What are some dangers of living in Vietnam? Vietnam is a good place to live but there are some dangerous things you should consider.
In today’s Vietnam, violent crime is rare. The greatest risks are being overcharged by a taxi driver or street vendor, being involved in motor vehicle accidents, or crossing a busy road.
At first glance, you might think that crossing the street in Vietnam is a life-endangering act. Cars and motorbikes don’t yield to pedestrians, but they do adjust to your presence and make every attempt to avoid hitting you.
Here’s the secret: once you begin crossing the street, don’t stop and think about it; keep a steady, slow, and predictable pace and watch the traffic flow around you like water in a rocky stream. If you can’t bring yourself to take that first step on your own, there’s safety and comfort in numbers: wait until there are others ready to cross and join the group.
Driving in Vietnam has its risks, especially on the busy highways. I generally avoid driving on high-speed highways; motorbikes are often restricted from highway access or delegated to driving on the shoulder. Traffic is chaotic in the cities, but if you take the time to learn the rules of the road—and they do exist—you’re unlikely to be involved in more than the rare low-speed fender-bender. Many people choose to drive small, environmentally friendly electric motorbikes in the city; they’re fast enough to go the speed of traffic and light enough to be easily maneuverable.
Burglaries and other crimes of opportunity are uncommon but are more likely to occur in Vietnam’s urban areas. Lock your doors and don’t leave valuables lying out in the open unattended. Being aware of your belongings and your surroundings is all that is needed to avoid being a victim—not just in Vietnam but anywhere.
