Safety in Vietnam

fish323 wrote:

jotxo wrote:

In my opinion,  Vietnam is as safe or safer than any western country. This does not mean it's crime free. That does not exist, except, perhaps in Antártica. You still have to be careful with your belongings and don't do stupid things like walking alone at night.

So, Vietnam is a good place to relax and enjoy.

I cannot believe that comment was made by someone from Europe.  It is safe but not European safe, not by a long way. Definitely safer than most of the Americas.

I cannot believe you cannot believe my opinion is shaped by my geographic origin. I have had quite an experience in unsafe places and I can objectively certify that Vietnam is a safe place.

See if I were to say something like this, I'd be called a Commy by my friends. lol

Shelam8111 wrote:

See if I were to say something like this, I'd be called a Commy by my friends. lol

Maybe the Commie needs new friends?

This thread is getting more than a little political. Perhaps a step back would be good.

The subject of this thread is safety in Vietnam.
Can we please keep posts on subject.

Thank you.

Dr. G wrote:

This is not at all about comparing one place to another

To a level, it can be.

I feel safer in place A, than I do in place B.
That's a valid comment from an expat who has experience of both.

Trying to score political points on a highly contentious issue is not, as it's almost guaranteed to cause an argument - as we saw.

I second Fred and Stumpy; this thread is dedicated to safety in Vietnam. Can we please concentrate on this topic ?

What happens in other countries should be discussed on other countries' forums.

Thanks

Agree with the OP. Yeah, Vietnam is a "SAFE" country, that's why we are here. Otherwise we will escape already 
All country has it's merits and demerits. If we adjust with some minute problems, then it will be fine to live.

I think it's good for others to speak their minds and talk about those concerns. There are a lot cultural differences and norms for that matter that people should express: particularly concerns for wanting to enjoy themselves in said new culture. I mentioned my friends and the way they think just as an example of the way that others that have not and refuse to leave their homeland show their ignorance about a different place.
With blogging like this, it provides a little insight about what's going on here.
Like the one guy said, "it is just as safe if not safer to go to Vietnam than just hiding away at home behind their TVs while others are out here living life to the fullest.

So in fact; it's not the Vietnam is any less safe; it's just that others need to find for themselves and not just bash it; that doesn't prove anything.

The immediate  physical dangers here are the roads.  The petty theft is a problem , but that's common in poor countries.     I read all the media here and there are some gruesome murders here mainly between  Vietnamese.   Recently here a family of six had their throats cut .  Often dog thieves get beaten to death.   An Indian mine manager recently was hacked to death also.  That was for theft of gold jewellery he was wearing apparently.

If you walk around with a few thousand dollars worth of gold hanging around your neck sooner or later a desperate local will take it.   These people gamble, borrow money etc...and if they don't pay they are flogged by thugs.    So if a tourist walks past "dripping " in gold .......look out.

Why do you think they always look at your shoes and your watch.  They are profiling you.  Nice watch, nice shoes.......maybe some big cash money in the pockets.     Desperate people do desperate things.  They prostitute their own wives and daughters for money......so grabbing a handbag of a tourist is just a reflex action for some of them.

Again, that's common in a lot of poor countries.

For me , the most disappointing thing about Vietnam is that most people only approach you if they want something.   Personal trust is rare here and a lot of expats and tourists see that as a safety concern also.

On the whole, I enjoy the lifestyle here in Nha Trang.  I "cherry pick" the good stuff &  I keep away from the crap.   Pretty simple really, and when you can live here very well on 10% of your foreign income those petty little "sneak thieves" are not a problem.

Hi,
I love your comments!! I am American from NY and I would like to talk to you about your experienced in Vietnam. I am visiting HCHC this months and I need some advice!

Best wishes!

Alex

Some pretty obvious flaws sir.. Il point out a couple..
Guns don't kill the people.. The people with the guns kill people.
Sort of ironic that you can get by more less comfortably there... The Vietnamese can't get by on their's, they don't have it or anything like it.. Their government rips them off all their life too.
Safe there?  I know and see on the clips and read it in VN publications and text from citizens:  people get mugged in the streets all the time.. But oh yes, they have a prostration for not harming their victims if they just quietly hand over their valuables like good little victims.
I'm 66 years old and have never been robbed yet in the U.S.. And yes I know it can happen.. I could go on and on, but why bother..

