Tips for Solo Travelling in your 30's and 40's in Vietnam

11 Tips for Solo Travelling in Vietnam
          

Planning to solo travel in your 30’s and 40’s can be exciting but also overwhelming at the same time. That is why choosing where to go and planning a solo travel itinerary can make your trip much more enjoyable and seamless. Solo travel in Vietnam is considered much easier and safer than in other countries. 

Vietnam is both intriguing and appealing, a nation of breathtaking natural beauty and cultural intricacies, bustling metropolises, and hill-tribe settlements. Vietnamese culture is rich and complex, and it is a history lesson in itself. Finally, Vietnamese cuisine is a remarkable attraction for travelers, with its nuanced flavors and great versatility — as evidenced by the numerous street-food excursions and culinary schools.

Although Vietnam is regarded as one of the safest countries to travel alone, here are a few tips that can help out solo travelers:

Join an Open Group Tour

Going on a private tour to solo travel in your 30’s and 40’s can be quite expensive. You can save a lot of money by joining one of the open group tours in Vietnam. Anyone can join them, and they are much more friendly and enjoyable than going on a private tour. Local budget tours are not only economical, but they have great accommodations and itineraries. 

Beware of Phone Snatching

The snatching of bags and phones is the most serious concern when roaming around the streets of Vietnam. If you're strolling down a crowded city street, don't make it convenient for anyone to take your purse or cell phone by passing by on a motorcycle. Move further away from the crowds and into a store entrance if you need to look up information or check your map.

When Crossing the Street, Let the Locals Lead the Way

Crossing the street might be difficult in Vietnam because there is often no clear gap in the flow of traffic. You can stand alongside a local and move when they walk, particularly if you're new to crossing the street in Vietnam. Maintain your composure, walk slow but steady, and you'll automatically reach the other side unscathed.

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the tourism districts were recently pedestrianized. This is a fantastic opportunity to go for a walk without trying to dodge a motorcycle every ten seconds.

                        

Make Friends with Other Travellers

The wonderful thing about Vietnam is that you can easily recognize other travelers while out and about, and there are plenty of tourists to meet. All you have to do is be a little adventurous and approach a stranger to make small talk.

Asking a question about a local tourist hotspot or neighboring eatery is the ideal icebreaker. This offers you an excuse to start talking, and ideally, you'll learn something important in the process.

Pack Less than You Need

One of the best tips for solo travel in your 30's and 40's, as well as for solo travel in Vietnam, is to bring a lot less baggage than you think you'll need.

Considering you won't be able to easily lug a suitcase around Vietnam, you should invest in a nice backpack. Choose one that is tiny and lightweight, enough that you can carry it for a couple of miles over tough terrain.

Be Sure to Wear a Mask 

The populated streets and thick air make it important for you to wear a mask. Whether it’s to protect yourself from the COVID-19 virus or to protect your lungs from breathing in the dense city air, keeping a mask with you is a necessary precaution. Even if you don’t bring one from home, there are plenty of good-quality masks available in Vietnam.

Prepare Yourself for Rain

In Vietnam, it can start pouring unexpectedly. Even if you're visiting Vietnam during the dry season, you'll need things to keep you dry in case of a sudden downpour. A light and packable rain jacket would be ideal since you can bring it around the country with you.

If you intend on hiring or purchasing a motorcycle in Vietnam, wait until you arrive in the countryside to find a large waterproof motorcycle poncho virtually everywhere.

You Will Need to Carry Cash 

Since Vietnam is a cash-based society, you won't be able to use your credit or debit card any place except in western hotels. Hence, it is better to leave your cards at your hotel and make sure you carry enough cash for the day. Moreover, this way, you won’t give pickpockets anything else to steal.

Get Comfortable with Haggling 

Vietnamese markets are notorious for their haggling. When you solo travel in Vietnam, you are more likely to get a markup price for being a tourist. Plus, being alone, it can be difficult to haggle with the sellers if you don’t have a backup. 

Hence, you should try learning the tricks by watching the locals haggle with sellers. Alternatively, you can try not to look rich to get a fairer price. This means switching out the big notes in your wallet for coins. 

Respect the Norms and Traditions 

Vietnamese people are mostly conservative and traditional. Perhaps, you won't notice it in the big cities or popular areas, but it will be obvious once you travel to rural Vietnam. 

Certain practices are frowned upon, such as wearing tight or revealing clothes, getting drunk, showing anger, removing your shoes before entering a home or a temple, or even taking photographs at some monuments. Pointing your finger is regarded as impolite. Therefore, wave somebody to you with your palm facing downwards or, if you would like to be more precise, use your pinky finger.

                        

Don't Reveal Personal Information to Anyone

You will almost certainly encounter people who appear to be quite intrusive when you solo travel in Vietnam or elsewhere in the world. They could just be nosy or strange, or they could be dangerous. Whichever it is, be cautious and avoid disclosing personal information. You don't have to provide your complete name, relationship status, where you're staying, where you're going next, or any other personal information.

This extends not only to natives but also to other travelers you meet. Making friends is a fantastic thing, but you shouldn't share too much information when you're just getting to know somebody.