Vietnam Travel Advice

Vietnam is a popular and generally safe destination for international travellers. The Australian Government (Smartraveller) advises visitors to exercise normal safety precautions, the same level as many Western European countries. The US State Department rates Vietnam at Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions.

Violent crime against tourists is uncommon. Most safety concerns relate to petty theft, traffic, and common travel scams. With reasonable awareness, the vast majority of visitors have a trouble-free trip.

Petty crime is the most common safety concern for visitors, especially in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi tourist districts.

• Bag snatching: Thieves on motorbikes snatch bags, phones, and cameras from pedestrians. Carry bags on the side away from the road and use crossbody straps.
• Phone theft: Avoid using your phone while walking near roads. Motorbike riders can grab it from your hands at speed.
• Taxi scams: Use reputable companies (Vinasun in the south, Mai Linh nationwide) or ride-hailing apps like Grab. Insist on the meter or agree a fare before departure.
• ATM skimming: Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Notify your bank of travel plans beforehand.
• Overcharging: Agree on prices before services (cyclos, street food, shoe shining). Check bills carefully in restaurants.

No vaccinations are legally required to enter Vietnam (unless arriving from a yellow fever endemic area), but the following are strongly recommended by health authorities:

• Hepatitis A — Transmitted through contaminated food and water. Highly recommended for all travellers.
• Hepatitis B — Spread through bodily fluids. Recommended especially for longer stays.
• Typhoid — Present in areas with poor sanitation. Recommended if eating outside major hotels and restaurants.
• Tetanus-Diphtheria — Ensure your booster is up to date.
• Japanese Encephalitis — Consider if spending extended time in rural areas during monsoon season.

Mosquito-borne diseases: Dengue fever is present year-round, particularly during the wet season. There is no vaccine widely available for travellers. Use DEET-based repellent, wear long sleeves at dawn and dusk, and stay in accommodation with screens or air conditioning.

Food and water: Stick to freshly cooked food. Avoid raw vegetables and fruit you cannot peel yourself in street food stalls. Only drink bottled or boiled water.

Medical facilities: International-standard hospitals exist in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (e.g., Vinmec, FV Hospital). Outside major cities, medical care can be limited. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended.

Vietnam's climate varies significantly from north to south. Understanding regional weather patterns helps you plan a safer trip.

• Typhoon season: September to November, primarily affecting the central coast (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue). Typhoons can cause severe flooding, landslides, and transport disruption.
• Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa): Monsoon rains from May to September. Cool winters (December to February) with temperatures dropping to 10 degrees Celsius.
• Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An): Heaviest rain from September to December. Best weather from February to May.
• Southern Vietnam (HCMC, Mekong Delta): Wet season from May to November with afternoon downpours. Flooding in the Mekong Delta is common during October and November.

Monitor local weather forecasts during your trip. If a typhoon or tropical storm is approaching, follow instructions from local authorities and your accommodation.

Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Vietnam. This applies to brushing teeth as well — use bottled water.

• Bottled water is cheap and widely available (5,000-10,000 VND, roughly $0.30 AUD). Check the seal is intact before drinking.
• Ice in reputable restaurants, hotels, and chain cafes is typically made from filtered water and is safe. Commercially produced ice comes in cylindrical tubes with a hole through the centre.
• Avoid ice from street vendors or small local establishments where the source is uncertain.
• Consider carrying a reusable bottle with a built-in filter for environmental and cost benefits on longer trips.

Errors on your e-visa application are one of the most common causes of delays and rejections. Double-check every detail before submitting.

• Name and passport number: Must match your passport exactly. Even minor typos (transposed letters, missing middle names) can result in rejection or being denied boarding.
• Passport expiry: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry.
• Photo requirements: 4x6 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months. Glasses should be removed.
• Entry/exit dates: Ensure your travel dates fall within the visa validity period. Arriving even one day before your visa start date means you will be refused entry.
• Entry port: Your actual port of entry must match what you declared on the application.
• Official website only: Apply through the official portal at evisa.gov.vn. Many third-party sites charge excessive fees for the same service.