BE ALERT with tourist scams when travelling in Vietnam
Be Aware of Common Tourist Scams in Vietnam and How to Avoid Them
When planning your Vietnam travel, it’s natural to wonder, “Is it safe to travel to Vietnam?” The answer is overwhelmingly yes. Vietnam is known for its stable politics, peaceful environment, and warm, hospitable locals. However, like in any popular tourist destination, scams targeting travelers do exist. By being informed and vigilant, you can enjoy a safe and memorable trip. Below, we’ve outlined some common tourist scams in Vietnam, with tips to avoid them during your travel to Vietnam
1. Fake Taxis with Super Fast Running Meters
In airports, bus stations or in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, fake taxis with tampered meters are common. These meters jump quickly, resulting in an exorbitant fare by the end of the ride. Some drivers may also take longer routes intentionally.
How to avoid it:
- Use trusted taxi brands like Mai Linh, Taxi Group (Hanoi), or Vinasun (Ho Chi Minh City).
- Opt for ride-hailing apps such as Grab, Be, Xanh SM for clear pricing.
Taxi meters altered to cheat the customers
2. Pushy Street Vendors
In Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City’s tourist hubs, street vendors may approach you, offering to take photos with their fruit baskets or trying to sell their goods at inflated prices.
How to avoid it:
- Politely decline and walk away.
- If you’re interested in purchasing, always bargain but stay fair.
Street vendors approaching tourists
3. Shoe Shiners
Beware of shoe shiners who approach you on the streets near Hoan Kiem lake & may grab your shoes without permission, perform substandard repairs, and demand high fees (up to 10 times the normal price).
How to Avoid
- Decline offers from street shoe shiners.
- For repairs, visit reputable shops on Cau Go or Hang Dau streets near Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi.
Shoe shiners & tourists
4. Overpriced Souvenirs
Tourist markets like Dong Ba Market (Hue), Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City), and Hanoi Old Quarter, street vendors often sell low-quality items at inflated prices, targeting tourists unfamiliar with local values.
How to Avoid: Compare prices across shops, bargain effectively, or opt for stores with clearly marked prices.
5. Non- stated- price restaurants
Travelling to Vietnam, it is good to taste different local foods & drinks for your authentic travel experiences or.Overpriced cheating happens not only foreign tourists as well as to local people when the restaurants show no price on their menu.
How to avoid : Before ordering the dishes or buying the items, you should ask the price in advance. Some locals may charge you much higher price if you don’t ask them the cost first.
6. Overpriced Goods at Local Markets
At markets like Hanoi’s Dong Xuan Market or Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh Market, vendors may quote exorbitant prices, especially to foreigners.
How to avoid it:
- Research typical prices for items you’re interested in.
- Bargain respectfully or shop at fixed-price stores.
Whole sales market Dong Xuan in Hanoi
7. Petty Theft and Pickpocketing
Crowded areas like Hanoi’s night markets or public transport hubs are hotspots for pickpocketing and theft. Thieves on motorbikes also target pedestrians.
How to avoid it :To prevent it from happening, you should leave your passport & valuable things at the hotel’s safe, avoid taking your phone out on the streets and be always aware of petty crime when going out.It is better not to wear the jewlery and not to go out too late at night in unlighted areas alone.
Rob by motorbike
8. Cyclo Scams
Taking a cyclo ride can be a relaxing way to explore cities like Hanoi, Hue, or Ho Chi Minh City. However, freelance cyclo drivers may overcharge tourists or claim a different fare after the ride.
How to avoid it:
- Confirm the fare upfront and show the agreed amount to the driver before starting.
- Book cyclo tours through a reputable agency.
Cyclo in waiting for their customers
9. Unregulated Sex Tourism
Unlike some neighboring countries, sex tourism is illegal in Vietnam. Approaching or being approached by individuals involved in this activity can lead to legal trouble and health risks.
How to avoid it: Avoid any interaction with individuals offering such services.
10. Sleeping Bus Scams
While sleeper buses are a popular option for budget travelers, there have been reports of theft and unexpected fare hikes during journeys.
How to avoid it:
- Book tickets through reputable companies.
- Keep valuables with you at all times.
sleeping bus on a long journey
General Tips for Safe Travel in Vietnam
- Leave passports and expensive items in your hotel’s safe.
- Avoid wearing flashy jewelry while walking in the crowded streets
- Use apps like Grab, Be or Xanh SM for short transfers while travelling around the city to minimize risks.
- Stay alert in crowded places and avoid unlit areas at night.
For emergencies or travel support, you can contact local tourism hotlines in cities like Hanoi (0941.33.66.77) or Ho Chi Minh City (028.38.387.200).
Travel with Peace of Mind
Golden Holiday Travel offers guided tours and private car rentals to ensure you avoid scams and enjoy a seamless travel experience. Contact us at [email protected] or call us at +84.988451530 (WhatsApp). Let us help you plan a safe and memorable journey across Vietnam!
Best luck & have a good time in Vietnam !
Golden Holiday Travel Team !
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Vietnam remains one of the safest destinations in Southeast Asia for solo travelers, couples, and families. While violent crime is extremely rare, the most common issues are petty theft and tourist scams in high-traffic areas like Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Ho Chi Minh City. By staying alert, using reputable tour operators like Golden Holiday Travel, and following basic safety protocols, you can enjoy a worry-free and rewarding holiday.
To avoid “fast meters” or inflated fares, always use ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be, or Xanh SM, which provide transparent pricing upfront. If taking a traditional taxi, stick to trusted brands like Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white). For ultimate peace of mind, book a private airport transfer with Golden Holiday Travel; our professional drivers will meet you at the arrivals gate with a clear sign, ensuring a safe and fixed-price journey to your hotel.
In busy hubs, you may encounter pushy vendors or shoe shiners who may begin “repairs” without your consent. The best approach is a polite but firm “No, thank you” (Khong, cam on) while continuing to walk. Avoid letting anyone take your shoes or bags. If you wish to take a photo with a vendor’s fruit baskets, always agree on a small tip beforehand to avoid unexpected demands for high fees.
“Duplicate” or unlicensed agencies are a known issue. To ensure your money and trip are protected, check that the agency is a licensed international tour operator with a verifiable VNAT (Vietnam National Authority of Tourism) license number. Golden Holiday Travel is a fully licensed operator; we provide clear contracts and transparent pricing, protecting you from the “shopping stop” traps or uninsured vehicles common with unregistered freelancers.
Vietnamese Dong (VND) notes can be confusing because the 20,000 VND and 500,000 VND notes are both blue. Always double-check your denominations before handing them over and count your change carefully in front of the vendor. It is helpful to organize your wallet with large bills separated from smaller ones. For larger purchases or tours, booking through a reputable agency via secure online payment or bank transfer is the safest way to handle your travel budget.
Sleeper buses are popular, but there have been reports of petty theft or unexpected price hikes. To stay safe, book your tickets through a reputable agency rather than unofficial touts at the station. Keep your valuables (passport, phone, wallet) in a small bag close to your body or in a locked compartment, and never leave your bag unattended during rest stops. Golden Holiday Travel can assist in booking high-quality, vetted transport services to ensure your comfort and security.
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