Ho Chi Minh City Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Ho Chi Minh City.
Healthcare System
Ho Chi Minh City has a two-tier healthcare system: public hospitals that serve locals (often crowded with language barriers) and international private hospitals that cater to expatriates and tourists with Western standards of care and English-speaking staff.
Hospitals
For tourists, international hospitals are strongly recommended: FV Hospital (District 7), Columbia Asia Saigon (District 1), Raffles Medical (District 1), and Family Medical Practice (Districts 1 and 7). These facilities accept international insurance and can directly bill many providers. Emergency rooms are available 24/7.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (Nhà thuốc) are abundant throughout the city. Many medications available by prescription only in Western countries can be purchased over-the-counter. Guardian and Medicare are reliable pharmacy chains. Always check expiration dates and buy from reputable pharmacies to avoid counterfeit medications.
Insurance
Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended and may be required for visa applications. Medical costs at international hospitals can be expensive (though still cheaper than the US). Ensure your policy covers emergency medical evacuation.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact numbers at all times
- International hospitals require payment upfront or insurance guarantee before treatment
- Bring sufficient prescription medications from home as specific brands may not be available
- Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues
- Consider getting vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis before travel
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Motorbike drive-by bag snatching is the most common crime against tourists. Thieves on motorbikes grab bags, phones, or cameras from pedestrians or even other motorbike passengers. Pickpocketing occurs in crowded areas, markets, and tourist attractions.
Ho Chi Minh City has chaotic traffic with millions of motorbikes and limited traffic law enforcement. Pedestrians face significant risk when crossing streets, and motorbike accidents are common. Traffic moves unpredictably and drivers rarely stop for pedestrians.
Traveler's diarrhea and stomach issues are common due to different food preparation standards, unfamiliar bacteria, and water quality. Street food, while delicious, carries higher risk if hygiene standards are poor.
Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with high temperatures (30-35°C/86-95°F) and humidity year-round. Tourists unaccustomed to the heat can suffer from dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke, especially when walking extensively during midday.
Isolated incidents of drink spiking have been reported in bars and nightclubs, particularly in tourist areas. Victims may be robbed or overcharged while incapacitated.
Rental companies may claim damage to motorbikes that didn't exist, demand excessive deposits, or have accomplices steal rented bikes to charge tourists for the loss. Police may fine tourists for minor or fabricated traffic violations.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unmetered taxis or those with rigged meters charge excessive fares. Drivers may take unnecessarily long routes, claim the meter is broken, or refuse to use the meter. Some fake taxis impersonate legitimate companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun.
Street vendors offer services or items at one price, then demand much higher payment afterward. Shoe shiners may start cleaning shoes without being asked, then demand payment. Vendors selling items may claim prices in Vietnamese Dong but charge in US dollars (1000x more).
Tourists are lured into gold or jewelry shops with promises of special prices or investment opportunities. Items sold as gold or precious stones are often fake or significantly overpriced. Some scammers befriend tourists over days to build trust before the pitch.
Scammers approach tourists with clipboards or pamphlets claiming to collect for orphanages, disabled people, or other causes. Money rarely goes to legitimate charities. Some use children to elicit sympathy.
Xe ôm (motorbike taxi) drivers quote one price but demand much more at the destination, sometimes becoming aggressive. They may take longer routes or claim misunderstanding about the price.
Restaurants add items you didn't order to the bill, charge for 'complimentary' items like wet towels or tea, or bring expensive items without showing prices first. Some tourist restaurants have inflated 'foreigner prices.'
Scammers pose as police or officials, claim tourists have committed violations, and demand on-the-spot fines or 'inspection' of wallets. Real police rarely stop tourists randomly, and official fines should have receipts.
