Vietnam · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Phú Quốc scores 76/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Phú Quốc is one of Vietnam's safest destinations for visitors, though a recent boat tragedy highlights rare water‑safety concerns. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Vietnam · Assessed 29 July 2026
76
/ 100
Safer than ~81% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
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 2026-06-26T11:10:13Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Vietnam: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-07-07T09:34:49.180000-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging or armed robbery against visitors is 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
87/100
Recent traveler reports and forum posts describe feeling safe walking during daylight and at night in resort zones, with only minor concerns about scooter traffic and occasional petty theft.
Yes — Phú Quốc is one of Vietnam's safest destinations for visitors, though a recent boat tragedy highlights rare water‑safety concerns.
The multi‑database profile rates the island as SAFE (composite 73/100) with low homicide, strong public‑order scores and high perceived safety after dark. Recent news shows a capsized speedboat that killed 15 Indian tourists, prompting tighter waterway controls but no broader crime surge. Overall risk remains low for travelers who follow standard precautions.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Safety Briefing
Phú Quốc is rated SAFE with a composite index of 73/100 and scores especially well on homicide (90/100) and perceived safety after dark (100/100). The latest official advisory from Canada asks travelers to “exercise a high degree of caution,” a level that reflects normal vigilance rather than a serious threat. The island’s crime index sits at 39.8, indicating low violent crime, and residents report feeling safe walking alone after dark.
Recent headlines, however, centre on a July 2026 speedboat accident that capsized near the island, killing 15 Indian tourists. The incident prompted immediate police action — detaining the captain — and a rapid tightening of waterway safety regulations for all tourist vessels. No further boat‑related safety breaches have been reported since, and authorities have increased inspections of charter operators.
For day‑to‑day travel, visitors consistently report feeling secure in resort districts and at night markets, though many note the usual low‑level pickpocketing in crowded spots such as the night market and ferry terminals. Scooter accidents remain the most frequent source of injury; rental scooters are common but should only be used by experienced riders who wear helmets and avoid night riding or wet roads.
The primary scams targeting tourists are overcharging for taxis, boat tours, and souvenirs, as well as unlicensed operators offering cheap excursions that may cut corners on safety. To stay safe, use only licensed boat companies, confirm that life‑jackets and safety equipment are present, and agree on fares before boarding. Keep cash and valuables discreet, and rely on reputable taxi services or ride‑hailing apps rather than hailing random vehicles.
In short, Phú Quốc remains one of Vietnam’s safest island destinations, but a recent tragic boat capsizing serves as a reminder to verify operator credentials and follow standard travel‑safety practices. With prudent choices, you can enjoy the island’s beaches, nightlife and natural beauty with minimal risk.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Phú Quốc districts for visitors: 4 safer, 3 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Phú Quốc safety map.
Duong Toavoidavoid: industrial zone with limited services and higher petty‑theft reports from travel forums
Duong Dongcautioncaution: recent boat accident in nearby waters highlights need to verify operator safety credentials before booking tours
Ganh Daucautioncaution: remote fishing village where isolated scams targeting tourists have been documented
Phu Quoc Airport vicinitycautioncaution: known taxi scams; use pre‑booked or app‑based rides instead of street hails
An Thoisafersafe: quiet residential area with low crime and minimal incident reports
Bai Thomsafersafe: popular beach zone with strong resort security and routine patrols
Ong Langsafersafe: rural coastal area with low foot traffic and no recent safety alerts
Sao Beachsafersafe: well‑patrolled tourist beach; main risk is occasional jellyfish during rainy season
07 · After Dark
97% of people in Vietnam say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2020).
Mugging or armed robbery against visitors is rare; most incidents involve petty theft in night markets or beach areas.
After dark, be most careful around Duong To, Duong Dong, Ganh Dau, Phu Quoc Airport vicinity. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Phú Quốc's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Yes — Phú Quốc is one of Vietnam's safest destinations for visitors, though a recent boat tragedy highlights rare water‑safety concerns. The multi‑database profile rates the island as SAFE (composite 73/100) with low homicide, strong public‑order scores and high perceived safety after dark. Recent news shows a capsized speedboat that killed 15 Indian tourists, prompting tighter waterway controls but no broader crime surge. Overall risk remains low for travelers who follow standard precautions. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Field research flags Duong To as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Phú Quốc ranks #3 of 9 Vietnam destinations we've assessed, scoring 76/100. See the Vietnam safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 13+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the Vietnam safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: phu-quoc.json (CC BY 4.0).
