Hanoi Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Hanoi.
Healthcare System
Hanoi has a two-tier healthcare system: international/private hospitals catering to foreigners and expatriates with modern facilities and English-speaking staff, and public hospitals serving locals with more basic facilities and significant language barriers. International clinics are concentrated in central districts and cater specifically to foreign visitors.
Hospitals
Top facilities for tourists include Vinmec Times City International Hospital, Hanoi French Hospital (Hôpital Français de Hanoi), Family Medical Practice, and Raffles Medical. These are located in Ba Dinh, Hai Ba Trung, and Dong Da districts. Costs are significantly higher than local hospitals but still reasonable compared to Western countries. Most accept international insurance with direct billing.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (nhà thuốc) are abundant throughout Hanoi. Many medications available by prescription-only in Western countries can be purchased over the counter, but counterfeit medications are a concern. Stick to reputable pharmacy chains like Pharmacity, Medicare, or hospital pharmacies. Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original packaging with documentation.
Insurance
Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended and often required for visa applications. Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation (minimum $100,000 USD recommended) as serious cases may require transfer to Bangkok or Singapore. International hospitals may require proof of insurance or significant deposits before treatment.
Healthcare Tips
- Always carry your insurance card and emergency contact numbers
- International hospitals require upfront payment or insurance guarantee, so have a credit card with sufficient limit
- Bring copies of prescriptions and generic drug names as brand names differ in Vietnam
- Consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis depending on travel plans
- Drink only bottled or boiled water; avoid ice in local establishments
- Use insect repellent to prevent dengue fever, especially during rainy season (May-October)
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and phone theft are the most common crimes affecting tourists. Drive-by snatchings from motorbikes are particularly common, where thieves grab bags, phones, or cameras from pedestrians or cyclo passengers.
Hanoi's chaotic traffic with millions of motorbikes poses the highest risk to travelers. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorbike riders face significant danger from the constant flow of traffic that rarely stops for crossings. Traffic rules are loosely followed, and accidents involving tourists are common.
Travelers commonly experience stomach issues from unfamiliar bacteria, food hygiene standards different from Western countries, and contaminated water. While street food is part of Hanoi's charm, it carries risks if vendors don't follow proper hygiene practices.
Hanoi frequently experiences poor air quality, especially during winter months (November-March), with PM2.5 levels often exceeding safe limits. Pollution comes from traffic emissions, construction dust, and seasonal agricultural burning.
Some bars and nightclubs, particularly those with hostesses or in tourist areas, may overcharge dramatically or spike drinks. Solo travelers, especially men, are sometimes lured to establishments and presented with inflated bills.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unofficial taxis use rigged meters that run fast, take unnecessarily long routes, or claim meters are broken and demand inflated fixed prices. Some fake taxis copy the branding of legitimate companies. Drivers may also claim they don't have change to keep large bills.
Cyclo (pedicab) drivers quote prices that seem reasonable but claim the agreed price was per person, per kilometer, or in USD rather than VND after the ride, leading to bills 10-20 times higher than expected.
Some restaurants add items you didn't order to the bill, charge for items claimed to be free (like tea, wet towels, or snacks), or bring expensive items without mentioning prices. Menus may show prices in thousands but bills charge in full amounts.
Rental shops claim pre-existing damage was caused by you, demand excessive repair payments, or hold your passport hostage until you pay inflated fees. Some use duplicate keys to 'steal' the bike back and accuse you of losing it.
A friendly person points out damage to your shoes, offers to fix them, then either damages them further or demands exorbitant payment for basic cleaning. Sometimes works in pairs with one person secretly damaging shoes.
After booking hotels or tours online, travelers receive emails from scammers claiming to be the hotel/tour company saying there's a payment problem and requesting credit card details or additional payment to a different account.
Friendly locals approach tourists, offer a small gift or tie a bracelet on their wrist, engage in conversation, then aggressively demand payment for the 'gift' or become hostile when refused.
