Is it Safe to Travel Vietnam in 2023 - 2024 ?

Amidst the allure of Vietnam in Southeast Asia, one question arises: Is it safe to travel to Vietnam? You may know about Vietnam through the vivid image of stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritages, but you still wonder if it is dangerous to travel to Vietnam and what the situation is like in this country. Let us assure you that Vietnam offers an exhilarating and secure experience for travellers from all walks of life. From bustling city streets to serene rural landscapes, Vietnam generally embraces visitors with open arms, making it a safe and welcoming destination. However, any foreign country has its own downsides to watch out for. So let's find out about some cautions and see the final answer for your questions before packing your bags and booking your grand Vietnam tour.

Food safety and hygiene level

Vietnam is renowned for its vibrant street food culture. While street food can be delicious, there have been concerns about the hygiene practices in some street food stalls. It is essential for travellers to choose vendors carefully, opting for places with high customer turnover and visible hygienic practices.

If you hesitate about trying Vietnamese street food, there are many restaurants and hotels in major cities that maintain good hygiene standards. The establishments catering to international tourists are generally more vigilant about food safety practices.

In some remote areas and local markets, food processing and handling practices may not always meet the desired hygiene standards. This is another reason why it's essential to be cautious about where you buy and eat food.

Besides, Vietnam has a lot of tropical fruits, don't forget to try the delicious fruit dishes in each season. However, wash vegetables and fruits before eating.

Because Vietnamese cuisine is so rich and full of restaurants, it's hard to choose. You can join the food tour of reputable companies so that they will choose good restaurants for you. You will enjoy delicious food in peace of mind. Vietnamese people love to eat dishes made of various ingredients, which are marinated by many spices. If you are not sure about what you are eating, feel free to ask the waiter or tour guide.

Vietnam water quality

While the tap water in Vietnam looks transparent, it may contain some bacteria and impurities posing health risks. So as a rule of thumb, do not drink tap water in Vietnam. Even though in urban areas, the water appears cleaner, it is not suitable for drinking directly. Vietnamese people usually boil tap water and let them cool down for drinking purposes. Boiling water helps to kill harmful bacteria. For cooking, restaurants and cafes use tap water and naturally rain water. Today, some households are equipped with water filtration systems, where drinking tap water is possible.

Most of the ice you encounter in Vietnam can be consumed except ice in rural areas, where they make ice from unfiltered water. It is safe to swallow iced drinks in big cities' hotels, restaurants, even street vendors, however trying to avoid them in remote areas.

You should use the trusted brand of bottled water to avoid the low quality drink. The best bottled water in Vietnam include Lavie, Aquafina, Vinh Hao, Dasani, Evian, Satori, TH, Sapuwa, Number 1 among many others. All convenience stores, even street sellers, provide you with one of these brands. The price for a bottle of 500ml is just from 5,000 VND.

Besides, tap water in Vietnam is possible for brushing teeth and showering as long as you do not swallow them.

Common infectious diseases in Vietnam to be aware

Here are some common infectious diseases to be aware of when travelling to Vietnam.

• Influenza: Influenza (the flu) is a common respiratory illness that can occur year-round, with a higher risk during the winter months. Travellers may consider getting a flu vaccine before their trip.

• Dengue Fever: Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection and is prevalent in Vietnam, especially during the rainy season (May to November). Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, and fatigue.

• Typhoid Fever: Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi and is transmitted through contaminated food and water. Travellers can prevent infection by being cautious about food and water hygiene.

• Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is a viral infection that can be transmitted through contaminated food and water or direct contact with an infected person.

• Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids. It is advisable for travellers to ensure they are vaccinated against hepatitis B before visiting Vietnam.

• Diarrhoea: Practising good food and water hygiene is crucial in preventing this condition.

• Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. The risk to travellers is very low.

• Japanese Encephalitis: Japanese encephalitis is a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The risk is higher in rural areas, especially during the monsoon season. Vaccination may be recommended for travellers, depending on their itinerary.

• Rabies: Rabies is a viral disease that can be transmitted through animal bites. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a strange dog while in Vietnam, rabies treatment is available.

It is advisable that before travelling to Vietnam, you consult a medicine specialist or visit a travel health clinic. They can provide personalised vaccinations based on your health conditions.

Hospitals and health facilities

Public hospitals in Viet Nam include 3 levels: central level, provincial level and district level. In addition to that, there are private hospitals, which are mainly located in urban cities. In rural areas, there are provincial hospitals and commune health stations with simple equipment, just enough for first aid. Medical staff and doctors at these levels of hospital generally speak very little or no English.

The central level hospital is concentrated in urban cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city and Da Nang. In these major cities, it is also easier to reach the significant number of private and state owned hospitals with English speaking medical staff. The  private and central hospitals are well equipped with modern facilities and have highly competent doctors. Pharmacies are found easily in every Vietnamese town. If you have any health issues, get consultation from doctors before getting any medicines.

Emergency contact for ambulances is 115.

