Solo Travel Guide to Vietnam
If you have been dying to travel to Vietnam, yet you have no one to go with you, why don't you visit the country on your own? Vietnam is a relatively safe country to visit for all kinds of travelers. For as long as you exercise precaution and you come prepared, traveling to the country on your own should not be a problem. Here’s a solo travel guide to Vietnam for those who are planning to visit the country on their own.
Transportation
It's easy to get around Vietnam on your own. Riding a motorbike is the most popular way to get around the country especially in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. If you have an International driving license, you can rent a motorbike and navigate the city on your own. But if you are not comfortable with driving the motorbike yourself, you can join motorbike tours, where you can hop at the back of a motorbike and your driver can take you around for a tour of the local attractions.
There are also taxis available in the major cities that you can hire for a minimal fee. If you want to explore the countryside and venture into the provinces, taking the train is a good idea. But if you have a limited time and you’re not comfortable with the idea of taking an overnight train, you can book a flight at one of the domestic airlines of Vietnam.
What to do
There are plenty of things to do in Vietnam for solo travelers. One of the things that you should not miss is to experience the local street food in Vietnam. In fact, your trip to the country would not be complete without sampling the most delicious local specialties such as the Banh Mi, Banh Xeo, Com Tam, Cang Cua and of course, a piping hot bowl of Pho!
You can also join walking tours hosted by a local where you get to explore the city along with other travelers. It’s a great way to learn about the country from a local perspective and a great opportunity to meet new friends, too!
Clothing
If you're visiting holy places, such as temples and national monuments, avoid wearing very revealing clothes. As a tourist, it's important that you respect the country's local culture and customs. Women can wear jeans, long skirts, and long dresses but avoid wearing very tiny shorts and revealing tops.
On the other hand, if you're going to the coastal areas to frolic in the beach, you are free to wear a swimsuit or any summer clothing. But if you’re heading north, where the temperature is often colder, wear some layers or perhaps a long sleeved shirt. It’s a good idea to find out what the weather is like on your date of visit so you’ll know what clothes to bring. Nevertheless, shopping for new clothes in Vietnam is cheap, so there’s nothing to worry if in case you ended up bringing wrong types of clothing.
Come Prepared
It's important that you come prepared on your trip to Vietnam, especially since you are travelling on your own. When preparing for your Vietnam trip, make sure you do a bit of research about the country, including its laws and customs. Above all, make sure you know how to obtain a visa to the country. The visa requirements will vary from one country to another and if you want to know the visa requirements for your country, do check out https://www.visa-vietnam.org/check-visa-requirements. Keep in mind that in all cases, your passport should be valid for at least six months prior to entering the country.
Vietnam is a wonderful country to visit. It's safe even for solo female travelers. Just make sure you exercise precaution just like you would in every country that you visit.
