Is Vietnam Safe to Travel Right Now?

Vietnam is one of Asia’s jewels of tourism and has been a major destination for international travelers for decades. Rising out of the country’s rebirth under one flag, the tourism industry is alive and well in Vietnam, and there has never been a better and safer time to travel to this amazing destination. As one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia for foreign travel, you can be sure that with as much care as you would take at home, you can enjoy a safe and spectacular vacation.

Is it safe to travel to Vietnam right now?

As with everywhere else, Vietnam was extremely affected by the recent global COVID-19 pandemic and has only recently relaxed all of its travel restrictions making it easier to get into the country.

Recent Travel Updates and Restrictions on COVID-19 in Vietnam

As of 15 May 2022, the requirement for COVID testing immediately before travel was suspended, and there is no longer any need to be fully vaccinated in order to enter Vietnam. However, There is now a requirement for travelers to have medical cover/insurance that includes COVID-19 for travel and all tourists are required to download and use the “PC-Covid Viet Nam” Mobile app. which must be presented for scanning when entering any establishment as part of their contact-tracing. When you travel to Vietnam, you will need to present it for scanning when entering any establishment. The app is not only used as part of their contact-tracing, but also has a variety of other functions, including live updates of the most at-risk areas for outbreaks in the country.

You need to download and use the “PC-Covid Viet Nam” Mobile app when traveling to Vietnam.

For most travelers, there are no real health requirements when visiting Vietnam. You will not do a medical before you enter. But it is recommended for you from certain countries to ensure that you are up to date with their vaccinations first, and not only COVID. General health professionals recommend ensuring such vaccines as diphtheria and tetanus are completed before travel, and you should also consider taking the Hepatitis vaccines, and the rabies vaccine, and getting vaccinated against typhoid, as these diseases are all common in Vietnam.

More Healthy Notifications for Visit Vietnam

There is no requirement for a health check on departure, and all travelers can exit the country without being required to complete any additional forms or medical questionnaires. But there are some health and safety precautions you should be aware of when traveling in Vietnam.

As a tropical country, Malaria is a transmitted disease in Vietnam, and there is a risk of being bitten by malaria-infected mosquitoes. But this can be easily countered by simply carrying malaria tablets in case of being bitten, as well as covering up more in the evenings when the mosquitoes are more inclined to bite.

You should also be aware of basic food and water safety guidelines, such as don’t drink tap water or washing fresh salad in it, carrying sunblock to prevent sunburn in the tropical climate, avoiding insect bites, and wearing a mask if you are in any way immuno-compromised. Also, please wash your hands frequently.

Is it safe to travel to Vietnam alone?

As with most countries in Asia, Vietnam is a safe place to travel, in general. And even for solo travelers, the country is just as safe, overall. Obviously, nowhere is 100% safe, and there are a few common scams and petty thefts that travelers should always be aware of a look out for. Pickpockets and simple scams are common, but violent crime is quite rare.

It is a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and to keep valuables hidden and safe. Slash-proof backpacks are a popular thing now. It is also a good idea not to take out too much cash at a time, and belt wallets are useful for this, so you can keep most of your money safe around your waist and use your normal wallet for small bills and denominations. And don’t walk around with your phone out, as it gives opportunists the chance to snatch it.

It's safe to travel to Vietnam for solo female.

Where solo female travelers are concerned, the same advice should be followed, as a solo female is as likely to get pickpocketed as a solo male. But there are some added tips for solo females travelers to Vietnam. The first is not to wander or hang around late at night on the streets, especially where there are few people. Another good tip is to try and blend in. Vietnamese women cover up when in public, so wearing more respectable clothes will help you to look less of a target for scammers. And this is particularly relevant for temples or pagodas, as these are places of worship, and tiny shorts and low-cut tops are not considered appropriate attire.

Is it safe to travel to Vietnam with children?

Lying on the western coast of the South China Sea, Vietnam is actually considered a very safe place to travel as a family with kids. Vietnamese culture adores children, and your kids will be safer traveling around Vietnam with you than they would walking to the corner store at home. But you should still use your common sense when traveling with kids. Make sure you keep your eyes on them and don’t allow them to wander off. If the kids are younger, wrist straps are a great idea, or the “reins” you see on toddlers.

Recommended Safe Things in Vietnam to Do for Family with Kids

If you are looking for something that the kids will also enjoy in Vietnam, then you have a wonderful selection to choose from. Aside from the excellent landscapes to wander over and the exciting ranges of new fruits for kids to choose from, there are some very interesting activities for the whole family.

Golden Bridge is a must-see attractions in Da Nang.

The Golden Bridge in Da Nang is a masterpiece of architecture and a must-see for tourists to the area. Two ancient giant hands hold the curved bridge in place as if a giant reached up from the earth to steady the construction.

If your kids love the beaches, then a trip to Mui ne Beach in Phan Thiet is one of the best places for kids. Renowned for its spectacular bright red sand dunes that kids and parents alike can sled down on cardboard cartons, the beach is actually one of the best in the country.

A trip to Hoi An is attractive to visit to both adults and kids. With its winding old streets and alleys, its stunning rows of houses and temples, and its unobtrusive street vendors, the whole family will have fun here. And as one of the 25 most attractive destinations for foodies around the world, the kids will love the new tastes they can try.

Tips for Staying Safe Traveling in Vietnam

Staying safe is really just common sense. But to make sure you know what to look out for, here are some great tips on how to stay safe traveling in Vietnam.

1. Don’t ride motorbikes in Vietnam. The old “xe-om” bikes and the new Grab bikes offer a good motorbike taxi service, but it is not advisable to ride normal bikes on the frenetic roads in Vietnam, for safety’s sake. And avoid all of them when traveling at night.

2. Don’t use handbags or sling bags with thin straps or thin bodies. Slashing is a common way to grab bags from people, so better to use a slash-proof backpack.

3. Take care crossing the streets. It is best to cross where there is a busy and well-used light-controlled crossing, rather than trying to cross anywhere. Cars have right of way except on regulated crossings, so take care.

4. Be wary when opening your bag or taking out your wallet or phone. Most crime in Vietnam is opportunistic, and there is no telling who might take that opportunity. Most people are generally honest, but being aware of the people around you is important.

5. Don’t travel alone at night. Even for men, it is best not to travel around alone at night, especially in less well-lit and less populated areas of the cities.

6. Don’t drink tap water. In Vietnam, even the locals drink bottled water or buy it in the tank from water purification outlets. Even for brushing your teeth, use bottled water, as the local tap water has not been treated the way it may be at home, and often gets pumped direct from a deep-well underground.

Conclusion

Considering it is a developing country in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is one of the safer places to travel, mainly because of its Buddhist culture and non-confrontational society. Anyone traveling to Vietnam should take care of their belongings, as with travel to any foreign land where you are not well known, but in general, Vietnam is considered safe to travel for groups, single men, solo women, and families with young kids, even babies.