See addresses of International hospital and clinic in Vietnam

Insects and bugs bites

During your stay in Vietnam, you may encounter some kinds of common insects and bugs such as bumble bees, fire ants, bed bugs, black flies, mosquitoes, spiders, cockroaches,... Bed bugs are not only in Vietnam but also other Asian, African countries. These are sometimes a problem in hostels, sharing common rooms or even in hotels. They are not as harmful as you think but can bite and sting, making you itchy, red, swollen or worse. Therefore, don’t forget insect repellents when you travel to the Southeast region. If you suffer from their bites, come to the nearest medical centre for quick assistance.

Friendly and hospitable people

Despite the above aspects, we can look at one of the scoring points of this destination. Vietnamese people are generally known for friendliness and hospitality. It is a significant aspect of Vietnamese culture and is deeply ingrained in the social values. From very young, Vietnamese people are taught about respect, kindness, and hospitality towards others. So they practise it with both locals and visitors.

When interacting with foreigners, many Vietnamese people are eager to engage in conversation, share about culture, and make visitors feel welcome. It is not uncommon for locals to offer assistance, provide directions, or invite travellers to join them in activities or meals.

This friendliness and hospitality extend to various aspects of daily life, making Vietnam a popular destination for travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences and warm interactions with locals.

As with any generalisation about a population, it's essential to remember that individual personalities and behaviours may vary, but the overall reputation of Vietnamese people as friendly and hospitable is widely acknowledged and appreciated by many visitors.

Vietnam traffic

Traffic in Vietnam is considered quite chaotic. Unaccustomed drivers will find it difficult to join. Vietnamese people are more familiar than foreigners, so they can drive more safely.

The number of traffic lights in big cities are increasing. However, not all motorbike Vietnamese drivers obey the national traffic rules, the car drivers tend to follow the rules more. Partly because the strictly heavy fine is being applied on cars. Sometimes you may see motorcycles and bicycles travel reverse the traffic flow and drivers ringing horns a lot.

If pedestrians are walking across the road, be careful watching left and right even when there is green light for walkers and zebra crossing. The drivers of bicycles and motorcycles sometimes ignore the traffic signals. They even drive on the sidewalks if the roads are too congested.

Driving at night on your own is also not a wise option, when the drivers generally drive at a high speed while dim.

In the past, traffic accidents were mainly caused by drunks. Nowadays, the government imposes higher penalties for those who use alcohol while driving. The threats from this factor are reduced to the least.

Theft and crimes in Vietnam

Vietnam is generally a safe country for travellers. However, petty theft, drive-by snatching are still legitimate concerns in a few cities. If you are taking pictures by expensive camera/cell phones on the sidewalks of Ho Chi Minh city, keep the item close to your body and away from the traffic flow. Ladies should keep their purse and bags carefully when walking. If you have a chance to ride a motorbike, place your bag into a trunk. Bags on shoulder or basker can be in threat of being snatched.

When staying at hotels, it is a good idea to keep your valuable belongings and passport in a safe locker before leaving.

In case you unfortunately are the victim of a crime, immediately report to the nearest police station.

Vietnam weather concern

Vietnam stretches through many latitudes, therefore it boasts a varied weather from north to south. North Vietnam has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. While South Vietnam has only two seasons: dry season and rainy season. Central Vietnam has a tropical climate also characterised by two distinct seasons.

Many people wonder how the storm is like in Vietnam. The storms with robust wind can happen in Vietnam in a short time. During storms there will be strong wind and heavy rain but associated with almost no tornados, no cyclones. In the North of Vietnam, the storm happens around August. In Central Vietnam, the coastal areas can be prone to typhoons during the wet season (around October). South Vietnam experiences a wet season (May - October) characterised by frequent heavy rainfall and occasional flooding.

Except for these extreme weather conditions, it is safe to travel to Vietnam in terms of weather. Specific weather conditions may vary from year to year, so it's always best to check up-to-date weather forecasts and climate data for the most accurate and current information. Sunny days in the dry season are when you can take the most stunning pictures of your trip.

>> Read more about the Best time to go to Vietnam

War in Vietnam

The Vietnam war has officially ended for more than 40 years. Since then, a number of changes have been made in Vietnam in order to create a socialist society. Agriculture, business, industry, education, tourism and diplomatic matters have been following an effective development plan. Today, Vietnam is one of the safest countries in the world to travel to.
In 1999, UNESCO awarded the title “City for peace” to Hanoi, which became the only Asia Pacific country granted at that time. During a period of more than 20 years, city’s citizens strive to maintain this recognition. 
Vietnam also welcomes many famous head states of countries like Donald Trump’s visit in 2017, President Kim Jong Un in 2019, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in 2019,

Mr. Bill Clinton, former US President, has visited Vietnam many times.

US President Obama shakes hands with people in front of the bun cha shop in the welcome of the people

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and a man ordered coffee with milk and enjoyed it right on the sidewalk

The image of heads of state of countries strolling idly, eating specialties on the streets and alleys is no longer strange to Vietnamese people. Vietnam's unique cuisine, friendly and hospitable people are making a good mark in the eyes of international friends.

To see more about Vietnam:

>> Vietnam Manners - Dos and Don'ts in Vietnam

>> A Travel Guide about Vietnam Currency | Denomination, Cash Withdraw, Exchange Rate and Fun Facts

>> Traveling to Vietnam with Kids : Things to Know, See and Do

>> Vietnam trip: What to see? When to go? How to arrange itinerary?