Is it safe to travel in Vietnam?

More and more tourists come to visit Vietnam nowadays. Usually, there is a question before the trip: “Is it safe to travel in Vietnam?” Most tourists who used to travel in Vietnam said it is one of the safest places in the world. Vietnam ranks the 43rd safest place in the world. However, in each country, there is information you should know to avoid bad things to happen. The below article about safety in Vietnam is surely useful for your trip.

Happy moment of a couple on train street in Hanoi

Safety

Political tension

Vietnam is a one-party communist state, most of Vietnamese follow the government rule and highly respect foreigners. Young people here are open-minded, Westernized, knowledgeable, and happy to make friends. There were many protests in a peaceful way in cities across the country.

Crime Risks

Crime against foreigners like kidnapping and mugging is very low in Vietnam because the foreigners’ security is the number one priority in Vietnam. However, there are some minor crimes against foreigners, such as a purse, phone or camera snatching, pickpocketing, and scams. It is highly recommended to keep your belongings carefully in safe places like the handbag or pocket

You may be interested in: How can I avoid the pick-pocket in Vietnam?

Natural Disaster Risks

Natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanoes, or wildfires are not likely to happen in Vietnam. However, monsoonal rains and occasional typhoons often happen between June and December. Flood and disruption to transport can be seen in the Mekong Delta areas and Central Vietnam. There are also localized flooding, flash floods, and landslides in rural and mountainous areas of Vietnam. Therefore, it is best to consider less flood-prone locations when choosing a place to travel.

Tourists have fun in flood in Hoi An

Transport Risks

Crossing the road

You may think it is dangerous, but it is easy when you know the rule
- Once you begin crossing the street, don’t stop and think about it; keep a steady, slow, and predictable pace and watch the traffic flow around you like water in a rocky stream.
- Wait until there are others ready to cross and join the group

Driving a bike

It may be dangerous especially on busy highways because the traffic is chaotic, driving standards is bad. If you really want to ride a motorbike, be very careful, use a helmet, take the time to learn the rules of the road, and buy travel insurance.

Tourist has a lot of fun riding a motorbike in Vietnam

Taxi

There are some scams with a private taxi, they refuse to switch on the taxi meters or go with a longer route to charge you more money. To avoid scams from the taxi, use reputable taxi companies include Vinasun, Mai Linh, Hanoi Taxi Group, or ride apps like Grab or Uber.

Taxi group, a reputable taxi brand in Vietnam

Other kinds of transportation

To avoid scams on cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi) or motorbike taxi, always agree on a price before using these services. If you use public transport especially on overnight trains and buses, be careful to pickpockets.

You may be interested in: Avoiding scams for Transportation in Vietnam

Women Travelers Risks

The rate of crimes against women in Vietnam is low, most of them feel happy when traveling alone in Vietnam. However, there are some sexual assaults reported. It is recommended to avoid this by booking a package tour and follow the advice of the tour guide.

Happy solo woman during her trip to Vietnam

Other risks

It is recommended to stay away from gambling or prostitution in Vietnam.

Health

Vietnam Travel Insurance

You should buy travel insurance for your trip even if you’re only going for a few days. It is useful in case you need overseas medical care and flights are canceled. Do not forget to read the terms and conditions to make sure that the policy covers your needs.

Vaccines and Medicines

For short-term travelers:

You should have vaccinations that cover childhood diseases (Tetanus and Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) and the food and water-borne diseases, including Typhoid and Hepatitis A.

For long-term travelers:

If you want to stay and trek in the countryside, you should have vaccinations to cover Hepatitis B and Rabies.

Food and water-borne diseases, mosquito bites, and traffic are the biggest risks in Vietnam. But do not worry, almost all hotels in Vietnam have sprayed periodic mosquitoes. Therefore, care about what you eat and drink.

Healthcare

There are public hospitals and private hospitals in cities. Public hospitals are everywhere while private hospitals are located in the centers in big cities like Hanoi, Saigon, Danang. Private hospital or clinic service is pretty high. Doctors will most likely speak English, or French, and will have trained overseas. Price in the private hospital can be high, so make sure your travel insurance covers the fee. Pharmacies are great and can be found around your hotels in the city center. Dial 115 if you need an emergency.

Vinmec International hospital, one of the best private hospital in Vietnam

Local laws

You may be not familiarised with the following local laws. But to be safe, follow them when you are in Vietnam.
- Do not wear too much jewelry and keep your valuables tucked out of sight.
- Do not wear singlet, shorts, skirts or dresses which are above your knees, or revealing clothes when visiting temples or pagodas.
- Do not overdo physical displays of affection between lovers in public. Avoid hugging or kissing in public.
- Keep a cool head and remain polite and you will have a greater chance of getting what you want.
- Don’t use or carry illegal drugs, including marijuana. Never carry parcels or luggage for others.
- It's illegal to gamble in the non-government-licensed casino or possess pornography. So do not do that
- Do not export antiques without a permit. Get a permit from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (Vietnamese).
- It’s illegal to photograph or military sites. Be careful when taking photos.
- Avoid participating in protests or being in the middle of one. Protests are unusual in Vietnam but occasionally do occur.
- Take plenty of water when it’s hot outside to avoid dehydration.

Tourists wear simple clothes and avoid hugging or kissing in Hoi An street

In general, Vietnam is a safe country to travel to. Hardly does crime happen especially crime against foreigners. Knowing about the local rule, some travel tips are the best way to have a great trip to Vietnam. Moreover, do not forget to get the vaccines in your country before the trip.