Ten Days Solo in Vietnam: An Unexpected Journey of Surprises – A Complete Travel Guide

Meta Description: Discover the ultimate Vietnam solo travel guide covering Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne, and Da Lat. Learn visa tips, bus routes, surfing spots, and hidden gems from a 10-day solo adventure.

Those who seek beauty will ultimately find it.

Looking back at 2018, my travel record was embarrassingly thin—a quick glance at Hong Kong, a superficial taste of Guangzhou and Xiamen. The only trip that could count as a long-haul journey was that Vietnam adventure. Following the route of Ho Chi Minh City—Mui Ne—Da Lat, I meandered for half a month, not only meeting a like-minded Korean girl but also collecting a trail of unexpected moments and heartfelt encounters. What started as a spontaneous urge to learn surfing ended up with me catching very few waves but being utterly amazed by Vietnam's landscapes and people.

This Vietnam solo travel guide is designed for independent travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, practical budgeting tips, and authentic cultural encounters.

Pre-Trip Preparations: Essential Vietnam Travel Planning

Vietnam Visa Requirements for Solo Travelers

I handled the visa directly through Taobao (Chinese e-commerce platform), costing 200-300 RMB (approximately $30-45 USD) with no special requirements—so simple it made me wonder if I'd missed a step. For most nationalities, Vietnam offers e-visas and visa-on-arrival options. [Link: Vietnam visa application guide]

Budget Flights to Vietnam: How I Scored a Round-Trip for $220

September is the low season for Vietnam travel. I booked China Southern Airlines round-trip from Beijing to Ho Chi Minh City for 1,515 RMB (about $220 USD). Later, I added a one-way flight from Da Lat back to Ho Chi Minh City for 119 RMB (roughly $17 USD)—so cheap it made me want to fly more often.

Pro tip: Book flights 2-3 months in advance for the best Vietnam flight deals. Avoid peak seasons like Tet (Lunar New Year) and summer holidays.

Vietnam 10-Day Itinerary: Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne, Da Lat

Ten days, from September 3 to 13, 2018. I deliberately avoided popular spots like Nha Trang and Da Nang, choosing instead the less-traveled path of Ho Chi Minh City—Mui Ne—Da Lat. Except for the final flight from Da Lat back to Ho Chi Minh City, everything in between was connected by bus. [Link: Vietnam backpacking route suggestions]

Vietnamese Dong Currency Tips for Travelers

The Vietnamese dong has such small denominations that it's dizzying. My conversion method: remove three zeros, then divide by three, and you've got roughly the price in RMB. I didn't bother exchanging money in advance; I just used my Huaxia Bank card to withdraw cash. At the time, the first withdrawal each day was fee-free. I recommend BIDV Investment Development Bank and Vietin Bank—the former even supports a Chinese-language interface, a godsend for anyone struggling with language barriers.

Vietnam ATM withdrawal tip: Always choose "local currency" when prompted to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees.

Vietnam Bus Travel: FUTA vs The Sinh Tourist

Getting between Vietnamese cities mainly relies on buses, with three major brands: FUTA, The Sinh Tourist (formerly Sinh Cafe), and Hanh Cafe. I tried FUTA and The Sinh Tourist on this trip, and honestly, there wasn't much difference. For Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne, I bought tickets directly at the station on Pham Ngu Lao Street. For Mui Ne to Da Lat, I asked the hotel front desk to book for me.

Warning: The road from Mui Ne to Da Lat is terrible—mountain crossings, endless curves. Choose a bus with plenty of space, or even motion sickness pills won't save you.

Vietnam Taxi Survival Guide: Avoid Scams Like a Pro

Vietnamese taxis are a minefield—outrageous overcharging, refusal to use meters, and even collusion with airport staff to rip you off. My personal experience: arriving in Ho Chi Minh City at midnight, my luggage was thrown off the cab because I haggled over the fare. At the time, I was bold enough—alone, facing a fierce Vietnamese driver who spoke no English, repeating over and over, "Don't angry, it's too expensive..."

