The complete independence-lover’s guide to crossing Vietnam by land. Hanoi → Sapa → Ha Giang → Ninh Binh → Phong Nha → Hue → Hoi An → Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh – exact routes, sleeper trains, safe buses, motorbike tips, and how to meet other solos without ever joining a tour group.
This is freedom (Source: Internet)Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years guiding more than 100,000 international travelers across Vietnam & Cambodia. These overland routes are the exact paths used by thousands of happy solo adventurers on Legend Travel Group Vietnam Travel packages since 2008.
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=> Vietnam - 12 Days. Departure every Saturday from Saigon
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Solo doesn’t mean sharing (Source: Internet)You want to wake up on a sleeper train with rice fields flying past.
You want to ride the Hai Van Pass with the ocean on one side and mountains on the other.
You want to stop at a random roadside phở stall and drink coffee with locals who don’t speak English.
And you want to do it completely on your own schedule.
Vietnam’s overland network makes that easy – and 100 % safe for solos.
70–80 % of Legend Travel Group guests who travel overland do at least part of it completely independently.
Here’s exactly how to make it epic.
Rent motorbike in Ha Giang ($8–$12/day)
Route: Ha Giang → Yen Minh → Dong Van → Meo Vac → Ba Be Lake
Difficulty: Moderate–Hard (some steep passes)
Solo ratio: 90 % independent riders
Hoi An → Hue → Phong Nha → Vinh → Ninh Binh
Mix of trains + local buses
Perfect for slower pace + hidden beaches
Two wheels, zero schedule (Source: Internet)|
Segment |
Best Transport |
Duration |
Cost (USD) |
Solo Vibe & Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hanoi → Sapa |
Overnight train or bus |
8–10 hrs |
$25–$40 |
VIP 2-berth cabin = private room on wheels |
|
Sapa → Ha Giang |
Local bus + minivan |
8–10 hrs |
$20–$35 |
Ha Giang loop = Vietnam’s most epic ride |
|
Ha Giang → Hanoi |
Sleeper bus |
7 hrs |
$15–$25 |
Easy return for next leg |
|
Hanoi → Ninh Binh |
Train or bus |
2 hrs |
$8–$15 |
Morning arrival = perfect light |
|
Ninh Binh → Phong Nha |
Sleeper bus |
7–8 hrs |
$15–$25 |
Arrive early for caves |
|
Phong Nha → Hue |
Sleeper bus |
4 hrs |
$10–$15 |
Short & scenic |
|
Hue → Da Nang / Hoi An |
Train (best views) |
3 hrs |
$8–$15 |
Hai Van Pass from window = magic |
|
Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City |
Sleeper train or bus |
16–18 hrs |
$35–$55 |
SE1/SE3 = daylight Hai Van Pass |
Total overland cost: $150–$250
$20 to adventure (Source: Internet)|
Company |
Type |
Why Solos Love It |
Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Vietnam Railways |
Sleeper trains |
VIP 2-berth cabins = private room |
$25–$75 |
|
Baolau.com |
Booking site |
English, real-time, accepts cards |
– |
|
Sapa Express |
Hanoi → Sapa |
Luxury sleeper bus, private pods |
$25–$40 |
|
The Sinh Tourist |
Open-tour buses |
Reliable, English staff |
$15–$35 |
|
Grab |
Local rides |
Safe, trackable, women-only car option |
$1–$5 |
Found my tribe (Source: Internet)|
City |
Hostel/Hotel |
Price/Night |
Solo Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hanoi |
Mad Monkey or Nexy |
$10–$25 |
Rooftop bar + free beer hour |
|
Sapa |
Sapa Relax or Lustre Homestay |
$15–$35 |
Mountain views + bike rental |
|
Ha Giang |
Ha Giang Amazing Hostel |
$8–$20 |
Motorbike rental + loop advice |
|
Ninh Binh |
Hidden Charm or Limestone View |
$15–$40 |
Free bikes + rice-field views |
|
Phong Nha |
Easy Tiger |
$10–$25 |
Backpacker central + cave tour desk |
|
Hoi An |
Tribee Edee or Under the Coconut |
$12–$35 |
Pool + lantern release groups |
|
Ho Chi Minh |
The Hideout or City Poshtel |
$10–$25 |
Walking street location |
All with 24-hour reception & safe lockers.
Local breakfast club (Source: Internet)|
Category |
Rating |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Sleeper trains/buses |
Very Safe |
Locked cabins, constant staff |
|
Motorbike (Ha Giang) |
Safe with caution |
Helmet + experience required |
|
Solo females |
Very Safe |
98 % feel comfortable |
|
Night travel |
Safe |
Book reputable companies |
The journey is the destination (Source: Internet)|
Item |
Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation (dorm/private) |
$10–$30 |
|
Food & coffee |
$6–$12 |
|
Overland transport |
$10–$30 |
|
Activities & entrances |
$10–$30 |
|
Total per day |
$36–$102 |
Still under $80/day with comfort.
Book Ha Giang motorbike loop 1–2 days early
Choose VIP 2-berth trains when possible – private cabin
Download offline Maps.me – some areas no signal
Carry small VND notes – no change on buses
Join Legend day trips if you want zero planning (optional)
Jump into Legend Travel Group small-group extensions:
Ha Long Bay overnight cruise
Sapa 2-day trek & homestay
Hoi An cooking class
Only 10 % deposit – cancel free up to 7 days.
Check overland extensions → https://www.legendtravelgroup.com
By Legend Travel Group – Where solo overlanders find their path since 2008
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