Vietnam Health and Safety

As in any major city, there is a problem with street crime, particularly in HCMC and Nha Trang. Exercise common sense and caution. Do not have anything dangling off your body, including bags and jewellery. Watch out for drive-by thieves on motorbikes - they specialise in snatching handbags and cameras from tourists and even from the open window of a car. Also be aware of 'taxi girls' who approach Western men, hug them and ask if they'd like 'a good time'. Then they suddenly change their mind and depart, along with a wristwatch and wallet.

Do not accept drinks from friendly strangers as there is a risk of it being drugged, and beware of a motorbike-rental scam which involves you renting a motorbike and excellent lock - to which the owner also has a key. Somebody will follow you and 'steal' the bike then you have to pay for a new bike or forfeit your passport, visa, deposit or whatever security you left. Nice.

As bizarre as it sounds, never touch any rockets, artillery shells, mortars, mines or other relics of war you may come across, as such objects can remain lethal for decades. Don't climb inside bomb craters - you never know what undetonated explosive device is at the bottom.

Finally, keep in mind that Vietnam can be incredibly noisy, which can sap your energy if you're not used to it.