Renowned travel magazine Travel + Leisure has just released its list of the 25 best countries for solo travelers, with Vietnam ranking among the top five standout destinations.
The report is based on criteria such as safety, ease of transportation, friendliness of locals, and unique cultural and natural experiences.
Travel + Leisure highlights that solo travel is becoming a global trend, as more people seek “freedom, independence, and self-discovery” through independent journeys.
Within this trend, Vietnam is considered one of the most promising destinations, not only for its natural beauty but also for its safety, friendliness, hospitality, rich cuisine, and authentic experiences that are hard to find elsewhere.
According to Travel + Leisure, Vietnam offers a “complete” experience for solo travelers, from natural wonders to vibrant local culture.
Visitors can cruise Bai Tu Long Bay with its “refreshing turquoise waters,” explore Son Doong Cave—one of the world’s largest natural caves—or stroll through Hoi An under the full moon to admire thousands of brightly lit lanterns along the Thu Bon River.
In Hanoi, the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake offer a blend of tradition and modernity, making them ideal for solo travelers to explore on foot.
Meanwhile, in Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market and historical sites such as the Cu Chi Tunnels enrich the solo travel experience, making it both diverse and memorable.
Besides Vietnam, the list also features popular destinations such as Iceland, Germany, Costa Rica, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Australia, Norway, and Ireland. Each destination is highly rated for its convenient transportation and ability to provide a sense of safety for travelers.
Earlier in 2024, leading UK travel magazine Time Out also ranked Vietnam among the world’s top nine safest destinations for solo female travelers.
According to this list, Vietnam is the only Southeast Asian country to be included. Other destinations are Sri Lanka, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Japan, Guatemala, Australia, Greece, and New Zealand.
Time Out also recommends Vietnam for its diverse natural landscapes and cultural heritage, suggesting that on a journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, travelers should not miss Hue and Hoi An for unique experiences.
Time Out editors further suggest exploring the ancient villages of Hoi An, known for their slow pace of life and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors are also encouraged to sample Hue’s cuisine, as the city was once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty.
“When it comes to the safest destinations for solo female travelers in Southeast Asia, Thailand and Vietnam have always been top choices, but Vietnam remains the better starting point,” Time Out noted.
Thanks to political stability and low violent crime rates, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are also ideal destinations for foreigners.
According to the General Statistics Office (Ministry of Finance), in October, international arrivals to Vietnam reached 1.73 million, up 13.8% from the previous month and 22.1% year-on-year.
In the first ten months of 2025, Vietnam welcomed nearly 17.2 million international visitors, an increase of 21.5% compared to the same period last year.
The number of international arrivals in October and the first ten months of 2025 continues to show positive signs, reflecting a strong recovery of the tourism sector after a challenging period due to the pandemic and global economic fluctuations.
During the first ten months of 2025, Asia remained the primary market, accounting for the largest share with 13.618 million arrivals, up 21% year-on-year. This underscores Vietnam’s position as a leading destination in the region, particularly attracting visitors from South Korea, China, Japan, and ASEAN countries.
Europe was the second-largest market with 2.127 million arrivals, a robust increase of 34.9%—the highest growth among all regions. This positive trend is attributed to expanded e-visa policies and promotional campaigns for Vietnam’s tourism image in European countries.
Alongside the rise in international visitors, tourism revenue from travel services in the first ten months of 2025 is estimated at VND 77.4 trillion, up 19.8% year-on-year; revenue from accommodation and food services is estimated at VND 695.1 trillion, up 14.6%.
Key tourism hubs such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Quang Ninh, Khanh Hoa, and Phu Quoc all reported steady increases in international arrivals compared to the same period last year. Many new destinations, experiential tourism products, green tourism, and cultural tourism have been systematically developed, helping to attract longer stays and higher spending from visitors.
Overall, Vietnam’s tourism sector in 2025 continues to see comprehensive growth across most market regions, especially in Asia and Europe. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of open-door policies, expanded visa programs, and international promotion activities, affirming that the goal of welcoming over 20 million international visitors in 2025 is entirely achievable.
(Source: Vietnam+)