Dear Friends of the world ,

I am glad and happy to be living most of my past 4 years in Vietnam namely Ben Tre City
and in HCM city as well .
Stay out off troubles and you will be quite safe moving around .
take care of your belongings and do not leave them unattended even for a few seconds
that is how fast thieves work .
Avoid streets at late nights and early dawn ...
Smile , respects others and be happy and safe ....

CH LIM

daveinvietnam wrote:

Odd this subject should come up now, been living in Nha Trang 10 years and up until last week never had a single problem myself. Of course I have heard of problems and a very common one here is girls targeting single men and robbing them, usually this is as they walk home the worse for drink between midnight and 5am, the girls are always in pairs and sometimes even doubling so 4 will go at one guy,hard to estimate how many men are robbed each night but it has to be quite a few.

Anyway last week with the intense heat here I could not sleep so at 4am decided to go for a walk [normally an early to bed and early to rise guy and keep myself to myself], I was cutting through a small street towards the beach and the next thing I know bike pulls up the girl on the back is of and she is all over me, as I pushed her away I felt my wallet being lifted and then did not hesitate, I just rammed my fist straight into her face, I walked over to pick up my wallet as she was lying on the floor and would have left it at that, problem was her partner was on the phone no doubt calling for help back up or whatever, so I punched her in the face as well took the phone and smashed it into the ground, I then took there bike driving it to Tran Phu St [the main st by the beach] leaving it there with the keys in and continued my walk.

Not for one moment do I feel the slightest bit of guilt for punching those girls smashing there phone and stealing there bike, they are just vermin and need to be treated as such, I just hope and pray they where in a lot of pain never got there bike back and so will think twice about robbing some poor bloke next time.

Hilarious.....thanks for sharing the graphic details......JK.

The question of safety in Vietnam needs to be broken down a little in my opinion:

- Driving: the streets are generally NOT SAFE for foreigners whether driving or walking.
- Food: Vietnam is generally NOT SAFE for food and has high levels of chemicals/antibiotics & pesticide residue
- Walking at night: Vietnam IS SAFE. Have not had a problem in 2+ years
- Consumer Safety: Vietnam is NOT SAFE due to counterfeit trade in fake electrical, food and pharmaceutical products
- Contracts etc.: Vietnam is NOT SAFE and foreigners need to be careful with contracts and business ventures
- Corruption/bribery: Vietnam is NOT SAFE and foreigners could end up in jail for bribery so don't start as a rule
- Business Ethics: Vietnam is NOT SAFE. Foreign firm had customer list/supplier list/cost/price lists copied by admin. who started a competing business and called customers with 10-20% price reduction.
- Healthcare: Vietnam is NOT SAFE in comparison for foreigners. Although my son was born here just fine but quality/cleanliness in hospitals and clinics is very low.
- Dentistry: Vietnam is NOT SAFE. A licence can be bought/shared so be careful.
- Drivers (contract): Vietnam is NOT SAFE and has some poor contract drivers. One offered to get me a scooter license

I'm sure others may be triggered by this list. Despite the above, I love living here, love the people and have a son born here to a local. At 53 I plan to make it my home and retire here. BTW: I did see a beach vendor in Nha Trang playing John Wayne with a side arm last year and also people from 2 boats docked in HCMC at the tourist area fight with machete's.

Cheers.
(ex military & ex-cop)

HI new guy here, but I have lived and worked around Asia for the past 50 years so I have a bit of experience in several countries including a stint in Saigon from 1965 till 1974.

Common sense goes a long ways towards safety IMO, and that applies to ALL countries, but to keep on topic I lived and enjoyed my self in Saigon during a very disturbed period but common sense kept me from any serious problems, except for twice when I ignored common sense and got into trouble.

First off we are foreigners here no matter how long we have stayed and that implies that:
a) We may not be around for a long time
and
b) We may not be very familiar with the customs and the country
and
c) We probably have a lot more cash and valuables on hand than local folks
IMO this is a signal to that tiny part of the population who live outside the law that we are better targets than local folks, so it's on us us to take extra care.
Leave the gold chains, jewelry and Rolex's some where safe when you are out on the town, and remember that there are some places you do not want to go no matter how many black belts you have.

