I landed ready for solo travel in Ho Chi Minh City from Australia, totally knackered and already nervous. I’d read all the warnings about scams and late-night arrivals, so I played it safe and pre-booked a car through Booking.com. Honestly? I thought I was being clever. But nothing could have prepared me for that airport.
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Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City: The Mayhem Begins
First off, immigration. No air con, endless queues, and a bizarre sense of order enforced by officers barking at us to stand in straight lines. We weren’t allowed to stand in groups to talk to each other, even though we were there for nearly two hours. I’ve been through a lot of airports, but this one felt next-level.
Once through, I had to find my baggage, which was no longer going around the carousel. Instead, it was dumped in a giant pile. Thankfully, my friends who’d landed earlier had warned me about this. Otherwise, I might’ve cried right there on the airport floor.
I eventually found my driver, it was definitely the safest and quickest option to book a driver at that late hour, again thank you Booking.com!. It was all very vague. Still, I made it to my place in District 2 – right in the heart of the noise. And I do mean noise. The air con had visible black mould surrounding it, and the traffic beeped nonstop. Still, I passed out from exhaustion and made it through the night.
Walking in Ho Chi Minh City (Don’t Do It)
The next morning, I made the very bad decision to walk to District 4 to meet friends. In Southeast Asia. During the day. With no useable pavements. What was I thinking?
I dodged stray dogs, dead rats, stepped into the road because every footpath was taken over by market stalls or street kitchens, and waded through thick, choking pollution. I don’t even like cities; which is funny, given I’m about to land in Mexico City. But anyway.
In contrast, my friends were staying in a gorgeous apartment with views across the river. We had food and coffee downstairs in a play area, and I eventually walked back; slightly more confident but still traumatised by the journey.
Learning to Cross the Road (Yes, It’s a Skill)
Crossing the road in Ho Chi Minh City isn’t something you do, it’s something you survive. It’s not pedestrian-friendly. The roads are rivers of mopeds and cars that never stop. My friend gave me the best advice: walk slowly and steadily, and they’ll go around you. Weirdly, they actually do. But the first few attempts feel like a death wish.
Grab is Your New Best Friend
After almost being flattened trying to walk everywhere, I learned the magic of Grab (Asia’s version of Uber). I got a Grab at one point that took nearly an hour to go a few miles, but walking would’ve been worse. My friend’s Grab didn’t even take her home at one point. It dumped her somewhere random and drove off. Drama. Always drama.
Still, I stand by this: in Vietnam, always Grab.
A Not-So-Glamorous River Cruise
At one point, we took a boat ride up the Saigon River. I couldn’t tell you why. It cost a fortune (well the onboard snacks did), the commentary was strange, and all we really saw was murky water and construction sites. If you’re thinking of doing it, don’t expect Venice. It was more like “pollution, but make it float.”
Returning to Ho Chi Minh Solo: Again
After a stint in Phu Quoc (with classic VietJet delays), I had to return to Ho Chi Minh City en route to Cambodia. This time I stayed further out, big mistake. I was miles from anything, and walking into the city became impossible. At one point, I got stuck between 16 lanes of traffic and just turned back.
My apartment was clean but miserable. One of those windowless boxes that pretend they have windows. Depressing. I should’ve known better.
Doing the Things
Determined to make the most of it, I grabbed a ride back into the city and did the things. First stop: the War Remnants Museum. Everyone should go. It’s not easy. It’s emotional. It’s raw. There’s military equipment outside, like tanks and helicopters, but the real punch is inside. The personal stories. The photos. The peace movement displays. I cried. You probably will too.
After that, I was emotionally wiped. So I found a vegan café up the road Hum Dining (expensive but vibey) and took some time to decompress.
The Dog Attack at Western Union (Yes, Really)
The next day, I needed US dollars for my Cambodian taxi. I went to a Western Union that reviewers had literally warned about: “There’s a dog that might bite you.” I thought, surely not. But yes. Through a rubble-strewn construction site, a dog launched itself at me like I was the postman from hell. Terrifying. But I got my dollars.
The Final Tourist Blitz
After surviving the dog, I powered through. I went up the Bitexco Financial Tower (the one with the sky deck, although you’re not allowed on the actual deck – go figure). Great views, though.
I also visited the Saigon Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, or at least tried to. The cathedral was under scaffolding. The post office? Honestly? Felt like a hectic indoor market, super confusing!
On my way, I passed the Independence Palace, which was closed off, but I did enjoy watching people in stunning dresses having photoshoots on the grounds.
The Worst Airport I’ve Ever Been To
Let me just say it: Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the worst airport I’ve ever flown through. Check-in took over an hour. Security? Nearly two. I needed the loo so badly I almost cried. I had to change money in a panic because no one would break my $100 bill. Then I sprinted to my gate. The flight? Delayed. Obviously.
People say Bangkok Airport is bad, but it’s actually smooth sailing compared to this.
Final Thoughts on Solo Female Travel in Ho Chi Minh City
Would I go back to Ho Chi Minh City solo? Probably not. But I’m glad I experienced it. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me things; about myself, about Vietnam, and about the limits of human patience in airport queues.
Tips for solo female travellers:
- Pre-book your airport transfer I used Booking.com
- Stay somewhere central; traffic is not your friend
- Use Grab for everything, and don’t bother walking
- Learn to cross the road like a local (slow and steady)
- Go to the War Museum, but give yourself time to recover afterward
- Trust Western Union reviews that warn about dogs, take them seriously
- Avoid late-night flights if you can help it, and brace yourself for the airport experience
Ho Chi Minh City isn’t for the faint of heart, but it is unforgettable.
Before you Go…
Thinking about Vietnam? I spotted some great deals for South East Asia from Travel Up, check them out HERE!!
If you’re planning your own solo trip my Solo Travel Lifeline might come in handy. It’s like having a travel buddy in your pocket – without the awkward small talk.
Need a ready-made plan? Check out my 3-day travel itineraries for popular destinations – they’re packed with tips and can save you a lot of guesswork. If you want something more personalised, I also offer custom itinerary planning to make sure your trip goes smoothly.
Need a place to stay? I’ve got some handy affiliate links for Booking.com and Expedia to make planning a bit easier. If you book through them.
Looking for more travel options? Consider using platforms like eSky International for flight and hotel packages, or Enjoy Travel if you are looking to rent a car for your adventure.
And if you want real time action, follow me on Instagram, TikToK or join the Sisterhood of Solo Travellers on Facebook for tips, stories, and the occasional travel mishap.
If you’re interested in Southeast Asia, you might also enjoy my posts about Battambang and Siem Reap.
If you’re planning a big trip, don’t miss my guide on how to survive long-haul flights in economy—it’s painfully honest and full of hard-earned wisdom.
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