Vietnam Safety: Crime

Full Vietnam Travel Guide »    Vietnam Interactive Map »    Print This Article »

Vietnam is very keen on bolstering foreign tourism: with severe punishments for crimes against tourists, violent crime against foreigners is rare. Nevertheless be alert in the big cities, especially Ho Chi Minh City, where teams on motorbikes drive by their victims to snatch bags, cameras, mobile phones, jewelry, etc. Carry bags on the side away from the street, use money belts, and let the hotel reception keep your valuables. As is often said by the locals they won't kill you but they will take all your money.

Also infamously common are thefts on popular beaches, like in the case of Nha Trang, where tourists get into the water for a swim to find out their day bag is gone when they're back to the beach. Never leave your bag unguarded on beaches, and keep your eyes on it.

Vietnam Photos

• Ban Na Luc, in Tinh Son La