Vietnam Slow Travel: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Vietnam is a dream destination for third-age solo female travelers looking for a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. This Vietnam slow travel guide provides essential Vietnam solo travel tips, ensuring you experience the country at a comfortable pace while discovering its hidden gems. With its friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes, it’s an ideal place for slow travel. Whether you’re wandering through ancient towns, cruising Halong Bay, or sipping egg coffee in Hanoi, this itinerary will help you experience Vietnam in a relaxed and immersive way. This travel guide is a one month guide that can be compressed or split into the three main regions of Vietnam if time is short.

Vietnam is not only affordable but also safe and welcoming for solo female travelers. You can easily and comfortably stay in Vietnam on a AUD2,500 (USD 1,500) budget for a whole month. The country has excellent transportation, countless cozy cafes to linger in, and plenty of opportunities to meet fellow travelers or friendly locals. Plus, the food is divine —think fresh spring rolls, aromatic pho, and delicious banh mi! They also have international cuisine of all kinds if you miss food from your home country.

Start your journey in Hanoi, where the bustling Old Quarter invites you to explore its charming streets filled with history, cafes, and hidden temples. A peaceful morning at Hoan Kiem Lake offers a perfect opportunity to people-watch and soak in the atmosphere. The Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, is an inspiring place to immerse yourself in the country’s history. For a deeper dive into Vietnam’s past, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can also explore the Presidential Palace complex, including the elegant yellow colonial-era palace, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, and the One Pillar Pagoda.

The Vietnam National Museum of History and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum provide further insights into the country’s rich heritage. To truly experience the flavors of Hanoi, a food tour is highly recommended, allowing you to sample local street food while meeting fellow travelers. For accommodation, a boutique hotel or a cozy homestay in the Old Quarter ensures a warm welcome and an authentic stay.

Hanoi is not a very walkable city with its relentless traffic and the use of sidewalks for roadside cafes and motorbike parking. There are some parts of Hanoi that is walkable like the Hoan Kiem lake area but you have to get there in one piece first! If you are not already on a tour, then it would be safer to get a Grab car (or Grab motorbike if you are up for it!) to go to different sights if the traffic is overwhelming.

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts. It is a 2 hour land transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. You can arrange for a cruise and/or land transfer with your hotel. Aboard a traditional junk boat (there are modern boats as well), you can glide past hidden caves, kayak through lagoons, and enjoy fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the bay. An overnight cruise allows for an unhurried exploration of this natural wonder. Other options to see Ha Long Bay:
• Stay overnight on land in Ha Long City and go for a half day cruise of the Bay itself.
• Arrange for a day tour of Ha Long Bay from Hanoi and save on the expensive overnight cruise costs

Some things to do in Ha Long City if you are staying on land:
• Quang Ninh Museum, a sleek, modern building that tells the story of the province—from its ancient heritage to its famous coal-mining industry
• Sun World Ha Long Complex, a sprawling amusement park where a ride on the Queen Cable Car, which soared over the bay, offers a view just as spectacular as any cruise.
• The Ha Long Night Market is an excellent place for travelers to soak in the local culture, shop for unique souvenirs, sample local street food and experience the energetic atmosphere after dark.

Leaving the coast behind, head to Ninh Binh, a serene destination often referred to as “Halong Bay on Land.” Here, a boat ride through Tam Coc lets you glide past limestone karsts and lush rice paddies. The Bich Dong Pagoda, nestled within cliffs, is a tranquil spot perfect for slow exploration. If you’re up for a bit of a climb, the Hang Mua Viewpoint rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views. To make the most of your time, staying in an eco-lodge or a countryside homestay provides a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.

Located along Vietnam’s central coast, Da Nang is a vibrant city that beautifully blends modern development with stunning natural landscapes. Famous for its golden beaches like My Khe Beach, Da Nang offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation or water sports. The city is also home to striking landmarks such as the iconic Dragon Bridge, which lights up at night and even breathes fire on weekends, adding a touch of magic to the skyline. Don’t miss the Marble Mountains, where you can explore caves and temples, and marvel at the awe-inspiring Golden Bridge, held up by colossal Marble Hands that seem to rise from the mountainside, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Da Nang’s food scene is a delight, featuring fresh seafood and local specialties like mi quang and banh xeo. With its perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and urban convenience, Da Nang is easily accessible via the Da Nang International Airport, making it an ideal base for solo female travelers looking to explore Vietnam’s central region. Whether you’re enjoying the coast, exploring the city’s cultural sites, or venturing into the nearby mountains, Da Nang offers a mix of adventure and relaxation in one exciting destination. Da Nang is the jumping off point for land transfers to Hoi An and Hue.