I strongly recommend two options: - Green Mailinh Group: At least they use the meter, so you have a basis for argument. - Grab: Southeast Asia's version of Uber/Didi. Transparent pricing, and you can even order motorbikes. I tried their motorcycle service once in Da Lat—the drivers wore uniforms and had excellent attitudes. The only downside is you need a Vietnamese phone number to register. [Link: How to use Grab in Vietnam]

Ho Chi Minh City Solo Travel: Chaos and Surprises

As Vietnam's gateway, Ho Chi Minh City is most people's first stop. But honestly, my first impression wasn't great—dirty, chaotic, shabby, with motorbikes roaring past on every street, making me constantly fear getting my bag snatched by a drive-by thief. Getting my luggage thrown off at midnight, being shortchanged by taxi drivers during the day, street vendors charging tourist prices on a whim... plenty of frustrations.

But this city has its tender moments too.

Coffee Time While Waiting for the Rain

It rained nonstop for the first two days after I landed. On the first morning, I ducked into a Highlands Coffee—Vietnam's answer to Starbucks, with branches everywhere. I ordered a coffee and a banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich), reading a book while waiting for the rain to stop. That simple breakfast made me fall in love with both these Vietnamese staples, and I made a point to try them everywhere I went afterward.

Bun Cha: Comfort in the Rain

In the afternoon, I headed to Bun Cha 145 Bui Vien, found on Tripadvisor. I ordered bun cha (grilled pork with rice noodles), fried spring rolls, and a soft drink—cheap, delicious, and incredibly satisfying as I ate while waiting for the rain to pass.

Address: 145 Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Central Post Office: French Colonial Charm in Ho Chi Minh City

When the rain stopped in the evening, I rushed to the Central Post Office before it closed. This building, designed by a French architect, greets you with a vast, airy hall and a portrait of Ho Chi Minh. You can buy postcards to mail. It's open until 18:00, so I did a quick tour, then sat on a bench until a staff member politely "invited" me to leave. [Link: Ho Chi Minh City French colonial architecture walking tour]

Jesus Christ's Sacred Heart Church: The Pink Church That Stole My Heart

The next morning, it was still raining. By the time I took a taxi to the pink Jesus Christ's Sacred Heart Church, the sky was gray, and the church looked dull and lifeless. I was about to snap a few quick photos and leave when a miracle happened—the sky suddenly cleared, clouds parted, and sunlight poured down. The pink church under the sun instantly became impossibly charming.

Unfortunately, the church closes from 12:00 to 14:00. Unwilling to give up, I waited next door at Highlands Coffee, sipping coffee and even joining a voice meeting for work. When I went back in at 2 PM, there were more tourists, but that didn't dampen my enthusiasm for taking photos. This little Instagram-famous church, because of the process of waiting for the sun, became my most vivid memory in Ho Chi Minh City. That's probably the beauty of solo travel—you can shamelessly waste most of the day at a place you've fallen for.

That evening, I visited Ben Thanh Market and the night market, walked past the City Hall, the Reunification Palace, and Pham Ngu Lao Street, but all in a hurry, leaving little impression. The next morning, I said goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City and boarded the FUTA bus heading to Mui Ne.

Mui Ne Surfing and Relaxation Guide

Mui Ne is a small fishing village on the Mui Ne Peninsula in Binh Thuan Province, about 200 kilometers northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. There's no airport, so you have to take a 4-5 hour bus. There's no diving here, but the beaches are long and the waves are excellent—it's a paradise for water sports: windsurfing, kiteboarding, sailing—you name it. The inconvenient access actually preserves Mui Ne's rawness and natural beauty. The street-side drip coffee is mind-blowingly good, and the surreal sight of desert and ocean coexisting is utterly captivating.

I stayed in Mui Ne for four nights, took surfing lessons for three days, ate at the same Italian restaurant every day, always ordered an avocado smoothie after surf lessons, and sped along the coastal road in a jeep... I really loved Mui Ne.

