Hanoi is a relatively safe destination for visitors, including women travelling alone. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. In fact, petty crime is on the rise – though it is still relatively small scale and should not be a problem if you take precautions. Here are some safety tips which are useful for making your time in Hanoi a wonderful experience.
- Traffic
There are many videos and clips on the internet mentioning traffic in Hanoi that you should watch before travelling to Hanoi. Most foreigners were shocked witnessing the movements of Hanoi’s traffic. When Hanoi people move they tend to do it on the scooters, motorbikes and electric bicycles. If you wait for a break in the flow of scooters when trying to cross the road, you may stand in the one side until the late evening or early morning of the next day. If the street has a light, wait until the red light. Look both ways before crossing even if it is only a one way street. Try to go on the right side and do not try to go opposite direction with the flow of scooters even when you walk on the sidewalk. If you have to cross the road without tour guide or light, walk out carefully; put your hand straight for asking way. You should not be too slow or run fast and do not stop suddenly, they will avoid you. We promise.
- Crimes
Common scams and crimes in Hanoi:
- Pickpockets: Be careful in a crowded area such as local festival, tourist sites and night markets. Keep enough money in your pocket and try to not show it off in the public places. Keep the rest on your body. It would be convenient to carry the credit or master card because you can withdraw the money in almost big cities and the tourist sites. Do not count your money in front of the ATM. For your important documents should keep it in safety deposit box in your hotels.
- There are many fake taxis drivers or ‘xe om’ motorbike taxis drivers who can drive around to overcharge the international tourists. Check the road by your map or smart phone to know how far the way is and the price for each kilometre (for taxis around 10, 000 VND per kilometre, equal to a half of US 1$ per kilometre). Choose some loyal brand taxis, for example, Mai Linh.
- Tourists can be annoyed by over enthusiastic invitations of street vendors. Feel free to say ‘no’ if you are not interested.
- Overcharge: make sure you ask clearly before you buy or taste anything. Visit famous restaurants or street vendors with good reputations.
- Health
- Climate: An intolerable mix of heat and humidity in the summer (June – August) reaching 40 C, a pleasant shower – splashed spring (March – May), a gorgeous walking in the park everyday fall (September – November) and a cold yet humid winter (December – February).
- Vaccinations: Travellers are always advised to get themselves protected against the most common diseases, including: Hepatitis B, tetanus – diphtheria and typhoid. Also wise to take anti-malarial medication if you intend to spend a long period of time outside the urban areas or travel in the high season of hot or humid months.
- Hanoi’s medical facilities for travellers have been improved lots during the past decade; however, they are still limited compare to big city mentioning Singapore or Hong Kong. Here are a list of international medical facilities in Hanoi:
Hanoi French Hospital
No.1 Phuong Mai, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Telephone: 84-4-5771100
Website: https://www.hfh.com.vn/
International SOS
Unit A, Central Building,
No.31 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Telephone: (04) 9340555 (also for 24 hour emergency), (04) 9340666
Hanoi Family Medical Practice
Suite 109 – 112, Building A1,
Ground Floor Van Phuc Diplomatic Compound,
Hanoi Telephone: (04) 8461748/9 Mobile: 0903401919 (24 hour emergency)
Website: http://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/
- Currency
Many foreigners are confused when using Vietnamese currency because of the large numbers on the Vietnamese currency. The least valuable denomination of Vietnamese currency is 1,000 VND paper. There is around 20,000 Vietnamese dong to US 1$, it changes over time. Therefore, let’s check the exchange rate carefully. Basically, it is easier for users to hide 3 zero number at the last to calculate because the least number is 1,000. This is the Vietnamese way to use money.
- Don’t be scared
Hanoi can overwhelm you, but it is such a great city to visit. Try everything, go everywhere, and if you go get lost, physically or mentally, just ask local people for help. A smile can solve anything in this city.