Nestled on the central coast of Vietnam, Hoi An is a captivating town that feels like stepping back in time. Known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An boasts charming streets lined with colorful lanterns, historic temples, and colonial-style architecture. As you stroll through the pedestrian-friendly lanes, you’ll discover a blend of local culture, Chinese influence, and Japanese heritage, all beautifully preserved in the town’s stunning buildings and bustling markets.

The town’s vibrant culinary scene offers something for every palate, from the famous cao lau noodles to fresh seafood dishes. One of the most magical experiences in Hoi An is the Lantern Festival, held on the 14th day of each lunar month, when the town is lit up by hundreds of colorful lanterns, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, taking a cooking class, or relaxing by the river, Hoi An offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and charm for solo female travelers looking for a laid-back yet enriching experience. Hoi An is a place where you want to stay a few more days just to absorb the culture and ambience.

Located in central Vietnam, Hue is a city steeped in history and culture, once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. Its most famous attraction is the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can wander through ancient walls, palaces, and temples, marveling at the intricate architecture that reflects centuries of royal history. Hue is also home to the majestic Tombs of the Emperors, set amidst tranquil landscapes, where you can visit the final resting places of Nguyen emperors and their families.

The city is known for its traditional cuisine, including bun bo Hue (a spicy beef noodle soup) and com hen (rice with baby clams), offering a taste of the local flavors that have been passed down through generations. With its serene ambiance, historical sites, and rich culinary heritage, Hue offers a peaceful and culturally immersive experience for solo female travelers looking to explore the heart of Vietnam’s imperial past. You can arrange a day tour from Da Nang or Hoi An. Alternatively, you can stay overnight in Hue.

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is a bustling, dynamic metropolis that offers an exciting blend of history, culture, and modernity. As Vietnam’s largest city, it’s a place where the old and new coexist, with French colonial architecture like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office sitting alongside sleek skyscrapers and vibrant shopping malls. Solo female travelers will enjoy wandering through the lively streets, where you can visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the country’s turbulent past or explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is full of local goods, street food, and souvenirs. The city’s food scene is a highlight, with delicious dishes such as pho, banh mi, and goi cuon (spring rolls) readily available at street stalls and charming restaurants. Whether you’re marveling at the city’s historic landmarks, sampling the local cuisine, or exploring its lively neighborhoods, Ho Chi Minh City is an exciting destination that never fails to impress.

Nestled in the cool, misty mountains of Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Dalat is a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of the country’s larger cities. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Dalat boasts a temperate climate, with lush gardens, serene lakes, and scenic hills that make it a perfect destination for solo female travelers seeking peace and natural beauty. The town is renowned for its French colonial architecture, such as the Dalat Railway Station and Xuan Huong Lake, which offer a glimpse into its colonial past. Visitors can also explore the Crazy House, a whimsical architectural wonder, or take a stroll through the vibrant Dalat Flower Gardens.

Dalat is easily accessible via the Lien Khuong Airport, located just 30 kilometers from the city center, making it convenient for travelers to reach this peaceful retreat. With its laid-back atmosphere, stunning landscapes, and mild weather, Dalat is an ideal place for those looking to unwind, explore, and connect with nature while still enjoying plenty of local cafes and markets.

We finish our Vietnam tour in Vung Tau, a charming coastal city in southern Vietnam. Vung Tau is a perfect retreat for those seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure. Located about two hours by car from Ho Chi Minh City or a 90-minute ferry ride from Bach Dang Wharf in District 1, this seaside escape offers golden beaches, fresh seafood, and a laid-back atmosphere. The iconic Christ of Vung Tau statue stands atop Small Mountain, offering panoramic views of the coastline for those willing to climb its many steps. Meanwhile, Back Beach (Bãi Sau) is ideal for sunbathing and water sports, while Front Beach (Bãi Trước) provides a scenic promenade lined with cafes and seafood restaurants. Beyond the shore, cultural spots like the historic White Palace (Bach Dinh) and Niet Ban Tinh Xa Pagoda add depth to the experience. Whether you’re looking to unwind by the sea, savor delicious Vietnamese cuisine, or explore the city’s history, Vung Tau delivers a delightful coastal getaway.