DANGERS + WARNINGS IN VIETNAM ☀️

6 min readNov 8, 2015

SAFETY IN VIETNAM

Vietnam belong to the one of the safest countries in Asia. Personally, I feel safer here than elsewhere in Europe. But it is necessary to watch out, some risk are also here as in any other country. It is mostly petty crime - theft. Keep in mind, with the cops it is not possible to communicate in English and they are corrupt. The security situation in Vietnam is currently under control.

Move across Vietnam can freely anywhere, but some areas, such as entrances to military zones are prohibited. Some military buildings is also prohibited to photograph. Into the some remote villages of the of ethnic minorities in the mountains you need to go with a quide.

Ha Giang province - You need to buy a permit, but this applies only for locations 3km from the Chinese border. Permit can be purchased at the Immigration office in Ha Giang or a police station in Meo Vac. Some hotels in Meo Vac sell these permits.

THE MOST IMPORTANT RULES:

• watch your stuff, do not show to much your electronics (cameras, cellphones …)
• do not leave valuables and money at the hotel or use the safe
• when paying by credit card, keep the card and the terminal on the eyes
• attention to the taxi drivers, watch out for the taximeter (average price per one kilometer from 10–15 000 Dong)
• do not talk to people about political issues
• avoid unlit streets at night
• when you move to a village of ethnic inhabitants, keep the etiquette behavior
• do not use drugs
• try to avoid any conflict (accidents, fights …)

WHAT TO WATCH IN HANOI, SCAMS IN HANOI:

As the capital city of Hanoi is huge with more than 6 million inhabitants, it occurs here too petty crime and tricks for tourists. So be very careful. Whe you have some problems you can contact tourist police in Hanoi, where you can report any fraud, theft, robbery or any other trick and scams. The telephone number for the tourist police in Hanoi is 04–3771085 or 04–38525252.

• watch your belongings - do not to expose your cameras and other electronics, somebody can steel this for example from motorbike drivers
• beware of taxi driver - the meter is important, keep small bills, taxis recommended: Mai Linh or Taxi Group
• differences in the prices in the restaurants for foreigners
• someone offers you drugs in the club - do not take it, you do not know what it could be (also in the street)
• be very careful when moving in the street - traffic chaos
• copying shops and travel agencies - hotels and tourist agencies under the same name
• if you are for the first time in the hotel - check the contents in the fridge (they could pay for it)
• someone will offer you repair or cleaning shoes in the street - after the process they want money (eg. $ 30)
• lady in the street with fruit in baskets on her shoulders - they want to pay for rent the basket (eg. $ 10)
• do not buy bus and train tickets outside the station - traffickers with false tickets
• rental or purchase of motorbikes - check carefully a motorbike and try test drive

The Sinh Tourist - a certified travel agency in Hanoi

If you want to buy some trips or bus or train tickets, you can use a certified travel agency - The Sinh Tourist (Sinh Cafe). The agency has offices in major cities of Vietnam and also 2 branch offices in Hanoi. Beware! There are several photocopied branches of this agency with the same or similar name in Hanoi. The exact address of the agency is: 52 Luong Ngoc Quyen St., Hoan Kiem District (office 1) or 64 Tran Nhat Duat St. (office 2). Branch offices in Hanoi are indicated on the map in the article about Hanoi. Or have a look here. Website: www.thesinhtourist.vn

What to do in case of lost or stolen passport?

If your travel documents are stolen or you lose it, you need to contact police and then go to your embassy in Hanoi. It is recommended for the first time to call your embassy.

YOU MUST BRING:
- 2 color photographs with dimensions of 3,5 x 4,5 cm
- police report on the event issued by Vietnam police
- a copy of a lost / stolen passport (if you have one)
- money for payment the fee according to the current exchange rate

TRAFFIC AND MOVEMENT IN VIETNAM

Traffic in Vietnam is not very safe, but it is quite a coincidence to see an accident. Traffic in Vietnam is well organized bedlam. Drivers do not respect the rules and drive everywhere where it goes and where some gap is. In Hanoi is an enormous concentration of motorbikes, the government supports transportation on a motorcycle. For more information about the transport and traffic in Vietnam go to this section.

• drive slowly on a motorcycle, some roads are unpredictable
• do not lend a motorcycle if you are not a good driver
• roads are not in good condition, especially in mountain areas
• when crossing roads in Hanoi, be careful, nobody stops
• dont stop when you are walking across the road
• You can walk across the road with the Viet people and keep up with them
• stronger and bigger vehicle on the road has priority
• bus drivers usually drive like maniacs

HOW TO BEHAVE IN A VILLAGE WITH ETHNIC INHABITANTS

• do not use drugs - the use or sale of drugs in Vietnam is illegal
• do not touch the sacred objects
• dress appropriately (long pants, dresses…)
• do not drink alcohol in the village and do not be noisy (you can drink the rice wine in their presence)
• it is not recommended to kiss in the village
• be careful when taking pictures (especially the older people and children, ask for permission and then show the finished photo)
• to the house you can go in only when you are invited (you can also bring a small gift - for example fruit and balloons for children)
• do not put your money and sweets to young children (give only small items, toys for the children)
• like appreciation of hospitality you can buy a handmade object
• if you are invited for lunch or a homestay accomodation - of course pay your money