Vietnam is a beautiful place with some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. However, it also pays to be vigilant and to know what to expect. 

1. Short strap bags

Bag snatching isn’t as prevalent in Hanoi or regional areas as it is in Ho Chi Minh City, however, that’s not to say it won’t happen there. In general, we advise you wear a bag with a short strap that is easily accessible. Also, be a little bit more on guard depending on what time of the day it is.

2. Look left and right and then left again

Everyone knows the traffic in Vietnam is mental. However, sometimes you just can’t help thinking a motorbike will follow even the most basic of rules, such as driving the direction of the traffic. In larger cities, there are a lot of one-way streets so often you’ll see a motorbike (or three) that drive against the flow of the traffic. They won’t move out of the way either, you’ll just hear a honk. This presents an ideal situation to accidently clip you as you step out confidently to cross a one-way road.

3. Always ask permission before you take a photograph

We think this one is pretty self-explanatory and we ask you to imagine the situation flipped. Is it acceptable back home for someone to stand a metre away directly photographing you and your kids? We’re guessing not. Have some respect and ask or gesture for permission. Don’t be surprised in some areas if they ask for money too.

4. Avoid the cheap tours

Being a travel agency means we may seem biased in this regard but really, we’re just sticklers for great travel.  With super cheap tours, the phrase “you get what you pay for” is well earned. If it sounds too good to be true, it’s likely then that you will suffer the consequences later whether those be financial or physical. There are endless tales of over packed sleeper buses, speeding drivers, Halong Bay inclusions not delivered and all -round shocking safety precautions. Our advice; go with a reputable company and guide.

5. Always get a price

If you’re travelling in a taxi get an estimation of the price before you get in and make sure the metre is on. If you’ve got internet, it never hurts to chuck on Google Maps either just so you can get your bearings. An alternative is to use UBER or Grab. The app you use in your home country will work in Vietnam if you have an internet connection. UBER & Grab are a much more agreeable way to get around if you want a fair price. Cyclo riders in the Old Quarter are where you’re most likely to get scammed. Agree on a price beforehand but have the driver write it down. There have been numerous incidents where 50,000 VND ($2.20) have miraculously increased to 500,000 VND ($22.00) for a thirty-minute tour. Most travel agencies will include these on your day tours and thus payment will already be included.

6. Don’t get stuck on your “principles”

This may seem like a strange one but I’ve encountered numerous people who have put themselves in dangerous situations in order to save 10,000 VND which is equivalent to about $0.26 cents.  They’ve then proceeded to stand up on the soap box claiming “it’s the principle of the matter”. Choose your battles. If you’re requested to pay 10,000 VND when you thought parking was free, so be it. Don’t risk your wellbeing due to some misguided sense of what’s fair in the world.

7. Be wary of water sold in the street

 The water isn’t safe to drink in Vietnam due to it travelling through old pipes before it comes out of the tap. Whilst it is safe to shower and brush your teeth in, we recommend you buy bottled water. However, avoid buying water from vendors directly off the street. If you do, check the seal is tight and hasn’t been slipped on. It's safest to buy water from the corner store or a VinMart. 

8. If you want to blend in, don’t dress too provocatively.

As expected, both men and women should be wearing clothes that cover their shoulders and legs when visiting temples. Religious affiliations aside, like many other cultures (western or not) if you wear a low cut shirt or figure-hugging dress, you may receive some unwanted attention. This is not to remotely imply we think it’s deserved but from personal experience, it’s exasperating to deal with a cutting retort in a foreign country when you can’t gauge what a reaction will be. Reactions to how you dress will differ regionally however you will find the Vietnamese in larger cities more accepting.  

9. Be wary of your money

 Perhaps intentional (perhaps not) but 10,000 VND looks like 100,000 VND and 20,000 VND looks like 500,000 VND. Be sure to keep an eye out when handing over money in tourist hot spots as this is where you’re most likely to be scammed. You won’t have too much of an issue in the big cities outside of the night markets. In addition, although it may seem painstakingly obvious, refrain from exchanging money in the street. If you’ve got Euros or USD then swing by a Western Union and show them the exchange rate on XE.com. They’ll most likely exchange it at the exact rate and only take a nominal fee.

10. Try the street food

 Yes, you read correctly. This one isn’t a safety tip and no doubt is the opposite of what you’ve been told. But, if you’re coming to Vietnam and you’re not going to try the street food then you’re missing out on a large (and delicious) part of Vietnamese culture. You’ll see businessmen and women, old ladies, young boys -just about everyone sitting down on a plastic stool in the street and eating.  Vietnamese street food is such an important part of the experience. Ironically, tales we’ve heard of food poisoning is often when people stick to western food.