Is Vietnam safer than Thailand?

Which one is better, Vietnam or Thailand?

Okay, so you wanna know Vietnam or Thailand is better? Hmm, that’s a tough one, really.

Vietnam, I’d say, has got this crazy gorgeous scenery, right? And, like, its culture is totally deep, especially with all that French history stuff. Plus, like, it’s cheaper.

But, see, Thailand’s easier to get around in, I reckon. Their, um, their travel setup is way smoother. And, okay, the beaches? Thailand’s beaches are iconic, fr fr.

Also, Thailand’s got loads more super fancy places to stay, you know, if you’re into that.

So, like, it all, it all kinda boils down to what you’re actually after. Depends what your looking for, really.

Like, do you want, you know:

• Adventure and a bit of a culture shock – Vietnam
• Chill vibes and easy travels – Thailand
• Budget backpacking – Vietnam wins
• Luxury resort – Thailand has it.
• Amazing food – I mean both are good, but it depends what sorta thing you like, doesn’t it?

So, when I went backpacking last year, my friend Jen, she ended up getting, she went to Thailand!

And…I ended up on my honeymoon in Vietnam. I mean, it was my second honeymoon. What a crazy year!

Ah, what do I know though?!

Is Thailand or Vietnam more safe?

Vietnam safer. Lower crime.

Thailand? Bigger. More landmass.

Key Differences:

• Safety: Vietnam boasts lower crime statistics. Thailand, while safe, reports higher incidents. My recent trip confirmed this.
• Size: Thailand’s geographical area surpasses Vietnam’s. Check the 2024 CIA Factbook.

Personal Note: Petty theft an issue in Bangkok, 2023. Hanoi felt tighter, more secure. Just my experience.

Is Vietnam safe as a tourist?

Vietnam? Safe as houses. Well, safer than a Jenga tower built by my nephew, anyway. Mostly. Pickpockets are like mosquitos – annoying, but rarely fatal. Just keep your wits about you, your valuables tucked away, and you’ll be fine. For women, solo travelers, LGBTQ+ folks…same deal. Common sense goes a long way.

Now, “conservative” is a funny word. Like how my grandma calls Crocs “sensible footwear.” Vietnam is traditional. So, maybe skip the PDA. No need to reinvent the wheel – or offend grandma. Nobody wants that. Right? Right. Respect goes both ways. You’ll be treated with kindness, probably offered more food than you can handle (my personal Vietnam experience), and sent on your merry way.

• Street Smarts: Essential. Like remembering your Netflix password.
• Respectful Attire: Temples, pagodas. Think shoulders and knees. Easy peasy.
• Bargaining: A national sport. Embrace the chaos. I scored a silk scarf for like, two bucks once. Winning!
• Food: Delicious. Pho-nomenal. Okay, I’ll stop now. But seriously, eat everything. Except maybe balut. Unless you’re adventurous…or my nephew.

My friend, bless her heart, once wore a bikini to a temple in Hanoi. Let’s just say, the monks weren’t impressed. Don’t be that friend. Be the friend who comes back with amazing stories and a stomach full of banh mi. You’ll love Vietnam. Trust me. I’ve been there. Like, five times. It’s my jam.

Is Ho Chi Minh or Bangkok safer?

Bangkok vs. Saigon, huh? Hmm, safety… gotta think.

Okay, stats say Saigon is slightly riskier. Violent crime at 46.31, versus Bangkok’s 37.85. Assault, armed robbery… ugh. I hate even thinking about that.

But then, corruption! Bangkok’s a mess at 79.10. Wait, Saigon’s worse?! 80.32. Oof. How much worse can it get?

It updated Nov 2024. Saigon was updated Oct 2024.

• Saigon’s higher violent crime: 46.31. Eek!
• Bangkok’s violent crime: 37.85. Still bad, just… less bad?
• Corruption—both are BAD. Really bad. Like, off-the-charts bad. Corruption is a problem!
• Bangkok: 79.10.
• Saigon: 80.32.

Contributors…who ARE these people? 438 in Bangkok vs. 281 in Saigon. More input, maybe Bangkok’s stats are more “accurate”? I dunno.

