Discover how safe Ho Chi Minh City really is for solo travelers – including women – with practical, up-to-date advice on districts, transport, nightlife, scams, and where to meet other travelers instantly.
This is solo freedom, Saigon style (Source: Internet)Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years guiding more than 100,000 international travelers across Vietnam & Cambodia. This guide is built from real solo-traveler experiences and safety data collected by Legend Travel Group – the pioneer in premium, solo-friendly Vietnam Tours since 2008.
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Instant friends, zero stress (Source: Internet)95 % of Legend Travel Group solo guests (including thousands of women) rate Ho Chi Minh City as “safe” or “very safe”.
Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare.
The biggest risks? Pickpocketing, motorbike snatch-and-grab, and overcharged tuk-tuks – all easily avoided with street smarts you already have.
Here’s exactly how to stay safe and confident while having the time of your life.
our safest ride home (Source: Internet)|
Category |
Rating |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
General safety |
Very Safe |
Lower violent crime than most European capitals |
|
Solo female travelers |
Safe |
98 % feel comfortable walking alone before midnight |
|
Nightlife areas |
Safe until 2 AM |
Bùi Viện gets rowdy but rarely dangerous |
|
Public transport |
Safe |
Grab app = gold standard for safety |
|
Pickpocketing risk |
Moderate |
Markets & District 1 crowds |
District 1 (city center) – everything walkable, 24-hour buzz, police everywhere
District 3 – quieter, tree-lined streets, great cafés, very safe
District 7 (Phu My Hung) – expat area, modern, extremely safe, slightly further out
Pham Ngu Lao back alleys (behind the bars)
Some parts of District 4 (across the bridge)
Empty parks after dark
Grab app (bike $0.80–$1.50, car $2–$5) – tracked, cashless, 5-star drivers only
Mai Linh or Vinasun taxis (green/white) – metered & reliable
City buses – cheap ($0.30) and surprisingly safe
Random street xe ôm (motorbike taxis) at night
Cyclos after dark (tourist trap + slow = easy target)
Elios Saigon Hotel - Peace of mind in 10 seconds (Source: Internet)Bùi Viện Walking Street – loud but heavily policed
Rooftop bars (Chill Skybar, EON Heli Bar) – great for meeting other travelers
Nguyen Hue Walking Street – families, street performers, very safe
Travel in pairs or with new friends from your hostel
Use Grab – never walk alone in quiet alleys
Keep phone charged & share location with someone
Extra safety, same price (Source: Internet)|
Scam |
How to Spot |
How to Respond |
|---|---|---|
|
“Closed today” temple scam |
Random person says site is closed |
Ignore & keep walking |
|
Overcharged coconut/tuk-tuk |
Price suddenly triples |
Agree price upfront or use Grab |
|
Shoe-shine / bracelet scam |
“Free” then demand payment |
Firm “no thank you” and walk away |
98 % of Legend Travel Group women travelers feel safe
Dress modestly in District 4 & local areas (shoulders/knees covered)
Use women-only Grab car option
Stay in District 1 or 3 – well-lit & busy 24/7
Join our small-group food tours on night 1 – instant friends + local guide
The Hideout Hostel District 1 – $10 dorm / $22 private
City Poshtel District 1 – $18–$30 boutique private rooms
Chez Mimosa Boutique – $25–$40, women-only floor option
Signature by M Village Le Thanh Ton – $35–$50, central & super safe
All personally vetted by our team for safety, cleanliness, and solo vibe.
Views and vibes, completely safe (Source: Internet)Police: 113
Tourist Police: 08 3829 7641 (English spoken)
International hospitals: FV Hospital (+84 28 3511 3333), Vinmec (+84 28 3622 1166)
Legend Travel Group 24/7 support: +84 28 3829 7641 (WhatsApp)
We look out for each other (Source: Internet)Use hotel safe for passport – carry photocopy
Share your live location with a friend back home
Download offline Google Maps
Never wear expensive jewelry
Trust your gut – if something feels off, leave
Join a Legend Travel Group small-group activity on your first night:
Saigon After Dark Street Food Tour (max 12)
Mekong Delta Day Trip with other solos
Cu Chi Tunnels small-group adventure
Only 10 % deposit – change dates free – weekly departures.
Check options → https://www.legendtravelgroup.com
By Legend Travel Group – Keeping solo travelers safe & smiling across Vietnam & Cambodia since 2008
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