Stay safe in Vietnam by keeping your passport and travel visa with you at all times. As a Westerner, you will draw a lot of attention to yourself by roaming through city streets or on the roads between villages, and possibly attract the attention of law enforcement officials. Never leave your hotel room without these documents, even if you're just strolling down to the lobby to make travel arrangements.
Get all of your vaccinations before you leave home in order to stay safe in Vietnam. You will need vaccinations for typhoid, yellow fever and all types of hepatitis at the very least, and you should ask your doctor for a plentiful supply of malaria tablets if you're going to be traveling through rural areas. Check with the TDS website for the latest information on required vaccinations before you go to Vietnam (see Resources below).
Keep all of your personal belongings and money well protected while you are in Vietnam. Pickpockets are quite common in the city streets and thieves frequent the tourist motels. As an outsider you will be easily identified and targeted. Observe the old tourists' adage that if something is too valuable to lose, keep it safe at home.
Be friendly with all of the Vietnamese citizens, and show them the proper amount of respect. In general, the Vietnamese are very excited and curious to have Americans among them, and they may crowd you in an effort to talk to you, shake your hand or just be in your presence. Keep smiling, nod graciously and avoid showing any signs of anger or aggression when you are out in public.
Stick to public forms of transportation such as trains and buses while you stay in Vietnam. Traffic accidents are very common in the cities, and most casualties occur among those using rickshaws, motorbikes and bicycles. Never accept a ride from a private car or taxi unless the vehicle contains seat belts.
