Is Vietnam safe to travel? 12 things you should know when you visit Vietnam (2024)

Vietnam is a long-stretching, beautiful, historically and culturally rich and amazing country, and there are a few things that every person should know before they pack their bags and head to Vietnam.

Vietnam is a friendly and safe place to travel. With a sprinkling of common sense, your trip should be smooth and trouble free. Tourists usually complain about over-aggressive street vendors, tour operators with a bad attitude and dangerous driving. However, with a cool head and sensible planning, one can avoid these problems.

Is Vietnam safe to travel? 12 things you should know when you visit Vietnam (1)

DOs

  • Greetings are no different to western countries, there are no cultural formalities that as a foreigner you would be expected to know or practice.
  • Vietnamese dress conservatively. Despite the heat, it’s best not to show off too much skin. If you do, especially girls, you’ll only draw stares from the locals.
  • Dress well when visiting pagodas. No shorts or tatty beer t-shirts. Shoes are fine, and rarely will you have to remove them. If unsure, just follow what the locals do.
  • Drink plenty of bottled water, especially when walking around sightseeing. No need to carry huge bottles around with you, a vendor is never far away and no doubt they will find you before you find them.
  • Keep your cash, credit cards, airline tickets and other valuables in a safe place.
  • Travel with recommended tour agencies. Even if you plan to buy tickets when in country, research your journey a little first on the Internet. A good resource is Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree Forum, where fellow tourists discuss travel in Vietnam. This way you avoid unreliable tour agencies and badly run hotels.

DONTs

  • Wear a lot of jewellery or take a bag with you. Violent crime is highly unusual in Vietnam, but petty crime is more apparent. If you have a bag, or tout a digital camera around your neck, you are a potential target.
  • When taking a ride by motorbike taxi (xe om) make sure your bag, if any, is not on display or easy to grab. Bag snatches, although still rare, are probably the most likely crime a tourist would encounter, and it raises the probability immensely if you are tailing a camera or a laptop in the wind.
  • Don’t wear singlets, shorts, skirts or dresses, or revealing clothes to temples or pagodas.
  • Physical displays of affection between lovers in public are frowned upon. That’s why you may come across couples holding hands but not hugging or kissing.
  • Losing your temper in Vietnam means a loss of face. Keep a cool head and remain polite, you’ll have a greater chance of getting what you want.
  • Remember, this is Vietnam, a developing country, and things don’t quite work as you are maybe used to. Don’t be paranoid about your safety, just be aware of your surroundings.

See our first time guide to Vietnam for more guides and tips.

Overall, Vietnam is considered a safe country for tourists. While it is always important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, Vietnam is a wonderful destination that offers a wealth of cultural, scenic, and culinary experiences. By taking some simple precautions, travelers can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to this fascinating country.

Is Vietnam safe to travel? 12 things you should know when you visit Vietnam (2024)

FAQs

How safe is Vietnam to visit? ›

Vietnam is generally considered a safe country for travelers, but like any tourist destination, there are risks associated with theft and crime. Popular tourist areas, such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and coastal cities, may experience issues with petty theft and pickpocketing.

What should you be careful of in Vietnam? ›

Road accidents are a major cause of injury. Be alert at all times on the roads. Petty theft, including bag slashing, is common in tourist areas and crowded places, especially during holiday times. Snatch-and-grab theft by thieves on motorcycles is also common.

Is it safe to go to Vietnam alone? ›

A huge yes. Considered one of the safest Asian destinations for solo female travelers, Hanoi offers a vibrant mix of history, culture, and culinary delights. Travel magazine Tripzilla has recognized Hanoi's low crime rates and friendly locals, making it an ideal destination for solo exploration.

Is it safe to walk in Vietnam? ›

The safety of nighttime walks in Hanoi is partly thanks to the presence of numerous street food vendors and businesses that remain open well into the late evening, making it comfortable to walk even as late as midnight. Hanoi, as the capital and political center of Vietnam, is often considered safer than other cities.

Do and don'ts in Vietnam? ›

The Vietnamese people value humility, restraint, and modesty. Avoid being boastful or showing off wealth. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon so try to avoid touching people of the opposite sex. Dress conservatively and keep your body covered.

Is Vietnam safe at night? ›

How Safe Is Vietnam At Night? Vietnam is moderately safe at night. It of course depends on the city you're visiting and the district you're staying in, but I never had an issue with walking around at night. In big cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, the streets stay busy until pretty late (1-2am).

What diseases should I worry about in Vietnam? ›

Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Disease NameCommon ways the disease spreadsAdvice
Avoid contaminated water
ChikungunyaMosquito biteAvoid Bug Bites
DengueMosquito biteAvoid Bug Bites
ZikaMosquito bite An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn babyAvoid Bug Bites
7 more rows

Is Vietnam a good or bad country to visit? ›

Vietnam is a pretty safe country, like all the countries of South East Asia in general. People are very friendly, they always try to make you feel at home, they want to help you in every way they can and you should never have any problem.

What mistakes should you avoid in Vietnam? ›

10 Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Vietnam
  • 1: Neglecting to check visa and flight details thoroughly.
  • 2: Forgetting to carry cash.
  • 3: Attempting to cover the entire country in one trip.
  • 4: Not carrying your own snacks if you're vegetarian.
  • 5: Failing to obtain an international driving licence.
  • 6: Ignoring tipping customs.
Jun 26, 2023

Is it OK to kiss in public in Vietnam? ›

You can hold hands, but public displays of affection such as hugging and kissing are frowned upon.

Is Vietnam safe for couples? ›

Vietnam is a surprisingly enchanting destination for couples, blessed with rich culture, mouthwatering food, and diverse landscapes.

Is Vietnam friendly to us? ›

Vietnam is now considered to be a potential ally of the United States, especially in the geopolitical context of the territorial disputes in the South China Sea and in the containment of Chinese expansionism.

How safe is Vietnam to travel? ›

Vietnam is a relatively safe country, however petty theft is a legitimate concern, especially in the big cities. Refrain from extending cameras and cellphones on busy streets and corners: most robberies are drive-by snatchings.

Is Vietnam safe for kids? ›

Is Vietnam suitable for kids? Vietnam is a safe and welcoming destination for families of all ages. With a low crime rate and friendly locals, you can be sure that your family will feel safe during a holiday here.

Is Vietnam a friendly country? ›

Viet Nam ranks ninth among the world's 10 most welcoming countries, according to an annual survey by Expat Insider of the international organization InterNations. Politeness and respect are important parts of Vietnamese culture, so it makes sense that visitors find Viet Nam to be a welcoming country, reads the survey.

Is it safe for a US citizen to travel to Vietnam? ›

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Vietnam. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circ*mstances in this country.

Is Vietnam friendly to foreigners? ›

According to the ranking of the friendliest countries in the world in 2021, Vietnam is ranked 9th out of the top 10 most foreigner-friendly countries in the world. Therefore, Vietnam will be an ideal destination for travelers.

Are US citizens welcome in Vietnam? ›

Good news for anyone thinking of visiting Vietnam: The country is currently open to incomingtravelers without any restrictions. As things gradually get back to normal after the pandemic,Americans can now enjoy the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam.

Is Vietnam friendly to the US? ›

Vietnam is now considered to be a potential ally of the United States, especially in the geopolitical context of the territorial disputes in the South China Sea and in the containment of Chinese expansionism.

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