I did a solo journey to Vietnam and it was one of many friendliest nations I’ve been to! In this submit, I’ll share with you my Vietnam solo journey experiences together with security suggestions and every thing you should find out about this nation.
📬 Hello Trisha! I like you for touring the world solo. I’ve been hooked together with your solo journey tales. It actually conjures up me to go by myself! As Australia is already opening up for worldwide journey, I want to do my Vietnam solo journey (lastly!) since I’ve been locked out for a 12 months. I actually need some suggestions as I do know you already traveled to Vietnam alone so much. Can you additionally join me together with your native host household? Thank you for all of your assist and help. I admire you and I want you all of the success! I would flip to you extra for suggestions and recommendation so please bear with me.
-Ginette Sherman, Australia
Hi Ginette!
Of course you may all the time e-mail me in case you have questions on Vietnam journey! The function of this weblog is to reply reader questions.
In truth, I don’t actually make posts except somebody sends me an e-mail! Oh my, Vietnam… what fond reminiscences I’ve of this nation. This is among the nations I really feel most secure in touring alone and I can see that isn’t your fear.
I’ll strive my finest that will help you and provide you with some private insights about touring to Vietnam alone however I assure you that you’ll freaking get pleasure from it!
Good luck and let me know the way it goes!
Xx,
Trisha
Join my journey to Vietnam!
Whether it’s your first solo journey otherwise you’re a seasoned traveler, that is your likelihood to find Vietnam safely and confidently (with somebody who lives right here). Come be part of my group journey to Vietnam each March!
🇻🇳 Vietnam solo journey at a look
Capital: Hanoi
Currency: The forex in Vietnam known as the Vietnamese dong (VND). $1 USD = 23,221 VND.
Power plug: Vietnam makes use of the kinds C (two spherical pins), A (two flat parallel pins), and F (two spherical clips + two earth clips
Visa: Americans, Canadians, Australians, British, and most European residents are issued a visa on arrival in Vietnam which is legitimate for 30 days. You can fill out this kind and pay $25 to your visa. If you want extra days in Vietnam, can apply upon arrival in Vietnam.
Language: The language in Vietnam is Vietnamese. Many folks nonetheless don’t converse English however the service business can talk in English.
Transportation: Vietnam makes use of motorbikes as a mode of transport however going across the nation is tremendous straightforward. Vietnam has plenty of bus beds that can take you across the nation. Flights throughout the nation are additionally reasonably priced however because it’s not that huge, you may journey by land safely and simply.
Wifi/Internet in Vietnam: Internet is difficult in provinces however within the huge cities, many have fiber-optic connections.
Vietnam sim card: There are 4 cell suppliers in Vietnam. I exploit Viettel as a result of it has higher protection. A 30GB plan for one month with Viettel prices $13 and the bottom 5GB plan is $5.
Suggested journey period: You can simply have a very good journey to Vietnam for two weeks. In this timeframe, it is possible for you to to see all of the vital spots and landmarks which may also be mentioned on this submit.
💃🏽 Vietnam solo journey private expertise
My first Vietnam solo journey expertise was in 2011, at a time the place ladies like me had been discouraged to journey on their very own. I used to be 23 years previous and fortunately, I had supportive dad and mom.
Having an Asian background, my mother mentioned, “it’s just Vietnam. It’s safe.” She all the time had this impression that if it’s Asia, then I received’t be harmed. Which, statistically, could be very true.
Later on, you may browse this weblog on how I informed my mother I’d be touring on my own to South America, to the Middle East, to Europe (which I did even when she mentioned no).
It’s simply humorous that my Asian mother has her personal beliefs in solo feminine journey security and for her, Asia is all the time good. It doesn’t even wanted to be mentioned.
So with the robust assist of my household, I went to Vietnam (not at their expense, FYI). Since I used to be touring Vietnam on a finances, I deliberate my solo journey properly.
