Vietnam or New Zealand for a woman traveling solo?

Hi, For New Zealand, what's great is that you can easily alternate between nature and the city. It's true that in some places like Mount Cook or Abel Tasman Park, you can sometimes feel alone, but then when I returned to the city, I regularly met people in bars, the hostels where I stayed, or other places. I've been there twice—once to the North Island and once to the South Island—and it's my favorite country. I don’t know about Thailand. I’m planning to go there around October or November for the first time. Fred

Oh sorry, it’s Vietnam you want to visit, not Thailand 😇

Hi there, Without a doubt, Vietnam—17 days is doable, with less jet lag and fewer flight hours than New Zealand. Plus, the cost of living is much lower, the landscapes are stunning, and it’s easy to travel around. For a first trip, don’t pack in too many cities. Generally, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh (gorgeous) for the north, Hue and Hoi An for the center, and finish with Ho Chi Minh City. In 17 days, it’s totally manageable. If you’d like to add a stop in Cambodia, Phnom Penh is doable from HCMC by bus in 6 hours (250k VND).

Arrival in Hanoi for 5 nights (day trips from the hotel are easy). Arrival in Hue for 2 nights Arrival in Hoi An for 2 nights Arrival in HCMC for 3 nights Arrival in Phnom Penh for 3 nights After that, it depends on whether you’re flying back to France from Cambodia or Vietnam—if it’s the latter, you’ll need to take the bus back to HCMC and add one more night.

Everything’s possible depending on your preferences. No visa needed for Vietnam for up to 45 days if you have an onward ticket. However, a visa is mandatory for Cambodia. Cambodia visa e-visa e-visa France covid official e-visa

Thank you so much for your reply! I just realized that New Zealand in September also means winter... So it’s not the best time to be comfortable and fully enjoy nature when we’re not used to it.

But I’ll definitely keep your advice and thoughts in mind for my next trip after this one, because this country looks amazing!

Thanks again for such a detailed response.

Hi Anna and welcome to the forum! 🙂

Watch out!

In central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An), September and October are the wettest months of the year (over 500mm of monthly rainfall). This region even has the most active monsoon in the entire country. What’s more, there’s a high risk of flooding and cyclones, which can be deadly.

See here

Also, I think the itinerary you’ve been suggested is way too packed and unrealistic. You’ll spend all your time in transit. It’s impossible to do day trips from Hanoi to Halong Bay or Ninh Binh. Avoid the south, because in September, the rains are still heavy (+ the risk of cyclones). Stick to the north—the most beautiful region of the country. With 17 days, you’ll have plenty to do.

See HERE

For a first trip to Asia and solo travel, I’d actually recommend Thailand instead, even though I find Vietnam more fascinating. Thailand has been a tourist destination for at least half a century. It’s an easier country to travel in. You don’t travel in Vietnam like you do in Sweden or Spain!

Hello,

I completely disagree with your reply. Thailand is no longer the top country to visit in Asia, unless you enjoy mass tourism. The itinerary I suggested is just indicative—you have to make choices, and it’s still easy to do by train or bus since it follows the same direction. Plus, it’s much cheaper. The Thai baht exchange rate isn’t great right now, around 35 baht, while the dong remains stable at 26,000 for 1 €. But that’s just a detail.

When I see what Thailand has become, it breaks my heart. You really need to head north or to Isan to get a change of scenery. The south is turning Russian—they’re buying up massage parlors, restaurants, nightclubs, and even hotels now. A friend of mine has lived there for 12 years, and construction is everywhere.

But hey, why not! !

Hello,

I’ll let those who know Thailand well argue my case.

That said, I still strongly advise against Anna traveling from north to south Vietnam (plus Phnom Penh!) at a frantic pace in just over two weeks. You’ve been to dozens of Asian countries, including Vietnam eight times. You know all the customs, you’re used to public transport there, you seem very experienced, etc. Anna, not so much!

Hi there,

I’ve been to both countries: it’s clear you don’t visit one or the other for the same reasons. Nor with the same budget. Even without mentioning the flight ticket price, under the same conditions, traveling in NZ costs 3 to 4 times more than in Vietnam.

New Zealand, but I don’t know anyone who’s been there—especially solo. The nature looks amazing, but when you say 100% nature, doesn’t it get boring fast when you’re alone? Are there meet-up spots or restaurants/cafés in all the must-see places?

