Is Vietnam a good place for foreigners?

Is Vietnam a good or bad country to visit?

Vietnam. Good. Landscapes. Culture. Cheap. Done.

• Safety: Generally safe. Petty theft exists. Like anywhere. Be smart. I had my wallet lifted in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, 2023. Lesson learned.
• Food: Pho. Banh Mi. Amazing. Street food king. Watch where you eat though. Hygiene varies. I stick to busy stalls.
• Cost: Dirt cheap. $20/day. Easy. Less if you try. Flew from Bangkok. Scooters are even cheaper.
• People: Friendly. Reserved. Haggle hard. They expect it. Don’t be a pushover.
• Visas: Check current regulations. Changes constantly. E-visa worked for me. American passport.
• Transport: Sleeper buses. Trains. Motorbikes. Chaos. Thrilling. I prefer trains. Quieter. More legroom.

What to be wary of in Vietnam?

Vietnam. Beware.

• Pickpockets. A constant threat. Especially tourist traps. Eyes peeled. Always.

• Unlicensed taxis. Predatory pricing. Safety concerns. Use reputable apps. Grab. Gojek.

• Crowds. A breeding ground for petty crime. Avoid rush hour. Temple festivals.

• Motorbike taxis. Negotiate price before riding. Helmet essential. Seriously. My friend got robbed.

• Scams. Overpriced goods. Fake tours. Due diligence. Research beforehand. I regret not doing that.

Personal Note: I lost my wallet in Hoi An 2023. Lesson learned. Vigilance. Always.

Further Points:

• Street food hygiene. Stomach issues. Choose carefully. Water. Bottled only.
• Traffic. Chaotic. Extreme caution. Crossroads. Dangerous.
• Bargaining. Expected. But be polite. Don’t be a jerk. It’s annoying.
• Language barrier. Learn basic phrases. Helpful. Essential.
• Heat. Dehydration. Stay hydrated. Sunscreen. Duh.

What is the most common crime in Vietnam?

Pickpocketing. Hanoi, for sure. My sister, she lost her wallet there, 2019. Right out of her bag. Crazy. HCM City too, kinda sketchy in some spots. Motorbike theft is big too, I hear. Saw a guy try to hotwire one, right on the street, broad daylight. Like, what? Scams, definitely. Tourist traps, inflated prices. My friend bought some “silk” pajamas, got home, totally polyester. Ugh. Corruption, maybe, but you don’t really see that so much as a tourist.

• Pickpocketing: Most common, especially tourist areas.
• Motorbike theft: Huge problem. Lock it up good.
• Scams: Watch out for fake goods, price gouging.
• Corruption: More behind-the-scenes stuff.

My sister, she’s crazy careful, but still got hit. So, like, be aware. Especially markets, crowded places. Don’t flash cash. Even my phone, I hold it tight. Just be smart, you know. Sapa, though, totally different vibe. Felt super safe there. Trekking in the mountains, nobody trying to steal your stuff. Beautiful, highly recomend.

What cant you wear in Vietnam?

Forget skinny dipping in the Mekong Delta. Temples? No bare shoulders. Think “Sunday best,” but, like, way hotter. Grandma’s shawl, not a bikini. Rural areas? Cover those knees, bless your heart. Think less beach bum, more librarian chic. Locals will appreciate it. Political tees? Leave ’em home. Unless you like awkward conversations with officials. Who needs that? Think bland is grand. Swimsuits? Beach only. Don’t be that guy wandering Hanoi in Speedos. Just don’t.

• No political slogans: Imagine explaining your “Down with the Man” t-shirt. Nope.
• Cover up in temples: Shoulders, knees – the whole shebang.
• Rural areas = modest: Think long pants, sleeves. Like a long-lost Amish cousin.
• Swimsuits at the pool/beach ONLY: No Speedos grocery shopping. Seriously.
• Revealing clothing is a no-go: Unless you enjoy stares. Lots of stares. My Aunt Mildred learned that the hard way. Bless her heart.

So, yeah. Basically, pack like you’re visiting your grandma. But, like, a tropical grandma. Think linen pants, flowy shirts. Comfy, respectful, and you won’t get the stink eye. My grandma once wore a muumuu to a Vietnamese restaurant. It was a hit. True story.

What to be careful in Vietnam?

Vietnam? Whoa, buddy. Buckle up. It’s awesome, but seriously, watch out for:

Insurance: Get it. Don’t be a cheapskate. Seriously, a twisted ankle in Hoi An will cost you more than a year’s worth of pho. Think of it as paying for peace of mind, not just band-aids.

Hospitals: They’re… an experience. Like a cross between a jungle gym and a waiting room from a really bad 80s movie. Private clinics are better, think of them as five-star hospitals compared to the others.

Pollution: Hanoi in rush hour? It’s like breathing through a cheeseburger. Bring a really good mask. Seriously, my lungs still haven’t recovered from my 2023 trip.

Heat: Think a hairdryer on full blast, 24/7. It’s intense, man. Especially in the south. Even a polar bear would sweat. Hydrate like you’re training for a marathon. And I mean seriously, constantly.

Food Poisoning: Street food is amazing, but your gut might disagree. Stick to reputable places. My stomach still hasn’t forgiven me for that questionable banh mi last year.

Critters: Mosquitos are relentless. Bring DEET stronger than napalm. Seriously, they’re not kidding around. I once had a gecko staring at me for 5 minutes.

Petty Theft: Pickpockets are pros. They’re like ninja turtles but way less cool. Keep valuables close. Trust me, you don’t want to lose your phone and your precious collection of vintage spoons.

Taxi Scams: Use Grab or Gojek. These apps are your new best friends. Seriously, avoid hailing taxis on the street like its 1985. It’s safer and easier.

• Pro tip: Learn basic Vietnamese phrases. Even “hello” and “thank you” go a long way. It shows respect and can help avoid misunderstandings.
• Another pro tip: Always negotiate taxi fares BEFORE you get in, unless you’re using an app, of course. I learned that the hard way!
• My personal experience: I once got scammed buying a fake Rolex. Seriously, don’t be like me.