Chrissie-Leigh Felgate, an Australian woman, said she gained far more than expected after moving to Vietnam with her family. She described it as the safest place she has lived, largely due to the warmth of local people.
Speaking to Dantri/Dtinews, she said her family first arrived in Hanoi in late August 2025 during celebrations marking the country’s national day anniversary. The festive atmosphere and the way locals embraced the occasion left a strong impression.
Scott (a British tourist, Chrissie's husband) taking photos with locals in Hanoi City (Photo: Supplied).
During their stay, evening walks through the city stood out not for the crowds, but for a consistent sense of safety. After five days, the family moved to rural Vinh Yen, where they spent a month living among locals and becoming part of the community.
Neighbours regularly visited, invited them to social gatherings and encouraged their children to interact. The family later relocated to Da Nang for seven months, where they experienced even deeper connections with local residents.
Living in a small alley, they were frequently greeted, offered food and welcomed into daily life. When Felgate was injured in a motorbike accident and confined to bed for three weeks, neighbours brought meals and checked in on her regularly.
She noted that Vietnamese friendliness could sometimes feel overwhelming, but always in a positive way. The experience also had a significant impact on her daughter, who has autism, helping her become more open and confident.
Felgate continued her habit of running at night while training for a half marathon in Danang and said she never once felt unsafe, even when alone.
Chrissie with her family (Photo: Supplied).
Similar impressions were shared by other foreigners. Evan Maroge, an American living in Ho Chi Minh City, recalled being surprised to see hundreds of people exercising, walking and socialising in a park late at night.
He also highlighted a high level of everyday trust, noting that in many cafés, customers could leave laptops unattended without fear of theft, something he considers rare elsewhere.
Evan Maroge decides to stay in Vietnam long-term, far exceeding his initial plans (Photo: Supplied).
For travellers of colour, experiences have also been largely positive. A US content creator behind the channel Dr King’s Mindset said that while curious looks may occur, they are not hostile but reflect cultural curiosity. “I feel safe and welcomed,” he said.
Vietnam is rated by many international tourists as a safe destination (Photo: Nguyen Ha Nam).
Beyond personal accounts, international rankings also reflect Vietnam’s safety levels. The Institute for Economics and Peace ranked Vietnam 38th out of 163 countries and territories in the 2025 Global Peace Index, placing it among the more peaceful nations globally.
This ranking puts Vietnam ahead of several regional countries such as South Korea, Indonesia and Philippines in terms of overall stability.
Meanwhile, Numbeo, which measures safety based on user surveys, ranked Vietnam fourth in Southeast Asia in 2025, ahead of destinations such as Malaysia.
Experts say that alongside political and social stability, strong community ties and vibrant street life contribute to a sense of safety. Public spaces remain active from morning until late at night, creating what is often described as “natural surveillance”, helping to deter crime and reinforce a secure environment.