How safe is Vietnam?
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Vietnam is a relatively safe country to visit. That said, there are increasing instances of theft, especially in HCMC where pickpokets and snatch thieves on motobikes are worst menace.
The best tip is to be vigilant at all times. Often cute kids or old grannies have deft fingers. Leave all valuables (expensive watches, jewelry, glasses, etc.) at home, and don’t even wear flash costume jewelry. Make sure you have a firm grip on cameras and shoulder bags at all times and never leave anything you value lying around unattended.
The other problem area is on the trains, especially the night trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai. Again, make sure your luggage is safely locked, preferably stowed out of sight or attached to an immovable object, and don’t leave things near open windows. It’s also wise not to accept food or drink from people you don’t know (there are reports of one or two people being drugged and robbed this way).
You might also have read warnings about unexploded shells, mines and other ordnance lying around. This is still the case in the DMZ, around My Son and certain border areas, particularly along Chinese border. It is advisable to visit such areas only with an experienced local guide and never stray off well-trodden footpaths anywhere in Vietnam.
Finally, there’s the traffic. Trying to cross the street in Hanoi or HCMC is an adventure in itself. You’ll be faced with a tightly packed steam of scooters, bikes and cyclos which looks completely chaotic at first. But don’t give up! Either walk till you find some traffic lights or just go for it. The key is to walk slowly and steadily out into the traffic. As long as you keep a steady pace and make your movements clear, the traffic will flow round you. Problems arise if you stop or move too quickly and the drivers/riders can’t anticipate your progress.
But don’t get paranoid! Thousands of people visit Vietnam each year without experiencing any problems whatsoever. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the situation in Vietnam is certainly no worse than many big European and American cities.
Source Tourist Newspaper
Popularity: 37% [?]
tags: Safety Tips