Exercise Normal Precautions
“There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.”
Updated Wed, 24 Jun 2026
Full advisory →Vietnam · Safety report last updated
As of August 2026, Phú Quốc scores 75/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Phú Quốc is generally safe for visitors, with violent crime rare but recent boat accidents and petty theft warranting caution. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Vietnam · Assessed 27 August 2026
75
/ 100
Safer than ~80% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Exercise Normal Precautions
“There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.”
Updated Wed, 24 Jun 2026
Full advisory →No advisory against travel
“Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East.”
Updated 2026-08-12T14:48:05Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Vietnam: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowMuggings and armed robbery against visitors are rare; most incidents involve petty theft in night markets or beach areas.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching occur occasionally in busy night markets, ferry terminals, and tourist beaches.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
84/100
Recent traveler reports describe feeling safe walking during daylight and at night in resort zones, with only minor concerns about scooter traffic and occasional scams.
Yes — Phú Quốc is generally safe for visitors, with violent crime rare but recent boat accidents and petty theft warranting caution.
Official data shows low homicide and terrorism risk, while recent incidents highlight water-safety gaps after a fatal speedboat capsize in July 2026 that killed 15 tourists. Petty theft and scams target visitors in crowded areas, but most travelers report feeling safe in resort zones during day and night.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Phú Quốc remains one of Vietnam’s safer destinations for tourists, with violent crime against visitors being extremely rare. The island’s safety profile is supported by low homicide rates, strong local reliance on tourism, and traveler reports of feeling secure in resort areas both day and night. However, the July 2026 speedboat tragedy that killed 15 tourists underscores real risks in maritime activities, prompting authorities to tighten inspections on boat operators and coastal tours. While this incident was isolated, it highlights the importance of verifying operator credentials and safety equipment before any water-based excursion.
On land, the primary concerns are petty theft and scams targeting tourists. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching happen occasionally in crowded spots like Duong Dong night market, ferry terminals, and popular beaches such as Long Beach and Sao Beach, especially when valuables are left unattended. Common scams include taxi overcharging, fake tour packages, beach vendors inflating prices, and ATM skimming devices. Travelers should use ride-hailing apps or agree on fares upfront, keep belongings secure with anti-theft bags, and only book tours through licensed operators — many resorts can assist with verified bookings. Scooter accidents are also a leading cause of injury, so riders should wear helmets, avoid night riding on poorly lit roads, and exercise caution in rain or on unpaved northern routes.
Health and environmental precautions are equally important. Drink only bottled or filtered water to avoid gastrointestinal issues, and apply reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen daily due to intense year-round UV exposure. Jellyfish blooms can occur from October to November at some northern beaches, so heed local warnings before swimming. Despite ongoing drought alerts in the broader region, Phú Quốc itself faces no immediate disaster threats, and air quality remains good. By staying alert to water safety, guarding against petty theft, and choosing reputable services, visitors can enjoy Phú Quốc’s beaches and culture with confidence.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Phú Quốc districts for visitors: 4 safer, 4 needing caution. See them plotted on the Phú Quốc safety map.
Duong Dong TowncautionBusy hub with moderate petty theft in night markets and ferry terminals; exercise vigilance with belongings.
Bai Truong (Long Beach)cautionPopular beach stretch with occasional bag-snatching; avoid leaving valuables unattended on sand.
Ham NinhcautionFishing village with authentic charm; beware of overcharging and distraction scams targeting tourists.
Sun World Hon Thom Nature ParkcautionCable car and amusement park; pickpocketing reported in crowds; keep bags zipped and front-facing.
An Thoi TownsaferSouthern fishing port with low crime; primary risks are scooter accidents and jellyfish in season.
Bai SaosaferUpscale resort area with strong security presence; minimal crime but watch for jellyfish Oct-Nov.
Ganh DausaferQuiet northwest cape with low population density; risks limited to road conditions and sun exposure.
Vinpearl Phu QuocsaferIntegrated resort complex with private security; low crime but verify boat tour operators post-July accident.
07 · After Dark
97% of people in Vietnam say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2020).
Muggings and armed robbery against visitors are rare; most incidents involve petty theft in night markets or beach areas.
After dark, be most careful around Duong Dong Town, Bai Truong (Long Beach), Ham Ninh, Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Yes — Phú Quốc is generally safe for visitors, with violent crime rare but recent boat accidents and petty theft warranting caution. Official data shows low homicide and terrorism risk, while recent incidents highlight water-safety gaps after a fatal speedboat capsize in July 2026 that killed 15 tourists. Petty theft and scams target visitors in crowded areas, but most travelers report feeling safe in resort zones during day and night. (Assessed 27 August 2026.)
Safety is not one number, and this Phú Quốc report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
No districts were flagged as no-go areas for visitors at the last assessment.
Phú Quốc ranks #2 of 9 Vietnam destinations we've assessed, scoring 75/100. See the Vietnam safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 14+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
Browse the Vietnam safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: phu-quoc.json (CC BY 4.0).