Staying Safe in Vietnam

Vietnam is generally a safe country to travel to, even for families with children. With relative political stability, an effective police force, and high rates of tourism, the country is well equipped to keep foreigners safe.

No matter when or where you are traveling, however, it is still important for you to take any necessary steps to keep yourself and your belongings safe.

Below are a few of the safety issues you may encounter in Vietnam, in the order of likelihood that you will face them. Overall the country is safe for tourists, but the list below should be regarded as a general safety reminder, and encouragement to travel as safely as possible.

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Traffic

The odds of someone mugging you in the street in Vietnam are next to none. The odds of a red taxi or an electric scooter running over your toes, however, are somewhat higher.

Due to the country's warm climate and heavy traffic, most locals own motorcycles or scooters for navigating the cities. As scooters and bikes number in the hundreds of thousands, collisions frequently occur.

Fortunately, the speed of the traffic is typically slow and accidents tend to be minor. If you find yourself in an accident, make sure to wait for the police to arrive. They will call English-speaking staff members to assist you if needed.

It is advisable never to leave the scene of an accident until the police arrive, but in the next section about scams, make sure to learn about how to avoid getting tricked into paying for someone else's car accident.

When crossing the street, ensure you are on a cross walk (zebra crossing), and do not expect traffic to follow the same rules as back home. Cars will often drive against the traffic and scooters are even less predictable.

In Vietnam the horn is used to warn that someone is going to pass you. If someone honks, stay put! Do not move out of the way as they are going to try to go around you.

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Scams

Violent crime against tourists is very uncommon. Scams on the other hand, almost exclusively target foreigners. Below are common scams to be aware of.

Wildlife

Vietnam has a tropical climate, making it home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna that makes for excellent sightseeing. Beautiful tropical birds and flowers live within this diverse ecosystem, as well as their more dangerous cousins.

If you do plan to do any outdoor exploration, it is always recommended to go with an experienced professional.

Water-borne diseases and toxic plants and animals make survival in the wilds of Vietnam challenging. Stay on established trails, always carry a waterproof map, and whenever possible, use a guide. Avoid ALL contact with wild animals.

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Violent Crime

Muggings and robberies are rare in Vietnam as is all violent crime against foreigners. Locals know that the punishments for committing such crimes are harsh, as the government enjoys and relies on revenue from tourism.

This said, pickpockets and thieves thrive everywhere there are large crowds. Make a checklist of important belongings such as passport, phone, and wallet, and make sure you still have them after every change of location.

If you plan to enjoy Vietnam's exciting and hectic nightlife, you may encounter more situations that require you to be aware of your situation and belongings.

Vietnamese locals will rarely throw the first punch, but will often team up against a foreigner if they feel threatened. If you feel an altercation coming, surrender and withdraw.

As a general rule; avoid all conflicts with locals, even if you are being provoked.

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Unexploded Ordinances

If you plan to visit the War Memorial Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, then you are probably already aware of the impact war has had on Vietnam. Recently, as land is increasingly being developed for farming and tourism, more and more unexploded ordinances are being discovered.

An unexploded ordinance is a bomb or explosive device left over from the Vietnam War that is still live and dangerous. Locals who find such munitions often lose limbs trying to remove them from private property. If you see any unidentifiable metal object, especially in remote areas, AVOID IT.

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