Culture
Local laws & customs in Vietnam: What you need to know By Phil Sylvester
Although this article paints a very scary picture a lot of it is quite relevant and worth taking note of. This article was published some 10 months ago but most of the rules still apply. The MAG
While travelling in Vietnam, harsh as they seem, local laws apply to all. The penalties for actions which you might find over the top are taken very seriously by locals. Try to remember this is a conservative, communist country where the excesses of western culture are not tolerated. Mind your p ' s and q ' s and you ' ll have a trouble-free enjoyable visit.
Sensitive borders You could be detained if you venture too close to the border with China, Cambodia, or Laos without prior written permission from the local authorities.
Antiques It is against the law to export antiques from Vietnam without a permit. The Ministry of Culture can provide further advice and any necessary permit. Gambling Gambling, except in government licensed casinos, is illegal in Vietnam. Anyone found to be in violation of this law is subject to steep fines and / or a severe prison sentence. Access to licensed casinos is restricted to holders of foreign passports.
Drug laws in Vietnam Penalties for drug offences are severe. Under the Vietnamese penal code, a person caught in possession of even a small amount of heroin can be sentenced to death. There are over two dozen foreigners currently serving life sentences or facing the death penalty for drug trafficking offences. Vietnamese authorities have announced increased security and investigative measures to combat drug trafficking.
When good advice is ignored, travellers should be aware that recreational drugs available in Vietnam can be extremely potent. Party with caution, and always make sure someone knows where you are and what you have taken. Other restrictions in Vietnam Sensitive photography Photography of border crossings and military installations is prohibited and may result in arrest. You should also avoid taking photographs during demonstrations. Leave the military shots to the journo‘ s, as the glare of a Vietnamese soldier is incredibly intimidating.
40 The MAG Vung Tau
Politics Anyone, Vietnamese or visiting foreigners, engaging in public actions that the Government determines to be political in nature could be arrested and detained. Even your private conversations can lead to legal actions.
Blogging Blogging about the Vietnamese government and discussions in on-line chat rooms have also incurred scrutiny from authorities. The distribution of anti-Vietnamese propaganda is considered to be a terrorist offense by Vietnamese authorities. In most cases individuals are detained, questioned, and then released. In the past year, at least ten U. S. citizens were arrested, prevented from leaving Vietnam, and / or deported.
If you think it may be wrong, it probably is, Vietnamese are very friendly people just show some respect.