First, I mentioned I’ll stick with native households so I can learn to eat, converse, and prepare dinner like them. To be sincere with you, my native household keep adventures solely began after I was discovering methods on tips on how to discover free lodging whereas touring.
With time, I spotted that it wasn’t my function anymore. It actually is a good expertise to reside with locals and never all of us have the chance to try this.
I relentlessly search for host households overseas each time I’m touring. I imagine this is among the biggest issues I’ve seen and achieved in my life. I need to proceed doing it.
Getting to my host household in Hanoi was a bit annoying because it was 1.5 hours drive to get to their home. My host brother additionally spoke damaged English so the directions weren’t very clear.
Well, I simply know that I used to be going to Huong Non, a standard village northwest of Hanoi. At least I had that on the maps in case I don’t discover the home.
He gave me a pin on Google maps the place I ought to go down. When I arrived that location, it was so darkish and it was only a road with no identify.
I didn’t watch for him for greater than 10 minutes, thank God. He was there to select me up and instantly introduced me to the home on his bike.
So that is additionally the factor you must think about when touring solo in Vietnam – they love motorbikes. Everyone has it. I couldn’t think about myself getting on that motorcycle with a freaking baggage so thank God I had a very good and light-weight backpack.
I stayed with them for two weeks and you’ll learn my story about it in my tales part. This is definitely my favourite homestay as a result of this was the one nation the place I used to be challenged with language boundaries.
After that household keep, I continued my journey and labored in hostels, had some loopy events, and naturally, noticed the perfect of Vietnam by myself.
I discovered myself all the time going again as I grew to become snug touring Vietnam solo. It is among the locations I’ll all the time return to and I hope you get to expertise Vietnam the best way that I did.
🙋🏻 Is Vietnam good for a solo journey?
ABSOLUTELY! Vietnam solo journey is simple and reasonably priced, which makes it good for a solo journey, particularly for first-timers! It’s straightforward to attach with locals and fellow vacationers as it’s recognized for its pleasant and welcoming folks.
The cost-effectiveness of touring in Vietnam is one other vital profit, because the nation provides reasonably priced lodging, meals, and transportation choices, permitting for an extended, extra immersive expertise.
Vietnam is secure
Road-wise, people-wise, navigation-wise: you don’t have to fret about any of this in Vietnam. You can journey Vietnam hassle-free.
Of course, there are nonetheless circumstances of theft in Vietnam however very minimal. When I used to be touring Vietnam solo, I by no means actually needed to be paranoid about my stuff however I by no means let my guard down.
Overall, I didn’t have the expertise of somebody robbing me. I even left my backpack one time in a restaurant (with my digicam!) and after I returned it was nonetheless there.
Just don’t contain your self in sketchy actions like shopping for medicine. Despite being in Latin America for a very long time now, I really feel like Asia is crazier with the drug factor as some nations have shoot-to-kill orders if caught with medicine.
But extra on that later. Overall, THERE IS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT in terms of Vietnam solo journey. I promise you’ll have a very good time!
Vietnam’s terrain is solo traveler-friendly
Vietnam’s backpacking route is similar. It could be very strategic and tremendous organized so that you don’t must be worrying about your route.
Vietnam is a part of the banana pancake path, a well-known Southeast Asia backpacking route. No matter the place you go, there will probably be backpackers and solo vacationers round.
With this, I even bought an opportunity to do ride-sharing or tour journeys with folks I met in hostels! You will arrive Vietnam by your self however if you find yourself already there, you’ll by no means be alone!
Sometimes, I even needed to shut my dorm curtains simply to keep away from different backpackers inviting me to exit to social gathering! You’d be stunned what number of alone time you’ll crave whereas touring Vietnam solo.
The Vietnamese persons are tremendous pleasant and accommodating
The Vietnamese persons are good folks, particularly to women who’re on their very own. I’ve obtained many kindness from strangers in Vietnam.
