Safest cities in Vietnam
68 cities with 100k+ population · data updated 2026-09-04
What official travel advice warns about
Terrorism
- Terrorism in VietnamAlthough there is no recent history of terrorism in Vietnam, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Political situation
- Vietnam has a single-party political system, which does not welcome people disagreeing with the government. Some protests in recent years have turned violent or been violently suppressed by the authorities. Avoid all protests.
Internet censorship
- Within the Vietnamese territory, local authorities can block access to:
Freedom of expression
- British nationals should be cautious of political activities, including criticising the government or its domestic and foreign policies or advocating alternatives to Communist Party rule. Possession of political material, and non-sanctioned religious activities including proselytising could lead to a temporary ban on leaving the country, a prison…
Civil unrest
- Political dissent is rare in Vietnam and protests are generally not tolerated. You should avoid any protests or demonstrations. Follow any instructions issued by authorities.
Crime
- Protecting yourself and your belongingsViolent crime against foreigners is rare, however petty crimes such as theft and pickpocketing occur regularly. Bag-snatchers operate in crowded areas and in places visited by tourists. Typically, there is a rise in petty crime during the Christmas and Tet Lunar New Year seasons.
- Drink spiking and sexual assaultBritish nationals have reported rape and sexual assaults in the main tourist areas and places where foreigners live, often committed by or linked to unlicenced taxi drivers. Women have also reported indecent assaults and harassment. These include inappropriate touching and groping, particularly while walking alone.
- Methanol poisoningThere have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Vietnam.
- Job scamsBe wary of job offers that appear too good to be true. People have arrived in the Mekong region and have been illegally transported to neighbouring countries on the promise of high-paying jobs, which turn out to be scams.
- Transfers from airports and stationsBe cautious about offers of free bus transfers to hotels, unless organised in advance. These may be scams.
Laws and cultural differences
- Personal IDYou must always carry photographic ID. The authorities will accept a printed copy of the photo page of your passport and visa.
- Illegal drugs penaltiesPenalties for possessing, using, distributing or manufacturing drugs, including cannabis, regardless of the amount involved, are severe. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
- Cigarettes and alcohol from street vendorsYou should avoid purchasing liquor or cigarettes from street vendors or strangers, as the authenticity cannot be assured.
- LGBT+ travellersVietnam is a generally tolerant and progressive place for LGBT+ travellers. There are no criminal penalties for same-sex sexual activity or changing gender. Same-sex marriage is not recognised in law.
- Dress codeRespect local customs and dress in appropriate clothing when entering religious or cultural sites. This usually means covering your shoulders and knees. You’ll often see signs outside religious or cultural sites that tell you the dress code.
- Money change countersOnly change money at official money exchange counters with a clear sign showing this status. Changing money elsewhere is illegal and you risk losing your money.
- Wildlife, animal products and souvenirsIt’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or collect protected wild animal or plants. If you’re caught buying or trafficking these items, you could get a fine or long prison sentence.
- Restricted areasThere are restrictions on travel near military bases in Vietnam. Do not take photos near bases.
- Legal systemPeople convicted of sex and drug offences can receive very long prison sentences or the death sentence. Even minor crimes, such as theft, have the possibility of carrying a prison sentence. The Vietnamese legal system operates differently from the UK, and the standard of prisons is very poor.
- Internet accessThere are sometimes restrictions on internet use, which can temporarily affect access to social media websites. Most social media sites are normally available.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
- Firearms activitiesIf you take part in leisure activities involving firearms, make sure a reputable guide supervises you. There is a risk of hearing loss.
Transport risks
- Road travelIf you are planning to drive in Vietnam, see information on driving abroad and driving rules in Vietnam.
- Motorbike safetyTravelling by motorbike in Vietnam is much riskier than in the UK. Motorbike accidents are common and have killed and injured British nationals.
