Solo Travelling Vietnam

[lauren29283]

Any tips. I am going tomorrow and will be in Hanoi for a week then will plan where to go next. I am quite nervous now as I have spent a lot on this trip already and don’t want it to disappoint

I went several years ago now, not solo though, travelled from south to north, Halong Bay is a must, in Hue we did a lovely river boat ride stopping at several temples along the river and Hoi An is a beautiful little town. Danang had a glorious beach and Ho Chi Minh was interesting for understanding the Vietnam war and how that shaped the country.

Oh, do not miss the train that runs through Hanoi city, quickly stand with your back against the wall and breath in as it runs past almost touching you, the traffic in Ho Chi Minh was also a bit crazy, there are no rules, scooters every where including riding on pavements and the wrong way up the dual carriageway!

Do you think it will be social travelling alone?

IMO, it won't disappoint and don't be nervous about travelling alone. It is a safe country and there are lots of travel options. The big cities can be a bit over-powering in some ways (big 4 lane roads with no crossings etc.) we used BAOLAU to book longer transport, but download GRAB taxi app (taxis are pretty cheap), and also get an e-sim (cheap as chips) for when you don't have wifi. We went to Hanoi, Halong, Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi Ann, Da Nang and HCMC. We flew sometimes with Air Asia or we got the incredibly slow train. IRO of your question about social / loneliness, i think it massively depends. There are lots of lone travellers who get chatting about what's good etc. and sometimes travel the same route for a while - but it does depend, if I wanted to meet people, I would probably choose the cheaper options for accom, whether backpacker places or local homestays, and the odd bargain tour or two. In a 5* hotel you will get rich tourists in couples or families who have a travel agenda already set out. Having data can help you keep in touch with your normal tribe when there is nothing social going on, and that does happen. Good luck and Bon Voyage. x

I was there solo last year. A few days in HCMC and Hanoi but joined a group in between. It was fab. I felt very safe and the people were lovely. I walked a lot, ate street food, did cooking courses, water puppets…. Fab!

My advice is book your Halong bay trip now (assuming you want to go there). The better companies go to the Bai Tu Long ara (quieter and less polluted) and get booked up fast. Look at Indochina Junk, Renea, there are a few others that go there but not many. Lan Ha Bay area is also not a bad option.

Social wise - the Halong Bay boats are quite social as you are together for some time. Group trekking in Sapa would be a way to meet others (look at eg Trekking tour Sapa who do group trips). Or if you’re adventurous you could look for a Ha Giang loop group trip.

Definitely do a street food tour in Hanoi. Hanoi Kids’ tours are free (apart from the food) and you chat to the students who take you round. Moped tours are available in Hoi An and HCMC, these are in a group so again social. Cooking courses (available all over the place) will be in a group. Basically sign up for activities and you will meet people…

My DD travelled around SE Asia on her own last year. She especially loved Vietnam and felt safe. DH and I went 7 years ago and also loved it.

You’ll be fine! When we went to Hanoi 2 years ago they had started to run the night market around the lake every weekend & that’s really nice. No traffic, food stalls, entertainment & kids whizzing around in little electric vehicles. Definitely visit that.

i can’t remember what it’s called ..tram street or train street..which used to be a big tourist draw was all shut off when went due to safety concerns. It might have re-opened since.

Quite a few of the hotels have nice rooftop bars & I don’t think you’d feel uncomfortable being on your own (I remember chatting to a single female traveller at one).

Halong Bay is gorgeous but it is really over touristed. Hue is much more relaxed than Hanoi & the Imperial City is worth a few hours. If you have cash to splash, Vedana Lagoon Resort about 30 minutes from Hue is gorgeous & treat yourself!

Hoi An is great ..also very touristy! If you are thinking of heading there, hire a driver as the views over the Hai Van Pass are great (can pass on our drivers details if you want them).

it’s a wonderful place & you’ll have a great time!

Depends where you stay . I've solo traveled SEasia ( virtually every year) and also found social stuff going on. Whether it's through hostels or local Facebook groups

I’ve travelled solo to Hanoi. Do see the water puppet show, the theatre is by hone Kiem Lake In The city centre. Also the street train. Book a street food tour and go to halong bay and do an overnight cruise.
on a Sunday families gather in the park by the lake and I had so many families approach me so their children could practice their English. I could have spent all day chatting!

Hanoi, Halong Bay and Ninh Binh are good for a week.

I’d try to stay in youth hostels if you want company. Dh and I travelled south to north last year - we didn’t find it very easy to engage with other travellers - met people on the Halong Bay cruise and on a boot at Ninh Binh but generally - it’s just incredibly touristy - mostly young backpackers and retired people. But it’s safe. Joining overnight group tours should help you connect. Hope you have a lovely time.

There were two of you. Must easier to have people chat to you as as solo traveller. ( I travel both solo and occasionally with OH and the difference is insane)