[Must-read] For business travelers and tourists in Vietnam: 5 things to watch out for at night and how to stay safe

A trip or business trip to Vietnam. After sightseeing or work during the day, heading out into the neon-lit nightlife is one of the big pleasures, right? Ice-cold beer for just a few dozen yen a glass, lively street stalls, glitzy bars and massage venues – Vietnam's nights are full of excitement.

But nights abroad don't just hold sweet temptations – there are unexpected pitfalls too.

"I only meant to have one drink, but the bill was eye-wateringly high..."
"I was walking while looking at my phone, and it was snatched by someone on a motorbike in an instant..."

You don't want memories like that from your stay in Vietnam. In this article, we carefully explain the precautions you absolutely need to know for nightlife in Vietnam in plain language that even a junior high school student could follow.

Read to the end and you'll be able to sidestep dangerous trouble and enjoy an amazing night in Vietnam!

5 golden rules for enjoying Vietnam's nightlife safely

Famous nightlife streets such as Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City and Ta Hien Street in Hanoi are as lively as a festival. But however excited you get, keep these 5 golden rules in the back of your mind.

Guard your phone and wallet in front of your body

The most common problems in Vietnam are pickpocketing and bag snatching. Especially in busy nightlife areas, professional pickpocket gangs blend into the crowds looking for targets.

To them, a wallet in your back pocket or a phone held loosely in your hand is shiny treasure practically saying "take me". With a magician's sleight of hand, they'll have it before you notice.

• What to do: Always choose a bag with a zip and carry it in front of your body. When checking a map on your phone, stop at the side of the road and hold it firmly with both hands.

Use a ride-hailing app, not taxis hailed on the street

Getting into a taxi that calls out to you on the street when heading back to your hotel late at night is a gamble. Some use rigged meters that run abnormally fast, or take long detours and charge you a fortune.

To get home safely, use the ride-hailing app Grab on your phone.

[Ways to get around compared]

Sweet temptations have a catch! Never follow touts

Walking around at night, people may call out to you in Japanese in a friendly way: "Hey brother, cheap massage" or "We have cute girls".

But this is just like a carnivorous plant that lures insects in with sweet nectar.

Where they take you, a rip-off bar is waiting: expensive service charges that aren't on the menu get added, or a scary guy appears and won't let you leave until you pay. Never listen to suspicious touts.

Illegal activities: the harsh reality of one strike and you're out

Vietnam's laws are stricter than Japan's. Illegal activities such as illegal drugs and buying (or selling) sex carry very heavy penalties.

A casual "no one will find out because I'm a tourist" or "everyone does it, so it's fine" attitude can lead to an irreversible situation that ruins your life. Remember that Japanese common sense and leniency don't apply here at all, and never get involved.

Watch out for drinking too much – and the ice

Vietnamese beer is as cheap as water, so it's easy to drink too much. But drunk, careless people are the perfect targets for criminals.

Another thing to watch out for is ice. Ice served at street stalls and local places can upset your stomach (it may be made from tap water).

If you're worried, it's safer to order "No ice" or drink straight from the can.

Summary: 3 things to do next

As long as you follow the basic rules, a night out in Vietnam is a lively, wonderful experience. To avoid danger and get the most out of your work or sightseeing tomorrow, prepare these 3 things right now!

• [Action 1] Download and set up the Grab app while you're still in Japan
  (once you arrive, SMS verification sometimes doesn't work)
• [Action 2] When going out at night, take only the cash you need and one credit card
  (don't carry your passport – take a photo of it on your phone instead)
• [Action 3] If a tout approaches you, smile, say "No" and keep walking without stopping

Prepare well and enjoy Vietnam's captivating, energetic nights safely!