'nuff said by me...

It's probably safer than Australia from violent attacks

Owee wrote:

Very safe outside tourist areas. I live in Nha Trang and 90% of all trouble is in a 4 square block area.... the same is true for Saigon. Mostly petty theft. Real Vietnam shuts down by 10 pm so all the bad eggs head to the Sailing club and other venues where there are drunk foreigners with money. In 18 years the only thing that has ever happened to me was a ladyboy pickpocket team in the tourist area in Saigon and my drink getting drugged with a sleep agent at sailing club Nha Trang. Try experiencing Vietnam a few blocks away from all the noise, drunks, and tourist bars and you will probably never experience crime.

Sounds like good old fashioned common sense to me Owee...

Professor

In your comments... I agree that Vietnam seems safer than America and the cost of living is affordable. But i have to disagree with you regarding your comment that guns kill people. I have never seen a gun on trial for murder. It's people who kill people. Knives are a common weapon in Vietnam so according to your theory in Vietnam knives kill people. As a lecturer and book writer maybe you should investigate your facts more thoroughly.

Maybe I've missed something and so. if you could cite a case where a gun has been on trial and convictions, please let me know, so i can change my understanding.

And back on the Subject. I feel safe in Vietnam. I think our attitude, discretion, and carefulness is required where ever one goes. Walking in lit areas at night is best, not exposing items that can attract thieves and so on is always  a preventative measure.

Thieves,  robbers, murders exist everwhere. Every city televises its news and the news is never good.

I will say this. I do feel safe in Vietnam and in America, in Japan, in China, in South Korea in Mexico and all the other countries I've been in. I believe my attitude and my comfort zone has helped me stay within boudaries ...

I feel safer from violent crime in HCMC than in U.S. cities for the most part.  I feel less safe with regards to traffic.

Someone mentioned earlier in this thread they knew of a man who died when motorbike thieves snatched his passenger's purse near the McDonalds circle on Dien Bien Phu.  I was robbed in the same manner in the same place.  It happened just past the McDonalds circle headed towards D2.  Neither of us died but I couldn't walk for about a month afterwards.  This was a year ago.  I learned from this and don't think about it anymore.  Politics aside, I haven't encountered thieves in HCMC carrying guns, and it doesn't seem to be  a problem here.

I recommend keeping bags, purses, or anything you think someone might want to snatch inside the seat of your bike, or at least tucked away in between yourself and your passenger rather than hanging off your shoulder or your back.   If you need to use a phone anyplace near motorbikes, for example to look at a map, guard it with your body, wrap your hand around it tightly, and keep an eye out.  It can happen in any part of the city, even right outside your house, whether you are Vietnamese or a foreigner.  Be cautious and you will probably be fine.  The same applies to walking.  If someone does take something and you can afford it, the safest option would probably be to let it go and move on.

Traffic can be dangerous.  Be aware when you drive.  Drive in a straight line on your bike.  Look forward, but also check your mirrors and turn your head if you need to shift out of your lane.  Shift left or right gradually.  If your mirrors don't extend far enough out to the side to see behind you, you can easily buy longer mirrors and have them installed for about $5 an any roadside mirror vendor.  Check behind for buses/trucks/threats and put space between yourself and them.  For example, if a bus is coming on your left, move far enough to the right so that if another bike clips you and you fall left your head won't end up under the wheels of the bus.  As with anyplace in the world, there will be drunk and reckless people on the road.  Move to the side and let them pass.  Steer clear of buses, cars, SUVs, and trucks, particularly buses and trucks.  It would probably be a good idea to ride dutch or observe traffic for weeks or months before riding a bike yourself.  There are patterns and unwritten rules that you will find as you practice.

Don't drink tap water without boiling it.  If you are worried, you could stick to peeled fruits and vegetables, bottled water, and things that are cooked at high temperatures.  I don't worry much about it other than not drinking tap water or eating at places that give me a bad vibe.  The worst illness I've gotten from food was from a nice little suburban Italian restaurant in the U.S.  It can happen anywhere.

