Basic Travel Safety and Security

Vietnam

Before you decide to travel to Vietnam there are a few things you need to know. The first thing is that no matter where you travel, from home to the local market you should always exercise your most valuable weapon, your Brain! Your awareness skills are necessary and should be improved daily no matter where you go. With the proper awareness skills, you can avoid most mishaps by seeing whats going on around you which, most people do not do.

I travel to Vietnam every 2 months and stay for a minimum of 20 - 30 days every deployment. In Vietnam, more people die from motorbike accidents than anything. From a security stand point, Vietnamese people have a different temperament and will sometimes react with violence due more than likely to the fact that the Vietnamese Police (Chan Sat) in Vietnam do not react to calls for help like American or European Police do. They are not trained very well, and are pushed around by people as if they have little or no authority. Just go on Youtube and search Vietnamese Police on the street and you will see what I mean.

Vietnamese Police are commonly shake down artist, in other words, they stop you on your motorbike or car not to give you a ticket for speeding or going the wrong way on the street but because they can. You can either slip them some cash or give up your motorbike. In other words, if you have money you probably buy your way out of most situations. The Vietnamese people know this fact too and in incidents outside of traffic stops for your cash, they seem to be non-respected by Vietnamese people. So don’t count on calling 911 and officers responding in 5 minutes or an ambulance rushing to the scene, it’s not going to happen. The best advice is to look like you know where your going, be assertive, talk with certainty and confidence even if locals don’t understand your English. Your vocal tone can encourage or discourage the situation.

Most Vietnamese people are good people who will help you, but just like in any city, state or country, you don’t know who are good guys or the bad guys so, you have to be prepared for the worst, anywhere you go in the world! “Prepare for the worst, hope for the best!

Most visits to Vietnam are trouble free but you should take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Vietnamese law requires everyone to carry photographic ID at all times. You should carry a photocopy of the pages from your passport with your personal details and visa for ID, and leave the original documents in a safe place.

There has been a reported increase in incidents of personal belongings and bags being snatched, including from people traveling on motorbikes in big cities and tourist areas. Some thieves have resorted to physical violence though, this is not common. You should remain alert and take care of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and places visited by tourists is where pick pockets and bag snatchers operate. Consider splitting key items between bags so that everything is not in one.

Although a number of incidents involving sexual assault and harassment of foreigners in Hanoi were reported in 2016, sexual assaults are rare with foreigners. But like always, you should take sensible precautions.

There have been reports of arguments over hotel, restaurant or taxi bills turning violent or abusive. It is well worth researching places to stay before you arrive. To avoid potential disputes, make sure you are clear about the level of service you can expect to receive and any associated charges.

There have been reports of scams targeting tourists, involving fake charities, gambling and fake taxis. Make sure the Taxi is a Vinasun, they are reputable and appear to operate as a professional company. Typical taxi rates in Ho Chi Minh City from the airport to District 1 should range between 200,000vnd or $10usd and 250,000 $12usd at the most unless the driver knows you don't know anything and attempts to pretend he can't find your destination while he runs up the meter.

Local travel

Since 2016, a number of British and foreign visitors have died in Vietnam while engaged in adventure tourism in rural areas. Some terrain can be hazardous and very remote from rescue services of any kind. Safety standards are generally lower than in the UK or America, compliance varies. Illegal tour guides are known to offer activities which may be forbidden by local regulations, at much lower prices than legitimate guides, including a number of reports from the Dalat/Datanla area. You should follow safety guidelines and procedures as well as common since. Don’t stray off main paths or routes and where appropriate take a reputable guide and follow their advice. Make sure that your travel insurance covers your planned activity fully. If ever you have the mind to think wow, I don't know about this, use that as your barometer to get the hell out of there!

Travel is restricted near military installations and some areas of Vietnam are fairly inaccessible. If you wish to visit a village, commune or ward that is close to the border you may need to get permission from the provincial police department. Contact the relevant local authority for more information.

Unexploded mines and ordnance are a continuing hazard in former battlefields, particularly in central Vietnam and along the Laos Border, formerly traversed by the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Mined areas are often unmarked. Google search war zones Vietnam and you should see old maps and info regarding where these areas are.

