Exploring Vietnam: A Solo Traveler's Dream Destination?

is vietnam good for independent travel

Vietnam is a great destination for independent travel. The country has an established tourist trail, good tourism infrastructure, and welcoming people.

There are several ways to get around Vietnam, including trains, buses, and motorbikes. English translations are often available at restaurants in major cities, and accommodation is affordable.

Some of the main sites on Vietnam's tourist trail include Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta.

While Vietnam may initially seem intimidating, it is a safe and welcoming place for independent travellers.

Characteristics Values
Tourist trail Established
Tourism infrastructure Good
People Welcoming
Safety Safe
History Interesting
Food Great
Visa Required
Transport Easy
Accommodation Cheap

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Transport: Trains, buses, and boats are all options for getting around Vietnam

Trains

Train travel in Vietnam is an experience in itself. The country's railways offer a genuine sense of the nation, allowing travellers to appreciate the changes in landscape, climate, food, and accent from one region to another. The south-north line, also known as the Reunification Express, runs for over 1,700km, connecting major coastal cities between Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and Hanoi. There are at least six trains running in both directions every day, with the journey taking more than 32 hours. Several spur lines branch off to other destinations, such as Hanoi to Haiphong and Hanoi to Lào Cai.

Booking train tickets is easy and can be done online through platforms like Baolau.com or at train stations. There are four classes of seating and sleeping arrangements: 6-bed sleeper, 4-bed sleeper, soft seat, and hard seat. The sleeper compartments provide more comfort and are ideal for overnight journeys or trips over eight hours. The soft seat class, with reclinable chairs in an air-conditioned carriage, is suitable for daytime journeys of a few hours. The hard seat class, with wooden seats in a fan-cooled carriage, is the cheapest option but can become stuffy and uncomfortable on longer trips.

Buses

Buses are another popular option for getting around Vietnam. Open-tour buses, also known as open-ticket buses, are an increasingly common choice for budget travellers, especially in the southern and central regions. These buses run regularly between top destinations and offer sleeper or deep-reclining seats. Normal bus services operate from dedicated bus stations, and there may be multiple stations in each town, so it's important to check which station you need. Bus travel can be convenient and comfortable between major cities but tends to be slow and cramped in rural areas.

Boats

Exploring Vietnam by boat is a unique way to experience the country, tracing its meandering rivers and reaching offshore islands. Boat tours are available from Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Danang, Hue, and Tam Coc. Boats also provide access to islands like Phu Quoc, the Cham Islands, and the myriad isles of Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.

Other Options

Other means of transportation in Vietnam include domestic flights, motorcycles or motorbikes, and cycling. Domestic flights can be a time-saving option, with Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Bamboo Airways, and Pacific Airlines offering affordable deals. Motorcycles and motorbikes are a popular choice for short distances, and rentals are widely available. Cycling is best suited for quiet rural roads and small towns, with rentals costing around 20,000 to 30,000 VND per day.

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Accommodation: There are plenty of hostels and hotels, with rooms available for under $20 per night

Accommodation in Vietnam

There's a wide range of accommodation options in Vietnam, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.

Hostels

Hostels are a great option for solo travellers looking for affordable and social accommodation. In Vietnam, you can easily find dorm beds for under $10 per night. Hostelworld is a good website to check for hostel options.

Hotels

If you prefer more privacy and comfort, there are plenty of hotels available for around $20 per night or even less. Booking.com and Agoda are recommended websites for finding great hotel deals in Vietnam.

When choosing a hotel, pay attention to the descriptions as words like 'homestay' or 'eco-resort' are sometimes used liberally. True homestays offer a unique cultural experience, staying with a local family, while some so-called 'eco-resorts' may simply be regular hotels with a green space nearby.

Other Options

For a more authentic experience, consider staying in a local homestay, where you can immerse yourself in the daily life of a Vietnamese family. This option often includes delicious home-cooked meals and a chance to connect with the locals.

Booking Tips

It's generally easy to find accommodation in Vietnam, and you can often book a few days in advance or even walk into a place to inquire about availability. However, for popular destinations or during peak travel seasons, it's recommended to book at least a week or two in advance to secure your preferred options.

Where to Stay

  • Hanoi - Scent Premium Hotel (elegant rooms in the heart of the Old Quarter)
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Fusion Original Saigon Centre (spacious rooms with city views)
  • Ha Long Bay - Bao Phuc Hotel (cozy doubles near Tung Thu Beach)
  • Phu Quoc Island - Salinda Resort (luxury sea-view rooms and an outdoor pool)
  • Hoi An - Hoi An Golden Holiday Hotel (modern rooms with skyline views)
  • Nha Trang - Azura Gold Hotel (tropical-themed rooms near the beach)
  • Hue - Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort (rustic huts and bungalows in a tranquil jungle setting)
  • Mai Chau - Mai Chau Countryside Homestay (simple accommodation with mountain views)

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Food: From street food to restaurants with English menus, there are many options for dining in Vietnam

Food is a huge part of travel, and Vietnam has a lot to offer in this department. From street food to restaurants with English menus, there are many options for dining in Vietnam.

