Travel guides › Practical travel info

Vietnam nightlife safety tips and how to handle common scams

Common risks in Vietnam’s nightlife include motorbike snatch theft, drink spiking, taxi scams, and billing errors. Don’t take out your phone by the roadside. Check your ride against the app, and review the menu, prices, and bill before ordering. For emergencies, call the police at 113 or an ambulance at 115.

At a glance

How can I avoid pickpockets on the streets of Vietnam at night?

In major cities, thieves on motorbikes have been reported snatching pedestrians’ bags or phones from their hands. Don’t take out your phone by the roadside, and carry your bag in front of you.

When taking photos, hold your phone or camera close to your body and stand away from traffic. Leave your passport and valuables in a secure place at your accommodation, and carry a photocopy and digital copy of your passport.

How can I avoid drink-spiking scams at bars and pubs?

Order your own drinks and keep them in sight while you drink. It’s safest to decline snacks, drinks, or gum offered by someone you’ve just met.

If you suspect your drink was spiked or suddenly feel very unwell, tell your companions and seek urgent medical help. The ambulance number in Vietnam is 115.

Nearby on VietnamTripMapCocktail bars · Hanoi Blues Bar _ Tạ HiệnJazz bars · Bebop Asian Fusion Restaurant & Live PerformanceLive music · On The Radio Bar

How can I take a taxi safely at night?

Use Grab or XanhSM and book the entire trip through the app. Check that the driver and vehicle match the details shown in the app. Don’t get in with anyone who claims to be your driver if you didn’t book them.

If you hail a taxi on the street, make sure the meter is running, and get out if the driver tries to pick up another passenger. In Ho Chi Minh City, lookalike taxis posing as Vinasun or Mai Linh may overcharge you, so use the companies’ official contact channels.

How can I avoid menu and billing scams at bars and pubs?

Check the food and drink menu and prices before ordering. If the prices aren’t clear, ask a staff member how much an item costs before you order.

When you get the bill, check that the items and amounts match your order, and count your change as soon as you receive it.

What should I prepare before going out at night?

Save your accommodation’s location in a map app and create a WhatsApp group chat with your companions to stay in touch. Don’t leave your original passport as a deposit with a motorbike rental shop or landlord.

Ho Chi Minh City has issued a warning that using laughing gas (nitrous oxide) for recreational purposes is prohibited. Don’t accept balloons offered by venue staff.

What to do in these situations

  1. A motorbike passes close by and snatches your bag or phone

    Move away from traffic to a safe place and tell your companions. Bring an interpreter when reporting the crime.

  2. You suddenly feel unwell after drinking

    Tell your companions right away and seek urgent medical help. The ambulance number is 115.

  3. Someone offers you a ride, but you didn’t book it in the app

    Don’t get in. Check the driver and vehicle details against the app again.

  4. The taxi won’t turn on the meter or tries to pick up another passenger

    Don’t get in, or get out somewhere safe. Then use an official metered taxi or a ride-hailing app.

  5. A crime or emergency occurs

    Call the police at 113. Emergency calls are handled in Vietnamese, so bring an interpreter when reporting a crime and keep a copy of the police report.

Before you go: checklist

FAQ

Is it safe to use my phone on the streets of Vietnam at night?

Don’t hold it out by the roadside. When taking photos, stand away from traffic and keep your phone close to your body.

How can I keep my drink safe at a bar?

Order it yourself and keep it in sight while you drink. Be cautious about drinks or snacks offered by someone you’ve just met.

How can I avoid taxi scams in Vietnam?

Book the entire trip through Grab or XanhSM and check the vehicle and driver against the app. If you hail a taxi on the street, check that the meter is running.

What are the police and ambulance numbers in Vietnam?

The police number is 113, and the ambulance number is 115. Emergency calls are handled in Vietnamese, so it’s a good idea to bring an interpreter when reporting a crime.

Can I leave my original passport with a rental shop?

Don’t leave it there. Keep your passport somewhere safe, and carry a photocopy and digital copy.

Official sources & check dates

More practical info

Site updated: 2026-10-28