You’ll rarely be alone for long, and here’s why: - Many "nature" excursions are guided because while you’re allowed to see everything, including some endangered animals, you’re never allowed to do so under just any conditions. New Zealanders are *very* serious about protecting nature. Same goes for the "tracks"—you won’t stay solo for long. - Unlike the Vietnamese, who’ll only talk to you if there’s direct or indirect money in it for them, New Zealanders are naturally friendly and sociable. - In all the must-see spots, you’ll find hostel-style accommodations called "backpackers." Besides offering cheap rooms and often being well-maintained, most backpackers have a shared kitchen with cooking appliances, fridges, and plenty of dishes. Guests from different nationalities and cultures cook their meals (using ingredients they buy at the local supermarket) and eat together in the adjoining dining room. And honestly, there’s no better place to meet people.

Rain: - In Vietnam in September, you’ll get rain, but like in all of Southeast Asia, it’s never a major issue. - In NZ, it rains often and year-round, especially on the West Coast of the South Island. In September, it’s still cold, so to avoid the chill, it’s better to stick to the North Island—which also works better with your 17-day trip.

My favorite idea is Vietnam—I’ve never been to Asia.

Yes, but with so little time, just visit the North, the South, or the central region—not all three.

Otherwise, do you have other ideas in the same price range, especially interesting for 15–17 days and really immersive?

Indonesia, where in September it’s not yet the rainy season (that’s November to April). Specifically, Java OR Bali. Java for its sights and a bit of nature, or Bali for its stunning nature, serenity (as long as you avoid the South and the coasts), and a few key sites. Budget-wise, it’s about the same as Vietnam.

custom travel agencies,

I don’t like big words.

Let’s just say I’m starting to feel old! lol! I’ve been going to this region 2 to 3 times a year for 35 years, and I’ll be there in April/May. Thailand isn’t heading in the right direction, and I find that a shame because it’s such a beautiful country. I no longer recognize some of the southern islands, which have become tourist factories. Right now, Russians are taking over commerce and real estate, which has doubled in price over the last 10 years. The currency is overvalued compared to the cost of living for native Thais. By the way, a crash is expected this year. Thais are drowning in debt from all kinds of loans, and banks are now refusing loans to individuals *and* businesses—that’s serious.

Back to the lady’s question about Vietnam vs. New Zealand: what I’m sharing is just a suggestion—she doesn’t have to do everything. It’s just an itinerary idea. I think Vietnam has become more authentic than Thailand these days, so it’s worth visiting at least once to see for yourself.

Hi,

Arrival in Hanoi for 5 nights (day trips are doable from the hotel). Arrival in Hue for 2 nights Arrival in Hoi An for 2 nights Arrival in HCMC for 3 nights Arrival in Phnom Penh for 3 nights After that, it depends on whether you're returning to France from Cambodia or Vietnam, in which case you'll need to take the bus back to HCMC and add one more night.

I think your suggestion is too fast-paced and covers too much distance. Skipping the Phnom Penh stop would help space out the rest a bit, and even then.

I might end up posting several messages in a row because I really want to respond to all of you. Your replies have been so valuable, and I truly mean that.

For a first trip, don’t visit too many cities—generally, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh (gorgeous) for the north, Hue and Hoi An for the center, and finish with Ho Chi Minh City. In 17 days, it’s doable. Then, if you want to take a trip to Cambodia, Phnom Penh from HCMC is doable by bus in 6 hours (250k).

Thank you so much for this paragraph of advice. I was actually hesitating between Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, as I couldn’t find any comparisons on the forums. I’ve given up on the idea of Cambodia because a Cambodian friend of my family warned me about a sharp rise in assaults against foreign women and an increasingly tense political situation. Since I’m traveling completely alone, I’d rather not add unnecessary stress, even if the chances are slim.

I’ve adjusted my itinerary thanks to you! If any of you have traveled to Vietnam and organized your trip yourself, did you happen to use any companies for French-speaking guided tours or drivers/shuttles to the places to visit? I’m thinking that, since I’m alone, it might be nice to have a few group visits!

Thank you again so much—don’t feel obligated to respond after your already super detailed reply!!

Good evening,

About New Zealand, here’s my take—just my opinion:

17 days is short, too short for a destination like this, which will eat up at least three to four days with international flights plus jet lag. It’s short because winding mountain roads with breathtaking landscapes will make you stop for photos *a lot*, stretching out travel times. Not to mention all the hiking opportunities. Sure, the country isn’t huge, but it demands time—*a lot* of time—to explore and enjoy it at a relaxed pace. Or else, spend 17 days on just one of the two main islands.

