Ditch the Tourists: How to Experience and Travel Vietnam Like a Local!

Vietnam is a dream destination for solo travelers—whether you’re a budget backpacker, a digital nomad, or someone seeking a soulful escape.

 To travel Vietnam, It is incredibly affordable, rich in history, offers diverse landscapes, and has one of the most welcoming cultures for solo explorers.

But beyond the Instagram-perfect shots, how does one actually experience Vietnam smartly, safely, and without burning a hole in the pocket?

Here’s your ultimate Vietnam Solo Travel guide. Follow these steps to get your Vietnam solo trip booked in a few efforts!

Step 1: Visa & Flights – The Smartest Way to Travel Vietnam easily.

Getting a Vietnam Visa

Vietnam offers an e-visa for many nationalities, making the process smooth and hassle-free. Although, Vietnam does not currently offer Digital Nomad Visa like other tourist-friendly countries.

But, for visitor visa, you can apply online on the official website, pay ~$25, and receive your visa within 3-4 days. It’s valid for 30 days and allows you to enter from multiple international airports.

Finding Budget Flights to Vietnam:

Your biggest expense of backpacking to Vietnam will likely be your flight. Here’s how to save:

✔ Book early (2-3 months in advance) to grab round-trip fares under $250.

✔ Choose budget airlines like AirAsia, VietJet, or Scoot with a layover in Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok.

✔ Fly from major hubs like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore for better deals.

Hack: Use incognito mode while searching for flights to avoid price hikes!

Step 2: Budgeting Right – What Does a Solo Trip to Vietnam Cost?

Travelling Vietnam is affordable, but costs can vary based on your travel style. Here’s a rough breakdown to get an overview of the potential cost if you are planning Vietnam solo travel :

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re on a strict budget, set a daily cap of $30-$40, and you’ll still have an incredible experience.

Step 3: Picking the Right Places – Where to Stay & What to Skip

Instead of chasing every tourist hotspot, focus on what works best for solo travelers:

• Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City → Best for city life, culture, and socializing. Stay in hostels like Little Hanoi Hostel or The Like Hostel HCMC to meet fellow travelers.
• Hoi An → Perfect for a relaxed, picturesque experience. Great for workcations too.
• Ninh Binh → A scenic, less-crowded alternative to Halong Bay.
• Da Lat → Ideal for nature lovers, with waterfalls, forests, and adventure activities.

Skip These Vietnam Tourist Attractions If You’re Short on Time:

• Ba Na Hills – Beautiful but expensive and overcrowded because of its overly exposed Hands bridge on Instagram!
• Overpriced Markets in HCMC – Ben Thanh Market is a tourist trap; go to local ones instead.
• Halong Bay Day Trips – Overnight cruises offer a better experience than rushed one-day tours.

📍 Hidden Gem: Visit Phong Nha for breathtaking caves and off-the-beaten-path adventures!

Step 4: Local Transport & Connectivity Hacks

• Use the Grab app for taxis & bike rides—it’s cheaper than local cabs.
• Night buses & trains are an excellent way to travel long distances on a budget.
• Get a local SIM or eSIM (Viettel is the best provider) for seamless connectivity.
• Renting a bike (~$5/day) is a great way to explore cities at your own pace.
• Download Google Maps offline to avoid getting lost.

Insider Tip: Many hostels offer free bicycle rentals—use them to explore nearby attractions!

Step 5: Food & Currency Exchange – Avoid These Mistakes

• Eat where the locals eat – Street food stalls serve authentic Vietnamese meals at $3-$7 per meal.
• Vegetarian? No worries! Look for “Chay” food stalls or restaurants offering plant-based dishes.
• Currency exchange – Don’t convert money at airports; use ATMs or reliable forex shops for the best rates.
• Use cash – Credit cards aren’t widely accepted in smaller shops and food stalls.

Must-Try Dishes: Pho (noodle soup), Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and Egg Coffee.

Step 6: Safety Tips & Socializing as a Solo Vietnam Traveler

Vietnam is generally safe for solo travelers, but keep these in mind while considering this efficient Vietnam solo travel guide:

✔ Use a money belt to avoid pickpockets in crowded areas.

✔ Carry small denominations to avoid being overcharged.

✔ When in doubt, ask your hostel/hotel staff for safety advice.

✔ Want to meet people? Join free walking tours or use platforms like Couchsurfing to connect with locals.

✔ Avoid unlicensed taxis—stick to Grab or reputable companies.

✔ Be mindful of traffic—crossing roads in Vietnam requires confidence!

Best Ways to Make Friends: Join group tours, take a cooking class, or visit co-working cafés.

Final Thoughts: Whether to Travel Vietnam Worth It for Solo Travelers?

Absolutely! Vietnam is one of the best budget-friendly international destinations, offering a mix of culture, adventure, and affordability. Moreover, creating a perfect package Vietnam itinerary for 7 days is absolutely possible covering all the aspects of Vietnam.

If you travel smartly, you can experience the best of the country without breaking the bank.

Have you been to Vietnam? Not yet? then Let’s plan this together if you want more specific details do let us know!