Travel dangers for Ho Chi Minh City?

Question

My 3 friends (all girls) are going to Ho Chi Minh City. Do they need to be aware of any dangers, tourist traps, etc? And take any precautions?

Answer 1

I live in HCMC, and i think it is quite a safe city to live in and to visit. However, in the downtown area, there are many motorbikes at all hours! haha you need to be careful because there are many cases when motorbikes hit pedestrians. there are tourist traps, but if you use the excuse of your friend buying the product for cheaper before, or you buying it cheaper in a different shop, people will normally lower their prices. You can also make a pretty good judgement, 15,000 or 16,000 dong is about 1 USD. if you decide that the product is too expensive and walk away, if the shopkeeper tries to stop you then you have a good chance of bargaining, but if they dont bother, they are getting paid too much, believe me i know from experience! haha but hcmc is safe there is really nothing to be worried about. But you might want to get a dengae fever injection, or malaeria (sorry dont know how to spell it) because there are lots of mosquitos here!

Answer 2

enjoy your trip!!!!!

^______^

Answer 3

Been to HCM city many times and you will have to take the same precautions you would take visiting any big city...

But overall HCM is a lot safer than most big cities in the world

Have fun

Answer 4

watch the dam streets!!! lights arent rly required to follow and u could easily get hit!!! dont let locals charge u crazy high prices in rural areas.

Answer 5

i love hcmc

it is a save place even at night. pham ngoo area lam doesnt seem to sleep at night. people there are so used to tourists.

there are lot of tourist traps but you need to be street wise. there are lots of shops and travel agents selling things, souvenirs and tours. i advice that you shop around first to get familiar with prices before you buy. others to be caution:

- when in crowded places, beware of pick pockets.

- dont assume that drivers would stop when crossing at the zebra crossing.

- some street vendors will approach you but just brush them off politely

- avoid drinking tap water. always buy drinking water (they are cheap)

- when using taxi, always ask the driver to use the meter

just enjoy your trip.

Answer 6

Don't go any where alone.  Be aware of what you are drinking, eating and the price for it.  Watch your drinks at all time as the danger might come from other tourist as well.  Pick pocket are  rampant both by locals and fellow backpackers, so carry your money in secure pouch under clothing.  Lock box if available in hotel are best for passport and credit cards.  Do not show off expensive jewelries, watches, cameras and purses for all these are often snatched by motorcycle gangs.  Last but not least take care when crossing the street.