For New Zealand, check out my travel journal HERE.

I’m responding to the various messages and arguments discussed. I’ll still look into Thailand, though—I’ve had more mixed reviews about the country, so I haven’t really explored what a trip there might look like! But I’m genuinely taking the advice into account (I’ll end up planning 8 itineraries for 8 countries at this rate, haha).

About the pace in Vietnam, proposed itineraries being too packed or too light, and weather conditions: after all your valuable feedback and tips, I thought, why not? - Book the main transport between a few key cities I don’t want to miss (North-Central-South) - Pay a little extra to book accommodations that can be canceled last-minute, since I won’t feel comfortable without having some booked in advance as a solo female traveler

But to follow your advice again—regarding weather and travel pace—I’ll adapt my itinerary and excursions as I go. For example, I could leave if a typhoon is forecasted or slow down in a region if I don’t have enough time to enjoy it.

I got this idea because I’ve heard a lot can be organized on the spot, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on how realistic that is. Are last-minute bookable excursions usually low-quality, or is there a risk of not finding a French-speaking guide?

I’ve also dropped the idea of using an agency. I wasn’t familiar with that world since I’ve never had anyone close to me use one. And honestly, even for me, it’s too much. There’s a strong feeling of getting ripped off on prices, on top of everything else (a quote for over 8,000 € for hotels that weren’t even that great and only a few basic excursions).

Thanks again for all your input! I’m taking the time to respond to everything because your answers are so detailed and kind. I promise I’m considering all the advice and tips, even for other destinations!

- In NZ, it rains often and all year round, especially on the West Coast of the South Island. In September, it's still cold, and to minimize the chill, it'd be better to stay on the North Island, which would also be a better fit with your only 17 days.

I also think I might struggle a bit with the trip. I’ve never done any serious hiking, and I’d really like to enjoy it fully by taking the time to ease into the exercise so I don’t just endure it in such a beautiful place! I don’t know why everyone around me kept pushing New Zealand, and I convinced myself they were right without asking the right questions...

Indonesia, where in September it’s not yet the rainy season (which runs from November to April), specifically Java OR Bali. Java for its sights and a bit of nature, or Bali for its stunning nature, serenity (as long as you avoid the South and the coasts), and its 2-3 key sites. Budget would be about the same as for Vietnam.

For Indonesia, I saw that the weather would be ideal. On the other hand, I had the impression that the balance between local culture, nature, and historical sites was less present than in Vietnam. And especially that sense of being close to local culture—not so much in meeting people, but more about stops where it’s not just tourism. I think because of Bali’s and Indonesia’s reputation for relaxation tourism, I’m struggling to find real itineraries. Is 17 days in these places feasible without too much downtime/beach in the itinerary and without getting bored?

Good evening,

It’s been a while since I’ve used an agency in Vietnam, but I’d advise you to request quotes with the same details from 2 or 3 French-speaking agencies by email. Specify what you’d like to see and how many days you’ll be there—it’ll give you a rough idea. Some already have pre-set itineraries.

French-speaking travel agency in Vietnam - Vietnam Evasion

Local travel agency—100% reliable & efficient, highly recommended by travelers!

Local French-speaking travel agency in Vietnam - Au Fil Du Vietnam

About Indonesia, I saw that the climate was ideal. However, I had the impression that the balance between local culture, nature, and historical sites was less present than in Vietnam. And especially that local culture feel. Not so much in meeting locals but rather in stops where there isn’t just tourism. I think because of Bali’s and Indonesia’s reputation for relaxation tourism, I’m struggling to find real itineraries. Is it feasible to spend 17 days in these places without too much rest/beach in the itinerary and without getting bored?

In this jumble, I’m not sure I fully grasped what you want to avoid and prioritize.

Java: - Rightfully isn’t known or visited for its beaches. - Offers many sights to see: culture, monuments, volcanoes to climb, national parks... Some are touristy, but that’s far from the case for all of them. - Offers many public transport options that roughly make it easy to get from anywhere to anywhere. It’s also easy to hire cars with drivers on a case-by-case basis. So, it’s very easy and motivating to plan an itinerary there, and accommodations are plentiful for all budgets.

