As more tourists flock to Vietnam’s vibrant cities or sandy coasts, the questions of danger and safety naturally arise. Thankfully, among both travelers and foreign governments, the prevailing sentiment is that Vietnam as a whole is a safe place to visit. The little crime that exists generally does so in the form of pick-pocketing, prostitution, or illicit drug use, and even the levels of these crimes remain relatively low compared to other regions of the world. With a few helpful hints and a good understanding of your surroundings, you should have a worry-free, safe trip. Petty Crime Crimes against foreigners are most common in Ho Chi Minh’s District 1 and Hanoi’s Old Quarter. These consist of purse, phone, or camera snatching and are more often than not committed against those walking alone. The most typical form of theft involves two individuals on a motorbike and a blissfully unaware tourist. As a phone is held out or a camera pointed up, the bike will slowly pull alongside the tourist. In an instant, the passenger will reach out, grabbing the victim’s possessions, and the driver will safely whisk them away. For most, the result is a loss of a few hundred dollars and an overwhelming sense of embarrassment; however, for some, this can result in serious injury. Often, thieves will rip at purses or cameras that are strapped to the victim’s neck, in some instances dragging the victim briefly behind the bike. To be safe, travelers should step back from the street when reaching for anything of value. Double-check your surroundings before taking any pictures. If carrying a purse or camera around your neck, it’s wise to shift it to your shoulder away from the street to make any attempted theft that much more difficult. In Saigon’s Bui Vien Street and Hanoi’s
As more tourists flock to Vietnam’s vibrant cities or sandy coasts, the questions of danger and safety naturally arise. Thankfully, among both travelers and foreign governments, the prevailing sentiment is that Vietnam as a whole
