Pickpocket Safety in Vietnam: How to Protect Yourself

Vietnam is an incredible place to explore, full of bustling cities, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.

But like many tourist destinations, pickpocketing can be an issue in crowded areas. By following a few simple precautions, you can avoid being targeted and enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

Here are some practical tips to help you stay safe from pickpockets while travelling in Vietnam.

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Common Pickpocketing Tactics in Vietnam

Pickpockets tend to operate in crowded places and use various distraction tactics to steal without being noticed. Knowing these methods can help you be more vigilant.

• Distraction Techniques: Pickpockets often work in teams. One person may bump into you, ask for directions, or drop something in front of you while the other grabs your belongings.
• Snatch and Run: This happens mostly in busy areas like markets and public transportation hubs. A thief might grab your bag, phone, or wallet and quickly disappear into the crowd.
• Popular Spots for Pickpockets: Tourist hotspots such as Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City and the Old Quarter in Hanoi are prime areas for this type of crime.

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Stay Vigilant in Crowded Places

Pickpockets are most active in busy areas, especially markets, public transport, and popular tourist attractions. It’s important to stay alert and keep your belongings close.

Key Locations to Be Careful

• Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling market popular with tourists and, unfortunately, pickpockets.
  
  
• The Old Quarter in Hanoi, with its narrow streets and busy crowds, can also be a hotspot for pickpockets targeting unsuspecting visitors.

Tip: Keep your bags in front of you, ideally using a crossbody bag that you can easily monitor. Be cautious of people who get too close, especially in crowds or on public transportation.

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Keep Valuables Hidden

One of the best ways to avoid pickpockets is to not flash your valuables in public. Don’t make yourself an easy target by showing off expensive items like jewellery, smartphones, or large amounts of cash.

How to Hide Valuables

• Use a money belt for your cash and important documents, tucked under your clothing.
• Keep your phone, wallet, and camera in a secure spot, such as an inside jacket pocket or in a hidden compartment in your bag.

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Use Anti-Theft Bags or Secure Your Belongings

Investing in anti-theft bags or taking extra precautions with your belongings can reduce the risk of theft. These bags often have features like hidden zippers, lockable compartments, and slash-resistant straps.

Features to Look For:

• Bags with concealed zippers or compartments.
• Crossbody bags with slash-resistant straps for extra security.
• When sitting at cafes or restaurants, always keep your bag on your lap or securely attached to your chair.

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Be Cautious of Distraction Techniques

Pickpockets love to use distraction techniques, especially in crowded or chaotic areas. They’ll try to grab your attention while someone else goes for your belongings.

Common Distraction Tactics

• A stranger might approach you with a map, asking for directions.
  
  
• Children begging or trying to sell something while adults watch from a distance, looking for an opportunity to steal from your bag.

Tip: Stay alert and keep one hand on your belongings if someone approaches you unexpectedly.

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Keep Essentials in Your Hotel Safe

The best way to protect your valuables is to leave them in your hotel. Take only what you need for the day and store the rest in a safe place.

What to Leave Behind:

• Passports, extra credit cards, and large amounts of cash.
• Take only what’s necessary and leave the rest in the hotel safe.

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Create a Fake Wallet

If you’re really concerned about pickpockets, carry a fake wallet. This is a simple trick that can save you from losing your valuables.

How It Works:

• Use a decoy wallet with a few small bills and expired cards to hand over if you're targeted.
• Keep your real wallet hidden in a money belt or an inside pocket, making it much harder for pickpockets to access.

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Avoid Counting Money in Public

Taking out large amounts of cash in public is an easy way to attract attention from potential thieves. Try to handle your money discreetly.

Tip: Step away from crowded areas before pulling out your wallet. Carry small bills to avoid flashing large amounts of money​.

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Ready to Explore Vietnam Safely?

With these tips, you can enjoy all that Vietnam has to offer while staying safe and stress-free. Just remember to keep your belongings close, stay alert in busy areas, and you’ll be set for an unforgettable adventure!