What I additionally seen is that the Vietnamese persons are very sincere folks. Of course, there are nonetheless unhealthy folks on the market however for almost all of my Vietnam solo journey, I used to be all the time handled properly.
There will probably be plenty of language boundaries however this by no means stopped them from serving to vacationers. They strive their finest to assist with hand alerts even when generally, it will get so irritating that you simply don’t perceive one another!
Vietnam is reasonable
I spent about $300 USD a month in my Vietnam solo journey however word that I used to be staying with host households and volunteering on a regular basis.
This $300 USD finances was tremendous snug. I paid for my very own excursions, took night time busses, and ate out so much. Even if you’re going to pay to your personal lodging, I nonetheless really feel such as you received’t go over $500 USD a month.
🚫 Is Vietnam secure for solo feminine vacationers?
ABSOLUTELY! I all the time suggest Vietnam to solo vacationers whether or not be it male of feminine. Vietnam is an efficient coaching floor to your first-time solo journey!
The Vietnamese persons are naturally welcoming and really pleasant even when they don’t converse English. You could have a trouble-free solo journey to Vietnam as you don’t actually must be extraordinarily vigilant and paranoid about security.
Vietnam is definitely one of many nations the place I felt taken care of as a feminine. People are all the time keen to assist and since they’re a touristy nation, you don’t get plenty of consideration for being a foreigner (in comparison with India or Egypt).
Sure, they’re nonetheless amazed that foreigners go to their nation however they received’t swarm you and even have a look at you endlessly. Also please word that my ethnicity is Asian so I’m talking from private expertise.
You might need a distinct expertise as a white particular person however I’d love to listen to your personal tales!
💲 How a lot does a solo journey to Vietnam price?
Super low cost! Since I stayed with native households and volunteered, I virtually didn’t pay for lodging for 3 months! There had been even instances after I handled myself to luxurious motels (which is lower than $100 USD in Vietnam).
The forex in Vietnam known as the Vietnamese dong (VND). US$1 = 23,221 VND. As a results of this conversion, you’ll find your self holding so many hundreds of payments whereas touring Vietnam however in the long run, the worth of every word is admittedly low.
Of course, as solo vacationers, the perfect factor to don’t solely to save lots of on money however to additionally meet different folks is to remain in hostels. Hostels in Vietnam are tremendous low cost and respectable. This is the place you’ll discover all of the motion!
Vietnam can also be recognized for his or her wonderful and low cost road meals. You can eat for lower than a greenback in Vietnam however be aware about consuming road meals particularly in case you have a delicate abdomen.
As for excursions, I don’t bear in mind being on one for greater than $100 USD. Most of the actions right here, you may really do by your self with out hiring a information!
💃🏽 Traveling solo for the first-time? Join my group journeys this 12 months and learn to be a professional solo traveler! We could have enjoyable, I promise you! And on high of that, you’ll be taught so much about navigating the world solo! ✨
✈️ Planning your Vietnam solo journey
Best time to go to Vietnam
July and August are busy months in Vietnam as that is the excessive season. Prices are larger than normal. The climate is scorching and humid with occasional rain showers.
If you’re solely going to Hanoi and HCMC, I like to recommend visiting these locations throughout December – March: the right excuse to flee winter in Europe and North America! Hanoi will probably be chilly at the moment for certain however HCMC will probably be sunny and never too scorching!
The off-season in Vietnam is from April to June and September to November. During these months, all areas of Vietnam have good climate, and costs are cheaper.
