Vietnam Safety Tips for Indians

While violent crime is rare, opportunistic theft is the most common issue faced by tourists, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City.

• Phone Snatching: This is the #1 crime in HCMC. Thieves on motorbikes target pedestrians using phones near the street edge. Rule: Always step inside shops or away from the curb to check your phone.
• Bag Theft: Keep your backpack on your front in crowded markets like Ben Thanh or Dong Xuan. Never hang bags loosely on the back of your chair at outdoor cafes.
• Hotel Safes: Use the in-room safe or hotel reception safe for your passport, extra cash, and flight tickets. Carry only a photocopy of your passport and daily spending cash.
• Night Walks: Stick to well-lit, busy streets after dark. Avoid isolated alleys or quiet parks late at night.

For specific safety advice regarding Ho Chi Minh City, check our detailed Ho Chi Minh City guide.

Crossing the street in Vietnam can be terrifying for first-timers. There are rarely pedestrian signals, and motorbikes will not stop for you.

• Walk Steadily: Step off the curb and walk at a slow, consistent pace. Do not run, and absolutely do not stop or step backward.
• The "Bubble" Technique: Motorbike drivers are experts at calculating your speed. They will flow around you like water around a rock. If you stop suddenly, you break their calculation and cause an accident.
• Make Eye Contact: Look at the approaching drivers. This helps them gauge your speed and intention.
• Use Traffic Lights: In major intersections, wait for the green light and try to cross alongside a group of locals or a Vietnamese family for added visibility.

Mastering this skill is essential for exploring the capital. Read more about navigating Hanoi in our Hanoi city guide.

Vietnamese street food is legendary, but Indian stomachs can sometimes be sensitive to local bacteria. Follow these rules to stay healthy:

• Water: Never drink tap water. Always drink sealed bottled water, which is cheap and available everywhere. Avoid ice in drinks at small, rural street stalls unless you are sure it is commercially produced tube ice (which has a hole in the middle).
• Street Food Hygiene: Choose stalls with a high turnover of locals. High turnover means the food is fresh and hasn't been sitting out in the heat.
• Cooked is Best: Opt for dishes that are boiled or grilled in front of you, like Pho or Bun Cha. The boiling broth kills potential bacteria.
• Raw Herbs: Fresh herbs are served with almost every meal. If you have a highly sensitive stomach, you may want to skip the raw herbs or briefly dip them in the hot broth.

For a deep dive into what to eat and where, check our comprehensive Vietnam food guide for Indians.

• Taxi Meter Scams: Some unmarked taxis have rigged meters that run incredibly fast. Solution: Only use the Grab app for transparent pricing, or stick to reputable companies like Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white).
• The "Shoe Shine" Drop: Someone drops a shoeshine brush or a ring in front of you and claims you dropped it, then demands money for "cleaning" your shoes. Solution: Ignore it and keep walking.
• Unsolicited "Help": At train stations or bus stops, people may offer to carry your bags or "help" you buy a ticket, then demand an exorbitant fee. Solution: Politely but firmly say "No, thank you" and walk away.
• Cyclo Overcharging: Cyclo drivers may quote a price in USD but claim later it was per person or in a different currency. Solution: Agree on the exact total price in VND before getting in, or just use Grab.

• Police: 113
• Fire Department: 114
• Ambulance: 115
• Tourist Police (Hanoi): +84 24 3926 1962
• Tourist Police (HCMC): +84 28 3829 8577
• Embassy of India (Hanoi): +84 24 3824 4989 (Emergency: +84 98 323 1383)

Medical Care: Major cities have international clinics (like Family Medical Practice in Hanoi or HCMC) that meet Western standards but can be expensive. Travel insurance is highly recommended. Pharmacies are ubiquitous, and pharmacists can often prescribe basic antibiotics over the counter.