Is Vietnam Safe? Avoid These 10 Things When Travelling to Vietnam

Before touring a country, the topic of safety is always a vital thing that visitors concern a lot. As a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is a pretty safe country to travel.

Developing its tourism for many years, Vietnam really cares about safety. The country continuously polishes its tourism conditions so that tourists can be embraced by the nice surroundings and friendly people. They can obtain a wonderful Vietnam tour with relaxing enjoyment!

However, every country may exist a dangerous or unsuitable situation, and so does Vietnam. Pay attention to this article to avoid the 10 things when traveling to Vietnam for a perfect Vietnam Journey.

Don't Carry a Lot of Jewelry, a Bag, or Large Amounts of Cash with You

In Vietnam, there may be pickpocketing and petty theft that you may lose your property without any sense, especially in the crowded street and areas. And you may meet the Motorcycle Gang robbing your Jewelry or bag. But it is seldom occurred in Vietnam now. Also, it occurs the probability of loss while you are out.

So don’t carry a lot of Jewelry, a bag, or large amounts of cash with you to avoid being noticed.

Many hotels in Vietnam provide safe boxes or safes in guest rooms or front desk so that you can leave those things in the hotel. Consider carrying only essential items, such as bits of cash for immediate needs, identification, and any necessary cards (e.g., credit/debit cards). Always be aware of your surroundings to ensure your safety while traveling in Vietnam.

Vietnam hotel facility- safe box

Don't Put Any Valuable Things in Your Checked Luggage

You should know that checked luggage is handled by airline staff and placed in the cargo hold of the aircraft, which is not accessible to passengers during the flight. In this case, there is always a risk of theft, loss, or damage during the handling process.

So valuable things such as electronics, jewelry, vital documents, and expensive belongings are better carried in your carry-on luggage. Always keep a close eye on your valuable possessions and reduce the risk of being lost or stolen. Also, check the airline’s policies to ensure content restrictions.

✈Most recommended Vietnam highlight tour:

13 Days Vietnam Highlights Tour

Saigon - Danang - Hoi An - Hue - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi

Don't Wear Revealing Clothes in Vietnam especially when Visiting Temples or Pagodas

Temples and pagodas in Vietnam are usually regarded as the site of solemnness, worship, and holiness. When visiting temples and pagodas in Vietnam, you should dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothes such as shorts, tank tops, and sleeveless shirts. It’s a must-concern thing to show your respect for the local customs and traditions.

So it is recommended to wear clothing that covers the shoulders, chest, and knees. Loose-fitting and comfortable clothing covering the body is a suitable and good choice.

People praying in Thieu Hau Temple

Don’t Join Vietnamese Dirt-cheap Tours

We cannot say that a dirt-cheap tour has no advantage, after all, it’s cheap, right? Just kidding.

Actually, don’t join in Vietnamese dirt-cheap tours! You should be cautious about joining dirt-cheap tours in Vietnam. It may not be safe. Though budget-friendly tours can be appealing, think about- how could you gain a perfect tour with a dirt-cheap tour!

The dirt-cheap tour can just give you a tour experience without considering what you’ll feel and experience with some potential risks and drawbacks. You may be treated with bad quality of services, accommodations, transportation, and guides leading to an uncomfortable traveling experience. You may concern about your safety and your property. And there may also exist hidden costs that can eventually increase the overall expense and you may be left somewhere if you don’t follow.

But, a professionally tailored tour will not bring you these worries. IndochinaTour, a professional travel agency with mature experience, will give you the most comfortable and suitable enjoyment in Vietnam. You’ll be provided with a 4 or 5-star hotel, a responsible local guide, and a free and relaxing itinerary.

Believe in such an excellent travel agency, what you just need to concern about is enjoying and recording your amazing Vietnam tour.

✈Recommended North to South Vietnam tour:

14 Days Vietnam Discovery Tour from North to South

Hanoi - Sapa - Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hoi An - Saigon - Vinh Long - Can Tho - Saigon

Don’t Go to Central Vietnam in September & October

September and October is the worst time to visit Vietnam. While September to December is the time that you should avoid going to Central Vietnam due to its rainy season, September and October are the typhoon season when you may suffer from heavy rain, occasional typhoon, and high humidity.

It is very dangerous as you may suffer from a risky flood like the situation in the news you can find online. You can’t get an entire tour with the bad rainfall no matter have a city tour to the ancient town of Hoi An, go to a Marble Mountains Exploration, or relax on the white sandy beaches. If you visit this time, you may just stay at the hotel to see heavy rain after rain. Heartbreaking and boring Vietnam tour.

So, visit Central Vietnam in its best time- February to June. Suitable temperature with dry weather to go on your best Vietnam beach tour in Central Vietnam after city exploration.

---Refer to the best and worst time to Vietnam: When Is the Best & Worst Time to Visit Vietnam in 2024?

✈Recommended Central Vietnam cycling tour:

8 Days Central Vietnam Ocean Road Bike Tour

Hue - Ling Co - Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An - Tam Ky - Quang Ngai - Hoi An - Da Nang

Don’t Be Careless when Crossing the Street or Riding a Motorcycle

Traffic Jams are a huge problem in Vietnam, especially in cities like the metropolitan of Ho Chi Minh City. There are many cars and a huge amount of motorcycles on the road, especially in the crowded street and the center areas with many Vietnam attractions nearby. The motorcycles may cross very fast and you should keep your distance from them.

For the road situation, you should be careful when crossing the street or riding a motorcycle. Notice both sides and the surroundings when crossing the street, and you may take care of the robbers in some places. Don’t choose to have your Vietnam motorcycle tour during the commune time and avoid going to the crowded streets by motorcycle if possible.

