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Vietnam is deemed a generally safe area for travelers with a few risks common to traveling abroad. Some main concerns include petty crime, unsafe transportation and poor emergency care throughout the country. But precautions, like ridesharing, getting vaccinations and buying travel insurance, can go a long way in keeping you safe while traveling to this unique country.
Yes, Vietnam is considered a safe place to travel. The country holds a level 1 travel advisory from the US Department of State, which recommends standard precautions for traveling. However, Vietnam does see its fair share of petty crimes, such as theft, taxi or ATM scams, sexual harassment and even armed robberies.
Safety precautions to take in Vietnam:
Vietnam has experienced natural disasters such as typhoons, landslides and earthquakes. Extreme rain and flooding weaves into the country’s normal weather expectations — downpours happen often. If traveling during the rainy season from June through December, you might keep an eye on weather especially along the coast.
Watch out for food poisoning risks and unclean tap water.
Food-handling techniques in Vietnam may not rise to Western standards, and food poisoning is common. Hotel restaurants and mainstream grocery stores may offer the safest food, but you should take precautions even then.
A few tips when picking a restaurant:
No, the tap water in Vietnam is not safe to drink, so stick to bottled water with an intact seal. You can find bottled water in a variety of stores. You won’t need to bring your own supplies. To keep safe drinking water in Vietnam, follow these tips:
Yes, you could benefit from a number of vaccinations before leaving for Vietnam. First and foremost, you should keep up-to-date with routine vaccines. The CDC and your doctor can best advise you about other relevant illnesses you may come in contact with, including:
Travel insurance may not cover you if you don’t take the recommended medication for travel to Vietnam.
No, driving conditions in Vietnam don’t compare to the safe roads in the US. Traffic accidents often cause serious injuries to travelers, some requiring emergency evacuation. Drivers don’t follow road rules, travel at high speeds and show chaotic driving behavior with little regard for passengers or pedestrians.
If you do drive, the law requires a Vietnamese driver’s license for any vehicle. Vietnam does not recognize US licenses or international licenses. Avoid traveling by scooter or motorcycle. Large cars may not yield to these less-protected vehicles. You might also want adequate car insurance coverage for international driving.
You’ll need to stay cautious with most types of public transportation. Types of transportation you might find:
Pregnant women do face several risks involved with traveling to Vietnam. First, some recommended vaccines are avoided or considered unsafe for pregnancy, including the measles and Japanese encephalitis vaccines. Food poisoning, malaria, typhoid, hepatitis A or encephalitis could cause pregnancy complications.
You can find medical treatment for minor illnesses or injuries in hubs like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. But these facilities and others throughout the country may not meet Western standards. Serious situations may require you to evacuate to Bangkok or Singapore.
Consult your doctor before traveling abroad while pregnant. Also, you might check your travel insurance policy to see any exclusions like traveling after a certain time period or the costs of childbirth.
Yes, solo travelers can stay safe in Vietnam by taking normal precautions that other travelers take. You’ll see a beaten path through Vietnam for backpackers. You’ll also find a large expat community especially in the major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. For added safety, keep these precautions in mind to steer clear of harm:
Consider several types of travel coverage for risks you face in Vietnam:
While a fairly safe destination spot for your travels, Vietnam is known for its petty theft, food illnesses and sometimes substandard medical care. Consider travel coverage so you can focus on the rich culture of Vietnam and less on the safety risks of traveling there.
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