Muggy, noisy and dynamic, Ho Chi Minh City is located in southern Vietnam: it is 1,600 km from Hanoi and 230 km from Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. At first glance, Saigon appears as a concentration of skyscrapers that affirm its role as the country's economic and financial center. It is no accident that so many consider it - mistakenly - the capital: its size and population density can be deceptive.
Saigon actually lost its role as Vietnam's capital in 1975, the year the north won the war. After reunification, the city's name became Ho Chi Minh City in honor of the prime minister, leader of the Communist Party. Not all the population appreciated this change; as a result, the appellation Saigon remained to denote district number 1, the modern heart of the city.
One of the biggest draws is the relatively low cost of living compared to many other major cities around the world. Rent, food, transportation and entertainment can be quite affordable, especially if you learn some basic Vietnamese. The city has an efficient public transportation system of buses and trains to get around.
Ho Chi Minh City also has a thriving social scene with plenty of bars, restaurants, clubs and events happening every night of the week. It's easy to meet other singles and expats looking to mingle. Many connect through social clubs, co-working spaces, or expat social media groups like Girl Gone International.
Safety is generally not a major concern, though typical precautions should be taken as a single woman, especially at night. Violent crime rates are relatively low compared to other major cities globally, according to annual crime statistics.
The language barrier can be difficult to overcome fully without dedicated Vietnamese study. Having basic words and phrases can go a long way though. The tropical heat and humidity takes some getting used to as well.
Cultural attitudes and dating norms may be quite different from your home country. Vietnam remains a fairly conservative society in many ways. As a solo female traveler or expat, you may encounter some unwanted attention from local men.
Overall, with an open mind and sense of adventure, Ho Chi Minh City can be an amazing place for single women to live, work and explore. Having a strong support system of fellow expats, planning ahead for healthcare, and respecting local customs can help maximize the experience.
