What Can Get You In Trouble in Vietnam as a Traveler?

Is Vietnam a Scary Place for Foreigners and Tourists?

If you’re traveling from the west, Vietnam may feel a little different at first, but you’ll soon realize that other than a potential language barrier that the citizens of Vietnam are much like those of any other country.

They work, play, laugh, and live in a cooperative society where tourists are welcomed and encouraged. Vietnam was the first southeast Asian country I ever visited, and I found the experience so wonderful that I wish I had longer to explore.

However, despite how easy it is to travel throughout Vietnam as a tourist, you may find it helpful to learn what not to do while in Vietnam. The country does have a few rules and guidelines you should take note of before you step off your flight and begin your international vacation.

Just a note: I won’t really be delving into the politics or differences of Vietnam’s government versus the United States, or that of any other country. If you are an American or westerner who is interested in learning more about the government of the country, I recommend reading an educational text on the subject rather than a travel blog. Just my two cents.

(note: some of the links here are to websites with which I am an affiliate, and your purchases help fund my website!)

What is Prohibited in Vietnam?

Like any country, Vietnam prohibits certain items, and you’re advised to follow the local rules when packing your luggage to travel to Vietnam. If you use cannabis, you’ll definitely want to leave your edibles and other paraphernalia at home because marijuana is illegal in Vietnam, whether it’s for recreational or medical use.

The Vietnamese government treats marijuana the same way it does cocaine and heroin, so it’s definitely not something you want to bring into the country. Even though the substance is legal or mostly legal in many countries around the world, it is not something you should have in Vietnam.

You should also leave pornographic materials at home because the government prohibits it for citizens and visitors. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that your bags could get searched at the airport when you arrive, so don’t assume you can place something illegal in your checked baggage and get through the airport with it.

You’ll also want to avoid bringing in any reading material that is critical of Vietnam’s government. While you may find it helpful to read about the history of the country in a book, which may include topics about various conflicts, you’ll want to complete your reading of these resources before you board your flights to Vietnam.

Also, try to avoid books with maps, too, because there are some disagreements between different Southeast Asian countries on the ownership of some geographical locations. When in doubt about printed material, it’s best to just leave them at home instead of bringing them in your luggage. The best reading material to bring to Vietnam is a book on Vietnamese phrases and translation. This sort of book will help you communicate but won’t raise any eyebrows.

What Happens If You Get Caught With Drugs in Vietnam?

The penalties for getting caught with drugs are quite severe in Vietnam, so you don’t even want to chance it. According to the United States Embassy in Vietnam, penalties may include heavy fines, long jail sentences and, in some cases, the death penalty.

Vietnam is a beautiful, invigorating, historical, and amazing country, and it’s just not worth getting yourself into legal trouble while on vacation. Note that the police may search clubs and other venues they believe may have drugs, so always remain vigilant and avoid the uncertainty of an unknown place or venue.

When I visited Vietnam, I only interacted with law enforcement briefly at the airport when we arrived. I only rarely saw members of law enforcement, and I had zero issues interacting with them. There’s absolutely no reason to be fearful that the police may randomly stop you or question you. As long as you respect the local laws, the Vietnamese will happily welcome you into their hotels, tourist locations, and everywhere else.

Is It Illegal to Carry a Knife in Vietnam?

The laws regarding knives in Vietnam aren’t nearly as strict as those on drugs, but you should still be aware of the laws on knives in Vietnam. The country doesn’t allow sales of knives to minors (those under 18), and it generally only allows adults to carry knives in public when they are a pocket knife with a blade size of less than three inches.

If you like to carry a Swiss Army knife, you shouldn’t face any problems in Vietnam, but it’s not an absolutely necessary item. Petty theft and crimes do occur in Vietnam, but you’ll be unlikely to experience any crime as long as you remain aware of your surroundings while on your tours or when just walking around exploring.

Some of the areas I walked around when I was in Hanoi did feel a little sketchy, but I really never felt as though I was in danger or that I needed to be excessively cautious with a knife in my pocket, ready to defend myself. If you feel the need to toss one in your luggage, that’s fine, but remember that you shouldn’t try to put it in your carry-on luggage and that it will need to go in a checked bag.

When we visited Hoi An (a small town south of Da Nang, along the coast), we walked by some pretty decrepit buildings that were very reminiscent of the Cold War era (they almost looked like the brutalist architecture of Soviet Russia), but still, even the sight of those old buildings wasn’t enough to make me feel alarmed or that I was unsafe.

I’m sure there are areas of Vietnam where you need to remain exceptionally vigilant against potential crime, as there are in every country on the planet. However, when you’re visiting Vietnam as a tourist, many of the historical tours you’ll take and the activities you’ll enjoy will occur in areas where there are quite a lot of tourists. Sometimes, you might feel like you’re visiting Disneyland rather than Vietnam.

What is the Most Common Crime in Vietnam?

As a tourist, it’s unlikely that you’ll experience violent crime in Vietnam, but you’ll need to remain on guard against petty crime and purse/bag thieves. Ho Chi Min City has its fair share of petty thieves, like many other densely populated cities around the world.

As you would whether you were in Hanoi or Houston, keeping your bags close to you and making sure you don’t have valuables hanging out of your pockets is important for reducing the likelihood of becoming the victim of petty crime in Vietnam.

You may want to purchase a bag that’s specifically made to repel theft, like an anti-theft purse or secure bag. If you normally carry a purse with an open top, opt for one with a zipper instead. Always keep your purse or bag in view, and try to avoid tossing a backpack on your back and forgetting about it while you mindlessly stroll around town.

Interacting With the Vietnamese Authorities

Unless you’re a member of law enforcement or you work in a department where your coworkers are law enforcement, you may feel a little intimidated when interacting with police officers. When you’re in Vietnam, there’s no reason to feel nervous around members of law enforcement or anyone in a position of authority.

From my experience, Vietnamese culture prides itself on being respectful to others in public. You might not even really see any members of law enforcement other than those who might be on duty at the airport, but giving them the respect you would any human is the easiest way to go about your business while traveling in Vietnam.

Overall, you shouldn’t feel at all scared or pensive about traveling in Vietnam, especially if you’re aware of the rules and conduct yourself in a respectful manner. Chances are, you’ll find that virtually everyone you interact with in Vietnam will offer you the same level of consideration you offer them.

I can’t recommend traveling to Vietnam enough; I adored my time in the country, and I feel so fortunate to have experienced so much of the countryside and interacted with so many people. While it is true that the government of Vietnam is very strict when it comes to crime, it’s definitely quite easy to travel throughout the country without really thinking about those punishments, as long as you don’t break any local laws.

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