Rough Guide to Vietnam - Jan Dodd [39]
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Crime and personal safety |
Military and political hazards
Not surprisingly, the Vietnamese authorities are sensitive about military installations and strategic areas – including border regions, military camps (of which there are many), bridges, airports, naval dockyards and even train stations. Anyone taking photographs in the vicinity of such sites risks having the memory card removed from their camera or being fined.
Unexploded ordnance from past conflicts still poses a threat in some areas: the problem is most acute in the Demilitarized Zone, where each year a number of local farmers, scrap-metal scavengers or children are killed or injured. Wherever you are, stick to well-trodden paths and never touch any shells or half-buried chunks of metal.
Needless to say, political activists aren’t exactly welcome in Vietnam and anyone carrying political literature or in contact with known activists will be treated with suspicion, possibly tailed and even deported. Their Vietnamese contacts will be treated less leniently. The same goes for religious activists, too.
Crime and personal safety |
Beggars, hassle and scams
Given the number of disabled, war-wounded and unemployed in Vietnam, there are surprisingly few beggars around. Most people are actually trying hard to earn a living somehow, and in the circumstances it doesn’t seem unreasonable to have your shoes cleaned more times than they might need, or buy a couple of extra postcards.
At many tourist spots, you may well be swamped by a gaggle of children or teenagers selling cold drinks, fruit and chewing gum. Although they can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, as often as not they’re just out to practise their English and be entertained for a while. They may even turn out to be excellent guides, in which case it’s only fair that you buy something from them in return.
A common scam among taxi drivers is to tell new arrivals in a town that the hotel they ask for is closed or has moved or changed its name. Instead, they head for a hotel that pays commission. This may work out fine (new hotels often use this method to become known), but more often than not it’s a substandard hotel and you will in any case pay over the odds since the room rate will include the driver’s commission. To avoid being ripped off, always insist on being taken to your chosen hotel, at least just to check the story.
Another common complaint is that organized tours don’t live up to what was promised. There are more people on the tour than stated, for example, or the room doesn’t have air-conditioning, or the guide’s English is limited. If it’s a group tour and you’ve paid up front, unfortunately there’s very little you can do beyond complaining to the agent on your return; you may be lucky and get some form of compensation, but it’s very unlikely. As always, you tend to get what you pay for, so avoid signing up for dirt-cheap tours.
Crime and personal safety |
Women travellers
Vietnam is generally a safe country for women to travel around alone. Most Vietnamese will simply be curious as to why you are on your own and the chances of encountering any threatening behaviour are extremely rare. That said, it pays to take the normal precautions, especially late at night when there are few people on the streets and you should avoid taking a cyclo by yourself; use a taxi instead – metered taxis are generally considered safest.
Most Vietnamese women dress modestly, keeping covered from top to toe. It helps to do the same and to avoid skimpy shorts and vests, which are considered offensive. Topless sunbathing, even beside a hotel pool, is a complete no-no.
Culture and etiquette
With its blend of Confucianism and Buddhism, Vietnamese society tends to be both conservative and, at the same time, fairly tolerant. This means you will rarely be remonstrated with for your dress or behaviour. Furthermore, by following a few simple rules, you can minimize the risk of causing offence. This is particularly important in rural areas and small towns where people are less used to the