Vietnam
The Story
Vietnam changed my life. I don't say that lightly. I've gone back alone more times than I can count, and I've made friends there I still talk to today. I've done the big cities and the rural stretches in between, and somehow I still feel like I've barely scratched the surface. There is so much left, and that's exactly why I keep going back.
Here's why it works so well solo. Vietnam sees a lot of travelers, so people are used to faces from every background. You don't get the second glances. I actually met and became friends with a good number of other Black travelers there, and if you know, you know how rare and how good that feels. Everything is also affordable, so you can eat well, stay well, and move around without watching your account in fear. Add little joys like getting clothes tailored just for you, and the whole trip runs on good vibes.
Here's what to expect on night one. You step out alone, and instead of bracing yourself, you just... relax. Nobody's making you a spectacle. The food is cheap and everywhere, someone friendly is nearby, and you start planning your return trip before you've finished your first one.
The Attention Factor
In the more rural parts, you do get more attention, but for me, it was never anything negative. Everyone was very, very nice and respectful. In the cities, honestly, you barely register, because Vietnam gets so many travelers from so many backgrounds that you don't get the second glances. I actually met and became friends with several other Black travelers there, which tells you something about how comfortable it is!
Practical notes
Rated from trips in 2025 and 2026 to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and the Hà Giang Loop (which I'd do again in a heartbeat).
These are the apps that ran my life.
- Grab for getting around
- Klook for booking activities
- Agoda for hotels
- Hostelworld for hostels
- BusMap for public transportation
What I'd skip
Ho Chi Minh City, or at least don't give it too many days. It's Vietnam's biggest city, and it feels dense, packed, and short on the stuff I love most, like hiking, nature, and being near the water. There are so many cooler places in this country. Pass through if you want, then get out to where Vietnam really shines.
