Is Vietnam safe to travel?
Content []
Is Vietnam safe to travel?
Is Vietnam Safe to Travel? Here's the Short Answer
Yes. Vietnam is considered one of the safest destinations in Southeast Asia, making it a popular choice for millions of international visitors each year. In fact, the U.S. Department of State currently places Vietnam at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, its lowest travel advisory level, meaning travelers can generally visit with standard safety awareness.
Vietnam also performs well in international safety rankings. The country ranks 38th out of 163 countries in the Global Peace Index, reflecting its relatively low levels of violence and political instability. Additionally, Vietnam was ranked 16th out of 44 countries in BHTP's Safest Countries Ranking 2024, further reinforcing its reputation as a safe destination for travelers.
Major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are generally regarded as safe for tourists, with strong scores for personal security, healthcare accessibility, and safety for female travelers. While petty theft and common tourist scams can occur, violent crime against visitors is rare. With a few sensible precautions, most travelers can explore Vietnam comfortably and confidently.
What Safety Risks Should Tourists Be Aware of in Vietnam?
Although Vietnam is a safe destination overall, it's still important to be aware of a few common risks that travelers may encounter. Most are easy to avoid with basic precautions and a little local awareness.
Petty Theft and Bag Snatching
The most common crime affecting tourists in Vietnam is petty theft, particularly in busy cities and popular tourist areas. Phone and bag snatching by thieves on motorbikes can happen, especially if you're using your phone near the roadside or carrying valuables loosely. Keep your belongings close, avoid displaying expensive items, and stay alert in crowded places.
Traffic Safety
Traffic can be one of the biggest challenges for first-time visitors. Roads in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are often busy, and traffic rules may not always be strictly followed. If you're unfamiliar with local driving conditions, it's best not to rent a motorbike. Instead, use reputable ride-hailing apps or licensed taxis for a safer and more convenient way to get around.
Health and Medical Care
Before your trip, pack any essential medications you may need and consider purchasing travel insurance that includes emergency medical coverage and evacuation. It's also wise to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and Zika virus by using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves when appropriate.
Weather and Natural Hazards
Vietnam's tropical climate means weather conditions can change quickly. The typhoon season typically runs from May to November, while heavy rains may cause flooding and landslides, especially from June to September in northern and southern Vietnam and from October to December in central Vietnam. Check local weather forecasts before traveling, stay hydrated in hot weather, and apply sunscreen regularly when exploring outdoors.
Following a few simple precautions can make your trip to Vietnam even safer and more enjoyable. Here are some practical Vietnam safety tips to keep in mind before and during your journey.
Keep Your Valuables Secure: Always keep an eye on your personal belongings, especially in crowded tourist attractions, markets, and public transportation. Carry your bag across your body, avoid displaying expensive items, and be cautious when using your phone near busy roads to reduce the risk of theft.
Respect Local Customs and Culture: Vietnamese people are generally warm and welcoming, and respecting local customs goes a long way. Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas, avoid excessive public displays of affection, and never photograph military sites or restricted government facilities.
Be Extra Careful on the Road: Traffic in Vietnam can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Unless you're experienced with local driving conditions, it's best to avoid renting a motorbike. Walking carefully, using designated crossings when available, and choosing trusted transportation services are much safer options.
Pack Essential Medications: If you take prescription medication, bring enough for your entire trip, as some medicines may not be readily available in Vietnam. A small travel first-aid kit with basic medications for common illnesses is also a smart addition to your luggage.
Use Trusted Transportation Services: To travel safely and avoid scams, use reputable ride-hailing apps such as Grab or Xanh SM, or book licensed taxis through your hotel or a trusted restaurant. These options are generally safer, more transparent, and more reliable than unlicensed drivers.
So, is Vietnam safe to travel? Absolutely. With its low crime rate, friendly locals, and well-developed tourism infrastructure, Vietnam is a safe and rewarding destination for most travelers. By following a few basic safety precautions and planning your trip with a trusted local expert like ACT Travel, you can explore the country with confidence and enjoy everything Vietnam has to offer.
Read this next
Travel Green for Earthday 2025
Quick Contact
Reviews from Customers
Please take a look at the following reviews from our customers
Mr Clarence- Travel President, Philippines
Vietnam | 01/14/2026
Luxury Golf Tour in Da Nang, 5days
Hi Jimy, We returned home safely today. I would like to say a special thanks to you and your team ACT TRAVEL. We really loved and satisfied with your pro services. We do love these golf courses in Da Nang. They were amazing and fantastic quality and view. We will come back here soon. I am looking foward to working together with you soon! Best regards, Mr Clarence- Travel President, Philippines
Mr. Jean Pie
United Kingdom | 10/13/2014
RAM Holidays from UK (Impressive of Vietnam 15 days)
Mr. Jean Pie – Tour Leader said “Thank you very much for doing such an excellent job on the tour. You went above and beyond for all of us and we really appreciate all your hard work. Thank you for your calm leadership through the “HAIYAN” storm, you really help us through it. Thanks to ACT Travel, we had a wonderful time and unforgettable memory”.