- TaxisMetered taxis from larger firms are generally reliable. Where possible get hotels or restaurants to book you a reputable taxi. Always make sure the driver identifies themself before setting off. If you book taxis using the Grab app, which is similar to Uber – you can make sure the details of the vehicle and driver match those given by the company.
- Buses and coachesBus and coach crashes are not uncommon and are more likely at night. Vehicles are often poorly maintained. Night bus drivers may become tired but continue driving, resulting in sometimes fatal crashes.
- Sea travelCheck with your tour guide about the safety record and registration of boats, and the certification of staff. Make sure you get a full safety briefing and have a life jacket when joining any boat.
Landmines and unexploded weapons
- Landmines and other unexploded weapons are a hazard in former battlefields. Areas of particular risk include central Vietnam and along the Laos border, formerly crossed by the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Mined areas are often unmarked.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
- Tropical cyclonesTropical cyclones affect the eastern coastal regions of Vietnam, with a risk of:
- Rain seasonThe rain season extends:
- Heat wavesHumid and heat may be severe, particularly during the rainy season. Know the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, both of which can be fatal.
Headings and opening lines from the UK FCDO “Safety and security” travel advice for Vietnam, updated 2026-06-26 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Read the full advice on gov.uk →
Country figures
- Homicide rate
- 1.54 /100k2011
- Income inequality
- Gini 36.12022
- Human development
- HDI 0.7662023
- Income
- $17,580/yrGNI per capita PPP
- Road deaths
- 30.6 /100kWHO, 2019
- Political stability
- 66/100WGI, 2024 · higher = more stable
- Rule of law
- 52/100WGI, 2024
- Corruption perceptions
- 41/100Transparency Intl, 2025 · higher = cleaner
- Natural-hazard risk
- 3.9/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Women, Peace & Security
- 0.72GIWPS, 2025 · 0-1, higher = better
- Air quality
- 24.8 µg/m³PM2.5, 2023 · WHO guideline is 5
- Safe drinking water
- 59%of population, 2024 · WHO/UNICEF JMP
- Healthcare capacity
- 1.1 doctors /1k2.5 hospital beds per 1,000
- Malaria
- 0 /1k at riskWHO, 2024 · endemic countries only
Natural hazards
- Flood
- 9.9/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Cyclone
- 5.9/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Tsunami
- 5.9/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Drought
- 4.0/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Earthquake
- 3.5/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Hazard types scoring under 1 out of 10 are not listed.
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Vietnam (as of 2025).
How Vietnam compares
| Measure | Vietnam | World median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 1.5 /100k | 2.4 /100k | −0.8 /100k — better for Vietnam |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 36.1 | 35.2 | +0.9 — better for World median |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.766 | 0.763 | +0.003 — better for Vietnam |
| Road deaths | 30.6 /100k | 15.4 /100k | +15.2 /100k — better for World median |
| Rule of law | 52/100 | 52/100 | ±0/100 |
| Corruption perceptions | 41/100 | 39/100 | +2/100 — better for Vietnam |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 24.8 µg/m³ | 19.7 µg/m³ | +5.1 µg/m³ — better for World median |
| Natural-hazard risk | 3.9/10 | 3.8/10 | +0.1/10 — better for World median |
| Measure | Vietnam | Asia median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 1.5 /100k | 1.8 /100k | −0.2 /100k — better for Vietnam |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 36.1 | 33.4 | +2.7 — better for Asia median |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.766 | 0.771 | −0.005 — better for Asia median |
| Road deaths | 30.6 /100k | 14.9 /100k | +15.7 /100k — better for Asia median |
| Rule of law | 52/100 | 52/100 | ±0/100 |
| Corruption perceptions | 41/100 | 35/100 | +7/100 — better for Vietnam |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 24.8 µg/m³ | 28.6 µg/m³ | −3.8 µg/m³ — better for Vietnam |
| Natural-hazard risk | 3.9/10 | 3.6/10 | +0.3/10 — better for Asia median |
Medians, not means, so one extreme country cannot drag the reference value. Each row compares only the countries that have a published figure for that measure, and differences are plain arithmetic between stored values.