Bali: - Is known for its beach resorts... but only by people who’ve never been there. Those who know the island and love beautiful beaches go elsewhere than Bali. - Offers few sights, but the ones it has are worth the trip. - Has magnificent nature that’s best explored at a leisurely pace, with your nose in the wind and letting chance guide you. For that, planning a detailed itinerary and making hotel reservations are things you definitely shouldn’t do. - Is touristy only in the southern part of the island (including Ubud) and along much of its coasts. - Offers public transport that’s slow, not very practical, but sufficient for those who enjoy traveling in such places. You can also easily find reasonably priced cars with drivers for a full or half day to get almost anywhere.

Hopefully, I’ve cleared up what seem like pretty misguided preconceptions about Java and Bali. If Bali requires a certain mindset to visit properly, Java, on the other hand, is a destination that’s at least as worth considering as Vietnam. Another big plus for Indonesia: the locals are naturally much friendlier than in Vietnam.

It’s been a while since I’ve used an agency in Vietnam, but I’d advise you to request quotes with the same details from 2 or 3 French-speaking agencies by email. Just specify what you’d like to see and how many days you’ll be there—it’ll give you a rough idea.

Good evening!

Thanks for your reply. You’re right, my question wasn’t very smart—you quickly move away from agencies and tourist trails once you know the country well.

Thanks for all the tips shared since the start of this discussion. I’ll check out your links and also compare different agencies!

In all this mumbo-jumbo, I’m not sure I fully grasped what you want to avoid and what you want to favor.

Actually, this mumbo-jumbo comes from the fact that I’m trying to find a balance.

which sounds a lot like prejudices

These are prejudices that still come from many visitors’ experiences. So I’d rather call them realities BUT realities that exist because of poorly planned itineraries, lack of knowledge about the places, or some people’s unwillingness to do proper research beforehand, etc. I don’t mean to offend anyone—on the contrary, my goal is to avoid these prejudices and learn from the more experienced members on these forums.

To be honest, I’ve looked at a lot of Indonesia itineraries, and none of them ever offered balanced routes. So I’m really glad I turned to this forum, where your knowledge is incredibly valuable to me.

offers many public transport options that roughly allow you to get from anywhere to anywhere easily. It’s also easy to hire cars with drivers on an as-needed basis.

A friend who went there this summer (passing through Java during a tour of Asia) told me this morning that she wouldn’t recommend it if I wasn’t comfortable with repeated and independent scooter use. So you’d say the opposite—that it’s possible to enjoy the country without scooters?

Also, would you know if—like in Vietnam—you can book accommodations and excursions at the very last minute? Or is the flow tighter there?

Another significant point in favor of Indonesia: the locals are naturally much friendlier than in Vietnam.

I’ve only ever read and heard good things about Indonesians... Maybe the opposite of Vietnamese, who often face the opposite criticism. Probably for good reason!

I’ll keep researching Java.

At this stage of my planning, I’ll prepare two itineraries—one for Indonesia and one for Vietnam. Once I’ve found or built a route I might like in Indonesia, I’ll be able to compare them much better.

I’m really sold on Vietnam, but either way, I’ll avoid making too many advance bookings and keep most things modifiable and cancellable (flights, accommodations, etc.). That’ll also let me adapt based on the weather forecast before the trip.

Thank you so much for your advice. I can’t read between the lines, but if I may have offended or annoyed you with my previous message, I apologize!

To be honest, I’ve actually looked at a lot of Indonesia itineraries, and none of them ever offered balanced routes.

Are you talking about end-to-end organized tours by agencies, or itineraries created individually by travelers and shared by them? If it’s agency tours, don’t be too surprised by the uniformity—their typical clientele isn’t usually keen on going off the beaten path or anywhere that isn’t highly photogenic. If it’s individual travelers, it turns out that many in Java just visit the east of the island in 5-6 quick days before heading to Bali. Maybe that’s why you’re not finding balance. In reality, Java has enough varied places to explore for 6 weeks without even taking it slow.

A friend who went there this summer (stopping in Java during an Asia tour) told me this morning she wouldn’t recommend it if I’m not comfortable with frequent, independent scooter use. So you’d say the opposite—that it’s possible to enjoy it without?

Yes, I completely disagree. Most visitors in Java get around using public transport without any issues since it’s very well-developed. Occasionally, it might be useful to book a day trip through an agency if the logistics are too complicated to organize yourself, but that’s rare. Scooter rentals are more common in Bali, a trend that doesn’t really extend to Java. Personally, I’ve never needed to rent one on either island, even though I’m a big fan of going off the beaten track.

