Southeast Asia • Updated August 2026

Country Risk Report

Vietnam

Overall Risk Rating

Low

Capital

Hanoi

Languages

Vietnamese (official); some English in tourism

Currency

Vietnamese dong (VND)

Executive Summary

Vietnam is classified as a LOW risk destination and is one of the safer countries in South-East Asia for travellers, with a stable one-party state and a large, well-established tourism sector. Violent crime against foreigners is uncommon, so the everyday risks are petty crime and scams, road safety, which is a genuine hazard, and health rather than security threats. Petty crime, including bag-snatching, often from passing motorbikes, pickpocketing and a range of scams and overcharging, is the most common issue in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and tourist areas. The country is politically stable, with tightly controlled political space, and public dissent and criticism of the state are not tolerated, which affects what visitors should say and post. The dominant practical risk is road safety, with chaotic traffic and among the region’s higher accident rates, especially involving motorbikes. Other considerations are food and water hygiene, seasonal typhoons and flooding, strong coastal currents, and the remoteness of quality medical care outside the main cities, which can require evacuation.

Risk Matrix

Category	Risk Rating	Commentary
Armed Conflict	Low	No armed conflict.
Terrorism	Low	No significant terrorism threat.
Kidnapping	Low	Kidnapping of travellers is very rare.
Crime	Moderate	Petty theft, motorbike snatch-theft and scams; low violent crime against tourists.
Civil Unrest	Low	Tightly controlled; public dissent is rare and quickly suppressed.
Health & Medical	Moderate	Good private care in main cities; limited elsewhere. Evacuation may be needed.
Internal Travel	Moderate	High road-accident rates, typhoon disruption and long distances.
Digital / Cyber	Moderate	Scams and fraud; monitoring and content restrictions.

Essential Precautions

1Guard against bag-snatching and scams, including motorbike snatch-theft, pickpocketing and overcharging in cities.

2Take particular care on the roads, given chaotic traffic and high motorbike-accident rates.

3Respect the tightly controlled political space, avoiding public criticism of the state, including online.

4Practise food and water hygiene, to avoid stomach illness.

5Prepare for typhoons and flooding, which cause seasonal disruption, particularly in the centre and north.

6Heed coastal currents and water safety, as drownings occur at some beaches.

7Use reputable operators for tours, cruises and adventure activities.

8Hold medical and evacuation cover, given limited care outside the main cities.

Security Situation

Low

Vietnam is one of the safer countries in the region for travellers, with uncommon violent crime against foreigners. The everyday risks are petty crime and scams, road safety and health rather than security threats.

Hanoi and the North

Low

Hanoi and the north include the capital and Halong Bay, functioning normally with petty crime and traffic the main concerns.

Ho Chi Minh City and the South

Low

Ho Chi Minh City and the south are the economic hub, with motorbike snatch-theft and scams the notable issues.

Da Nang and the Centre

Low

Da Nang and the centre are popular tourist areas, safe but with typhoon exposure and water safety.

The Highlands and the Borders

Moderate

The highlands and borders are more remote, with limited infrastructure and some sensitivity near borders.

Detailed Risk Assessment

Armed Conflict

Low

Vietnam is not in armed conflict and faces no insurgency. Maritime disputes in the South China Sea are a geopolitical issue but do not affect travellers.

Terrorism

Low

There is no significant terrorism threat in Vietnam. Standard vigilance, as anywhere, is sufficient.

Kidnapping and Crime

Moderate

Kidnapping of travellers is very rare. The main issue is petty crime, including bag-snatching from motorbikes, pickpocketing, and a range of scams and overcharging, with low violent crime against tourists.

Internal Travel

Moderate

Road safety is the dominant travel risk, with chaotic traffic and high motorbike-accident rates, alongside typhoon disruption and long distances. Domestic flights, trains and reputable transport are widely available and safer.

Health and Disease

Moderate

Good private healthcare is available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but care is limited elsewhere, and serious cases may require evacuation, often to Bangkok or Singapore. Mosquito-borne dengue is present.

Cultural and Religious Sensitivities

Moderate

Vietnam is culturally rich and generally welcoming, but political sensitivities are significant, and criticism of the state or the Communist Party is not tolerated. Modest dress at temples and pagodas and sensitivity around politics and history are advisable.

LGBT Travellers

Low

Same-sex activity is legal and attitudes are relatively relaxed in the main cities, with a growing scene, though it is not fully recognised in law and rural attitudes are more conservative.

Diplomatic and Government Situation

Low

Vietnam is a stable one-party state with functioning institutions and good consular access, though political space is tightly controlled. Governance is stable and the main risks to visitors are not political.

Digital and Cyber Threats

Moderate

Online scams and fraud occur, and the authorities monitor and restrict online content under strict cybersecurity laws, with criticism of the state prosecuted. Travellers should guard financial data and avoid sensitive posts.

Vaccinations & Health Hazards

Strongly Recommended

Hepatitis A and Typhoid
Recommended due to contaminated food and water.
Hepatitis B and Tetanus
Recommended for many travellers.
Japanese Encephalitis
Consider for rural or long stays.
Rabies
Consider for rural or long stays.

Other Health Hazards

Road safety: High motorbike-accident rates; take particular care and wear a helmet.
Dengue: Mosquito-borne dengue is present; take bite-avoidance measures.
Typhoons: Seasonal typhoons and flooding affect the centre and north.
Remote care: Care is limited outside main cities; hold evacuation cover.

Choosing the Right Insurance

Cover for Vietnam is available on standard terms. The main tourist and business areas are manageable with normal precautions, and cover should include medical care and evacuation, often to regional hubs, given limited care outside the main cities.

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Annex A - Key Risk Dynamics

Checkpoints and Detention Triggers

Policing is routine; cooperate normally. Carry ID and a clear travel purpose. Some border and highland areas have restrictions. Do not photograph military or security sites.

Kidnapping and Detention Dynamics

Kidnapping of travellers is very rare. Bag-snatching from motorbikes is the main street risk. Overcharging and scams occur in tourist areas. Coastal currents are a real hazard.

High-Risk Travellers

City street travellers face snatch-theft; secure bags. Motorbike users face high accident risk. Coastal visitors face currents and water risk. Those posting criticism face content-law risk.

Annex B - Key Preparation & Checklists

Essential Preparation and Medical

Vietnam is low risk; standard precautions suffice. Prepare for high road risk, especially on motorbikes. Hold medical and evacuation cover. Prepare for typhoon-season disruption.

Digital Security and Checkpoints

Avoid criticising the state online. Guard against scams and fraud. Consider an eSIM for reliable data. Limit public location sharing.

Movement and Operational Security

Use reputable transport and take care on the roads. Guard against motorbike snatch-theft. Heed flags and currents. Allow for typhoon-season disruption.

Conduct and Legal Compliance

Dress modestly at temples and respect customs. Avoid criticism of the state and Party. Never photograph security sites.

This report is provided for information only and does not constitute travel or security advice. Ratings are indicative and subject to change without notice. Confirm current conditions with Hotspot Cover before any deployment.