Below is a month-to-month information on what to anticipate in Vietnam every month:
| Month | Nothern Vietnam | Central Vietnam | South Vietnam |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10-20°C (50-68°F) | 18-25°C (64-77°F) | 26-32°C (79-90°F) |
| February | 13-21°C (55-70°F) | 19-26°C (66-79°F) | 27-33°C (81-91°F) |
| March | 15-23°C (59-73°F) | 21-28°C (70-82°F) | 🥵 28-34°C (82-93°F) |
| April | 20-28°C (68-82°F) | 24-30°C (75-86°F) | 🥵 29-35°C (84-95°F) |
| May | 24-32°C (75-90°F) | 26-32°C (79-90°F) | 🥵 28-34°C (82-93°F) |
| June | 🥵 27-34°C (81-93°F) | 28-34°C (82-93°F) | ☔ 27-33°C (81-91°F) |
| July | ☔ 28-34°C (82-93°F) | 🥵 28-35°C (82-95°F) | ☔ 27-33°C (81-91°F) |
| August | ☔ 27-33°C (81-91°F) | 🥵 28-34°C (82-93°F) | ☔ 27-33°C (81-91°F) |
| September | 25-31°C (77-88°F) | 26-31°C (79-88°F) | 27-31°C (81-88°F) |
| October | 22-28°C (72-82°F) | ☔ 24-28°C (75-82°F) | 27-31°C (81-88°F) |
| November | 18-24°C (64-75°F) | ☔ 22-27°C (72-81°F) | 27-31°C (81-88°F) |
| December | 14-21°C (57-70°F) | 20-24°C (68-75°F) | 26-31°C (79-88°F) |
Vietnam visa necessities and processes
Before embarking in your Vietnam solo journey, it’s essential to know and adjust to Vietnam’s visa necessities. Most vacationers want a visa to enter Vietnam, and the method varies primarily based in your nationality.
The Vietnamese authorities provides an e-Visa possibility for U.S. residents. This is an digital visa that may be utilized for on-line. The e-Visa is legitimate for a single entry with a most keep of 30 days.
Americans may also receive a Visa on Arrival. However, this requires acquiring a pre-approval letter earlier than touring. Upon arrival in Vietnam, you current this letter, together with a passport photograph and the visa stamping payment, to get your visa stamped into your passport.
Alternatively, you may apply for a visa by a Vietnamese embassy or consulate within the United States earlier than your journey. This course of might permit for several types of visas, equivalent to a number of entry visas or visas with an extended keep than the e-Visa.
The following nations, residents, and nationalities can enter Vietnam visa-free:
- Brunei (14 days)
- Cambodia (30 days)
- Indonesia (30 days)
- Laos (30 days)
- Japan (15 days)
- Malaysia (30 days)
- Myanmar (14 days)
- The Philippines (21 days)
- Singapore (30 days)
- South Korea (15 days)
- Thailand (30 days)
- European Citizens from Belarus, Denmark, Italy, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and The United Kingdom are visa-free in Vietnam for 15 days
Flights to Vietnam
The three important International Airports in Vietnam are Noi Ban International Airport (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), and Da Nang International Airport (DAD).
Below are some urged flight routes to Hanoi (the capital of Vietnam):
To save time and see extra locations, it’s also possible to add the layover as a 1-week vacation spot earlier than your journey to Vietnam. Thailand and Cambodia are good locations so as to add to this itinerary!
What to pack for Vietnam
Before my Vietnam solo journey, I by no means knew that there are some components of the nation that’s extraordinarily chilly. I all the time considered Vietnam as a tropical nation (as we see on Instagram) however after I went to the north, I suffered so much with the chilly!
Good factor there have been many low cost procuring locations in Hanoi the place I used to be in a position to purchase respectable coats and winter clothes. Of course, all the time convey summer time garments like bikinis, shorts, and flip flops.
But probably the most important that we all the time overlook are mountain climbing boots and light-weight waterproof jacket. I really feel like that is the important and all the remainder, you may determine relying when you’ll go to.
Also make certain to pack mild and use a backpack when touring to Vietnam. It will probably be very onerous to roll your baggage in Vietnam or carry them – this isn’t a baggage nation!
Here are the necessities to pack to your solo Vietnam journey:
- Lightweight and breathable clothes, adaptable for each scorching and humid circumstances.
