Vietnam Travel Safety

Precautions

Avoid showing signs of affluence and ensure that your personal belongings and passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Individuals posing as taxi drivers have targeted foreign visitors at Hanoi airport and robbed them by forcing them to withdraw money from automatic banking machines. Travellers have also been robbed by drivers who greeted them upon arrival with a placard showing their name. If you are expecting to be picked up, ask for your driver's name, phone number and licence plate number before you travel. When leaving the airport, you should only use authorized airport taxis or hotel transportation. Authorized taxi companies usually have operators posted at airports who are responsible for monitoring taxi services. These companies publish the taxi driver's name and vehicle number on a card that should be affixed to the windshield (in front of the driver's seat). Threats of physical injury related to personal disputes occasionally occur.

Road safety

Driving standards are poor, vehicles and roads are often badly maintained, and roads in major cities are congested. Rain can flood potholes and roads, especially those in the north, can become impassable during the rainy season. Traffic accidents occur frequently, often causing death or serious injury. Motorcycle riders and pedestrians are common victims. Travelling after dark is dangerous. Hiring a car and driver for personal transportation is strongly recommended. Rent a motorcycle only if you are accustomed to local driving standards and be aware that insurance is not included with these rentals.

Public transportation

Bus accidents are not uncommon. A number of fatal boat accidents have occurred in past years, some in Halong Bay. Ensure that your tour operator follows up-to-date safety regulations. Keep ticket stubs at all times when travelling by train, as they are required when exiting the train station. Passengers without a ticket stub will be required to pay the fare again. Motorcycle taxis (known as "xe oms") are unsafe and should be avoided. Be familiar with your hotel's address and neighbouring landmarks because taxi drivers have taken unaware visitors to the wrong establishment, in order to receive a commission. Never share a taxi with a stranger.

Women's safety

Foriegners have reported a number of personal attacks, including rape and sexual assault in areas popular with expatriates and tourists. When reporting such attacks in Vietnam, there is a high burden of proof on the victim to demonstrate that the sexual relations were not consensual, especially when the victim had consumed alcohol or where the alleged attacker was known to the victim. There have also been some reports of foreign women in Hanoi being victims of indecent assault and harassment (including inappropriate touching and groping), particularly while walking alone. You should take sensible precautions. There have been reports of arguments over hotel, restaurant or taxi bills turning violent or abusive. It is well worth researching places to stay before you arrive. To avoid potential disputes, make sure you are clear about the level of service you can expect to receive and any associated charges. Local travel A number of foreign visitors have died in Vietnam while engaged in adventure tourism in rural and mountainous areas. Some terrain can be hazardous and remote from rescue services of any kind.

Piracy

Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, further out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Scams

Tourists have been victims of gambling scams in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (particularly in the Pham Ngu Lao neighbourhood). This scam usually starts with a friendly invitation to someones home. While the visitor is waiting for this individual, a casual game of cards will begin. Even though they started with only a small wager, victims have reported losing thousands of dollars over the course of an evening.

Crime

Petty crime against tourists is increasing, particularly in the larger cities. Although violent crimes such as armed robbery are still relatively rare in Vietnam, perpetrators have grown increasingly bold. Knives and razors have been used in attempted robberies in Ho Chi Minh City. Motorcyclists grab bags and other valuables from pedestrians and from passengers or drivers on motorbikes, this often results in injury to the victim. Hotels and tourist areas are more likely to be targeted by criminals. Thefts also occur on crowded buses and trains and in shopping centres and markets. Bag slashing is a frequent occurrence in crowded streets and markets.

LGBT

Vietnam is a generally tolerant and progressive place for LGBT travellers. Same-sex relationships are not criminalised by law and changing gender is recognised by Vietnam's Civil Code. Vietnam abolished a ban on same-sex marriage in 2015, although same-sex couples are neither recognised nor protected by law. In parts of society LGBT rights and issues are still more tolerated than accepted, but Vietnamese society has become significantly more tolerant in recent years.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs are often tampered with or spiked and can be much stronger than in other countries, there were 7 deaths at a music festival in Hanoi in 2018 connected to illegal drugs. Don't take illegal drugs.

Driving

Driving without a Vietnamese driver's licence is illegal. You must hold a valid Vietnamese driver's licence to drive a motor vehicle in Vietnam, including motorcycles of 50cc or more. You can apply for a Vietnamese driver's licence at an office of the Department of Public Works and Transportation in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. If you are involved in a traffic accident, you may face criminal charges and have to pay compensation if someone is injured. You may be prohibited from leaving the country before paying this compensation. Penalties for drinking and driving are strict. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and jail sentences.