Undertaking any leisure activities which include firearms you do at your own risk and make sure you are supervised by a reputable guide. There have been reports of hearing loss from those close to these activities.

Road travel

Since 2013, 3 British nationals have died in motorbike accidents in Vietnam, and more than 40 British nationals have been injured, some very seriously. Latest reports suggest that the death count from Motorbike accidents is more like 15,454 or more per year and this does not only include driver’s, it could also mean people crossing streets and walking on sidewalks.

Before choosing to drive a motorbike in Vietnam, it is essential that you’re an experienced motorcycle rider, have a good quality motorbike helmet which in Vietnam, most are like toys. Understand the roads on which you plan to travel and that your travel insurance covers your planned activity.

Compliance with local road regulations is poor. You’re advised to keep your speed down and to be prepared for the unexpected. If you’re planning on travelling as a passenger on a motorbike, please wear a good quality helmet and make sure your medical insurance is comprehensive. It’s illegal to be on a motorbike without a helmet but people still take the risk.

There are frequent road traffic accidents and fatal crashes. If you’re involved in a traffic accident you could face criminal charges and you may need to pay compensation to the injured person even if the injuries are minor. If you’re involved in an accident or subject to an investigation, offer the police your full co-operation and inform the British or American Embassy in Hanoi or Consulate General in Hoi Chi Minh City.

From October 2015, International Driving Permits (IDPs) are accepted in Vietnam. You may only drive the category of vehicle for which your permit is valid. You’ll need to show both the IDP and your UK driving licence to the authorities as required.

Don’t use your passport as a deposit for hiring vehicles or in place of a fine in the event of a traffic offence. If you don’t have an IDP and you want to drive a car or motorcycle you’ll need to get a Vietnamese driving licence from the Hanoi Department of Public Works and Transportation (telephone: +84 4 3843 5325) or the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Public Works and Transportation (telephone: +84 8 3829 0451 or 0452).

You should also ensure you have third-party insurance as required by Vietnamese law.

Metered taxis from larger firms are generally reliable. There are many taxi operators and meters are set at different prices. The meter should start at around 8,000 to 20,000 VND, depending on the size of the taxi. Where possible get hotels or restaurants to book you a reputable taxi.

There have been reports of overcharging for taxi journeys from airports and tourist hotspots. Check the published fares near the taxi stands before starting your journey.

Bus and coach crashes are not unusual and increase in regularity at night. Vehicles are often poorly maintained. When traveling by bus be vigilant against petty theft. Be cautious about offers of free transfers to hotels unless organized in advance, as these are likely to be bogus.

Rail travel in Vietnam is generally safe. Be aware of the risks of petty theft particularly while asleep on overnight trains

Sea travel.

Safety regulations and standards vary greatly and are not at the same level as the United Kingdom or the U.S.. Check with your tour guide about the safety record and registration of boats, and the certification of personnel before setting off. Make sure you receive a full safety briefing when joining any boat. Consider safety standards carefully before taking an overnight boat trip on Halong Bay as some boats have sunk quickly and without warning. In October 2012, 12 people died in an accident in Halong Bay. Tourist boats have also caught fire in 2016 and 2017.

Piracy has been known to occur in coastal areas off Vietnam. Mariners should be vigilant, reduce opportunities for attacks, establish secure areas onboard and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities.

Political situation

Vietnam has a single party political system, which does not welcome dissent. Some protests in recent years have turned violent. You should avoid all protests.

Consular assistance

Providing prompt consular assistance can be difficult outside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam is a large country and some areas don’t have well developed infrastructure or frequent flights.

Major Gardner will be posting more updates from personal travels, this info does not involve all of the common issues with travel in or through Vietnam.

To contact Major Gardner for travel safety consulting or personal protection and safety escorts services in Vietnam visit:

www.g7asia.com

1.866.989.5253 U.S.

1.954.837.6169 Skype

VIETNAM Travel Safety- VIP Security Ho Chi Minh City - Hanoi

Vietnam Travel Safety Tips