- A raincoat or umbrella, particularly if touring throughout the monsoon season.
- Comfortable strolling sneakers, in addition to sandals or flip-flops.
- Sun safety, together with sunscreen, sun shades, and a hat.
- Mosquito repellent and primary toiletries.
- An influence adapter and charger for digital units.
- A sturdy backpack or daypack for day journeys and excursions.
- Cultural and respectful apparel for visiting temples and spiritual websites.
- A digicam or smartphone to seize your experiences.
🚌 Getting round Vietnam
Vietnam’s main cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, are served by worldwide airports which can be well-connected to town facilities. Navigating these airports is simple, with English indicators and knowledge counters.
For native transit, taxis are available and comparatively reasonably priced. However, it’s advisable to make use of respected taxi firms or app-based companies like Grab to keep away from overcharging.
In cities, it’s also possible to discover numerous bus companies, that are a cheap method to journey, although they could be much less handy for these unfamiliar with the routes.
Busses in Vietnam
This is my most well-liked means of touring in Vietnam because it’s low cost and comfy. If you seek advice from the image under, you will note how small it’s so positively think about this if you’re a tall particular person. It additionally saves money and time since these bus beds depart at night time – you don’t must pay for the lodge!
Most bus portals in Vietnam are in Vietnamese and it will get complicated while you use the “translate” characteristic so I all the time simply use BudBud as a dependable English web site for busses in Vietnam.
Local buses are low cost and canopy intensive routes. Have small change helpful for fares and concentrate on pickpockets in crowded buses.
Trains in Vietnam
Vietnam has an environment friendly rail system and you’ll select this mode of transport if you happen to don’t need to hop on an evening bus. Their trains have courses and now have sleeping cabins. The commonest route is, after all, Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi.
This route is 32 hours lengthy and solely prices US$36 (in comparison with a 2-hour flight for US$80). This is good if you wish to see the entire nation however if you happen to’re on a hard and fast journey schedule, flights inside Vietnam are actually low cost.
The practice community in Vietnam is a scenic method to journey, particularly the route alongside the coast. Book your tickets prematurely, particularly for in a single day journeys.
Domestic flights in Vietnam
For US$80 (one-way fare), you may simply fly inside Vietnam. The native airways that function in Vietnam are Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Jetstar.
For lengthy distances, think about home flights as they’re time-efficient and more and more reasonably priced. Flying is good if you happen to don’t have plenty of time to journey in Vietnam.
Renting a automotive in Vietnam
In my expertise driving in Vietnam, it was type of tough to go round with out the language abilities. I had to make use of signal language to ask for instructions and you could end up in areas the place there isn’t a cellphone protection. You can hire a automotive in Vietnam at any main airport and metropolis.
Renting motorbikes in Vietnam
You can hire motorbikes in each metropolis in Vietnam as that is probably the most utilized by the locals – everybody has a motorcycle! Driving a motorcycle in Vietnam as you see in most photos, appears like a loopy rodeo however my trick is to simply observe the folks in entrance of me (or hold near them).
The roads are motorbike-friendly however you could get confused and terrified with the roundabouts – this all the time confuses me! For those that don’t need to drive a motorcycle, you may name a motorcycle by way of the app referred to as Grab (which is like an Uber for motorbikes).
🛏️ Accommodation choices for solo vacationers
A pleasant lodge for two in Ho Chi Minh begins at $25 USD which is definitely a superior double room with breakfast. Since Vietnam simply opened, you will note many tremendous low costs of motels (below $10 USD).
Hostels and Budget Stays in Vietnam
Vietnam provides a variety of hostels and finances lodging, notably in vacationer hotspots. These choices are good for solo vacationers wanting to economize and meet fellow vacationers.
Many hostels in Vietnam present not only a mattress but in addition a social ambiance, with communal areas and arranged actions. Facilities normally embody free Wi-Fi, lockers for valuables, and infrequently a primary breakfast.
