However, crime does occur in Vietnamese cities and sensible precautions should be taken. There have been some reported incidents of aggravated theft and assault in areas frequented by tourists in Ho Chi Minh City. The provision of prompt consular assistance is difficult outside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City because of poorly developed infrastructure throughout Vietnam. Travel is restricted near military installations and in some border areas. Unexploded mines, bombs and shells are a hazard in former battlefield areas.
Drug smuggling carries the death penalty.
The standard of driving and vehicle maintenance is poor and the cause of serious accidents. No right hand drive vehicles are permitted in Vietnam. Malaria, Dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis are common in many parts of Vietnam. Care should be taken to avoid mosquito bites. Typhoid is a problem in the Mekong Delta.