Your Safety & Security in Vietnam

Vietnamese people are friendly and welcome all visitors, regardless of any animosity which may have occurred in their tumultuous past.

You will need a visa before you come so check with the Vietnamese Embassy before you leave home or, if you are on a longer journey, with the Embassy or Consulate in neighbouring countries (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and, of course, China).

The Vietnamese are bright and alert and, without fail, communicate with both a smile and a smattering of English or French. Please note that in Vietnam, the price of everything is negotiable and it is rare to experience any “no can do” attitudes here. The Vietnamese value your business and keen competition ensures that prices are extremely competitive (remember to negotiate!).

Vietnam is very safe (even for the single woman traveler) and you only need to exercise basic common sense with regard to your security or that of your belongings. Bring some small padlocks and don't leave your money, travel documents or expensive camera equipment lying unprotected on the beach while you swim. But of course, these precautions should apply no matter where you are in the world, including your own country!

The free, 2007 Editions of the on-line Cambodia and Thailand Travel Guides are now available in English. Other Travel Guides will be available in the near future.

In addition, Arikah now also features free, online encyclopedias in Dutch, English, German, French, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish.