It’s so liberating to see the world on your own. Plan your own adventures, travel at your own pace and do whatever you want to, whenever you want. That’s why solo travel has become increasingly popular in that last few years. Unlike traveling with a group or a partner, you need to be a little bit more cautious about the hotels you book, the company you join and the tours you pay for. That’s because you are your only support system in a foreign environment.

As daunting as that sounds, it’s actually one of the most exhilarating parts of the travel. Once you’ve tried it, it’s hard not to appreciate solo travel. To guide you through going solo, here are some places that are perfect if you’re traveling on your own in Vietnam.

Hanoi

Skyline of Hanoi

This probably a dead giveaway, considering Hanoi is Vietnam’s cultural capital. However, a lot of people traveling solo avoid this destination because they expect it to be tourist populated, crowded and much like any city. That’s not the case with Hanoi. It’s actually a very culturally diverse area, showing you the effects of French colonization through the array of European mansions that give way to busy market places and bustling street life. Despite how hospitable this place is to tourists, it overcrowded with backpackers. It’s actually a great place to buy affordable souvenirs and to enjoy the Vietnamese culture, without being too far removed the amenities of city life. If you’re traveling solo in Vietnam, this is a great place to start. 

Hoi An

Nestled in Central Vietnam, Hoi An is a 5-minute drive from A Bang Beach. This place is serene, cultural and perfect for solo travel. Vietnam features this town as the home to its country’s most stunning ancient streets – the perfect blend between European and Vietnamese design. This is also the place to be if you want to affordable, well-tailored suits, dresses, and even traditional Vietnamese clothes. Experienced tailors from Hoi An can whip something up for you promptly.You can spend early mornings walking by the beach, enjoying the view and lounging, and plan the afternoon around trendy cafes and different museums. Solo travel is all about balancing being serene with having fun and trying new things, which is something you can accomplish in Hoi An.

Ho Chi Minh

If what fun and partying is the reason why you’re traveling, Vietnam has Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, for you. This is like the Ibiza or Bangkok of Vietnam, where the young, trendy and business savvy culminates in opening the best bars, cafes and restaurants in the country. This is not as historical as the previous sites, but it’s a great stop when you want a change a pace and to interact with the next generation Vietnamese who frequent the social centers of this city. While here, you can traverse the Mekong or go see the Cu Chi Tunnels in the day and party at amazing sky bar at night. It’s the perfect blend of city and culture for any solo traveler.