Would you know if—like in Vietnam—you can book accommodation and excursions last-minute? Or is it more tightly scheduled?

While these days the trend is the opposite (people are obsessed with booking everything in advance), in Vietnam, Indonesia, or anywhere else in Southeast Asia, you almost never *need* to book ahead unless you’re aiming for a specific place. You’ll always find something. In about fifty trips to Southeast Asia, I’ve only booked accommodation a handful of times: when I planned to arrive late at night or in a place where, due to a special event (like a popular festival), I knew everything would be fully booked weeks in advance. I’ve always used the tried-and-true method: I travel with a Lonely Planet guide to know which neighborhoods in the city I’m arriving in have lots of accommodation options. Then I take a taxi, tuk-tuk, moto-taxi, or something similar to that area. Once there, I check out the places—both the ones suggested in the guide and those that aren’t. If the guide doesn’t cover the town/village I’m in, there’s always someone to point me toward places to stay—just ask around. This approach gives you the freedom to change your itinerary whenever you want and means you don’t have to keep one eye on the calendar until the last day of your trip.

At this stage, I’ll prepare two itineraries—one for Indonesia and one for Vietnam.

What about New Zealand—you’re not mentioning it anymore?

Are you talking about fully organized tours by agencies or itineraries created individually by travelers and shared by them?

More like tours organized by agencies. For the same agency (on their websites, not quotes), a Vietnam tour was always very comprehensive, whereas their Java tours were... not great. Otherwise, I didn’t check forums and relied on feedback from people close to me. But I’ve come to realize that taking advice from people who don’t travel the same way I do or with the same goals doesn’t make much sense.

And talking with you all made me realize that!

When it comes to accommodation, people are suffering from acute reservationitis

I’m the first to tend to become like that more and more. For all my trips in Europe, whenever I only planned a few days or even weeks ahead, the only places left were overpriced. I feel like this growing trend of booking everything months in advance really influences things... And fear?

Thanks for your reply, which, on the contrary, reassures me about last-minute travel for Indonesia and Southeast Asia in general.

Yes, I completely disagree. Most visitors to Java get around using public transport without any particular issues, as it’s very well developed.

Good to know, and it confirms what I was saying above—advice from people close to you isn’t always the best.

It can be useful to go through an agency for a day trip that’s a bit too complicated to organize yourself, but that’s rare.

I imagine it’s more when you don’t want to do a paid excursion that a scooter can become essential to access those places.

And New Zealand, you’re not talking about it anymore?

I took the advice given into account. First, the seasonal aspect wasn’t ideal. And while in Vietnam, that wouldn’t stop me from considering the trip—it’s more about rain and typhoon risks that could affect activities or excursions. But I’m not easily frustrated when traveling: every day, even the quietest one, will be full of great memories.

However, since I’m not an experienced hiker (far from it), winter hikes would be a guaranteed fail. And I’d find it silly to go to New Zealand and not do any hikes... or only the ones that don’t challenge me. I had that experience in South Africa, where, due to the heatwave and my lack of experience, I couldn’t do any. And I regret it deeply. Often, the most beautiful places are at the end of those long walks.

Just to clarify, I’m 23 and only started traveling a few years ago. I’d really love to get into hiking to explore amazing places without suffering through them. I’ve been working on it for a few months, but I’m still far from that goal . And all the advice you’ve given me will be noted in my little travel journals for future trip plans.

I want to emphasize that because the time you’ve spent answering me, I want to make something concrete out of it—even for countries I won’t visit this year! Honestly, I didn’t even think I’d get a reply; it was like throwing a message in a bottle...

And fear?

Yes, it's obvious, especially because of: - The influence of booking sites that, months in advance, tell you to hurry up and pay with your credit card because there are supposedly only 2 spots left for your dates—a sales tactic that unfortunately reinforces the idea that without a reservation, there’s no hope. - The mistaken belief that the only accommodations available on-site are those listed on booking sites. - The mistaken belief that if accommodations aren’t listed on booking sites, they must be bad.

Hi Anna, I’m gonna throw a curveball here 😏! How about Laos? I was completely captivated by the tranquility of this country and the laid-back vibe of its people. The capital feels like one big village, the 4000 Islands are a truly chill spot, and the Bolaven Plateau is both interesting and peaceful.

Basically, Laos is "no stress." Sure, the tourist infrastructure isn’t super developed everywhere, and the roads can be rough. But it’s still easy to travel around.

Good luck with your decision!!