Vietnam is a safe country to visit, even for women traveling alone, with violent crime rare and no specific safety warnings issued by the U.S. State Department. Most of the risks a visitor will face are not man-made but natural, with the typical hazards of Southeast Asian climate and critters the biggest concern.
Petty crime is a nuisance, especially around Ho Chi Minh City, but on nowhere near the same level as in some of the other tourist hotspots in Southeast Asia. Be vigilant in crowds or on public transport and look out for bag-snatching thieves on mopeds. Rough Guides advises against taking cylcos at night, walking outside districts 1 and 3 in Ho Chi Minh City and leaving your valuables unguarded on the beaches at Nha Trang. Avoid any situation in which you could be arrested, as the legal system is slow and prison conditions appalling. Do not take pictures near military installations or in the border areas next to Laos, China or Cambodia, and bear in mind that possession of even small amounts of narcotics carries heavy penalties. It is also illegal to invite a Vietnamese national into your room.
The most commonly documented scams throughout Vietnam are more frustrating than dangerous, and range from taxi drivers taking passengers to the wrong hotel to agencies sending thieves to steal the bikes they've rented and then forcing the tourist to pay for a new one. Lonely Planet also warns that some passengers on long-distance coaches have been drugged and robbed, so it is best to refuse any offers of drinks from other passengers. If invited to someone’s home, beware of a scam in which you are invited to play a game of cards for a wager, since gambling is illegal outside casinos and the aim is to liberate the tourist of large sums of cash.
Cyclone season runs from May to November, affecting the east coast mainly, but violent storms can occur throughout the year. If you are visiting the Demilitarized Zone, unexploded ordnance is a 150,000-ton problem, according to U.S. estimates. Stick to well-traveled paths and resist the temptation to pick up any shiny objects. The U.S. State Department also advises caution when taking any trip by boat that lasts overnight, particularly around Ha Long Bay and Quang Ninh. Following a spate of sinkings, travelers are urged to check a tour operator’s safety record thoroughly.
Snorkelers should be on the lookout for sharks, box jellyfish, stonefish and sea snakes, among other hazards. If heading into jungle areas, expect the full gamut of hostile fauna, including 30 species of venomous snakes, spiders, ticks, leeches and mosquitoes. Wear long pants and rubber-soled boots if walking through national parks or rural areas. In terms of health, a standard battery of vaccinations before arriving should take care of most risks, but dengue is prevalent and outbreaks of avian flu are sporadic. AIDS, too, is a growing problem. The U.S. State Department reports outbreaks of rabies in the northern mountain provinces, both from dogs and monkeys. On a daily basis, drink only bottled water, without ice, and be cautious of food bought off the street.
