Emergency Help Abroad – Vietnam

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Vietnam — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Vietnam has extremely strict drug laws — possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs can lead to long prison sentences and, for serious trafficking offences, the death penalty. 

• Even small amounts of illegal substances can result in arrest, detention and prosecution.

• Carrying weapons, including certain knives or pepper sprays, is illegal without lawful justification.

• Drink-driving is heavily enforced; penalties include substantial fines and possible imprisonment.

• Public drunkenness that causes disturbance can lead to police intervention.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Vietnam is generally conservative; modest dress is expected in temples, pagodas and rural areas.

• Disrespect towards religious objects, altars or ancestral shrines can cause serious offence.

• Public displays of affection may be frowned upon, especially outside major cities.

• Littering in cities, countryside or coastal areas is an offence and can attract fines.

• Graffiti, vandalism or damage to public property, heritage sites or war memorials is a criminal offence.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police can request identification; travellers should carry their passport or a copy.

• Aggressive behaviour in bars, clubs or on the street can quickly draw police attention.

• Scams occur around tourist areas, taxis and some tour operators — always check prices and licences. 

• Participation in political protests or demonstrations is strongly discouraged and may lead to arrest.

• Offering bribes to police or officials is illegal and can make matters worse.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Riding motorbikes or scooters without the correct licence or helmet is illegal and can invalidate insurance.

• Traffic rules are enforced; serious accidents can lead to criminal charges, particularly if alcohol is involved.

• Using unlicensed taxis, motorbike taxis or ride services can be risky — choose reputable companies.

• Overstaying your visa or e-visa can result in fines, detention and delays at departure. 

• Crossing borders illegally or entering restricted border regions without permission is a criminal offence.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Photographing or filming military sites, border installations, some government buildings and security personnel is prohibited. 

• Drone use is regulated; unlicensed or unsafe flying, especially near airports or military areas, can lead to confiscation and fines.

• In some temples and pagodas photography is restricted — always respect local signage.

• Taking close-up photos of individuals, especially in ethnic minority communities, should be done only with permission.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing coral, shells or sand from beaches and marine areas is prohibited in protected zones. 

• Lighting fires or barbecues in forests or rural areas without authorisation can lead to fines, particularly in dry season.

• Swimming in unsafe rivers, waterfalls or restricted coastal areas may be banned for safety reasons.

• Feeding or disturbing wildlife, especially in national parks, is not permitted.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Climbing on, sitting on or damaging monuments, pagodas or ancient structures is prohibited.

• Entering roped-off or closed sections of temples, caves or historical sites can lead to fines.

• Removing artefacts, stones or pottery fragments from archaeological locations is illegal.

• Buying souvenirs made from endangered species (such as certain reptiles, birds or ivory) is illegal and items may be confiscated.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels relaxed or routine in the UK may not align with local customs or regulations in Vietnam.

• Don’t cross roads without watching local traffic patterns, as cars and scooters rarely stop; move steadily and predictably so drivers can weave around you.

• Don’t wear revealing clothing at temples, pagodas or ancestral shrines, and always cover shoulders and knees when entering sacred areas.

• Don’t lose your temper or raise your voice in public, as calm interactions and patience are highly valued in Vietnamese culture.

• Don’t touch people on the head, especially children, as the head is considered spiritually significant.

• Don’t assume tap water is safe to drink, and use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth.

• Don’t underestimate traffic on rented scooters, and avoid riding without a proper licence, helmet or insurance — accidents are common.

• Don’t leave belongings on café chairs or exposed in taxis, as opportunistic theft can occur in busy urban areas.

• Don’t take photos of military sites, border posts or police facilities, where photography may be restricted or sensitive.

• Don’t accept unusually cheap tour offers or transport deals, which can involve hidden costs, detours to shops or scams.

• Don’t swim in restricted or unsafe waters, especially near rivers with strong currents or where signs warn of pollution or hazards.

• Don’t buy or consume illegal drugs, as possession and trafficking carry severe penalties.

• Don’t step on offerings placed on pavements or outside shops, as these are part of daily spiritual rituals and should be avoided.

• Don’t bargain aggressively or disrespectfully in markets, where polite negotiation is expected but should stay friendly.

• Don’t expect strict queuing etiquette everywhere, but avoid pushing and maintain personal space where possible.

• Don’t disrespect altars inside homes or shops, such as touching statues, moving candles or blocking incense.

• Don’t rely solely on card payments, particularly in rural areas where cash remains essential.

• Don’t wander into agricultural land or private property, especially rice paddies, without permission.

• Don’t ignore weather warnings during monsoon season, where heavy rain and flooding can disrupt travel quickly.

• Don’t accept motorbike rides from unregulated drivers, unless using reputable apps or pre-agreed providers.

• Don’t underestimate food hygiene differences, and choose busy street stalls with good turnover to reduce the risk of illness.