In general, Vietnam is a fairly safe country, and the vast majority of Vietnamese are scrupulously honest. Street crime—pickpocketing and purse snatching—does occur in the bigger cities, most often along major roads and around tourist hotels. If you're riding in a cyclo (tricycle rickshaw), it's wise to keep your purse tucked away behind you, because purse snatchers have been known to whiz past on motorcycles. If you're the one on a motorbike, put your purse and valuables between you and the driver, or ask him to put it on the floor between his feet.
It's been 30 years since the fall of Saigon, and Vietnam has worked hard to clear the land of unexploded ordnance, especially near tourist areas. Unless you are hiking in extremely remote regions, it is unlikely to be a problem.
Ho Chi Minh City has a bad reputation for muggings, so be extra careful there. Do not wear jewelry or keep cell phones in back pockets, and do not drape your camera or handbag over one shoulder. Carrying your camera and valuables in a double plastic shopping bag held firmly in hand will keep them out of view. Purses should be worn around the neck and under one arm, with a protective hand firmly gripping the strap.
Hanoi has a well-earned reputation for imaginative fraud schemes, but they occur in other towns as well. Travelers should be wary of too-good-to-be-true offers. Your hotel will be able to advise you on proposals for tours or "special promotions" from restaurants.
Solo women travelers report moving through Vietnam without problem, though the young and lovely receive their share of romantic overtures. None are harmful or threatening.
In case of an emergency, call 113 for the police, 114 for the fire department and 115 for an ambulance.
For the latest information, contact your country's travel-advisory agency.
Dos & Don'ts
Do avoid visiting during the weeklong Tet holiday, Vietnam's lunar new year celebration that occurs in either January or February. Travel is difficult, if not impossible, during that time. Hotels are either overfilled and/or offer substantially reduced services.
Don't cross your fingers for good luck—the gesture is considered obscene by Vietnamese.
Don't point your finger at people or beckon them with the palm facing upwards.
Do remove your shoes before entering Buddhist pagodas, most private homes and even businesses. If there's a pile of shoes outside the door, add yours to it.
Don't let the soles of your feet face any sacred monument, such as a statue of Buddha.
Do not argue loudly or shout. A show of bad temper is a sign of poor emotional control and is a sure loss of face in the eyes of Vietnamese people.
Do exercise extreme caution combined with bold self-confidence when crossing the street in larger cities. Choose a thin section in the oncoming traffic, and after you've left the curb, don't hesitate, stop or run. Continue at a steady pace, and the cycles and cars will flow around you. After evaluating the traffic, do not make eye contact with motorbike or automobile drivers, as this will give them an advantage. Trucks and buses do not yield to pedestrians.
Don't be surprised if taxi drivers swarm around as soon as you clear immigration at the airport. The best plan is to have your hotel send a taxi for you. Otherwise, have your destination written out, choose one driver and stoutly ignore all the others. Taxis usually have a rate for airport-to-town transfers posted in their cabs: Locate this and verbally agree on that price before you get in the car.
Do carry a small packet of tissues in your pocket or purse. Most bathrooms (called WCs) in Vietnam are equipped with toilet paper, but it's a good idea to have your own supply with you. Many public WCs charge a small fee for their use. If you are confronted with a squat toilet, use the nearby bucket or ladle to scoop fresh water into the basin to flush waste. Wash your hands at every opportunity.
Do take a facecloth if you are accustomed to using one. They are not easily found in Vietnam. Quick-drying, antimicrobial versions are sold in the backpacking-supplies section of sporting-goods stores.
Don't, under any circumstances, be tempted to deal in the black market. Never change money on the street—it's against the law.
Don't bow from the waist as Chinese, Japanese and Koreans do. Close a conversation or transaction with a sharp bow of the head only. Shake hands only if your partner initiates the gesture. Do not touch people of the opposite sex. If you find yourself in friendly conversation with a Vietnamese friend, expect to be gently touched on the forearm or shoulder as a sign of trust.
Do receive objects and even change with both hands if that is the way it is offered. It is respectful to do so.
Don't make eye contact with street peddlers or even glance at their wares unless you're prepared for a long siege. The best gesture for "no, go away" is a flat hand moved back and forth in a sharp cutting motion at waist level.
Do negotiate a price with your moto, cyclo or taxi driver before getting in or on the vehicle. Your hotel will be able to advise you on what is a reasonable offer.
Do dress neatly and modestly. Pants should be below the knee for both men and women. Shirts should have sleeves, especially if you're visiting a religious site.
Do keep a sense of humor about you. Most Vietnamese enjoy a joke and often engage in a form of good-natured ribbing that may seem aggressive to new arrivals. Feel free to respond in kind. Where spoken language fails, a smile and pantomime that includes amusing body language will win you many friends.
Do be yourself. Most Vietnamese are as eager to learn about your culture as you are to visit theirs.
