Using common sense will help you have a stress-free holiday in Vietnam

[ASEAN NOW News]

Overall, Vietnam is a relatively safe country, though pickpocketing and snatch thefts occur occasionally, especially in urban areas where foreigners are most likely to be present.

 

The only city in Vietnam that has a reputation for petty crime is Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), though rare cases have been reported in Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Hanoi as well.

 

In the end common sense is the best prevention, especially when visiting any city whether back home of abroad.

 

Be aware of your surroundings, don’t count your money in public or wear a money pouch over your clothes, and don’t leave valuables unattended.

 

If you have a handbag with a shoulder strap, place the strap over your head to prevent a snatch theft.

Avoid talking on your phone while standing near the street, duck into a doorway instead.

 

If you forget a valuable item somewhere, it’s more likely that someone will chase you down to return it to you. Most Vietnamese are exceedingly honest.

 

Violent Crime

 

Violent crime is rare anywhere in the country.

 

As with petty crime, the best prevention is to be aware of your surroundings and use common sense again.

 

Sexual assaults are uncommon but do occur in some urban areas, particularly at night.

 

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Therefore, try to avoid leaving popular bars late at night to walk home if you’ve had too much to drink; take a taxi instead.

 

Guns are illegal and homicides are practically nonexistent in Vietnam.

 

The few that do occur have rarely involved foreigners. The emergency number for the police is 113. You should also report any serious crimes to your embassy.

 

Areas to Avoid

 

Vietnam has few, if any, slums.

 

Most neighborhoods are economically mixed, with grand homes and humble shacks, built shoulder-to-shoulder on the same street.

 

The result is that there are few bad neighborhoods anywhere in the country, including in Vietnam’s largest cities.

 

Use caution when in a densely packed crowd or on a busy dance floor where pickpocketing is most likely to occur; keep your money tucked into your front pockets or in the safe of your hotel room.

 

Well-lit streets are safer than dark ones, though again, the chances of any crime occurring even on dark streets is highly unusual.

 

Many Vietnamese go to bed early and wake up at dawn; by 11 p.m., the streets are empty and nearly everyone is asleep.

 

Nightlife Safety

 

The Vietnamese love drinking beer and singing karaoke, and local drinking and karaoke establishments do a brisk business, even in the countryside.

 

Local folks are always happy to sit with foreigners over a beer, looking at photos, or chatting (using a translation app on your phone comes in handy).

 

Wherever you end up in the evening, be sure to keep watch over your belongings.

 

A purse slung over an empty chair, an unattended camera, or a fancy phone can be a temptation.

 

Spiking drinks isn’t common, but it’s not unheard of, either. Watch your drinks at clubs and be aware of your surroundings.

 

Drink in moderation and use caution when you leave a bar, especially late at night. When in doubt, take a taxi even for short distances.

 

As we say use your common sense and you are sure to have a memorable stay in Vietnam.

 

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