Urban safety in Vietnam: what to know before you travel
Vietnam is known as a country with relatively good public safety even within Southeast Asia. In the 2023 Global Peace Index it ranked 41st worldwide, ahead of countries like South Korea and Thailand. Violent crime is lower than in many other countries, and safety conditions are generally stable.
Petty crime targeting tourists, however, calls for caution.
Crimes such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and motorbike snatch thefts occur, especially at tourist sites and in busy districts. Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs safety website rates all of Vietnam at risk Level 0, but that's no reason to let your guard down. To enjoy your trip safely, gathering information in advance and taking the right precautions are essential.
Safe areas and districts to avoid in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest city, buzzes with energy as the country's economic hub. Its skyline of high-rises mixed with local shops is distinctive, and it's an easy city to ease into even on a first trip to Vietnam.
Recommended areas with high safety
1区（旧行政区分。2025年7月の行政改革でホーチミン市はクアン＝区の層が廃止され坊に再編）の中心部は観光客にとって最も安全なエリアの一つです。ドンコイ通り周辺には高級ホテルやレストランが集まり、夜間でも人通りが多く比較的安心して歩けます。また、3区や7区（いずれも旧行政区分。現在は坊に再編）といった住宅エリアも治安が良好で、静かに滞在したい方に適しています。
ビンタン区（旧行政区分。現在は坊に再編）は外国人居住者が多く、インフラが整っているため安心感があります。ショッピングモールやカフェも充実しており、快適な滞在が期待できるでしょう。
Areas that call for caution
On the other hand, the area around Pham Ngu Lao Street — known as the backpacker district — calls for caution regarding nighttime safety. Pickpocketing and scams targeting tourists happen easily here, and walking alone late at night in particular should be avoided. Around markets and in crowded places, be thorough about safeguarding your valuables.
Hanoi's safe districts and how to choose accommodation
As the political and cultural center, Hanoi has a calmer atmosphere that contrasts with Ho Chi Minh City. Walk through the Old Quarter and you'll find ways of life that have carried on for generations, letting you feel the layers of history.
Features of the Old Quarter and points to note
The Old Quarter around Hoan Kiem Lake is Hanoi's largest tourist area. Its nostalgic streetscape and lively atmosphere are the draw, but crime targeting tourists is also frequent. Ta Hien Street in particular comes alive as a bar street at night, but it's full of touts, so watch out for pushy solicitation and pickpocketing.
If you stay in the Old Quarter, it's a good idea to choose a quiet street a little away from the main thoroughfare.
Areas where you can stay with peace of mind
タイ湖周辺は高級住宅街として知られ、治安が良好です。外国人居住者も多く、レストランやカフェも充実しています。また、バーディン区（旧行政区分。現在は坊に再編）は政府機関が集まるエリアで、全体的に落ち着いた雰囲気があります。ホテル選びでは、セキュリティがしっかりしている中級以上の施設を選ぶことをおすすめします。
A guide to safe places to stay in Da Nang and Hoi An
Central Vietnam's Da Nang has drawn attention over the past few years as a place where resort and city blend together. The city itself is compact and easy to get around, making it a good choice for a first stay in the central region.
Da Nang's safety and points to watch
Da Nang is a safer area compared with other cities. The resort zone around My Khe Beach is especially safe and can be recommended even for families. That said, around the Dragon Bridge at night, crowds gather when the weekend show is on, raising the risk of pickpocketing and theft. Be thorough about safeguarding your valuables and take extra care when it's crowded.
Choosing where to stay in Hoi An
Hoi An, with its World Heritage Old Town, is a beautiful place where lantern light wraps the streets at night. It's well developed as a tourist destination, but without excessive flashiness — its calm atmosphere is part of the charm. Hotels inside the Old Town have real character, but the area goes quiet at night, so for solo female travelers the well-lit riverside area is recommended.
The area around An Bang Beach is developing as a newer resort zone, with many well-secured properties for peace of mind. The Old Town is just about 15 minutes away by car, so access is good too.
5 points for choosing safe accommodation
To make your stay in Vietnam safe and comfortable, choosing the right accommodation matters. Keep the following points in mind as you choose.
1. Check the security facilities
Confirm that basic security features are in place, such as 24-hour front desk service, security cameras, and a card-key system. For solo female travelers in particular, these are essential.
2. Safety of the location
Choose a place close to a main street with foot traffic even at night. Avoid spots deep in alleys or in unpopulated areas. Also consider access to the airport and tourist sites.
3. Check the reviews
Check reviews on booking sites for safety-related feedback from people who actually stayed. Reviews from Japanese travelers are especially helpful.
4. Appropriateness of the price range
Extremely cheap accommodation may have issues with security or hygiene. Choosing a mid-range or higher hotel improves safety.
5. Staff responsiveness
Inquire by email or phone before booking to gauge how the staff respond. A property that handles inquiries courteously is one you can feel at ease with during your stay too.
Safety measures to follow when going out at night
Even though Vietnam is relatively safe, going out at night calls for caution. Put the following measures into practice to stay safe.
Choose places with plenty of foot traffic
At night, walk along bright streets with plenty of foot traffic. Avoid back alleys and dark roads, and stick to the main thoroughfares.
Be thorough about safeguarding valuables
Carry your bag on the building side rather than the roadside, and wear it over your shoulder or crossbody. Walking with your smartphone in hand is risky. Carry only the minimum cash you need, and don't carry large sums.
Make use of ride-hailing apps
For getting around at night, use a ride-hailing app such as Grab. It's safer than flagging a taxi on the street, and you can confirm the fare in advance.
Caution when drinking
Don't accept drinks offered by strangers. There are reported cases of sleeping pills being slipped into them. And absolutely avoid walking alone while heavily intoxicated.
Move in groups
Where possible, we recommend traveling in a group. For solo female travelers especially, keep nighttime outings to a minimum, or check with hotel staff about safe places before heading out.
What to do in an emergency, and contact numbers
In case you run into trouble, know the emergency contacts and how to respond.
Emergency contacts in Vietnam
Police: 113
Ambulance: 115
Fire: 114
Embassy of Japan in Vietnam (Hanoi): +84-24-3846-3000
Consulate-General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City: +84-28-3933-3510
How to respond to different kinds of trouble
If you're pickpocketed or your bag is snatched
First ensure your own safety, then file a report at the nearest police station. If your credit card is stolen, contact the card company right away to freeze it. If you lose your passport, contact the Japanese embassy or consulate-general.
If you fall ill or get injured
Consult your hotel's front desk and have them refer you to a hospital with Japanese-language support. Major cities have medical facilities where Japanese is understood. If you have travel insurance, contact your insurer's emergency line.
In case of taxi trouble
If a fare dispute arises, photograph the meter and note the license plate. Consider refusing to pay and reporting it to the police. Using a ride-hailing app in advance helps you avoid this kind of trouble.
Summary: For a safe and comfortable stay in Vietnam
Vietnam has relatively good public safety even within Southeast Asia, and it's a country with many appealing destinations. Major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Hoi An each have their safe areas and their areas that call for caution.
For a safe stay, gathering information in advance and taking the right precautions are essential. When choosing accommodation, prioritize security features and the safety of the location, and we recommend a mid-range or higher hotel. When going out at night, choose places with plenty of foot traffic and be thorough about safeguarding your valuables.
It's also important to keep emergency contacts on hand in case of trouble. Keep these points in mind and enjoy all that Vietnam has to offer with peace of mind.
