Thank you for the information. I really appreciate it.
I live in Chicago, a place that gets a bad rap for crime and violence. I've never been a victim of crime here. A little street smarts is all it takes.
rosjan wrote:
Thank you for the information. I really appreciate it.
I live in Chicago, a place that gets a bad rap for crime and violence. I've never been a victim of crime here. A little street smarts is all it takes.
Actually besides the snatchers it's safer in Vietnam than in Chicago. There won't be any shooting.
revhen
Loc: By the beautiful Hudson
One bad experience outweighs a million good ones in some eyes.
DeanS
Loc: Capital City area of North Carolina
DJD wrote:
Two years ago, my wife and I ended a two week tour of Vietnam by spending 3 nights in Ho Chi Minh City. This was during TET and the streets were packed during the evening with people celebrating. I carried a larger DSLR and never had a problem. People I met were extremely friendly and quite willing to pose for photographs. Just like any large city however, there are those who'll take advantage when they see an opportunity. Just beware of your surroundings. There are camera straps available that can't be cut through. Not sure what kind of camera you have, but I've since been carrying a nice point'n shoot that I can fit into my pocket for city/street shooting. Have fun and post pics. It will be a great experience.
Don
Two years ago, my wife and I ended a two week tour... (
show quote)
I had the “pleasure” of participating in Tet in 1968. Probably a little diff these days. 😎😎
I carry a Sony RX100v (now a vii) in my front pocket cargo pants. I wear no jewelry and I do not look like a tourist.
well said
agree
a terrific city and great country to visit
I just returned from there in April. I stayed a little over 2 months and while I enjoyed the city I now wished I had gone to the northern area instead. The overall landscapes are much better in the north but there is one city I can suggest. My favorite city was Hoi An which is an old city and very famous. About the crime there in HCMC yes do be careful because what you've heard is true but in general the people there are some of the friendliest you'll ever want to meet and they are like that all over Vietnam. If you want to know any more let me know and maybe we can contact each other off this site. By the way District one is the area to stay in and if you need the name of a hotel I can give you that as well. As a matter of fact the hotel I stayed at the owner lives in Atlanta. I thought that was weird but I met him and he's a swell guy. Hope to hear from you.
Thanks, David
Thank you for the information.
I was told a story by a local about a friend of his visiting from Japan who had to stop his camera being stolen by motorbike thieves.
One way to avoid this is not to walk near the edge of the pavement and to carry cameras and bags across the chest with one hand on the camera or bag.
I never felt in danger when i was there but found the motorbike taxis a pest as they won't take no for an answer. In the evening i also found the drug dealers and ladies of the night something to steer around.
It's a great place, have a lovely holiday.
That is correct as I was standing close to the edge of the street talking with a woman visitor from Japan and she had her cell phone out showing me directions when a man on a motorbike came by and reached out to take her phone but she pulled it back in time. That and one other incident were the only two I saw during my 2 months. I was carrying a Nikon D-800 with a lens plus other lenses in my camera vest that were never bothered. I traveled to 5 or 6 different cities and was up early and stayed out late at times but you still have to watch and be careful because they are out there. China is a different story as I have never seen any type of crime there in all my 6 visits and going to 35 or 40 cities. One of my favorite countries to travel to.
David
The Vietnamese pickpockets are among the most skillful in the world, as are their snatch artists. Like anywhere, most people are honest, but some are not.
If a bunch of kids surround you, that's a big red flag. Hang onto your stuff and beat feet.
In HCMC a lady drove bike into me, while 2 ladies walking behind me tried to take my wallet. I knew instantly because Vietnamese ladies are expert cyclists, so I reached back and grabbed the hand of the lady who was trying. She shook her hand free and they walked off like nothing had happened.
Here in Bangkok, they make loudspeaker warnings in Chatuchak Market to beware of pickpockets. 99% of which are Vietnamese "tourists."
But Vietnam is a great place with many photo ops...and great French bread! Enjoy, Don
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