Some posters mentioned the police.  If you pay a 200,000 dong fine you can probably go on your way.  The last time I was stopped by traffic police in the U.S., I paid about the equivalent of 6,000,000 dong.  That single shakedown in the U.S. could pay for a lifetime of traffic stops in HCMC.  The police tend to leave the streets after around 9-10PM in HCMC.  Traffic empties out by 11-12.  This time of night may be less safe with regards to theft, or less safe if you are a woman/elderly and you think you might be seen as a target.  Also, really really drunk people on the road might be more commonplace by this time of night.  I've met many Vietnamese women who prefer not to drive home alone after 11-12 or so.  Just something to keep in mind and a matter of personal preference.

You can follow all this advice and still have bad luck, get sick, get robbed, get shot, or get crushed under a bus and die a horrible death.  If you are careful, you will reduce the risk.

Physically I feel incredibly safe in Saigon.  I've only lived in these parts for almost 4 months, but I have experienced any abuse to myself or my girlfriend.  The only thing I am tired of is the petty crime that occurs so often.  I understand the notion of "where there is poverty there is crime," but come on - not like this. 

In the first month I had my wallet pickpocket.  There wasn't much money in there to make a difference, but instead they took a wallet full of plastic (credit cards, bank cards, etc.) that were immediately deactivated.  Not too much longer my helmet and rain poncho were stolen off my bike while they were drying on top like many VN do.  Just recently I had my mobile stolen and so had to buy a newer one.  All of these incidents are more annoyances than life changing events.  I've had to spend a useless amount of money replacing these things, so now I'm a bit weary for anything I have on my person. 

Other than the thievery, I love this place.  I feel safe at night when walking around.  I have had a few moto accidents and have experienced fairness when discussing who was at fault (50/50 it was me).  I do plan on living here for at least 2 years working for an international school.  The fact that I haven't packed up and headed for America shows I feel comfortable with my surroundings. 

The people are genuinely nice and willing to help you if you're lost.  I've made friends with a few family owned street food vendors because I enjoy their cooking and the atmosphere.  All-in-all, it's a great place to live, the culture is still prominent, and the weather is always pleasing (even when it rains).  As long as you're careful with your things and lock up whatever important materials you have, everything should be fine.  I was careless when I first arrived, but I have always been someone who learns the hard way.

Dr    My name is steve and im thinking of coming to Vietnam to live fulltime.Im from boston and lived in Thailand for 5 years Im retired and my ss is 2000 a month would that be enough to have a simple life by the beach for me.I don't know any one but am a little knowledgeable of some of the customs.I would like some info on how to get money transferred and living expensives. Thank you for your time   sincerely    Steve Palmer     spalm51@yahoo.com

bigdaddy51 wrote:

Dr    My name is steve and im thinking of coming to Vietnam to live fulltime.Im from boston and lived in Thailand for 5 years Im retired and my ss is 2000 a month would that be enough to have a simple life by the beach for me.I don't know any one but am a little knowledgeable of some of the customs.I would like some info on how to get money transferred and living expensives. Thank you for your time   sincerely    Steve Palmer     spalm51@yahoo.com

Steve - there are other posts dealing with that topic. Cheers.

Whos_your_Addy wrote:

Physically I feel incredibly safe in Saigon.  I've only lived in these parts for almost 4 months, but I have experienced any abuse to myself or my girlfriend.  The only thing I am tired of is the petty crime that occurs so often.  I understand the notion of "where there is poverty there is crime," but come on - not like this. 

In the first month I had my wallet pickpocket.  There wasn't much money in there to make a difference, but instead they took a wallet full of plastic (credit cards, bank cards, etc.) that were immediately deactivated.  Not too much longer my helmet and rain poncho were stolen off my bike while they were drying on top like many VN do.  Just recently I had my mobile stolen and so had to buy a newer one.  All of these incidents are more annoyances than life changing events.  I've had to spend a useless amount of money replacing these things, so now I'm a bit weary for anything I have on my person. 