Boutique Hotels and Local Homestays in Vietnam
For these searching for a extra distinctive or culturally immersive expertise, boutique motels and native homestays are wonderful choices. Boutique motels in Vietnam typically mix conventional aesthetics with trendy comforts, offering a extra intimate and personalised expertise than bigger lodge chains.
Homestays, then again, supply a glimpse into the every day lifetime of Vietnamese households. They can vary from rural farmhouses to metropolis dwellings, giving vacationers an opportunity to expertise native customs, delicacies, and hospitality.
These choices are typically reasonably priced and will be present in most components of Vietnam, from city areas to distant villages. I may also put you in contact with my host household in Hanoi!
Safety Tips for Choosing Your Accommodation
- Use lockers or safes supplied by the lodging to safe your valuables, together with passports and electronics.
- Keep household or buddies knowledgeable about your lodging particulars and journey itinerary.
- Be cautious of unsolicited provides or overly pleasant strangers inviting you to their properties or companies.
- Keep the deal with and phone particulars of your lodging simply accessible. Also, know the situation of the closest embassy or consulate and native emergency companies.
- If one thing feels off about a spot or scenario, belief your instincts and discover a safer surroundings.
🍜 Food in Vietnam
Food is reasonable in Vietnam. The conventional means of experiencing Vietnam by meals is thru road meals (which is fit for human consumption, btw). Noodles and conventional Vietnamese road meals are lower than a greenback.
Vietnam Street Food Must-Tries
Vietnamese road meals is famend for its flavors, range, and accessibility. A culinary exploration in Vietnam isn’t full with out delving into its road meals tradition. Must-try dishes embody:
- Pho: A basic Vietnamese noodle soup, sometimes with beef (pho bo) or rooster (pho ga).
- Banh Mi: A fusion of French and Vietnamese delicacies, this sandwich is made with a baguette crammed with a wide range of meats, greens, and condiments.
- Goi Cuon: Fresh spring rolls filled with greens, coriander, minced pork, shrimp, and rice vermicelli.
- Banh Xeo: A crispy crepe bulging with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, plus the contemporary greens and the fishy tang of nuoc cham (fermented fish sauce).
- Cà Phê Sữa Đá: Vietnamese iced espresso with candy condensed milk, a must-try for espresso lovers.
Exploring native markets and road meals stalls provides an genuine style of Vietnamese delicacies and an opportunity to work together with locals.
Vegetarian and Vegan Food in Vietnam
Vietnam can also be pleasant for vegetarians and vegans, with many dishes which can be both naturally meat-free or will be tailored. Look for dishes like:
- Pho Chay: The vegetarian model of the basic pho.
- Banh Mi Chay: Vegetarian banh mi with tofu or seitan as a substitute of meat.
- Buddhist Temple Food: Often vegetarian, discovered close to Buddhist temples and in some eating places.
- Tofu and Mushroom Dishes: Common in Vietnamese delicacies, typically flavored with lemongrass, chili, and different native herbs.
Many eating places now cater particularly to vegetarian and vegan diets, so don’t hesitate to ask for suggestions or search for ‘chay’ (vegetarian) indicators.
Food Safety Tips for Solo Travelers
While Vietnamese delicacies is scrumptious, meals security is essential, particularly for solo vacationers:
- Choose busy stalls: Eat the place the locals eat. A busy stall is an efficient signal of contemporary, secure meals.
- Watch the Food Being Cooked: It’s finest when your meals is cooked in entrance of you.
- Be Cautious with Raw Foods: Be cautious with uncooked vegetables and fruit you could’t peel or haven’t seen washed in clear water.
- Stay Hydrated with Bottled Water: Stick to bottled water and keep away from ice except you’re certain it’s comprised of purified water.