---More about Vietnam motorcycle tour: Motorbike Tours Vietnam| Get A Special Memory in Vietnam

Have a cycling tour

Don’t Drink Tap Water Directly or Eat Raw Meat and Fish

Due to potential health risks, you shouldn’t drink tap water or eat raw meat and fish.

In Vietnam, tap water may not meet international standards for drinking water. It’s often treated with chemicals to make it safe for daily activities like washing and bathing. Drinking tap water can lead to gastrointestinal issues and waterborne illnesses.

And raw meat and fish can expose you to harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites present in uncooked food. So never try raw meat and fish to prevent any potential pathogens.

---Refer to what to eat in Vietnam: Ultimate Guide on Vietnamese Food Features & Must-Try Dishes When Visit Vietnam

✈Recommended Vietnam food tour:

7 Days Taste of Vietnam Food Tour

Saigon-Hoi An-Hanoi

Don’t Take a Taxi from an Unknown Company

Tourists shouldn’t take a taxi from an unknown company. A taxi from an unknown company may be illegal and many safety concerns are existing. Your safety can not be ensured because those companies may not adhere to safety standards or background checks for their taxi drivers. You may engage in fraud and scams that lead to financial losses for passengers. And your service could not be sure for the situation of bad quality of service, language barriers, and no way to seek legal recourse.

To ensure a safe and pleasant experience in Vietnam, it is best to use taxi services with recognizable branding and clear identification markings. You can choose to use ride-hailing apps from established companies. It’s more convenient and offers added security.

Grab- popular ride-hailing apps in Vietnam

Don’t Buy Liquor from Street Vendors or Accept Drinks from Others

Liquor sold by street vendors might not meet health and safety standards and the products may be counterfeit or adulterated liquor with unknown ingredients that increases the risk of contamination or harmful substances, even though there may be the drugging risk! And as street vendors that can move their stalls casually, you cannot find them to pay for your compensation!

And though most people in Vietnam are friendly, it can’t absolutely say that there is no one have the evil mind to hurt others. So don’t accept drinks from others to keep yourself in safety.

Anyway, don’t buy liquor from street vendors or accept drinks from others. Don't take chances, there's no harm in being defensive.

Choose to tour popular nightlife site

Don’t Stroll Around Deserted Fields and Nightclubs Alone at Night

It’s usually unsafe to stroll around deserted fields and nightclubs alone at night, especially as a female foreigner not knowing the local language in a new country. And if you meet an unpredictable situation such as crime risk often happening in isolated areas and nightlife spots, being alone makes it harder to seek help or assistance from others.

Vietnam nightlife is amazing and wondrous for tourists to explore. But take care in nightclubs no matter whether you are alone or with your friends, nightclubs often involve alcohol consumption, which can impair judgment and decision-making, making you more susceptible to risky situations.

✈Recommended Vietnam charming food tour:

12 Days Northern Delights and Southern Charms Tour

Hanoi-Halong Bay Cruise-Hanoi-Hoi An-Saigon-Mekong River Delta Cruise-Saigon

-FAQs about Vietnam Safety

Q: Is Vietnam safe for American tourists?
A: Yes! Vietnam has developed its tourism for many years. As a mature tourist destination, Vietnam is safe for tourists worldwide, also for American tourists. Vietnamese are friendly to tourists from the United States. But tourists also need to take care of the surroundings.

Q: Is Vietnam safe for solo female travelers?
A: Yes, Vietnam is relatively safe for solo travelers. But! If you want to travel to visit at night and do things like enjoying at Vietnam nightclubs, you’d better not tour alone. It’s better to choose reputable accommodations, stay in well-lit and popular areas, and avoid unlicensed taxis and motorbike taxis. What’s more, joining group tours is most recommended.

Q: Is Vietnam Airlines safe?
A: Certainly yes! Vietnam Airlines is the largest airline and the national flag carrier in the country, operating both domestic and international flights. Having a decent safety record and meeting international safety standards, Vietnam Airlines is pretty safe. One more tip to keep you in safety- “Follow safety instructions provided by the cabin crew, fasten seat belts when required, and pay attention to pre-flight safety briefings.

Q: Is Ho Chi Minh City safe for tourists?
A: Yes! Such a popular tourist city is safe for tourists to travel around with the well-developed infrastructure. So you don’t need to worry about your safety and you can ask for help easily if you want.

Q: Is Vietnam safe for families?
A: Yes, absolutely safe for families. Various attractions can leave an unforgettable memory for each family member. If you travel with your kids, you should know that many Vietnam hotels and Vietnam resorts offer family-friendly facilities like the kid’s club. But still, keep an eye on children in busy areas. Click to get more information about Vietnam hotels.

Q: Which is safer Thailand or Vietnam?
A: “Is Vietnam safer than Thailand?” We can’t certainly say which one is safer. It should be argued in different aspects. For example, if considering the road situation, the safety risk in Thai is somehow higher than in Vietnam. But you need to know both the two countries are safe. ---Read more details at Is Vietnam Safer Than Thailand?

✈Recommended Vietnam family tour:

8 Days Vietnam Hill Tribe Home Stay in Sapa for Family

Hanoi - Lao Cai - Sapa - Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hanoi

Conclusion

So, is Vietnam safe to travel? Anyway, Vietnam is safe to tour around, though there may be some issues existing. But never mind, take care, be vigilant, and avoid the things mentioned above, your Vietnam tour will be pretty safe and make you feel at home. Come to immerse yourself in Vietnam, you’ll gain a lifelong memory of Vietnam with the most enjoyable travel experience!

If you still be a little anxious, contact us at IndochinaTour.com, our professional consultant will tailor your perfect tour with the full arrangement. Absolutely safe!