Other than the thievery, I love this place.  I feel safe at night when walking around.  I have had a few moto accidents and have experienced fairness when discussing who was at fault (50/50 it was me).  I do plan on living here for at least 2 years working for an international school.  The fact that I haven't packed up and headed for America shows I feel comfortable with my surroundings. 

The people are genuinely nice and willing to help you if you're lost.  I've made friends with a few family owned street food vendors because I enjoy their cooking and the atmosphere.  All-in-all, it's a great place to live, the culture is still prominent, and the weather is always pleasing (even when it rains).  As long as you're careful with your things and lock up whatever important materials you have, everything should be fine.  I was careless when I first arrived, but I have always been someone who learns the hard way.

Wow...what a welcoming. That's a lot for 4 months.....Wondering if you reported all thefts to Police and what kind of response you received?

cheers.

Steve...I came over here on $1200 a month over 12 years ago.  if you live right...you can have an enjoyable time and still save.  Social Security has kicked in since then and now that is almost doubled.  There are a lot of places you can survive and actually enjoy with that 2 grand.  I've lived from Hanoi to HCMC and all in between.  I now call Da Nang my home...near the beach, great weather and fairly good people.  You will hear horror stories from anywhere...if you are alert and confident; most likely you will be left alone. 
Everything is ATM'd.  Then I punch in the numbers and it works like a slot machine.  I lived in HCMC, District 12 in a Western Apartment for under and at $400 a month, furnished. Utilities ran about $50.00 or less.  Depends on your electric bill and the A/C you use.  Eating...that would be your call.  I purchase and eat mostly Western and it runs me about $200.00 a month.  Same food, just I cook it a bit different than they do. You can usually find a clean and safe hotel for about $250 to $300 (5 to 6 million Vietnamese Dong) per month.  I lived in a hotel here in Da Nang for a year at $238.00 a month, right on the river and beautiful view.   Decent houses for about the same price if you look around...
If you plan on working...get a police report that says you are not 'criminal'.  Get as many documents certified with stamp...if you plan on teaching and have certs get them verified by the Vietnamese Consulate in the US.  It will same some time.  If not, just make sure they are the original and stamped as such with copies.  They love 'copies' over here...
Your Visa...that is a mess to most who have not been here before.  Visa on arrival if flying into HCMC can be done by most travel agents.  It may cost you a bit more at first...Try for a three month...get your feet wet and yourself organized...find some place to work...get a contract, have them do a work permit for you and receive a proper visa or temporary residence card.

Hope this helps.  Good luck.

This is an absolutely wonderful thread. I have already spent two years in Vietnam but was able to learn a lot by reading through the posts. To sum it all up it appears that with respect to violent crime Vietnam is considered to be safe. In every other respect, especially traffic related issues, it is not safe. Yes, that is basically how I see it. For me, as a non smoker and light drinker the greatest risks, here are being on a motorcycle in Nha Trang traffic and age -- 68 years. The thought of being treated in an emergency in a regular Vietnamese hospital is a scary prospect but Vietnam is such a wonderful place to live that I just have to accept it. Absolute safety is an unobtainable dream and I am happy to trade off safety for a more interesting life.

Nice post Ron

In the short amount of time ( compared to others ) I have never felt intimidated or fearful for my safety, never had anything stolen but then I don't go showing off my bling, in understanding Vietnam is generally a poor country I try not to cause envy and desire. not too sure about the underlying crime, weather it is not reported ( freedom of press) or it just does not occur. Maybe the culture has something to do with respect, this is from the Western Australian news paper, they do tend to report the sensational ( a way of making money )https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/  so the question is Do you feel safer in Vietnam than the west ? YES

Hi I live in Da Nang and have no problems with safety day or night. I find the people friendly and polite , my only hassle is they all want to talk to you and learn English.

David

Vietnam is as safe as you make it. Petty crimes can happen everywhere. Expecting others to keep you safe is not realistic. People need to practice situational awareness. Be aware of the people around you. Identify potentual situations and avoid them. Always have a plan. Be polite, be respectful and be prepared for flight or fight.

ancientpathos wrote:

Vietnam is as safe as you make it. Petty crimes can happen everywhere. Expecting others to keep you safe is not realistic. People need to practice situational awareness. Be aware of the people around you. Identify potentual situations and avoid them. Always have a plan. Be polite, be respectful and be prepared for flight or fight.

