Ho Chi Minh City is the largest and most populous city in Vietnam, situated in South Vietnam. Situated in the southeastern region, the city surrounds the Saigon River and covers about 2,061 square kilometers.
Warnings & Dangers in Ho Chi Minh City
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Ho Chi Minh is a relatively safe city to travel to, but here you should pay more attention to your surroundings and be careful when walking day and night.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
Public transport is well developed and safe. Keep an eye on your wallets on buses to avoid pickpocketing. Use only licensed taxi services. Beware of motorcyclists who can snatch bags and backpacks from their hands on the road.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
Like any major city in Ho Chi Minh City, pickpockets do happen. Especially on public transport during rush hour. Keep track of your belongings, and do not leave bags and wallets unattended on the tables in the cafe.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
Ho Chi Minh City is prone to earthquakes, floods, and typhoons. Study the weather conditions before your visit here.
MUGGING RISK : LOW
The risk of serious robbery and armed attacks is shallow in Ho Chi Minh City. There is little danger of these attacks in the suburbs. However, the likelihood that you will be attacked is minimal.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
The risk of terrorism is low in Ho Chi Minh. The global risk of terrorist attacks in public areas exists worldwide, so tourists should be vigilant.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
Fraud is commonly associated with street vendors offering counterfeit goods to tourists. Don't buy them even if the price is very attractive. Also, only withdraw money from ATM at banks with cameras to avoid skimming your card. Gambling fraud is also common.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM
Women traveling alone can feel quite safe in Ho Chi Minh city. The main thing is to adhere to the usual precautions and monitor your surroundings. Sometimes excited shouts towards women and whistling are possible. Just try to walk past such men.
How Safe Is Ho Chi Minh City for Tourists?
Ho Chi Minh is not the safest city to travel to.
The crime index here is at an average level.
The main problems are related to corruption, vandalism, and theft.
Vietnamese people are mostly friendly, welcoming, and generous.
But if you feel that they want to deceive or rob you, turn around and leave.
Don’t carry a lot of expensive items and cash with you.
On the streets of the city, there are frequent cases of bags snatched by fraudsters, especially at intersections when a fraudster rides a motorcycle.
Don’t attract criminals with a lot of expensive items and devices like cameras and laptops.
It is a good idea to carry these things in an anti-theft backpack.
Never leave personal belongings and phones unattended, even if you just want to leave them on a cafe table.
Do not trust those who ask or offer you help.
Also, don’t trust strangers who offer to take you to a cafe or treat you to a drink at their own expense.
In this regard, you should also monitor your drink in the bar – there are often cases when scammers added opiate to a tourist’s glass to rob him later.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Ho Chi Minh City?
Visitors to Vietnam must obtain a visa from one of the Vietnamese diplomatic missions unless they come from visa-exempt countries or countries eligible for electronic visas. However, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam, no new visitors can obtain visas to enter the country.
Which Currency Is Used in Ho Chi Minh City?
The đồng has been the currency of Vietnam since May 3, 1978. The State Bank of Vietnam issues it. The đồng was also the currency of the predecessor states of North Vietnam and South Vietnam, having replaced the previously used French Indochinese piastre.
How's the Weather like in Ho Chi Minh City?
In Ho Chi Minh City, the wet season is overcast; the dry season is partly cloudy, hot, and oppressive year-round. The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the drier months of December to March.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Ho Chi Minh City?
Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport is the busiest airport in Vietnam, with 32.5 million passengers in 2016 and 38.5 million passengers in 2018. It serves Ho Chi Minh City as well as the rest of southeastern Vietnam.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, is the largest and most populous city in Vietnam, situated in South Vietnam. Situated in the southeastern region, the city surrounds the Saigon River and covers about 2,061 square kilometers.
Is the Water in Ho Chi Minh City Safe to Drink?
Tap water is not potable. You can use bottled water or boil tap water.
Is Uber Safe in Ho Chi Minh City?
There is no Uber taxi in this city. You can use any other local taxi services.
