A guide for solo travellers and their furry friend to Vietnam: Exploring the incredible Vietnamese culture
Staff Writer | April 27, 2025


This article was made possible thanks to Holafly, an international eSIM provider that keeps you connected to fast, reliable internet while you travel.
Choosing to begin your solo travelling journey can be overwhelming at first, so you decide to take your best friend with you, because even if they have four paws and an adorable wet nose, their loyalty is unapparelled, and you can be sure that they will be by your side when exploring the world.
A top choice for solo travellers is Vietnam, as it’s a safe and happy country with a rich culture that can push you to embrace new values. Vietnam is a country that serves it all: culture, fun, cuisine, and beauty. Unsurprisingly, the tourism sector is the most impactful industry for the economy.
Tourists choosing to explore the wonders of Asia by themselves (with no other human form) are most likely willing to have a spiritual experience, considering that Vietnam is a very religious country with high values and an exemplary ethic. Adventure travel is another popular option in the country because it’s a must to take advantage of the incredible natural landscapes for thrilling activities.
So, if you’re willing to book your Vietnamese trip with your dog, here is a guide for solo travellers… that are not completely solo:
Travelling solo… not so solo
When you decide to travel on your own, you probably want to spend some time by yourself and disconnect from the social reality you know, but sometimes you might miss that familiar feeling of having someone you know by your side. So, what else could be better than exploring the world with your furry best friend?
Of course, you must find an airline that accepts your dog on board and make sure it provides proper conditions for your pet because it’s a long-haul flight, and you surely want the best for your little buddy.
Before heading to your next adventure together, take your dog to a veterinary for a check up to ensure its health is good for the extended trip, and that vaccinations are up to date. Also, it’s crucial to let the doctor determine if your pet is fit to fly, considering its physical and psychological health, and get them a form of identification, such as a microchip and their passport.
Then, make sure you book a dog-friendly accommodation in advance that provides great conditions for your furry friend, and do some research to find parks and green areas where you could take your dog for daily walks.
Travelling with your best friend can make your experience even better, and since you’re both having fun exploring Vietnam, make sure you purchase Holafly’s eSIM for Vietnam to share your adventures on social media and keep in touch with your loved ones back home.
Is Vietnam dog-friendly?
The friendliness toward pets in Vietnam is a controversial subject. Many people say that there are too many hotels that ban dogs, while other travellers share their positive experiences on their blogs, encouraging dog owners to bring their furry friends on their Vietnamese adventure.
So, from a positive point of view, we can say that in Vietnam, if you do proper research, you can indeed find accommodation that is ready to welcome your dog and great activities you can do together. However, it’s crucial to vaccinate your little one for rabies 30 days prior to your vacation.
In big Vietnamese cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, and Kuwait, locals love pets and they keep them in their houses as family members. In small villages, Vietnamese people usually keep one or two dogs, but they have specific tasks for protection purposes, so they stay outside.
So, as long as your dog is friendly, doesn’t bark randomly and doesn’t bite other animals, you two should be just fine, and you can enjoy your vacation stress-free.
The rich Vietnamese culture
The Vietnamese culture is very rich, and it relies on traditions that have passed through many generations to make it to the modern era. Vietnamese people are friendly and kind, and they also have high morals, inspiring tourists.
In Vietnam, there are 54 ethnic groups with different cultures involving unique costumes, vibrant rituals, and distinct languages or dialects. Vietnamese people are very spiritual as well, and they have a strong respect for their ancestors, worshipping them through rituals in which they pay homage for protection and guidance purposes.
Another integral part of Vietnamese culture is food. In fact, many travellers go to Vietnam to have a unique culinary experience at the iconic street food markets, where they have the opportunity to try traditional foods like banh mi, pho, and banh koth.
In the cultural heritage of the country, arts and crafts also play a considerable role, as Vietnamese people love to showcase their skills and artistic vision by creating handmade decorations that have been highly demanded from visitors for decades to bring a unique culture into their houses.
Dog-friendly activities
Vietnam is home to some beautiful dog-friendly beaches where you can take your dog for relaxing walks, like Long Beach, Mui Ne Beach, and Mi Khe.
If you’re seeking adventure, you can also consider a hiking trip in mountain destinations, volcanos, natural parks, and forests, and even consider a night out for camping in dedicated sites where your furry friend can show their watch-dog skills and even meet other friendly pets they can play within a natural environment.
To grab a quick bite, there are also plenty of dog-friendly restaurants, or you can opt for take-out or delivery services if you plan to spend your day in a park relaxing.
Vietnam is a beautiful country with a rich culture worth exploring, but not by yourself. Travelling with your dog can make your vacation much better, and you can surely create unforgettable memories together, collecting the most precious moments of your and their life that can be forever kept in a photograph and in your heart.
Sponsored

This article was made possible thanks to Holafly, an international eSIM provider that keeps you connected to fast, reliable internet while you travel.
We have a request
SHE DEFINED’s journalism is independent and we’re committed to elevating the voices of women by putting them front-and-centre in our stories and giving them a platform to speak up.
Quality journalism and editorial content takes time, money and resources to create, which is why your support matters. We don’t have a paywall or exclusive subscriptions because we believe in keeping our stories open to everyone.
Help support our mission by making a financial contribution today.