Mr. Navy Vang
Australia | 10/13/2014
Mandarin Group from Australia (Charming Vietnam 10 Days)
Mr. Navy Vang - Tour manager from Australia said: " Wow what a great vacation !. Thank you Mr Kelvin Pham so much. We are very grateful for everything you did for us and everything went very well. We’re safe and sound back home thinking about the joy we experienced. I've already decided that when I choose to travel again, I will go through your company. I also highly recommend ACT Travel Travel to any organization looking for a great agency. Kind regards
Mr. Ricardo - Program Manager
Brazil | 03/31/2014
DOMINGOS Group from Brazin (IMPRESSIVE VIETNAM 17 DAYS.)
Mr. Ricardo - Program Manager said “Dear Kelvin, Thanks you very much for your well arrangement. Thank you for the updated weather information. I have traveled a lot as a geography professor and dealt with many tour operators. You are one of the best tour operators who can take so much concern and care about customers. I must congratulate you on your good organization and care to minute points. Thanks for the mobile phone you provided to us and SIM cards you provide to all of us (29 cards, I know they are not cheap), it was an excellent convenience for us. It was a brilliant idea and we really appreciated knowing there was someone we could contact at any time should we need to. We love your welcome dinner at Binh Quoi village, where we enjoyed rich traditional southern Vietnamese cuisine with musical accompaniment provided by local folk musicians. We were very interested in the traditional Vietnamese wedding in Binh Quoi and we never forget the “Gong show” in Buon Me Thuot. Once again, thank you very much for great job”.
Ms. Barbara Betts
Australia | 10/13/2014
Orbiz Group from Australia (Discover Vietnam and Cambodia 15 Days)
Ms. Barbara Betts - Escorted guide from Australia said: " Dear Kelvin I want to take this opportunity to thanks you for providing us with superb guides in Vietnam and Cambodia. Well, Manh - tour guide in Vietnam is very professional and knowledegable and you can feel very safe in allowing him to guide your tours. The drivers you provided were also friendly, capable and they too did everything for the group to be happy Thanks you Kelvin so far for a fabulous tour.
Mr. Dany
Malaysia | 10/13/2014
Teachers Group From Malaysia ( Hanoi – Halong bay – Ninh Binh 6 Days )
Mr. Dany - Escorted guide from Malaysia said: " Hi Kelvin Pham, Thanks for arranging a great trip. I wanted to let you know how pleased we were with the itinerary and all the arrangements you organized. Everything worked extremely well and went exactly as planned. The guides were very knowledgable. My favorite site was cruising on the Halong bay. The hotels were great as they were located at the heart of city. We did enjoy eating at the local restaurants as arranged by ACT. The foods were sometimes unusual, but still tasty. I loved “Pho Hanoi“ very much and I would try to cook at my home… Thanks again
Mr. Ohad
Turkey | 10/13/2014
Istmaz Group from Turkey (Saigon - Mekong Delta - Cambodia - Angkor Wat 12 Days).
Mr. Ohad - The Tour Leader said: " On behalf of the entire group, I just wanted to thank both of you for all your help and outstanding execution in making our trip memorable! The entire group could not say enough great things about how well organized & smooth everything went. I really enjoyed Vietnam & Travel. Both tour guides were terrific and Angkor Wat was just amazing! All your arrangements worked out very smoothly and I consider the pilgrimage to be a great success ".
Mr. Steven
United Kingdom | 10/13/2014
Ponila Group from UK (Higlight of Vietnam 16 Days).
Mr. Steven - Escorted guide from UK said: Our trip to Vietnam was overall a positive one. We were very happy with the level of accommodation and quality of the food at all times. We love Hanoi but Ha Long Bay is certainly one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen; the old city in Hoi An has great potential becoming a world-class tourist attraction; and citadel in Hue embodies a great deal of historic signifance, we have a lot of photos in Hue. Cruising on Mekong Delta river was so interesting and Dalat highland was very romantic. Finally, please give our thanks to the tour guides Mrs Phuong, Mr Ky and the drivers who accompanied us throughout, always accommodating to the group's requests and last minute changes in itinerary. We won't forget you!
Mr. Barrick
United States | 10/13/2014
Global Alliane Group From USA (Discover Vietnam – Cambodia 10 Days)
Mr. Barrick - the Tour Leader said: " Dear ACT Team,This is to thank you, and all of those who organised and guided our visit to Vietnam & Cambodia, for a superb holiday. We had a trip of a life time. Everything we were promised happened and more. We brought back so many memories and stories. The restaurants were wonderful and the hotels were great. Mr Nguyen had such a lot of knowledge he shared with us, and had a great sense of humor. He even knew of some Cambodian slang words. The whole trip will be something we will always remember and share with our family and friends. Thanks for all your help in making it so enjoyable. We shall tell all our friends traveling to Indochina that they must use ACT Travel's services !! ".
Partner
ACT VIETNAM TRAVEL
No 3, Alley 25, Dich Vong Hau Str, Cau Giay Dist, Hanoi Capital, Vietnam
sales@vietnamtraveland.com - jimy@vietnamtraveland.com - vip@vietnamtraveland.com
License: 01-639/2015/CDLQGVN-GPLHQT
Company
Term of use
Payment Methods
