Ranked sixth as one of the safest destinations for solo female travelers in 2024 by Time Out Magazine, Vietnam is definitely not a destination to worry about. The country is known for its amazing food and as a warm and friendly destination. Politeness and respect are important in Vietnamese culture, and this extends to interactions with tourists. However, just like any other destination, there are some risks. It is always important to take precautions and stay aware of your surroundings. Here are some aspects to learn more about safety in this Asian country:
- Positive aspects indicating that the country is safe
- What to watch out for in the country
- Safety tips
Positive aspects indicating that the country is safe
Vietnam is considered a relatively safe destination due to several factors that contribute to a secure environment:
- Low crime rates
- Friendly locals
- Abundant accommodation everywhere
1. While small crimes like pickpocketing can occur, violent crime against tourists is relatively rare. It is said that Vietnamese communities often have a strong sense of vigilance and social responsibility. This means that locals help to maintain order and deter criminal activities for their safety and ours.
2. Most Vietnamese people are friendly and helpful, which creates a safe atmosphere for tourists. I never had a bad encounter with a local. They were always happy to try their best to help. Of course, not 100% of them act like this with tourists, but with the majority, you’ll have a great time. However, most Vietnamese don’t speak good English, which can make it harder to talk to them and have meaningful conversations.
3. Vietnam has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, including reputable accommodations. It’s very easy for solo travelers to find safe and beautiful hostels/hotels. Since there are a lot of tourists throughout the year, the chances of you being alone and in danger with no witnesses are close to none. It never happened to me, and I always saw tourists when I walked alone at night.
What to watch out for in the country
As I mentioned earlier, I never felt in danger in Vietnam. However, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be cautious. Like in every country in the world, there are people with bad intentions. So, here are the two main things you always need to look out for when traveling there:
Scooters: There are so many scooters in every city in Vietnam. They will not stop for you to cross the street. It will be stressful at the beginning, but you just need to walk straight and not stop, and they will go around you. It’s part of how they drive, so trust them and everything should be fine.
Pickpocketing and theft: It’s a common practice, like in most touristic countries in the world. Since most people are not careful, it is not uncommon. For example, having an expensive, cute purse is not the best way to go. You do not want to attract attention to yourself.
I suggest having a fanny pack instead. It might be a little less cute but this way you can keep your most valuable belongings like phone, cards and passport close to you. Click here to see mine.
Safety tips
There are many small actions you can take that have the power to make a huge difference for your safety. Let’s take a look at some of the most important ones:
How to stay safe in taxis: I highly recommend using a taxi app like Grab or Gojek. You know the fixed price in advance, which avoids any scams, and have access to the driver’s personal details. Also, it makes them very unlikely to commit a crime, since they will be identified very easily.
Buy padlocks for hostels: If you plan to stay in hostels, almost every single one of them will have lockers. They’re available for you to leave the most important stuff locked and secured. The thing is, you have to bring your own locks. Click here to see the ones I have.
Small alarm: When I went solo traveling, I bought this little alarm. It might not be magic, but the sound being very strong, it surely scares the criminal, calls for help and/or will buy you some time to react. Click here to see the one I have.
Stay connected: Make sure to keep your loved ones informed about your itinerary and stay in touch with them regularly. I have an iPhone and I love the localization app. I share my location with my parents, boyfriend and friends.
Trust your instincts: If a situation feels uncomfortable or unsafe, trust your gut and remove yourself from it. Your safety is the top priority.
Respect the local culture: Dressing modestly and showing respect for religious sites will help you blend in and minimize unwanted attention.
These tips will help enhance your safety while traveling solo. Now, enjoy your trip and have fun exploring all that Vietnam has to offer. Check out my other articles to find out more about Vietnam. My advice would be to start with this one: Everything There Is To Know About Vietnam.