All 68 cities, safest first
- Ho Chi Minh City74.4 · #2850 worldwide
- Hanoi74.4 · #2851 worldwide
- Cần Thơ74.4 · #2852 worldwide
- Đà Nẵng74.4 · #2853 worldwide
- Hải Phòng74.4 · #2854 worldwide
- Long Xuyên74.4 · #2855 worldwide
- Mỹ Tho74.4 · #2856 worldwide
- Nha Trang74.4 · #2857 worldwide
- Vũng Tàu74.4 · #2858 worldwide
- Tây Ninh74.4 · #2859 worldwide
- Huế74.4 · #2860 worldwide
- Vinh74.4 · #2861 worldwide
- Nam Định74.4 · #2862 worldwide
- Hải Dương74.4 · #2863 worldwide
- Quảng Ngãi74.4 · #2864 worldwide
- Buôn Ma Thuột74.4 · #2865 worldwide
- Quy Nhơn74.4 · #2866 worldwide
- Vinh Long74.4 · #2867 worldwide
- Thái Nguyên74.4 · #2868 worldwide
- Rạch Giá74.4 · #2869 worldwide
- Thanh Hoá74.4 · #2870 worldwide
- Long Thành74.4 · #2871 worldwide
- Phan Thiết74.4 · #2872 worldwide
- Phan Rang – Tháp Chàm74.4 · #2873 worldwide
- Đà Lạt74.4 · #2874 worldwide
- Sóc Sơn74.4 · #2875 worldwide
- Bắc Ninh74.4 · #2876 worldwide
- Pleiku74.4 · #2877 worldwide
- Thái Bình74.4 · #2878 worldwide
- Bắc Giang74.4 · #2879 worldwide
- Củ Chi74.4 · #2880 worldwide
- Tân Châu74.4 · #2881 worldwide
- Sóc Trăng74.4 · #2882 worldwide
- Trang Bang74.4 · #2883 worldwide
- Bạc Liêu74.4 · #2884 worldwide
- Bảo Lộc74.4 · #2885 worldwide
- Phú Mỹ74.4 · #2886 worldwide
- Tam Hồng74.4 · #2887 worldwide
- Tuy Hòa74.4 · #2888 worldwide
- Bến Tre74.4 · #2889 worldwide
- Kon Tum74.4 · #2890 worldwide
- Cao Lãnh74.4 · #2891 worldwide
- Bà Rịa74.4 · #2892 worldwide
- Cẩm Phả74.4 · #2893 worldwide
- Cà Mau74.4 · #2894 worldwide
- Châu Đốc74.4 · #2895 worldwide
- Trà Vinh74.4 · #2896 worldwide
- Ninh Bình74.4 · #2897 worldwide
- Hạ Long74.4 · #2898 worldwide
- Phủ Lý74.4 · #2899 worldwide
- Gia Kiệm74.4 · #2900 worldwide
- Đồng Xoài74.4 · #2901 worldwide
- Long Khánh74.4 · #2902 worldwide
- Sơn Tây74.4 · #2903 worldwide
- Tân Uyên74.4 · #2904 worldwide
- Phùng74.4 · #2905 worldwide
- Xuân Trường74.4 · #2906 worldwide
- Liên Nghĩa74.4 · #2907 worldwide
- Vĩnh Yên74.4 · #2908 worldwide
- Tân Phú74.4 · #2909 worldwide
- Quốc Oai74.4 · #2910 worldwide
- Sa Đéc74.4 · #2911 worldwide
- Việt Trì74.4 · #2912 worldwide
- Phuoc Long74.4 · #2913 worldwide
- Đức Hòa74.4 · #2914 worldwide
- Ninh Hòa74.4 · #2915 worldwide
- Lạng Sơn74.4 · #2916 worldwide
- Hưng Yên74.4 · #2917 worldwide