Street money changers or some shops offer attractive rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange you, swap bills during counting, or give counterfeit notes. The confusion of dealing with large denomination notes (500,000 VND) makes counting errors easy.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables; carry only copies of documents
- Divide money between multiple locations on your person and in bags
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours rather than street-facing machines at night
- Keep small denominations separate for daily expenses to avoid displaying large bills
- Be discreet when handling money; count change in a secure location, not on the street
- Use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees and notify your bank of travel plans
- Keep emergency cash in USD ($100-200) hidden separately as backup
Transportation Safety
- Download and use the Grab app for transparent pricing and driver tracking
- Always wear helmets when on motorbikes, even for short rides (legally required)
- Avoid renting motorbikes unless you're an experienced rider familiar with chaotic traffic
- When crossing streets, walk slowly and steadily; traffic will flow around you
- Sit on the building side of sidewalk cafes to avoid bag snatching from passing motorbikes
- Use seat belts in taxis and cars; check that vehicles are in good condition
- Avoid traveling between cities by road at night due to poor lighting and driver fatigue
Food and Water Safety
- Choose busy street food stalls with high customer turnover indicating fresh food
- Ensure meat is thoroughly cooked; avoid rare or undercooked dishes initially
- Brush teeth with bottled water, especially in the first few days
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Start with cooked foods and gradually try raw vegetables as your stomach adjusts
- Observe if locals are eating at a place; empty restaurants may be red flags
- Carry anti-diarrheal medication and oral rehydration salts just in case
Communication and Documentation
- Save offline maps of Hanoi on your phone before arrival
- Keep photos of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) in cloud storage
- Learn basic Vietnamese phrases; locals appreciate the effort and it aids in emergencies
- Have your hotel's business card with address in Vietnamese for taxi drivers
- Save emergency contacts and your embassy's number in your phone
- Consider getting a local SIM card for reliable data and local calls
- Use translation apps like Google Translate with offline Vietnamese language pack
Accommodation Safety
- Choose accommodations with good reviews regarding safety and security
- Check that windows and doors lock properly; request room changes if needed
- Keep ground floor and easily accessible rooms locked even when inside
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify staff through hotel reception
- Be cautious about sharing detailed travel plans with strangers
- Store valuables in room safes; if unavailable, use hotel's main safe
- Know emergency exits and have a mental evacuation plan
Cultural Awareness and Behavior
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas (cover shoulders and knees)
- Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, and some traditional restaurants
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially ethnic minorities
- Avoid public displays of affection beyond hand-holding
- Don't touch people's heads or point feet at people or religious objects
- Be respectful when discussing politics, especially regarding government and war history
- Learn about Vietnamese customs to avoid unintentional offense
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Hanoi is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Vietnamese culture is relatively conservative, and violent crime against women is rare. However, women may experience unwanted attention, staring, and occasional harassment, particularly from men who have been drinking. The main concerns are petty theft, overcharging by vendors, and navigating the chaotic traffic. Local women are visible in public life at all hours, which is a positive indicator of general safety.
- Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention; cover shoulders and wear pants or longer skirts
- Be firm but polite when declining offers from touts, vendors, or overly friendly strangers
- Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas late at night; use Grab or taxis instead
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers or leaving drinks unattended
- Consider staying in female-only dorm rooms in hostels if budget traveling
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself promptly
- Wear a wedding ring (real or fake) to potentially reduce unwanted attention
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers and explore safely
- Keep phone charged and share your location with friends or family when going out
- Be aware that some massage parlors are fronts for sex work; choose reputable spas
- Local women can be great resources for advice; don't hesitate to ask hotel staff for recommendations
- Carry a whistle or personal alarm for peace of mind, though you're unlikely to need it
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+, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is increasingly discouraged.
- Public displays of affection are uncommon for all couples in Vietnam; discretion is advised
- Hanoi has a small but welcoming LGBTQ+ scene, primarily in the Tay Ho and Old Quarter areas
- GC Club and Savage Club are established LGBTQ+-friendly venues
- Hotel staff are generally professional; same-sex couples can book double rooms without issues
- Use LGBTQ+ travel apps and forums to connect with local community and get current advice
- Be aware that English-language LGBTQ+ resources may be limited; connect with expat communities
- Vietnam Pride events occur annually, though smaller than in other countries
- Avoid public displays of affection in rural areas or very traditional settings
- Most harassment is unlikely, but if it occurs, it's usually verbal rather than physical
- International hotels and Western-style establishments are universally welcoming
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Hanoi due to the significant differences in healthcare costs between local and international hospitals, the risk of traffic accidents, and the potential need for medical evacuation. While Vietnam doesn't require insurance for entry (except for certain visa types), the cost of emergency medical treatment at international hospitals or evacuation to Bangkok/Singapore can easily exceed $50,000-100,000 USD. Additionally, insurance covers trip cancellations, lost belongings, and other unexpected issues that are more likely in a developing country.
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