Tips on Ho Chi Minh City Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!

Ho Chi Minh City Warnings and Dangers

Ho Chi Minh City, still known to many tourists by its former name of Saigon, is one of the most popular tourist spots in Vietnam. Take a look at some of the hazards you might encounter when visiting the city.

Traffic

Ho Chi Minh city is a large, busy, bustling city, and that means heavy traffic. Motorbikes are the vehicle of choice for many residents of the city, so you’ll see a large amount of them on the streets. The streets themselves have few traffic lights, and those that are there are often ignored. That can make crossing the street among a sea of motorbikes an intimidating prospect for visitors to the city.

When you come to an intersection, step back and watch for a break in the traffic before you begin walking. Make sure that you’ve looked in all directions before proceeding. Once you begin crossing the road, don’t stop in the middle of the road, even if you see a bike coming. Keep an even, steady pace until you reach the other side. Be careful on the sidewalks as well – sometimes the bikes can come uncomfortably close, so it’s best to stay as far away from the road as possible while you walk.

Crime

While you’re visiting Ho Chi Minh City, it’s important to be aware that there are pickpockets and snatch-and-grab thieves in the city who are on the lookout for easy targets. Don’t carry your cell phone, camera, or cash in your hand while you’re walking on the street, because someone could simply reach out, snatch it, and run. Put your valuables away.

If you use a purse, carry one with short handles or wrap the handle around your arm to keep the purse close to your body and make it difficult to grab. If you carry a wallet, keep it in a front pocket, and keep a hand on it, especially if you’re in a crowd. Pickpockets will try to distract you by jostling you from one side while an accomplice on the other side takes your wallet or other valuable item, like a phone, out of your pocket. Always be alert to what’s going on around you when you’re out and about.

Use caution and be aware of the dangers, and you can avoid problems during your visit to Ho Chi Minh City.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers in Ho Chi Minh City.