Is It Safe to Live in Vietnam?

Modern-day Vietnam is a safe and enjoyable place to live. People have asked me throughout the years if there is still a war being fought here, and I’ve had to shake my head because the war officially ended almost 40 years ago, and Vietnam has progressed. According to the 2019 Global Peace Index, Vietnam is the safest country in the world, ranking 57th out of 163 countries, far ahead of the United States, which is ranked 114th.

Although no area on the planet is completely safe, you're unlikely to have any troubles in Vietnam. Violent crime is exceedingly infrequent, and safety issues, aside from the possibility of motor vehicle accidents, are extremely uncommon. Tourism is booming in Vietnam, with 18 million visitors in 2019, a rise of more than 16 percent over the previous year and a new high for the country. In Vietnam, you will meet young backpackers, tour groups, older couples, families, and solo travelers; everyone is made to feel welcome.

Typhoons and tropical storms are common in coastal areas during the late summer and autumn months. Keep an eye on the weather during this time period, as flooding and high waves are possible, especially in central Vietnam. Heavy rainfall can cause flooding, landslides, and road closures, especially in hilly areas.

Although no immunizations are required in Vietnam, tourists should have their tetanus and hepatitis shots up to date. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that can develop in metropolitan settings. There is no vaccine for it, therefore bring a DEET-based repellent and apply it when mosquitos are around. Malaria isn't a problem in Vietnam at all.