Foreign visitors returning to Vietnam report feeling more secure, citing a ubiquitous police presence, swift action against crime, and helpful locals, though scams and chaotic traffic remain concerns.
Детали события Luke's first visit to Ho Chi Minh City last April began with an unwelcome encounter outside Saigon Square, one of the city's popular shopping hubs. But what happened after he was targeted by a group of shoeshiners left a lasting impression — and made him eager to return.
Luke was waiting for his girlfriend and looking at his phone when a group of shoeshiners approached and immediately took off his shoes.
"Even though I declined they were very pushy, and intent on providing the service without me asking for it or approving it."
Instead of confirming a price, the men chatted about England, football, and other subjects they might expect to interest a tourist.
When they eventually left, Luke discovered that his wallet had been emptied of more money than he had agreed to pay.
"They stole money from my wallet," he says.
The incident shocked him, but it did not sour his view of Ho Chi Minh City or Vietnam.
"I have been looking up travel around Southeast Asia and I'm aware that tourist traps happen and I'm not particularly sad that I fell for one," he says.