Staying Safe in Vietnam
Local Laws
When you're visiting Vietnam, it's important to be aware of and follow local laws and customs.
Please know that possessing or using illegal drugs carries very serious consequences, including the possibility of the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Gambling is generally not allowed, with the exception of government-licensed casinos that are specifically for foreign passport holders.
You'll need to refrain from taking photos at border crossings or near military sites, and it's also against the law to go near the borders with China, Cambodia, or Laos unless you have official permission.
It's best to avoid bringing pornography or any political or religious materials that aren't officially approved by the state.
Also, please be aware that electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and their liquids are illegal to bring into, sell, use, or distribute in Vietnam.
If you plan to drive, you'll need a Vietnamese driver's license, as foreign licenses are not recognized. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense and can lead to fines and even jail time.
Remember to always carry your passport and visa with you, as hotels are required to register guests with the local authorities. It's also against the law for a foreigner to share accommodation with a Vietnamese national who isn't officially registered as a guest.
While not strictly illegal, public displays of affection are generally discouraged, particularly in rural areas and at religious sites. When visiting temples or sacred places, please dress modestly by covering your shoulders, chest, and knees. You'll also need to remove your shoes and hats before entering.
Littering is strictly forbidden and can result in fines.
It's also important to know that exporting antiques that originally came from Vietnam is illegal.
Finally, if you're carrying undeclared currency over 15,000,000 VND or 5,000 USD (or the equivalent in other currencies) when entering or leaving the country, it can be confiscated, and you could face fines or even arrest.
LGBTQ+ Travellers
Vietnam is generally considered a safe and welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. The country has never criminalized same-sex relationships, and in 2015, the ban on same-sex marriage was lifted, though these unions are not yet legally recognized or protected. While urban centers like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have noticeable, albeit low-key, LGBTQ+-friendly venues and host annual VietPride events, social attitudes in more rural areas can be conservative.
Public displays of affection for any couple, regardless of sexual orientation, are generally uncommon and may draw curious stares, so discretion is advised to respect local customs. However, travelers are unlikely to face harassment, and the Ministry of Health officially declared in 2022 that being LGBTQ+ is not an illness, further demonstrating a progressive shift.
Scams
When visiting Vietnam, it's helpful to know about some common tricks tourists sometimes encounter. You might run into taxi scams, where drivers might take a longer route than necessary or use meters that aren't quite right. There are also fake taxi companies that look like the real deal.
When renting a motorbike, be aware that some owners might claim you damaged it when you return it, or in some cases, even try to steal it back. You could also come across travel agencies that aren't licensed or are outright fraudulent, selling tours that don't exist or aren't up to par.
Be mindful of street vendors, like those offering to shine your shoes or sell you fruit; they might push their services or photo opportunities and then ask for much more money than you expect. There are also scams involving currency where you might get short-changed because some bills look very similar.
Sometimes, hotel scams happen when taxi drivers deliberately take you to a different hotel than you intended. In restaurants and bars, watch out for unclear pricing, prices listed in US dollars with abbreviations instead of the local currency (VND), and charges for things you might assume are complimentary, like peanuts or wet wipes.
It's also wise to be cautious if someone offers you drugs, as this can often be a setup involving the police. Additionally, be aware of ATM skimming and scams related to SIM cards.
Crime
When you're traveling in Vietnam, especially in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and particularly around holidays, it's good to be aware that petty theft is quite common. The most frequent issues tourists face are pickpocketing and having bags snatched.
You'll often see thieves on motorcycles who will grab valuables like purses, phones, cameras, and jewelry right from pedestrians, and sometimes this can lead to injuries. It's also not uncommon for bags to be slashed in busy places, like markets or on public transport.
There have been reports of robberies happening after people use ATMs, and unfortunately, hotel rooms can be broken into even when guests are inside. More serious crimes, such as theft with violence, sexual assault, and general assault, do occur in popular tourist areas like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Sapa, and Cat Ba Island.
