Last checked: 21 September 2026. Safety advice can change quickly. Check your own government’s travel advice before you go.
Vietnam is generally a safe and welcoming country to travel in. Violent crime against visitors is rare, and most people who have a bad experience ran into the same few things: a bag snatched from a passing motorbike, an overcharged taxi, or a friendly stranger with an expensive “free” drink.
This guide covers what the official advice says, the risks that are real, the scams worth knowing, and simple habits that keep a trip smooth.
The short answer
- Official advice: the US State Department rates Vietnam Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, the lowest level. Australia’s Smartraveller also advises normal safety precautions.
- Main risk for visitors: petty theft in crowded places, and traffic
- Emergency numbers: police 113, fire 114, ambulance 115
The risks that are real
Bag and phone snatching
The most common crime against tourists is theft by thieves on motorbikes, who grab phones, cameras and bags from people walking beside the road. It happens most in busy parts of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
- Carry your bag on the side away from the traffic
- Do not hold your phone out at the kerb while checking a map; step into a shop doorway
- Wear a backpack on your front in packed markets, stations and queues
- Leave your passport and spare cash in the hotel safe, and carry a photocopy
Traffic
For most visitors, traffic is the biggest day-to-day risk. Motorbikes flow in every direction, and pavements are often used for parking. When you cross the street, walk at a slow, steady pace and do not stop suddenly or run. Riders are watching your speed and will steer around you. Raising a hand helps them see you.
If you plan to ride a motorbike yourself, check that you hold the right licence and that your travel insurance covers it. Many policies do not.
Health risks
- Tap water: do not drink it. Bottled water is cheap and everywhere.
- Mosquitoes: dengue fever is present, especially in warm, wet months. Use repellent and cover up at dusk.
- Animals: avoid touching street dogs and cats, which are unlikely to be vaccinated against rabies.
- Heat: summer temperatures can reach 40°C in the north and south. Plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning and late afternoon.
Weather
Central Vietnam can be affected by tropical storms, most often from around September to December. If you travel then, keep an eye on the forecast and leave a spare day in your plan.
Six scams worth knowing
1. Taxi tricks. Rigged meters, a “fixed price” quoted after the ride, or confusion between 20,000 and 200,000 notes. Use ride-hailing apps (Grab, Xanh SM, Be) or reputable taxi companies such as Mai Linh and Vinasun.
2. Look-alike banknotes. The 20,000 and 500,000 VND notes are similar in colour. Check each note before you hand it over, and count your change.
3. The “free” drink or meal. A friendly stranger invites you for a drink or a meal, then the bill arrives far higher than normal. Decline politely, or agree on prices first.
4. Paid photos. Street vendors in costume or with carrying poles offer a photo, then ask for a large fee. Agree on a price first, or smile and walk on.
5. Cheap tours that are not what they seem. Very cheap tours sold on the street often include long stops at shops and restaurants that pay commission, or skip promised sights. Book with licensed operators who have a physical office and verifiable reviews.
6. Fake official websites. Look-alike e-visa and arrival-declaration websites charge far more than the official fee. Only use evisa.gov.vn and prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. More in our e-visa guide.
Is Vietnam safe for solo female travellers?
Many women travel Vietnam alone and have a good experience. Use the same judgement you would in any big city: avoid walking alone late at night in quiet areas, use ride-hailing apps rather than hailing a stranger, and dress modestly at temples and pagodas, where shoulders and knees should be covered.
Is Vietnam safe for families?
Yes. Vietnamese culture is very warm towards children, and families travel here comfortably. The extra care is mostly practical: hold small children’s hands near traffic, carry water and sun protection, and plan a slower pace so everyone stays rested.
If something goes wrong
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Emergency | Police 113 · Fire 114 · Ambulance 115 |
| Lost or stolen passport | Report it to the local police, then contact your embassy or consulate for an emergency travel document |
| Sick or injured | International hospitals operate in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. Contact your travel insurer early, as many arrange payment directly |
| Overcharged | Stay calm, keep the receipt or ride details, and report through the app or to your hotel |
Frequently asked questions
Is Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City safer?
Both are safe for visitors. Bag snatching is reported more often in Ho Chi Minh City, so take extra care with phones near the road there.
Is it safe to eat street food?
Generally yes. Choose busy stalls with high turnover, where food is cooked in front of you, and be more careful with raw vegetables and ice if you have a sensitive stomach.
Is it safe to use ATMs?
Yes. Use machines inside banks, malls or hotels where possible, and cover the keypad as you would at home.
Sources checked on 21 September 2026
This guide is general travel information. It does not replace official travel advice from your government or medical advice from a doctor.