I think the situation awareness you speak of is important, I happened to notice a lot of Vietnam girls now carry the smaller handbags rather than the shoulder bags and my friend was saying it has little to with fashion but just safer from motorbike bag snatchers. Same with mobile phones, very rarely will you see them leave them lying on a table in a coffee shop bar restaurant etc and never will they leave to go toilet or while they wander off.

As a western male in my 30's not had too much trouble. I've done stupid things like riding home from Pham Ngu Lao to Tan Phu at 3am in the morning... the locals all say it's bad for night criminals who target solo riders. I see others have mentioned this. But I just ride fast and straight, never been knocked (touch wood).

Been pick pocketed. Wise to that now.

Only issues other than health have been:
- once at the former Australian Task Force Base (Nui Dat) when a local kid worked out I'm an Australian, he took to my throat with ferocity. Faced with the choice of destroying him (he was slight) or beating a tactical response I bided my time in his grip joking with him in Viet. His face never let up, but his hands did and I left.
- once when riding through Binh Thuan i'd been out on a back highway so long it was that old feeling of, oh yeah i need to slow down thru this tiny little hamlet. Just as the thought crossed my mind a bike came out in front of me and I narrowly avoided an accident. A few km down the highway they came up on me from behind and the pillion tried to kick my bike over. Kept it upright but only just.

Won;t go into the myriad of other road incidents caused by others but ride safe and stay upright. Be mindful in sensitive former military areas, although 80% of the people welcome you with a smile there are still those who are scarred by their losses in the past.

Just my opinion.

Hi,
My name is Alex. Could you tell more about your area? Cost of living, hospital services, local malls, international schools, ... Etc.
Thanks!

Alex

WEHVE NOT MOVED THERE YET AND HAVE THE SAME QUESTIONS.  LOVE TO HEAR SOME FEEDBACK

Alex2020 wrote:

Hi,
My name is Alex. Could you tell more about your area? Cost of living, hospital services, local malls, international schools, ... Etc.
Thanks!

Alex

there are other posts dealing with that topic.

Alex2020 wrote:

Hi,
My name is Alex. Could you tell more about your area? Cost of living, hospital services, local malls, international schools, ... Etc.
Thanks!

Alex

 

Please open a new thread or read through the topics listed in the forum categories, upper right hand side of this page,

bernajean wrote:

WEHVE NOT MOVED THERE YET AND HAVE THE SAME QUESTIONS.  LOVE TO HEAR SOME FEEDBACK

Welcome to the forum....  

Could you please lower your caps lock when posting please as it is considered rude and the same as shouting at someone.
Thank you for your understanding

I like your name!! 

How safe are you in Vietnam is an interesting question and can be split in a few ways, on the roads violent crime and petty crime.

On the roads driving and even as a pedestrian the answer has to be very unsafe, there is so much documented about it and the accident and death rate is very very high, over 20 thousand a year dead.
In Nha Trang alone it can be 10+ a week with a rising number of infants [age 1 to 3] because of these baskets attached to the front of motorbikes, and of course thats just death, the amount of serious injury I dont dare to even guess, my friends sister works in the main hospital here and says it heartbreaking to see the same thing day after day, little kids who will be deformed and crippled for life, truly horrifying.

Violent crime, very safe, certainly in Nha Trang, there does seem to be an increase in HCMC where Crystal Meth is increasing but still far safer than most major cities in the world.

Petty crime in Nha Trang, absolutely awful, the answer given by many that petty crime happens everywhere is a kop out, it certainly does not happen know where near on the scale it happens here, sit with 10 people here and ask have they been a victim of crime in the last 12 months and see what answer you get, often near every one of them will have, either been burgled bag snatched necklace ripped of mobile or bike gone pick pocketed or cheated etc, its just endemic and a huge problem. People really need to take so much extra care than they would in there home cities, basically here you  are on your own, the police presence to deal with petty crime is so small to be not much better than useless and you will receive very little help from the Vietnamese, most of them are frightened of there own shadow and live in fear themselves of reprisals from speaking out.