I had the same worries B4 I went to Vietnam, but soon found out just what a wonderful and safe place it really is. I felt safer in both Hanoi and Saigon than I do in cities such as New York or Chicago. It is true that Saigon has a problem with bag-snatchers on bikes, but if a tourist does not flaunt his wealth and takes care to protect his person, he has nothing to worry about. I had more problems there with hawkers - they look on tourists as walking ATM's! I was also approached by several people involved in this Thai Scam going on in Saigon - a man or couple will approach with ? about things like - where did you get those great shoes (or the like) - they try to get you to accompany them to assist a friend/relative thinking about travel to the USA/other Western country with questions about that travel. (They're really trying to get you to gamble at some location where you're sure to lose all your $.) Just use common sense when you travel and look out for offers on the street. Vietnam is no more dangerous than Puerto Rico or France, and certainly much safer than Mexico!

One area that scares me in Vietnam is long distance bus travel. Vietnamese roads are somewhat primitive, bus drivers are poorly trained and must work long hours, and fatal accidents involving buses are all too common. Air Travel is very safe, efficient and convenient, and train travel is improving all the time.