Vietnam is the safest destination in the world for women traveling alone. (Photo: Carmen Vique)

Vietnam is the only Southeast Asian representative on Time Out magazine's list of "9 safest destinations in the world for female solo travelers."

"When it comes to the safest destinations for women traveling alone in Southeast Asia, Thailand and Vietnam are always the top two destinations, but Vietnam is still a better start," Time Out commented.

Thanks to political stability and low violent crime rates, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are also ideal destinations for expats.

Time Out editors also suggest exploring the ancient villages of Hoi An, famous for its slow pace of life and tranquil atmosphere. Don’t forget to enjoy the cuisine of Hue, which was once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last feudal dynasty of Vietnam.

Currently, Hue has more than 1,200 dishes, including Hue beef noodle soup, ancient capital sweet soup, spring rolls and mussel rice, a rice dish with rustic ingredients such as mussels and fresh herbs.

In addition to Vietnam, the list also includes Sri Lanka, Japan, Australia, Greece and New Zealand.

(according to Vietnamnet)