📍Top locations for Vietnam journey
If it’s your first-time to journey to Vietnam alone, under are a number of the finest locations to go to in Vietnam. It additionally relies upon what number of days/weeks/months you need to journey to Vietnam.
Vietnam is a rustic you may simply navigate from north to south (or vice-versa). Below are a number of the locations I like to recommend for first-timers:
Historical Sites and Cultural Landmarks
Vietnam’s wealthy historical past and tradition are mirrored in its quite a few historic websites and landmarks. Key locations embody:
- Hue: Once the imperial capital, dwelling to the historic Citadel, royal tombs, and historical pagodas.
- Hoi An: A UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its well-preserved Ancient Town with distinctive structure influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and French types.
- My Son Sanctuary: An historical Hindu temple advanced close to Hoi An, reflecting the Champa Kingdom’s historical past.
- War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City: Offering insights into the Vietnam War.
- The Temple of Literature in Hanoi: Dedicated to Confucius, this temple symbolizes Vietnam’s academic and literary historical past.
These websites present a deep understanding of Vietnam’s previous and current, making them must-visit areas for historical past fanatics.
Natural Wonders and Outdoor Adventures
For those that love nature and journey, Vietnam provides an array of beautiful landscapes and actions:
- Ha Long Bay: Known for its emerald waters and hundreds of towering limestone islands topped with rainforests.
- Sapa: Famous for its terraced rice fields, ethnic minority communities, and trekking routes.
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Home to spectacular limestone karsts and the world’s largest caves.
- Ninh Binh: Often known as “Ha Long Bay on land” with its dramatic panorama of rivers, limestone cliffs, and caves.
- Da Lat: Known for its cool local weather, French colonial structure, and vibrant flower gardens. It’s additionally a haven for outside actions like mountain biking, mountain climbing, and canyoning.
City Guides: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Beyond
Solo vacationers can immerse themselves within the bustling city lifetime of Vietnam’s main cities, every providing distinctive experiences:
- Hanoi: The capital metropolis is thought for its centuries-old structure and a wealthy tradition with Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences. Key sights embody the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The metropolis’s road meals scene can also be a spotlight.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Formerly often known as Saigon, this metropolis is the monetary and financial hub of Vietnam. It’s recognized for its French colonial landmarks, together with Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Nineteenth-century Central Post Office. The bustling Ben Thanh Market and the colourful nightlife in District 1 are to not be missed.
- Da Nang: This coastal metropolis serves as a gateway to the central heritage street, with quick access to Hoi An, Hue, and My Son. It’s recognized for its sandy seashores and historical past as a French colonial port.
- Can Tho: For a style of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho provides floating markets, riverside landscapes, and a slower tempo of life.
✨ Vietnam journey suggestions
Understand Vietnamese tradition
Vietnam’s tradition is deeply rooted in Confucianism, which emphasizes morals, familial respect, and societal order. Understanding these cultural values can significantly improve your interplay with locals and your general expertise.
Family is central in Vietnamese society, and elders are handled with nice respect. The idea of ‘face’ can also be vital, the place sustaining each private and communal dignity is extremely valued. Public shows of affection are typically extra conservative than in lots of Western cultures.
Do’s and Don’ts in Vietnam
Adhering to native customs and etiquette is essential in Vietnam, and listed here are some key factors to contemplate:
- ✅ Greet folks with a smile and a nod. Handshakes are widespread, normally initiated by the elder or larger standing particular person.
- ✅ Remove sneakers when getting into somebody’s dwelling and even some companies and spiritual websites.
- ✅ Use each arms when giving or receiving one thing, particularly to somebody older or of upper standing.
- ✅ Dress modestly, notably when visiting temples and spiritual websites.
- ✅ Be affected person, well mannered, and present humility – that is significantly admired in Vietnamese tradition.
- ❌ Avoid public shows of anger or frustration; it’s seen as shedding face.
- ❌ Don’t contact somebody’s head, because it’s thought of probably the most sacred a part of the physique.
