Saigon Travel Safety Tips: What Every Visitor Should Know

Discover how safe Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) really is for travellers in 2026, from crime and scams to health tips and cultural etiquette… Here’s everything you need to stay safe and enjoy Vietnam’s most vibrant & dynamic metropolitan.

A city of contrast and charm

Ho Chi Minh City, which is also known to locals as Saigon, is a riot of colour, energy and sound. Motorbikes whizz past colonial boulevards, the smell of street-food mingles with the buzz of modern cafés, and a thousand stories unfold in every corner.

But amid the chaos, many first-time visitors wonder “Is Ho Chi Minh City safe to visit in 2026?” The answer from governments, travel experts, and locals is a reassuring “YES”, with a few caveats.

Overall safety – Reassuring but street-smart

Smartraveller advisory classifies Vietnam under “Exercise normal safety precautions” the same rating given to much of Europe, whereas the Vietnam Tourism Board calls it “one of the safest countries in the world for travellers.” Meanwhile, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) has listed Vietnam among the Top Ten safest destinations for 2026. So the baseline is good. Still, no city is risk-free and Ho Chi Minh City’s dangers tend to be the familiar ones of big-city life like pickpockets, traffic, and occasional scams.

Petty crime in Ho Chi Minh City

Incidents of serious crime are rare, but petty theft does occur. Snatch-and-grab thefts by motorbike are the most common. Markets like Ben Thanh in downtown, Binh Tay in Chinatown or busy night streets such as Bui Vien, Nguyen Hue pedestrian boulevard can be tempting targets for quick-handed thieves. Thus, stay safe is important, here are the tips:

• Carry bags cross-body and on the side away from traffic.
• Keep phones and cameras secure when taking photos near the street.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewellery.
• Store passports and valuables in your hotel safe.

Traffic challenge is a beautiful organised chaos

Saigon’s streets are famous for their seemingly lawless flow of motorbikes. BHTP describes it as “chaotic to Western eyes”. Cars and motorbikes may come from everywhere, the roads are packed from dust till dawn, it is difficult to find the crossings for pedestrians, and even if you can find one, traffic may not even stop for you to walk through. It sounds scary, doesn’t it? But here are our important tips for safer mobility:

• Use licensed taxis like Vinasun (white car, green logo) or Mai Linh (a very obvious green car), still remember to confirm the meter is running before the ride starts.
• Master the hailing apps like Grab or Be (similar to Uber or Lyft) which would identify clearly how much you have to pay for the ride.
• Cross streets slowly and predictably because drivers will navigate amazingly around you. Pedestrians may find crossing streets an adventure — but a calm, steady pace is the key to safety.
• Seriously avoid renting and riding a motorbike unless you have experience and a valid international driving license.

Scams and over-charging

Vietnamese hospitality is legendary, but a handful of scammers target unsuspecting visitors. Common schemes include rigged taxi meters, inflated restaurant bills, and “friendly” locals offering services like shoe shining, fruit stalls, fresh coconut… at sky-high prices. And so to avoid unnecessary troubles, we would suggest you to:

• Book rides via hailing apps or ask your hotel Front Office to call a taxi.
• Always ask the price before ordering or buying.
• Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres to avoid card skimming.
• Politely decline unsolicited offers for tours or “help” with currency exchange. A simple “Không, cảm ơn” (“No, thank you”) will usually end the conversation.

Health & Hygiene: Simple Precautions, Big Difference

Ho Chi Minh City boasts excellent private clinics and hospitals, but basic health habits remain your best protection. According to the Vietnam Tourism Board website “It’s wise to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small medical kit. Avoid tap water and eat at busy food stalls where turnover is high’. More over, you should also be mindful in below acts:

• Use bottled water and avoid ice in street drinks if unsure.
• Apply repellent to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses.
• Have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
• During high pollution days, consider wearing a mask outdoors.
• From June to November, Saigon experiences the rainy season. During this time, you may expect short, intense downpours and occasional street flooding. Also, keep an umbrella handy and avoid riding motorbikes during heavy rain.

Laws & Cultural Etiquette

Vietnam’s laws are strict and ignorance is no defence. Drug offences carry severe penalties, including the death sentence. It’s also illegal to photograph military facilities or engage in political protests. Besides, here are some tips on cultural do’s and don’ts:

• Dress modestly in temples and religious sites.
• Remove shoes before entering someone’s home.
• Avoid public displays of affection.
• Be polite. Vietnamese people appreciate soft tones and respectful gestures.

Behind the traffic and the noise lies a city of remarkable kindness, where locals help visitors cross the street and a smile is often the best safety net.

Ho Chi Minh City is no more dangerous than other big cities in the region. It is arguably friendlier though the biggest risks are minor and avoidable.Come prepared, stay alert, and you’ll discover a city that feels alive in every sense: from the noisy streets to the quiet colonial lanes as well as rich historical destinations in town.

Where to Stay Safely in Ho Chi Minh City

For peace of mind and comfort, choose centrally located hotels in either Ben Thanh ward or Ben Nghe ward, which are close to major attractions and with reliable security. In case, you seek a boutique luxury experience, you might consider:

• The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel – a romantic 5-star haven evoking Saigon’s heritage with modern elegance.
• A chain of Silverland Hospitality hotels – the 4-star properties blending Vietnamese hospitality, top notched design and international comfort.

Both offer central locations, 24-hour security and personalized service, ideal bases for exploring the city safely. Moreover, book directly on the websites for always’ best prices and benefits like free airport pick-up, early check-in, late check-out and so on.