Nha Trang Safety Guide
Is Nha Trang Safe?
Learn how locals scam tourists in Nha Trang and how to avoid becoming a victim. Below you'll find Nha Trang crime statistics — the probability of being robbed or attacked, information about corruption in Nha Trang, safety tips and precautions.
Daytime Safety:
Nighttime Safety:
Comfort Rating
In terms of safety, you'll find Nha Trang quite secure during the day. Still, take a moment to review our guide on common tourist traps. The security situation deteriorates after sunset. If you must go out, use reliable transportation and stick to main streets.
Robberies and Theft: moderate
Armed Robberies: moderate
Assaults: moderate
Corruption: high
Drug Issues: high
Beggars: heightened
Vandalism: moderate
Theft from Cars: moderate
Car Theft: moderate
Local Scam Alert: What to Watch For
Taxi Meter Trick (High Risk) - Unofficial taxis at Nha Trang's airport or popular tourist spots may claim their meters are broken and insist on charging inflated flat rates, often ranging from 300,000 to 500,000 VND. Always use official taxi stands, check for reputable companies like Vinasun or Mai Linh, and insist on using the meter to avoid being overcharged.
Beach Umbrella Scam (Medium Risk) - Beach vendors in areas like Tran Phu Street often rent out umbrellas and loungers at high rates, then demand exorbitant fees when you're ready to leave, claiming you owe more for “extras” you didn’t order. Look for prices clearly marked on signs and consider using privately maintained umbrellas to avoid misunderstandings.
Restaurant Menu Trick (Medium Risk) - Some restaurants near the beach offer menus with deceptive pricing or overly inflated daily specials that have no clear mention of prices. Before ordering, confirm the prices verbally and ensure you have an itemized bill to avoid being surprised at payment time, particularly around the beachfront area.
Currency Exchange Rip-off (Medium Risk) - Currency exchange booths, particularly around the beach and tourist hot spots, may offer enticing rates but charge hefty service fees or provided incorrect exchange rates, often cheating you out of 200,000 to 300,000 VND. Only exchange money at approved banks or reputable exchange services and verify the rate both before and after the transaction.
Souvenir Overpricing (Low Risk) - In tourist markets like Dam Market, some sellers may inflate prices for items like handicrafts and jewelry by up to 50%. Always compare prices between different vendors, negotiate before purchase, and be cautious of items labeled as “local” but clearly imported.
Free Tour Guides (Low Risk) - Some individuals may approach you offering free guided tours around popular sites like the Po Nagar Cham Towers, later asking for a significant payment for “unexpected” charges. Politely decline these offers and instead opt for official tour companies or guided services with clear pricing beforehand.
Beach Umbrella Scam (Medium Risk) - Beach vendors in areas like Tran Phu Street often rent out umbrellas and loungers at high rates, then demand exorbitant fees when you're ready to leave, claiming you owe more for “extras” you didn’t order. Look for prices clearly marked on signs and consider using privately maintained umbrellas to avoid misunderstandings.
Restaurant Menu Trick (Medium Risk) - Some restaurants near the beach offer menus with deceptive pricing or overly inflated daily specials that have no clear mention of prices. Before ordering, confirm the prices verbally and ensure you have an itemized bill to avoid being surprised at payment time, particularly around the beachfront area.
Currency Exchange Rip-off (Medium Risk) - Currency exchange booths, particularly around the beach and tourist hot spots, may offer enticing rates but charge hefty service fees or provided incorrect exchange rates, often cheating you out of 200,000 to 300,000 VND. Only exchange money at approved banks or reputable exchange services and verify the rate both before and after the transaction.
Souvenir Overpricing (Low Risk) - In tourist markets like Dam Market, some sellers may inflate prices for items like handicrafts and jewelry by up to 50%. Always compare prices between different vendors, negotiate before purchase, and be cautious of items labeled as “local” but clearly imported.
Free Tour Guides (Low Risk) - Some individuals may approach you offering free guided tours around popular sites like the Po Nagar Cham Towers, later asking for a significant payment for “unexpected” charges. Politely decline these offers and instead opt for official tour companies or guided services with clear pricing beforehand.
Scam Types and General Tips
Complete Guide to Scam Types
Tourist Reviews
All photos and texts belong to their authors
Watching the fire from a distance of twenty meters was quite a spectacle, especially considering how closely the buildings are packed together. Meanwhile, people were just fine - happily filming, chatting, and gaping.
This vacation promises to be unforgettable! 🌟🔥 »
P.S. Although in the evenings, you can see hundreds of motorbikes with entire families riding, and the police seem to turn a blind eye to it. »
Let me share some statistics from my friends and acquaintances who have been robbed in Vietnam... one in two had their bags, cameras, iPads, or passports stolen. My sister had her bag snatched twice in broad daylight in the city center, and she and her husband got robbed on the beach. A friend had his expensive camera swiped in the park, another lost a bag, while a female friend had her backpack cut away. Someone I know had their iPhone taken right out of their hands while they were on a call, and a couple of friends had their bag stolen outside their hotel. Just recently, my mom had her bag taken right outside our home!! And this is just a tiny fraction of the cases I’ve mentioned... in short, it’s a complete disaster!!
The most frustrating part is that reporting to the police is absolutely useless, even if you remember the bike number of the thieves who zoomed off with your bag, camera, or phone. The police don’t do much to combat theft! So, friends, if you're in Vietnam, keep a close eye on your belongings like never before, don’t let your guard down for a second! Or even better, don’t carry bags at all; you can show off your style back home. Keep your money and phone in your pockets, and avoid scrolling through Instagram while walking the streets. Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful holiday! »