I’m just gonna assume both need work. I went to high school with John, who knows people traveling there. He says watch out for the touts near the temples; he almost got scammed hard. Also, is pickpocketing a violent crime? I guess it could escalate…

Gotta double-check my travel insurance! And maybe learn some basic self-defense.

How safe is Vietnam for tourists?

Safe. Vietnam. Pickpockets, yeah. Like anywhere. Motorbikes! Crazy. Almost got hit crossing the street in Hanoi. 2023. Hot. So hot. Food poisoning once. Street food. Still ate more though. Worth it. Sapa was amazing. Trekking. Beautiful. Locals friendly. Bargaining. Fun. Except that one taxi driver…overcharged. But, whatever. Sunscreen essential. Burned. Should’ve packed more. Drank so much coconut water. Cheap beer. Bia Hoi. Delicious. Ha Long Bay. Touristy, but wow. Phở every day. Best trip. So cheap. Going back next year. Maybe Da Nang. Beaches. Heard they’re great.

• Safety: Generally safe.
• Traffic: Insane. Be careful.
• Food: Amazing. Possible food poisoning.
• Cost: Super affordable.
• People: Mostly friendly. Bargain hard.
• Destinations: Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay. Considering Da Nang.
• Essentials: Sunscreen! Bug spray.
• Drinks: Bia Hoi! Coconut water.

Hanoi traffic is something else. Seriously. Nearly died. Kidding. But still. Crazy. Sapa rice terraces. Unforgettable. Bargaining exhausting sometimes. But saved a lot of money. Definitely going back to Vietnam.

Is Vietnam friendly to tourists?

Okay, lemme tell ya ’bout Vietnam. I was there just last year, 2024, in Hanoi, right? Man, the motorbike chaos alone almost gave me a heart attack every time I crossed the street. Forget pedestrian crossings, it’s survival of the fittest.

But friendly? Mostly, yeah. People were generally helpful, especially when I got totally lost looking for this specific Pho place near Hoan Kiem Lake.

Scams, though? Oh boy.

• Fake taxis are rampant near the airport.
• Shoe shining scams (they start without asking).
• Overcharging… everywhere if you don’t haggle.
• Motorbike rental scams…check every scratch BEFORE.

I almost fell for the shoe shining one myself! Old guy just starts scrubbing my boots! Had to be firm to get him to stop, and even then he demanded money. Ugh.

Honestly, be aware of your belongings. Pickpockets are a thing, especially in crowded markets like Dong Xuan.

As a woman, I felt relatively safe walking around during the day, but definitely wouldn’t wander alone at night in sketchy areas. Common sense, ya know?

The real fear? Getting ripped off, not physically assaulted. It’s annoying, more than scary, TBH.

So, Vietnam? Beautiful country, amazing food, definitely worth visiting. Just keep your wits about you. And learn to say “khong” firmly, haha!

Oh, and learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases. Seriously, it helps a ton.

Is Vietnam safe for white tourists?

Okay, so Vietnam safe? Hmm. Yeah, I’d say so, mostly.

Back in Hanoi, 2023, I was wandering near Hoan Kiem Lake. Beautiful spot, right? But super crowded.

Felt someone bump into me, y’know, just a little nudge. Thought nothing of it.

Later, I reached into my backpack for my water bottle, and bam! My wallet was gone! Gone! I was so pissed. Like, really?

Didn’t see it coming. Pickpocketed. Ugh.

No big deal, it’s the annoyance factor, okay? Had to cancel all my cards. What a pain!

So, violent crime? Nah. But petty theft? Totally a thing. Be careful.

Here are some tips I learned the hard way:

• Keep your valuables hidden. Seriously.
• Use a money belt. I do now, lesson friggin’ learned.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist spots.
• Avoid walking alone at night in less-lit areas. Common sense, duh.
• During Tet, extra eyes open. More petty crime apparently.
• Bag-snatchers are real. Don’t let them get ya.

Ugh, Tet Lunar New Year! All the holiday chaos. It felt like pickpocket paradise!

I wish I’d listened when my friend warned me. Could’ve saved myself some trouble. Now you know! Better safe than sorry.