major excursions and unexpected expenses.
Feel free to contact Dimaak Tours for a smooth holiday. We will handle your accommodation and activities, and suggest places that suit your style.
FAQs on Vietnam Solo Travel
1. Is Vietnam good for first-time solo travellers?
Yes, Vietnam is one of the most convenient destinations for Indian solo travellers. It is budget-friendly, has a quick visa process, organised activities, and an active solo-travelling community.
2. How many days are enough for a solo trip to Vietnam?
The number of days you want to stay in Vietnam depends on your budget and available leave. With 13 – 15 days, one can cover northern, central, and southern Vietnam.
3. How much does solo travel in Vietnam cost for Indians?
Budget approximately 65,000 – 70,000 INR for a 7-day trip to Vietnam. This cost covers flights, stay, food, activities, visa, and transportation. If you want to stay in 3-star hotels instead of hostels, or prefer restaurant food over local vendors, plan 1,00,000 INR or more for 7 days.
4. How can you meet other travellers in Vietnam?
Join a food tour, coffee-making workshop, cycling trip, or organised excursion. If you prefer meeting people where you stay, look for hostels with communal spaces and group activities.
5. Is Vietnam safe for solo female travellers?
Vietnam can be a safe destination, depending on how prepared you are. In any country you visit, take precautions against bag-snatching, scams, and harassment. Book well-reviewed accommodation, use traceable transport, and check official travel advice before departure.
