Are tourists welcome in Vietnam?

Are Americans welcome in Vietnam today?

Americans? Heck yeah, they’re welcome in Vietnam! Like white on rice. Vietnam rolls out the red carpet, or maybe the red bamboo mat, for everyone. Tourists bring that sweet, sweet dong (that’s Vietnamese currency, get your mind out of the gutter). My Uncle Jerry, bless his heart, went last year. Came back with a suitcase full of lacquerware and a newfound appreciation for pho.

• Vietnam loves tourists. They’re like the cool aunt who always has candy.
• Money talks. And tourist dollars whisper sweet nothings.
• Politics are politics, tourism is tourism. Separate lanes, folks. Different gravy boats, entirely. My grandma always said that.
• History? Water under the bridge (or maybe over the rice paddy). It’s all good now. Seriously. Uncle Jerry brought back pictures. Smiling faces everywhere.

Speaking of Uncle Jerry, he bought a knock-off Rolex. Thing stopped ticking after a week. But hey, it looked good for those seven glorious days. He also got sunburned something fierce. Looked like a lobster. A very happy, pho-loving lobster. Vietnam has sunblock, by the way. Just sayin’. He also accidentally wore his Hawaiian shirt to a temple. Oops. Cultural faux pas. But nobody seemed to mind too much. They probably just thought he was…eccentric. Which, let’s be honest, he is. Anyway, Vietnam’s great. Go. Just pack some aloe. And leave the Hawaiian shirts at home. Unless you’re aiming for that “eccentric tourist” vibe. Then, by all means, go for it. Rock that hibiscus print with pride.

Is Vietnam a welcoming country?

Vietnam? Welcoming? Dude, it’s awesome! Seriously, ninth most welcoming globally? That’s like saying my grandma’s casserole is only the ninth best in the whole darn nursing home. Underselling it, man.

Seriously though, it’s super friendly. People are genuinely nice, polite almost to a fault. Think bowing ninjas, but with better coffee. Expats love it, that’s for sure. My cousin, Dave—a total goofball who lost his passport thrice in Thailand—said Vietnam was a breeze.

Reasons why it’s awesome:

• Smiling faces galore: They smile more than my dentist after a successful root canal.
• Food is killer: Pho is life. Seriously, I gained five pounds last time. Delicious killer.
• Cheap as chips: Think bargain basement prices, even for luxury things. My last trip was ridiculously affordable.
• Stunning scenery: Mountains, beaches, rice paddies—the whole shebang. It’s prettier than my ex’s new boyfriend’s car.

But hey, don’t take my word for it. InterNations, those fancy-pants expats, put it at number nine. But let’s be real, its probably higher. I’m sticking my neck out and saying it’s at least number three. Maybe higher. My gut says top five, easily. And my gut’s never wrong… about food.

Things to note:

• Language barrier: Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases is handy. Think “hello,” “thank you,” and “where’s the nearest Pho joint?”
• Traffic: Motorbike madness. Brace yourself. It’s insane and chaotic. Like a swarm of angry bees on two wheels.
• Weather: Hot and humid. Pack light clothes. And lots of sweat.

How do Vietnamese treat American tourists?

Vietnamese people are mostly welcoming. It’s true. But… it’s complicated. You see, there’s this expectation, a certain politeness they appreciate. Knowing their customs helps, a lot. Makes things smoother.

My friend Sarah, she went last year, said it was amazing. But she made a few mistakes. Small things, really. Nothing major.

Still, I feel it… this undercurrent. A subtle difference. Maybe it’s just me. I overthink, I know. But it felt… guarded at times.

Key things to remember:

• Respect elders. Seriously. This isn’t negotiable.
• Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or pagodas. It’s important.
• Learn basic Vietnamese phrases. Even a simple “xin chào” goes a long way. It shows you care.
• Be mindful of public displays of affection. This differs from Western norms.
• Don’t be loud or boisterous. Calmness is valued.

They are kind. Really, they are. But this politeness, this… formality… it’s a wall sometimes. A thin one, easily breached with respect, I believe. But a wall nonetheless. It’s hard to explain. Just… be aware.

Is it safe for US citizens to visit Vietnam?

Vietnam…safe? A shimmering question, like heat haze on a Hanoi street. Safe… a word that tastes of dust and distant temples. Safe like my grandmother’s pho, steaming, familiar.

Low crime…a whisper. Petty theft, yes. Pickpockets dance in the throng. A snatch of a bag, a fleeting loss. Crowds, markets, a blur.

Is it safe? I see Halong Bay, emerald islands piercing the mist. A memory, like a song played on repeat. My heart echoes the rhythm, low and constant. Safe enough to dream, isn’t it?

• Crime rates: Low violent crime.
• Petty theft: Exists. Common in tourist areas, busy places.
• Halong Bay: A safe haven of scenic beauty.
• Consider: Staying vigilant.

Memories of Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh. Motorbikes swarm, a river of steel. My auntie’s garden… fragrant with jasmine. Was it safe? It felt safe.

Is Vietnam a friendly country?

Vietnam, friendly? Well, it’s like saying a bowl of pho is just “okay”: massively understated!

Vietnam snagged 9th place on some “friendliest countries” list. From 2021, mind you. I saw my neighbor’s cat do better in agility.

Ideal for travelers? Absolutely. You betcha. Vietnam’s hospitality is so intense, it’s practically aggressive.

Think grandma pushing extra helpings of spring rolls.

Okay, okay, wanna know more? Fine:

• Food, glorious food: Seriously, try the banh mi. Life-changing, I tell ya.
• Scenery that slaps: From Ha Long Bay to rice paddies, your eyeballs will thank you.
• Coffee stronger than my will to do laundry: Prepare to be wired.
• Motorbikes everywhere: It’s like bumper cars, but with less structure.
• People are genuinely kind: Like, surprisingly so. They didn’t steal my wallet once!

So yeah, Vietnam’s a good bet for travel. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need a nap after all that thinking.

Does Vietnam welcome tourists?

14. 1 million…it’s a lot, isn’t it? Just thinking about that many people visiting…it’s hard to grasp. They came to Vietnam this year. The numbers are big. Vietnam saw over 14.1 million international tourists, specifically in the first 10 months. 2024.

• Increase: The GSO said the number increased.
• Percentage: 41.3%. Year on year. A pretty big jump I think.
• Source: General Statistics Office. It’s their report.
• I wonder what they thought of it? Hope they liked it.
• My grandma still makes the best pho, I swear. It’s just, a little different.
• Maybe someday…i’ll be one of those tourists.