Political situation
Vietnam has a single party political system, which does not welcome dissent.
Local laws and customs
Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs can be severe. Anyone found in possession of even a small amount of drugs can face the death sentence.
Illegal drugs are increasingly available in major cities and are likely to have been tampered with or spiked. Drugs are much stronger and of a higher potency than in Europe and British tourists have suffered fatal overdoses in the past from very small amounts.
Crimes like sex offences or fraud can attract very long prison terms, or a death sentence. The Vietnamese legal system is not well developed and the standard of prisons is very poor. You could be prevented from leaving the country for an unlimited period without being charged.
There are restrictions on internet usage, which can affect access to social media websites.
Foreign visitors to Vietnam are generally not permitted to invite Vietnamese nationals into their hotel rooms.
Never take photographs near military installations.
When entering religious or cultural sites respect local customs and dress in appropriate clothing.
Illegal drugs are increasingly available in major cities and are likely to have been tampered with or spiked. Drugs are much stronger and of a higher potency than in Europe and British tourists have suffered fatal overdoses in the past from very small amounts.
Crimes like sex offences or fraud can attract very long prison terms, or a death sentence. The Vietnamese legal system is not well developed and the standard of prisons is very poor. You could be prevented from leaving the country for an unlimited period without being charged.
There are restrictions on internet usage, which can affect access to social media websites.
Foreign visitors to Vietnam are generally not permitted to invite Vietnamese nationals into their hotel rooms.
Never take photographs near military installations.
When entering religious or cultural sites respect local customs and dress in appropriate clothing.
Safety and security
Crime
Most visits to Vietnam are trouble free but you should take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Petty crime occurs in the backpacker districts and the main tourist shopping areas. Safeguard your valuables against pickpockets and avoid carrying handbags or wearing expensive jewellery or watches. Carry a photocopy of the pages from your passport with your personal details and visa for ID and leave the original document in a safe place.
Local travel
Travel is restricted near military installations and some areas of Vietnam are fairly inaccessible. Don’t stray off main routes in rural areas and check with your tour operator before setting off. There have been mountain climbing accidents in the north of Vietnam. Follow safety guidelines and procedures and make sure you are supervised by a reputable guide.
Road travel
You will need to get a Vietnamese driving licence to drive a car or motorcycle from the Hanoi Department of Public Works and Transportation (telephone:+84 4 3843 5325) or the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Public Works and Transportation (telephone: +84 8 3829 0451 or 0452). Don’t use your passport as a deposit for hiring vehicles or in place of a fine in the event of a traffic offence.
The standard of driving and vehicle maintenance is poor. There are frequent fatal crashes.
Traffic accidents tend to attract a large crowd. If you are involved in a traffic accident you could face criminal charges and you may need to pay compensation to the injured person even if the injuries are minor. If you are subject to an investigation, offer the police your full co-operation and inform the British Embassy or Consulate. There have been reports of traffic police seeking payments from motorists to compensate for traffic offences.
Riding a motorbike can be dangerous. There are fatal accidents daily. These can result in costly medical bills and you may not be covered by your insurance. It is illegal to be on a motorbike without a helmet. Helmet safety standards vary.
Larger metered taxis are generally reliable. There are many taxi operators and meters are set at different prices. The meter should start at around 8,000 to 20,000 VND. Where possible get hotels or restaurants to book you a reputable taxi.
There have been reports of overcharging for taxi journeys from airports. Check the published fare near the taxi stands before starting your journey.
Bus and coach crashes are not unusual. Vehicles are often poorly maintained. The risk of death or injury on the road increases if you travel at night. When travelling by bus be vigilant against petty theft. Don’t accept offers of free transfers to hotels, as these are likely to be bogus.
Rail travel in Vietnam is generally safe. Be vigilant against petty theft. There have been numerous reports of personal belongings being stolen while people are asleep on the Sapa to Hanoi train.
The standard of driving and vehicle maintenance is poor. There are frequent fatal crashes.
Traffic accidents tend to attract a large crowd. If you are involved in a traffic accident you could face criminal charges and you may need to pay compensation to the injured person even if the injuries are minor. If you are subject to an investigation, offer the police your full co-operation and inform the British Embassy or Consulate. There have been reports of traffic police seeking payments from motorists to compensate for traffic offences.
Riding a motorbike can be dangerous. There are fatal accidents daily. These can result in costly medical bills and you may not be covered by your insurance. It is illegal to be on a motorbike without a helmet. Helmet safety standards vary.
Larger metered taxis are generally reliable. There are many taxi operators and meters are set at different prices. The meter should start at around 8,000 to 20,000 VND. Where possible get hotels or restaurants to book you a reputable taxi.
There have been reports of overcharging for taxi journeys from airports. Check the published fare near the taxi stands before starting your journey.
Bus and coach crashes are not unusual. Vehicles are often poorly maintained. The risk of death or injury on the road increases if you travel at night. When travelling by bus be vigilant against petty theft. Don’t accept offers of free transfers to hotels, as these are likely to be bogus.
Rail travel in Vietnam is generally safe. Be vigilant against petty theft. There have been numerous reports of personal belongings being stolen while people are asleep on the Sapa to Hanoi train.
Rail Travel
Rail travel in Vietnam is generally safe. Be vigilant against petty theft. There have been numerous reports of personal belongings being stolen while people are asleep on the Sapa to Hanoi train.
Health
Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures.
Health care in the cities is adequate for minor injuries. More complicated treatment may require evacuation to another country. Healthcare in rural areas is extremely basic. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Complete the next of kin details in the back of your passport.
If you are taking prescription medication into Vietnam, carry it in your hand-luggage with a copy of the prescription. Some specific medicines can be hard to find in Vietnam and many medications on sale are counterfeit.
Be wary of wine without recognised brand names. In 2008, there were a number of deaths caused by fatal levels of methanol in rice wine.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 115 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Health care in the cities is adequate for minor injuries. More complicated treatment may require evacuation to another country. Healthcare in rural areas is extremely basic. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Complete the next of kin details in the back of your passport.
If you are taking prescription medication into Vietnam, carry it in your hand-luggage with a copy of the prescription. Some specific medicines can be hard to find in Vietnam and many medications on sale are counterfeit.
Be wary of wine without recognised brand names. In 2008, there were a number of deaths caused by fatal levels of methanol in rice wine.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 115 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.