Some bars or cafes, especially those with attractive hostesses who invite tourists in, charge astronomical prices for drinks. Bills can reach hundreds of dollars for a few drinks. Staff may become threatening if payment is refused.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables; carry only photocopies of important documents
- Divide money between different locations (wallet, bag, hotel safe) to minimize loss if robbed
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours rather than street ATMs at night
- Be aware that Vietnamese Dong has many zeros; 100,000 VND is about $4 USD, so double-check amounts
- Keep small bills separate for purchases to avoid displaying large amounts of cash
- Use credit cards at reputable establishments but always keep the card in sight to prevent skimming
Transportation
- Download and use Grab app for taxis and motorbike rides; it's safer and more reliable than street options
- Always wear a helmet when on motorbikes; it's the law and could save your life
- Sit in the back seat of taxis and keep doors locked while stopped in traffic
- If renting a motorbike, ensure you have appropriate insurance; standard travel insurance often doesn't cover motorbike accidents
- Be extremely cautious when crossing streets; walk at a steady pace so drivers can predict your movement
- Avoid riding motorbikes after dark, especially if unfamiliar with the route
Accommodation
- Stay in District 1, 3, or 7 for better safety and proximity to tourist services
- Book accommodations with good reviews on security and safety measures
- Keep windows and doors locked, even when inside the room
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify through hotel reception first
- Use the hotel safe and ensure your room has one before booking
- Know the emergency exits and evacuation procedures for your accommodation
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card (Viettel, Vinaphone, or Mobifone) for reliable communication and data
- Keep your phone charged and consider carrying a portable battery pack
- Save emergency contacts and your hotel address in Vietnamese in your phone
- Download offline maps (Google Maps works well in Vietnam) before traveling
- Learn basic Vietnamese phrases for emergencies: 'Cứu tôi' (help me), 'Gọi cảnh sát' (call police)
- Share your itinerary and check in regularly with family or friends back home
Food and Drink
- Eat street food from busy stalls with high customer turnover indicating freshness
- Observe locals eating at a place before trying it yourself
- Carry hand sanitizer and use it before eating, especially at street food stalls
- Be cautious with raw vegetables, salads, and unpeeled fruits
- Try local cuisine gradually to allow your stomach to adjust
- Carry anti-diarrheal medication and rehydration salts just in case
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas; cover shoulders and knees
- Remove shoes before entering temples, homes, and some shops
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially at religious sites
- Don't touch people's heads or point feet at people or religious objects (considered disrespectful)
- Learn basic Vietnamese greetings and thank yous; locals appreciate the effort
- Be patient and polite in all interactions; raising your voice or showing anger causes loss of face
Nightlife
- Stay in groups when going out at night, especially in the backpacker district
- Keep your drinks in sight at all times and don't accept drinks from strangers
- Know your limits with alcohol; excessive drinking makes you a target
- Use Grab to get back to your hotel rather than walking late at night
- Avoid dark, empty streets and stick to well-lit, populated areas
- Be aware that some bars and clubs may have drug issues; avoid any drug offers as penalties are severe
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Vietnamese culture is relatively conservative, and serious harassment is uncommon. However, women may experience some unwanted attention, staring, and occasional catcalling, particularly in tourist areas. Violent crime against women is rare, but standard precautions should be taken.
- Dress modestly to blend in and show cultural respect; Vietnamese women typically cover shoulders and wear longer shorts or pants
- Avoid walking alone late at night; use Grab for transportation after dark rather than walking
- Be firm but polite in declining unwanted attention from touts, vendors, or men in bars
- Solo women should avoid excessive alcohol consumption in public, especially in backpacker areas
- Book accommodations in well-reviewed hotels or guesthouses in safe neighborhoods (District 1 or 3)
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself immediately
- Consider joining group tours or activities to meet other travelers
- Keep phone charged and share location with friends or family when going out
- Be aware that some massage parlors are fronts for sex work; research beforehand to find legitimate spas
- In taxis or Grab rides, sit in the back seat and keep the door locked while stopped
- Carry a whistle or personal alarm for emergency situations
- Be cautious about sharing too much personal information with new acquaintances
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Vietnam with no laws against same-sex relationships. Same-sex marriage is not recognized, but Vietnam is considered one of the most progressive countries in Asia regarding LGBTQ+ rights. There are no legal penalties for being LGBTQ+.
- Ho Chi Minh City has several gay-friendly bars and clubs, primarily in District 1 around Bui Vien and Dong Khoi areas
- Public displays of affection should be kept minimal regardless of sexual orientation; Vietnamese culture is generally reserved
- LGBTQ+ travelers can generally stay in hotels without issues; international hotels are particularly welcoming
- The annual Viet Pride event takes place in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, usually in August
- Use LGBTQ+ travel apps and resources to find welcoming venues and connect with the local community
- While acceptance is growing, avoid overtly discussing sexual orientation with older, conservative Vietnamese people
- Same-sex couples should request double beds when booking to avoid confusion or issues at check-in
- Be aware that outside major cities, acceptance levels decrease significantly
- Transgender travelers may face more challenges; carry documentation if your appearance doesn't match passport gender
- The local LGBTQ+ community is discreet but welcoming; consider connecting through social media groups before arrival
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Ho Chi Minh City. While the city is relatively safe, medical costs at international hospitals can be substantial, and standard travel insurance may not cover motorbike accidents (very common). Medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore for serious conditions can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Trip cancellation, lost luggage, and theft coverage are also valuable given common issues with petty crime.
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