Vietnam 3rd globally for solo female travel in British state broadcaster’s list

Published on March 28, the U.K. state broadcaster’s list is based on data from the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Index and the Global Peace Index between 2023 and 2025 and traveler surveys this year.

Insights from solo female travelers were also used to measure each destination’s safety and accessibility.

Experts note that solo female travel is booming, especially among older women who now book trips independently.

This is reflected in global searches for “solo travel for women”, which have risen 30% in five years.

In Vietnam, solo women visitors highlight the country’s safety and the warmth of everyday encounters. Many say they felt at home exploring the country on their own terms.

Tourists kayak in Lan Ha Bay in northern Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Hong Phong

Experts recommend that visitors should join activities such as cooking classes or food tours to ease into local life and build confidence.

Staying at homestays or with local families is also encouraged as a way to deepen understanding.

Many are also drawn to the northern highlands for trekking and village visits and to the Mekong Delta to experience life on the river, with the latter described as both safe and meaningful.

Costa Rica tops this year’s list, rising from 60th to 34th on the WPS Index and ranking among the world’s happiest countries.

Visitors explore the waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park, Costa Rica. Photo by Reuters

Places like Santa Teresa and Nosara are popular for their social vibe, with yoga classes, surf schools and cafes making it easy to meet people.

Estonia, Uruguay and Norway complete the top five, all scoring for safety, gender equality and travel experience.

Experts say safety remains the main concern for solo women travelers, but better infrastructure and services are making travel easier.

Vietnam is also gaining recognition.

In 2024 Vietnam was the only Southeast Asian country on Time Out’s list of the nine safest destinations for solo female travelers.

The same year Best Diplomat ranked Vietnam eighth safest destination in Asia.

Travel Off Path named Vietnam the safest destination in Asia in 2024.

Gallup’s Global Law and Order Index ranked Vietnam among Asia’s most peaceful countries and seventh in the world in 2023.