Ananda Resort: A Solo Traveler's Paradise

I stayed all four nights at Ananda Resort, a complex of standalone cottages with direct beach access. My daily morning routine: morning swim, breakfast, then lounging on a deck chair reading and sunbathing. The resort also had a few lazy cats, often seen strolling in the sun or occasionally peeking at something, completely at ease. [Link: Best beachfront resorts in Mui Ne for solo travelers]

Surfing in Mui Ne: What to Expect

Every afternoon, I went to the beach not far from the hotel for surfing lessons. I thought my experience would be like those Instagram videos—gliding effortlessly on waves. Reality check: I spent more time falling off the board than actually surfing. But the process was incredibly fun. The instructors were patient, the waves were consistent, and even catching one decent wave felt like a major victory.

Surfing tips for beginners in Mui Ne: - Book lessons in the morning when waves are calmer - Wear a rash guard to prevent chafing - Bring reef-safe sunscreen - Expect to fall—a lot. It's part of the fun

Da Lat: The Forgotten Gem of Vietnam's Highlands

Note: The original article was cut short before covering Da Lat. Based on the itinerary mentioned, Da Lat is a mountain city known for its cool climate, French colonial architecture, and stunning waterfalls. Solo travelers should explore the Crazy House, Xuan Huong Lake, and the local night market for street food.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Travel in Vietnam

1. Is Vietnam safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, Vietnam is generally safe for solo female travelers. However, exercise standard precautions: avoid walking alone late at night, keep valuables secure, and use Grab taxis instead of street hails. The Vietnamese people are friendly and helpful, especially in tourist areas.

2. How much does a 10-day Vietnam trip cost?

A budget solo trip to Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne, Da Lat) costs approximately $400-600 USD excluding flights. This includes accommodation ($10-20/night), meals ($5-10/day), bus tickets ($5-15 per trip), and activities like surfing lessons ($20-30 per session).

3. What is the best time to visit Vietnam?

September is low season, meaning fewer crowds and lower prices. However, expect rain in Ho Chi Minh City. The best overall time is December to April when the weather is dry and pleasant. Avoid June to August if you dislike heat and humidity.

4. Do I need to speak Vietnamese to travel solo?

No, English is widely spoken in tourist areas. However, learning basic phrases like "xin chào" (hello), "cảm ơn" (thank you), and "bao nhiêu?" (how much?) goes a long way. Google Translate is your best friend.

5. Can I use my phone/data in Vietnam?

Yes, buy a local SIM card at the airport or convenience stores. Viettel and Mobifone offer tourist SIMs with 4G data for about $5-10. Alternatively, use eSIM apps like Airalo for instant connectivity.

Final Tips for Your Vietnam Solo Adventure

Solo travel in Vietnam is not just about seeing sights—it's about the unexpected moments: waiting for the sun to hit a pink church, sharing a meal with a stranger, or falling off a surfboard and laughing about it. Here's what I learned:

Embrace the chaos: Vietnam is messy, loud, and unpredictable. That's its charm.
Trust your instincts: If a taxi driver seems sketchy, walk away. If a street food stall looks clean, try it.
Stay flexible: Plans change. Buses get delayed. Weather shifts. Go with the flow.
Connect with locals: Vietnamese people are incredibly warm. A smile and a few words can open doors you never expected.

Ready to Plan Your Vietnam Solo Trip?

Vietnam is waiting for you—with its chaotic cities, serene beaches, misty mountains, and endless cups of coffee. Whether you're a first-time solo traveler or a seasoned backpacker, this country will surprise you at every turn.

Start your journey today: - Check visa requirements for your country - Book your flights during low season - Download Grab and Google Maps - Pack light, bring an open mind, and prepare for the unexpected

Your Vietnam adventure begins now. Where will you go first?

Did this guide help you? Share it with a friend planning their solo trip, or leave a comment below with your questions. Safe travels!