Street Food

Street food is a big part of the culture in Vietnam, with an abundance of local markets, rustic food joints, and food carts lining the streets. The food is simple and uncomplicated, yet full of flavour. Here are some popular Vietnamese street foods to try:

  • Rice noodle soup (Phở)
  • Vietnamese sandwich (Bánh mì)
  • Rice paper salad (Bánh tráng trộn)
  • Vietnamese sweet dessert (Chè)
  • Hoi An Noodles (Cao lầu)
  • Spring rolls (Gỏi cuốn / Chả giò)
  • Vietnamese pizza (Bánh tráng nướng)
  • Egg coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)
  • Grilled pork with vermicelli (Bún chả)

Restaurants with English Menus

If you're looking for a more traditional dining experience, there are plenty of restaurants in Vietnam's major cities that offer English translations of their menus. Here are some tips for navigating Vietnamese restaurant menus:

  • "Banh" typically refers to savory dumplings, crepes, and small bites made with flour and starches.
  • The "Noodles" section will feature various types of noodles, such as rice noodles, glass noodles, and angel hair vermicelli.
  • Dishes with the word “banh” in them usually refer to savory dumplings, crepes, and little morsels made with flour or starch.
  • "Mi" refers to wheat noodles, similar to spaghetti.

Other Dining Options

In addition to street food and traditional restaurants, there are also food tours and local markets where you can sample a variety of Vietnamese dishes.

Food Tours

Food tours are a great way to explore Vietnam's culinary offerings. You can join a motorbike food tour to discover hidden gems or take a cooking class to learn how to make some of your favourite dishes.

Local Markets

Local markets are a great place to find fresh produce and authentic Vietnamese cuisine. However, it's recommended to avoid tourist traps like Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City and instead explore peripheral areas of the city for more authentic dining experiences.

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Language: English is spoken in many tourist areas, but learning some Vietnamese will be helpful

English is spoken in many tourist areas in Vietnam, but learning some Vietnamese will be helpful.

English is widely spoken in Vietnam, especially in tourist areas. However, learning some basic Vietnamese phrases will be helpful when travelling independently.

While many young people in Vietnam speak English, older generations may not. Learning some Vietnamese will be beneficial when interacting with locals, such as when ordering food or asking for directions. It can also help with reading menus and navigating public transport.

  • Xin chào (sin chow) - Hello
  • Cảm ơn (cam uun) - Thank you
  • Cho tôi (choh toy) - Please give me
  • Bao nhiêu tiền? (bow nyew-un) - How much?
  • Tôi không hiểu (toy koo un-dee-yow) - I don't understand
  • Tôi muốn đi (toy mwon dee) - I want to go
  • Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu? (nah way seen o yow?) - Where is the bathroom?
  • Xin lỗi (sin loy) - Excuse me/sorry

Additionally, learning some basic numbers will be helpful for navigating prices and haggling:

  • Một (mot) - One
  • Hai (hi) - Two
  • Ba (bah) - Three
  • Bốn (bon) - Four
  • Năm (nam) - Five
  • Sáu (sow) - Six
  • Bảy (bay) - Seven
  • Tám (tam) - Eight
  • Chín (chin) - Nine
  • Mười (moy) - Ten

There are many resources available to learn Vietnamese, such as language apps, online courses, and phrasebooks. It is also possible to take language classes in Vietnam, which can be a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and meet locals.

While English may be sufficient in many tourist areas, learning some Vietnamese will undoubtedly enhance your travel experience and allow you to connect with the locals on a deeper level.

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Safety: Vietnam is generally considered a safe place to travel, but it's always good to be aware of your surroundings

Vietnam is generally considered a safe place to travel, but it's always good to be aware of your surroundings. Violent crime is rare, but it's a good idea to keep your valuables hidden and safe.

The biggest safety concerns in Vietnam are common scams that try to rip off tourists and petty theft, such as pickpocketing. It's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy areas like markets or popular tourist spots. Keep your valuables secure and be wary of anyone trying to distract you or get too close.

When it comes to transportation, it's worth noting that local buses can be slow and night buses often have awkward bunk beds with limited leg space. If you're looking for more comfort, consider spending a bit more on a first-class train ticket or a "VIP" bus service. Motorbikes are a popular way to get around, and you can easily rent one in most places. However, be sure to follow local traffic laws and wear a helmet for safety.

In terms of food and drinks, street food is a great way to experience the local culture, but be cautious of food and drinks that may not be properly prepared or stored. Stick to reputable vendors and restaurants, and avoid consuming ice or unbottled drinks if you're unsure of the water quality.

When it comes to accommodation, it's generally safe and affordable in Vietnam. You can find great deals on private rooms or dorm beds. However, be aware of places that overuse terms like "homestay" or "eco-resort" as marketing; these may not always reflect the true nature of the accommodation.

Lastly, it's important to respect the local culture and customs. Dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites, and be mindful of any cultural differences to avoid causing offence. Overall, Vietnam is a welcoming and safe place to travel, but staying vigilant and informed will help ensure a positive and memorable experience.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Vietnam is relatively safe for independent travel. Violent crime is rare, but it's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables hidden and safe.

Some popular places to visit in Vietnam include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Hue, and the Mekong Delta.

Getting around Vietnam is usually not too difficult. There is a great bus network, and you can also travel by train or motorbike.

The best time to visit Vietnam depends on the region you plan to visit. Generally, the dry season from December to March is a good time to visit most of the country, but the shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November can also be good, as temperatures are milder and there are fewer tourists.

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