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Asia and Oceania
Vietnam |
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| Still current at: 25 November 2009
Updated: 05 November 2009 |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary, the Serious Crime section, the Local Travel (Motorbikes) section, the Entry Requirements and the Natural Disasters section (Tropical Storm Mirinae). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
Safety and security
There is a low threat from terrorism in Vietnam. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
Petty Crime and scams
Petty street crime is increasing in the larger cities (such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi) and tourist resorts. Nha Trang beach also sees an increase in bag snatching during the summer months. You should take sensible precautions. Do not walk in secluded locations alone, or with people you do not know. Petty crime is not confined to the backpacker district but also occurs in the main tourist shopping areas. Bag snatchers on motorbikes can also be a problem. You should avoid carrying handbags or wearing highly visible jewellery, especially necklaces, and expensive looking watches. When possible, leave passports and valuables in a hotel safe and only carry a photocopy of the data page of your passport. You should use taxis after dark to minimise the risk of robbery by cycle or motorbike drivers.
When travelling by bus or train, remain vigilant against petty theft. Always use licensed taxis or pre-arranged hotel pick-up when transferring from airports. Do not accept offers of free transfers to hotels, as these are likely to be bogus.
Serious Crime
Violent assaults against tourists have been reported on Cat Ba Island (close to Ha Long Bay) and in Nha Trang (Central Vietnam).
There is low reporting of sexual assaults but we still advice tourists to travel with friends and take the normal precautions.
There have also been some reports of arguments over hotel or restaurant bills turning from arguments to attacks quickly.
Drugs
You should be aware of spiked drinks, particularly late at night in the bars. You are advised not to leave food or drink unattended or to accept food or drink from strangers.
Illegal drugs are increasingly available in major cities. You should be aware that drugs are likely to have been tampered with/spiked, they are also much stronger and of a higher potency in Asia than in Europe and tourists have suffered fatal overdoses in the past. Also criminal charges may be brought against anyone buying/selling/carrying drugs. Punishments can be severe.
Reporting crime
Police in Vietnam do not always produce lost/stolen reports. If pushed, the police should open a case file and no fee should be charged for this service.
Please note that the level of interpretation available at police stations can vary up and down the country and you may wish to consider bring a friend/pay a personal interpreter to accompany you to the police station. The Embassy and Consulate can provide a list of interpreters upon request.
Reporting serious crime
Please also note that reporting a serious crime can lead to counter-claims by the other party and full investigations of both parties' accounts of events can take time. However, please report any serious crime to the Police and to the Embassy/Consulate.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.During the Monsoon season, which generally runs from October to February, heavy rains can result in flooding and landslides in some areas. It can sometimes take days for the water to recede completely, and transport links may become affected. Please check your travel arrangements prior to travel and expect some delays and difficulties moving around the country.
Unexploded mines and ordnance are a continuing hazard in former battlefields, particularly in central Vietnam and along the Laos Border. In 2008, there were a small number of incidents that have resulted in fatalities, in southern Vietnamese provinces neighbouring Ho Chi Minh City. You should not stray off main routes in rural areas and you should check with your tour operator before travelling to affected regions.
Travelling by Taxi
Taxis are a common mode of transport, but you should be vigilant and avoid using smaller unlicensed taxis.
Taxis are generally reliable, however, the meter should always be used and it is advisable to get the hotel/restaurant/bar to call you a taxi when you leave. There are many brands of taxi and the meters are set at different prices for the first km.
Taxis from Hanoi Airport should stick to the published set fee; those from HCMC should be registered and use the meter.
Motorbikes
Vietnam’s main mode of transport is the motorbike and everybody has one. However, the international driving licence does not cover Vietnam and a Vietnamese licence should be obtained. A helmet is a legal requirement.
There have been a number of road accidents involving British Nationals who have hired motorbikes. These can result in costly medical bills (as insurance usually does not cover it) and there have even been fatalities.
Before driving any vehicle you must obtain a Vietnamese driving licence from the Vietnamese Road Administration in Hanoi, (fax: +84 4 38571440) or, in Ho Chi Minh City, from the Department of Public Works and Transportation (tel: +84 8 3829 0451 or 0452, fax: +84 8 3829 0458).
Some parts of Vietnam are fairly inaccessible. In others, widespread road construction makes driving hazardous.
The standard of driving and vehicle maintenance is poor, including for public transport, and is the cause of many accidents and injuries. Pedestrians should take particular care crossing roads in major cities. Driving is erratic and sometimes dangerous.
There have been attacks against ships in the waters off Vietnam. Mariners are advised to be vigilant; reduce opportunities for attacks; establish secure areas onboard; and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities.
There are numerous coastline areas that have regular boat tours. Please check with your tour guide about the safety record and registration of boats before setting off and ensure you receive a full safety briefing when first joining any boat.
For more general information see River and Sea Safety.
Rail travel in Vietnam is generally safe (there was one serious accident in 2004). There are sometimes incidents of crime on trains and therefore you should remain vigilant.
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Contacts
Vietnam, Hanoi, British Embassy
Address:
Central Building
4th floor
31 Hai Ba Trung
Hanoi
Telephone:
(+84) (4) 3936 0500
Fax:
(+84) (4)3936 0561 (for Embassy in general)
Email: behanoi@hn.vnn.vn
Office hours:
Office hours, Monday-Friday:
08:30-12:30 / 13:30-16:30 (Local time)
01:30-05:30 / 06:30-09:30 (GMT)
Website: http://ukinvietnam.fco.gov.uk/
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