Is Vietnam safe to visit, a normal question from first-time tourists to Vietnam. Because people usually have a haunting doubt from Vietnam War. Actually, Vietnam War ended almost half of century and Vietnam is very safe now. Moreover, United Nations and other International Organizations ranked Vietnam into sustainable political in many years. Today, Vietnam is a developing country, income per capita is average in the world.
Below is some travel advice and tips to keep safety when traveling in Vietnam.
Snatch and Run – Is Vietnam safe to visit?
In some big cities in Vietnam such as Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. Snatch and run evils is a big problem with tourists. Therefore, you should not bring valuable items when walking on streets in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. Instead of that you should bring shoulder bag or hip pocket, items is hard to be snatched. Necklaces is not advisable.
Advice: Do not show valuable items on the street like necklaces, pockets, high-price handbag, smartphone…
Cheating – Is Vietnam safe for tourists?
Taxi and cyclo
Many tourists meet cheating service when they use free taxi and cycls in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Popular way of cheat is to call much higher true price for stretch of road or time to use. For example, for the distance from Hanoi Old Quarter to Temple of Literature costs only 50,000 VND (~2.5 USD). But they call 500,000 VND (~25 USD). In addition, they take advantage of unfamiliar from foreign people when using Vietnamese dong to be unclear with value to take more money.
The solution is to use brand named taxi such as Taxi group in Hanoi or Vina Sun in Ho Chi Minh. Another good way is to use technology taxi through apps with regard to Grab or Be.
Bargain
When shopping on streets in Vietnam, foreign tourists usually meet difficulty to find the correct price. Because salesmen probably call higher price than true cost they want to buy. Normally, true price is less than 30 – 50% to called price.
Traffic – Is Vietnam safe to visit?
Roads and transportation culture in Vietnam usually impress first-time travelers. Especially Western tourists who have standard traffic in their countries. Because cars, motorbikes and bicycles use the same road and mostly the same lane. Traffic in Vietnam look like chaos from the high. But this is Vietnamese cultural traffic. It even make some tourists even feel fantastic. Funny Vietnamese traffic slogan is “the rule is no rule”. That means people still travel in order even no rule apply.
But going away from bustling cities, travelers immediately meet beautiful roads with lack of vehicles. When travelling in rural area in Vietnam, tourists will meet two-side rice field roads. Where Vietnamese farmers do their job daily on rice fields. Specially, traveling in the mountainous area like Northeast or Northwest of Vietnam. Whereas travelers feel surprised with terrace fields.
Be careful when crossing the streets in Vietnam. Looking carefully two sides and walk on lanes for walkers.
Driving motorbike for first-used travelers is not advisable.
Is Vietnam safe to travel alone?
Travel alone in Vietnam is absolutely safe. As long as you prepare enough belongings and got a bit knowledge about Vietnam conditions.
Woman solo traveler
More and more female travelers come to Vietnam. They usually book airfares and hotels yourself, and book day tours when reach to Vietnam. The advice is you should book tours before arrival. Group tours is the best choice for female solo travel.
Men solo traveler
Men have various choice for travel style in Vietnam. Some of them choose even biking or motorbiking across the country. One man and one motorbike travel day by day is also very interesting with some people. The advice is to get help from experienced person to make a good plan according to travel style.
Travel Advice and Tips for safety in Vietnam
- Buying travel insurance before the trip
- Have a good plan with help from experienced persons
- Have backups of important documents like passports, visas or IDs in case of losing
- Book group tours with escorted experienced tour guide is a good choice
- Prepare necessary items: cash, credit cards, light weigh clothes (in summer), warm clothes (in winter), appropriate shoes for activities (trekking, cycling, walking), inspect repellent, medications, adaptors, small dayback, water bottle, helmet (for cycling or motorbiking), vaccinations…
