7 Safety Tips You Shouldn’t Ignore when Cruising to Vietnam

Last Update: Tuesday December 16, 2025

Cruising to Vietnam offers an unforgettable adventure, but like any international travel, it requires careful preparation. Ensuring you are compliant with immigration rules and prioritizing your personal security are key to a seamless trip.

Here are 7 Safety Tips You Shouldn’t Ignore when Cruising to Vietnam, focusing on crucial pre-travel checks and on-the-ground awareness.

1. Master Your Vietnam Cruise Visa Requirements 

The most critical step before your journey is securing the correct Vietnam cruise visa. Unlike flying in, the visa procedure for cruise passengers can sometimes be managed by the cruise line, but often requires your independent action, especially with the increasingly popular e-visa system.

Know Your Visa Status

• Visa Exemption: Check if your nationality is eligible for a visa exemption for short stays. Vietnam currently grants exemptions for stays up to 45 days for citizens of many countries. If your cruise port-call duration is within this window, you might not need a visa. However, always confirm this with your cruise line.

• Vietnam E-Visa: The most reliable option for many is the official Vietnam E-visa. This is an online application that, upon approval, grants you a single or multiple entry visa valid for up to 90 days. Ensure the entry and exit ports listed on your e-visa match your cruise itinerary's ports of call. Apply well in advance (at least 2-3 weeks).

• Cruise-Arranged Visa: Some cruise lines offer to arrange a collective visa or a loose-leaf visa upon arrival for a fee. While convenient, this is generally more expensive than an e-visa. Confirm this option and its costs directly with your cruise operator.

Crucial Note: Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity from your planned departure date from Vietnam and at least two blank pages. Denials of entry have occurred due to insufficient passport validity or damage.

Photo: Collected

2. Smooth Sailing Through Vietnam Port Immigration 

Understanding the process for Vietnam port immigration helps you avoid delays and complications when disembarking for your shore excursions.

• First Port Entry, Last Port Exit: If your cruise makes multiple stops in Vietnam (e.g., Da Nang, Phu My, Ha Long), you will typically complete the full entry procedures, including passport and Vietnam visa checks, at the first Vietnamese port of call. You will then complete the exit procedures at the final Vietnamese port. At intermediate stops, a simpler verification of your documents usually occurs.

• Required Documents: Have your original passport and a printed copy of your approved e-visa (if applicable) ready. The cruise line usually coordinates the mass immigration clearance, but you must be prepared to present your documents immediately.

• Follow Cruise Instructions: Your cruise line staff will provide specific instructions and timelines for immigration clearance. Adhere strictly to these to avoid missing your shore excursion or disrupting the schedule for other passengers.

3. Prioritize Personal Security: The Anti-Theft Mindset 

While Vietnam is generally a safe country for tourists, petty crime, especially bag snatching and pickpocketing, can occur in crowded tourist areas like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. Adopting robust cruise safety tips for personal belongings is vital.

• Anti-Snatching Techniques: Bag-snatching by thieves on motorbikes is a real risk. Never wear your bag on the shoulder facing the street—keep it on the side away from traffic or across your body. Better yet, use a small, discreet anti-theft bag worn in front.

• Limit Valuables and Cash: Only carry the cash you need for the day. Leave large sums of money, expensive jewelry, and non-essential credit cards secured in your cabin safe.

• Digital Copies: Keep digital copies of your passport, Vietnam visa, and travel insurance stored securely on your phone and in a cloud service.

4. Be Street-Smart When Crossing the Road 

Vietnamese cities are famous for their dense, continuous flow of motorbikes. This is one of the most significant safety hazards for tourists.

Photo: Collected

• The Art of Crossing: In Vietnam, traffic seldom stops completely for pedestrians. The safest technique is to walk slowly, predictably, and consistently across the street. The drivers are accustomed to maneuvering around a constant flow—they anticipate your steady pace. Do not stop suddenly or dart back and forth.

• Hold Your Belongings: Keep a firm grip on your phone and bag as you cross, as this is a prime opportunity for snatch-and-grab thieves.

5. Vet Your Transport Services 

Choosing legitimate and safe transportation is a key element of effective cruise safety tips during your excursions.

• Official Taxis: Use only reputable, well-known taxi companies with working meters, such as Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white with a red and green stripe). Avoid unmarked or suspicious taxis.

• Ride-Hailing Apps: Use apps like Grab (or local alternatives) for motorbikes or cars. This provides a fixed fare, tracking, and driver accountability, significantly improving safety.

• Always Negotiate First: If using a cyclo (pedicab) or an unmarked vehicle, always agree on the price before you start the journey to prevent disputes upon arrival.

6. Practice Food and Water Safety 

Enjoying Vietnam’s incredible street food is a highlight, but you must take precautions to ensure your health.

• Drink Bottled Water: Never drink tap water in Vietnam. Always use sealed bottled water, even for brushing your teeth.

• Hot is Best: When eating street food, opt for dishes that are freshly cooked and served hot. The heat kills most potential bacteria.

• Be Mindful of Ice: While ice is often made with purified water in major cities and reputable establishments, be cautious of ice from unknown sources, especially from small, independent street stalls.

7. Respect Local Customs and Laws 

Showing cultural sensitivity and respecting local laws is a non-negotiable part of responsible travel and an important safety measure.

• Modesty in Sacred Sites: When visiting temples, pagodas, or other sacred sites, dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees. Removing your shoes before entering is also customary.

• Drug Laws are Severe: Vietnam has extremely strict laws regarding drugs. Penalties for possession and trafficking are severe, including long prison sentences or the death penalty. Do not engage with, or even be near, any illegal substances.

• Be Wary of Scams: Be cautious of individuals offering unsolicited "too good to be true" deals or those attempting to direct you to specific shops or restaurants. Maintain a healthy skepticism, especially regarding money exchanges or unofficial tour services.

By taking these 7 safety tips to heart—from ensuring your Vietnam visa is correctly processed for your cruise to being street-smart in the vibrant cities—you'll be well-prepared to enjoy the majestic beauty and rich culture of Vietnam with peace of mind.

Whether you need a fast visa, airport fast track, private car, or eSIM, Vietnam-Immi.org is here 24/7 to support your trip.

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