- ❌ Refrain from pointing your toes instantly at folks or non secular objects, as toes are thought of the bottom a part of the physique.
- ❌ Avoid political discussions associated to delicate historic occasions, notably the Vietnam War.
Communicating with Locals
Vietnamese persons are typically very pleasant and hospitable to foreigners. While English proficiency varies, particularly exterior the primary cities, locals admire any effort to talk a couple of phrases in Vietnamese.
Simple phrases like “Xin chào” (howdy) and “Cảm ơn” (thanks) can go a great distance. Non-verbal communication, equivalent to smiling and nodding, additionally performs a major function in on a regular basis interactions. When conversing, be aware of your tone and physique language to make sure it’s respectful and thoughtful.
One of the thrill of Vietnam solo journey is the chance to fulfill like-minded people from around the globe. Here are some methods to community with fellow solo vacationers:
Stay in Social Accommodations
Opt for hostels or guesthouses recognized for his or her communal environments. Many arrange social occasions the place you may meet different vacationers.
Some of you is probably not snug with shared rooms and I get it. As I grew older, I spotted that I’m well beyond dorm rooms. Most hostels in Vietnam have personal rooms so you may nonetheless socialize with different vacationers with out sharing a room (and the toilet!).
Join Group Tours or Activities
I met so many individuals from taking part in group excursions in Vietnam, particularly meals. You’d be stunned what number of buddies you’ll make and also you’ll most likely find yourself doing different actions with them.
Go to standard traveler spots
Certain cafes, bars, or landmarks are recognized hangouts for solo vacationers. In Ho Chi Minh City, I might suggest The Deck Saigon, Carmen, Chill Sky Bar, Above, and The Thi Bar. These are all hip spots frequented by a mixture of expats, locals, and vacationers.
Bui Vien Street is lined with bars, cafes, hostels, and eating places. It’s a bustling space the place you may see and meet different solo vacationers. It’s sometimes called “backpacker district” with a incredible nightlife and road meals.
Attend Language Exchange Meetups in Vietnam
These occasions should not solely nice for studying the native language but in addition for assembly different vacationers and locals. Here are some frequent language alternate meet-ups in Ho Chi Minh City:
Participate in Local Events and Activities
Engaging in native occasions and actions can improve your journey expertise and assist you to meet locals and different vacationers:
Get journey insurance coverage
For one month in Vietnam, I solely paid $40 USD for journey insurance coverage Never journey to Vietnam with out insurance coverage as you don’t know what can occur.
Volunteer
One of the perfect experiences you may have in Vietnam (and in addition what is going to prevent some huge cash) is to volunteer. I’ve volunteered in lots of nations and have gained many various experiences due to this!
I exploit Worldpackers to seek out volunteer jobs in Vietnam. You may also use my low cost code PSIMONMYWAY10 to get $10 USD off to your one-year membership!
Get a global checking account
My financial institution accounts within the US and Europe all the time work properly when I’m touring however I all the time lose cash from conversion charges.
I’ve signed up with Wise, an International checking account that has higher conversion charges. You may even take your cash out in Vietnamese dong with excessive conversions!
Street meals in Vietnam
Know your self. Street meals in Vietnam is among the finest on the planet. In truth, there are a lot of Michelin-star road meals carts right here which can be price making an attempt!
But in case you have a delicate abdomen, don’t do it. I by no means bought meals poisoning in Vietnam however since I journey typically, I’m tremendous immune with road meals.
Consider your supply
Only take recommendation about Vietnam solo journey from individuals who have already been. Sure, you may learn the information nevertheless it’s nonetheless finest to achieve insights from folks you understand who’ve really traveled to Vietnam.
For me, private experiences are nonetheless my foundation in deciding to journey solo to a rustic. Thankfully, I Couchsurfed for a few years in my life and have gained a worldwide chain of contacts whom I can depend on!