Yes, Vietnam is generally considered very safe for tourists, with low violent crime, but you need to be aware of common issues like petty theft (scams, pickpocketing), heavy traffic, and health precautions (food/water safety, insect-borne diseases, COVID-19). Take standard travel precautions, stay vigilant for minor scams, use reputable transport, and consult your government's travel advisory for the latest updates before departure, as weather or local situations can change.
Is Vietnam safe for Australian tourists? Yes, Vietnam is generally safe. However, it's important to be aware of traffic conditions, petty theft in tourist areas, and food safety.
Yes, $100 (around 2.5 million VND) is a significant amount in Vietnam, enough for budget travel for several days to a week, covering local food (especially street food), transport, and budget lodging, but it can be spent quickly on Western-style meals, cocktails, or luxury goods, making it feel less substantial for a lavish experience. For locals, it's nearly half an average monthly income, while for tourists, it offers excellent purchasing power for local experiences.
Both Vietnam and Thailand are safe for tourists, but it's always important to be careful. Vietnam has a lower crime rate, and the people are friendly and helpful. Even though it's safe, you should always watch out for pickpockets, especially in busy places. Thailand is also safe, and most tourists don't have problems.
The communists had launched a May offensive, also known as mini-Tet. American generals were aggressively pushing a counteroffensive. May 1968 would turn out to be the bloodiest month of the bloodiest year for Americans in Vietnam.
Air pollution levels can be high in Vietnam, particularly in large cities. Insect-borne diseases such as dengue, Japanese encephalitis, malaria and zika virus are a risk. If you're pregnant, discuss your travel plans with your doctor. Use insect repellent.
🇹🇭 Thailand – 6.7 years 2. 🇻🇳 Vietnam – 6.3 years 3.
There is also a risk of burglary when staying in villas or bungalows in both places as these tend not to have active security. Overall, we'd say that Bali just edges this category and is better for safety than Vietnam but there's not a lot in it and we certainly wouldn't feel unsafe in Vietnam.
With eight days in Vietnam, you can explore cities, coastal towns, and the breathtaking limestone islands of Ha Long Bay. Eight-day trips, though brief, give travelers a glimpse of local culture and bustling cityscapes.
Yes, $1000 USD is generally enough for two weeks in Vietnam for a budget to mid-range traveler, covering basic expenses like hostels, street food, local transport, and some tours, but it will be tight or insufficient if you plan on many expensive tours (like Ha Long Bay cruises), shopping sprees, or fine dining, so budget carefully for activities and souvenirs.
One of the biggest mistakes in Vietnam is underestimating the traffic, especially the chaotic motorbike-filled streets, making inexperienced riders feel overwhelmed and leading to dangerous situations, so avoid riding motorbikes unless you're confident and prepared for the chaos, and instead use ride-hailing apps like Grab for safer transport. Other major mistakes include drinking tap water, ignoring cultural etiquette (like "saving face"), skipping the incredible street food, and failing to manage the confusing currency or scams, which can ruin your trip before it starts.
Yes, $10,000 USD is more than enough for a trip to Vietnam, even for a long, comfortable, or luxury-focused trip for one person or a small family, allowing for splurging on hotels, fine dining, shopping, and tours, as Vietnam is generally inexpensive, with daily costs for mid-range travelers often under $100. You could travel for a month or more on that budget, depending on your lifestyle, but if you're planning major splurges like luxury shopping or very high-end experiences, it will go faster.
Vietnam has restrictions on medicines it classifies as 'addictive' or 'psychotropic'. These include medicine used to treat of addiction, anxiety, depression, insomnia and other conditions. It is illegal to have more than 7 days of prescribed medicine by a doctor (addictive and psychotropic medicine).
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently.
The advice highlighted that Australians had drowned at unpatrolled beaches "due to rough seas and strong rip currents". It also cautioned against leaving food and drinks unattended due to a rise in drink spiking and methanol poisoning, with several cases reported in Bali and nearby Lombok.
Yes, it's generally okay to wear red in Bali for everyday wear and celebrations, symbolizing happiness and prosperity, but avoid overly bright or dark reds for temple visits unless it's part of ceremonial attire, where white, yellow, and traditional colors are preferred for purity, and modesty (covering shoulders/knees) is key. While red is fine for general tourism, remember modesty rules apply to religious sites.
For a more comfortable backpacker experience in Vietnam, it's best to budget around $50 per day. This way, you'll have more money to spend on things like food, drinks, activities and hotel rooms. For a comfortable mid-range experience in Vietnam, it's best to budget $60 to $100 per day for your entire costs.
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Card payments in Vietnam
While cash is used for small purchases and street vendors in Vietnam, most establishments accept payments from major credit card providers such as Visa. Hotels, tour operators, boutiques, restaurants, grocery stores, and spas all generally accept international debit and credit cards.