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Ho Chi Minh City petrol stations close even though there is no fuel shortage. For a while, fuel was nigh impossible to find in the former Saigon. Stations did not want to sell at a loss. Now the You'll want to have good information, and work with a leading dealer. Whether you're buying the Dong for your collection of colorful world currencies, or whether you're looking toward future currency exchange with a top dealer such as Currency Liquidator . Over the past few years the Vietnamese economy and the Dong have begun to attract plenty Train fares in Vietnam are cheap, and sleeper trains save on hotel bills as well as the cost of taxis to & from airports way outside the cities they serve. The fares shown below are typical fares for the SE1, SE2, SE3 or SE4, fares in fact vary slightly by season, and fares for the less prestigious SE5/6/7/8/9/10 are slightly lower. Blowing in the Wind - WAVE FILE. (Sing along to Bob Dylan's Voice) This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land. He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother. Eve of Destruction - WAVE FILE. Ballad of the Green Berets. Ballad of the Green Berets WAVE File. (Sing along with Sergeant Barry Sadler) If I Can Dream of A Better Land. (Bloomberg) -- Vietnam's central bank widened the dong's trading band, signaling authorities are willing to tolerate more weakness in the currency.Most Read from BloombergRussia Hits Ukrainian Rencontre Gratuite Pres De Chez Vous. Latest updates The Health section was updated - travel health information Public Health Agency of Canada Last updated June 8, 2023 1340 ET On this page Risk level Safety and security Entry and exit requirements Health Laws and culture Natural disasters and climate Need help? Risk level Vietnam - Exercise a high degree of cautionExercise a high degree of caution in Vietnam due to high rate of petty crime. Back to top Safety and security CrimePetty crimePetty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently. It’s most prevalent in larger cities and may increase during major public holidays, such as Tet Lunar New Year.Criminals work alone or in groups and may use various techniques to distract you and steal your belongings. They may try to grab your bag and other valuables while passing on a motorbike or slash your bag in crowded streets and markets. Theft is frequent in popular tourist areasIn markets, shopping centres and commercial streetson public transportation including sleeper trainsin transportation hubs such as airports and train stationsin restaurants, including patios and outdoor cafésat beaches and seaside destinationsWhile travellingensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all timeskeep a digital copy of your identity and travel documents;avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery avoid carrying large sums of cashavoid isolated areas, especially at nightpay attention to your surroundings, particularly in crowded and tourist areasbe extra cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMsViolent crimeAlthough violent crimes targeting foreigners are rarer, they may occur. In some cases, criminals have used weapons such as knives and razors. Threats of physical injury related to personal disputes also occasionally you are involved in a dispute, contact the police as soon as possibleIf you are threatened by robbers, don’t resistResidential break-insResidential break-ins occur, especially in large cities and may increase before and during the Tet holiday Lunar New Year. Burglars may target houses or apartments rented or owned by tourists and in accommodations with adequate security measures Make sure you lock doors and windows at night and when you’re awayWomen’s safetyWomen travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Sexual assault and harassment do occur, includingin beach destinationsin bars, nightclubs and entertainment districtson taxis and public transportationLocal authorities may not always respond adequately to reports of sexual violence and harassment. If you are a victim of sexual assaultseek immediate medical assistance, whether or not you appear to have been physically harmedcontact the local police and ensure they file a reportinform consular officials at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulateAdvice for women travellersFraudCredit card and ATM fraudCredit and debit card as well as ATM fraud occurs using your credit card in small establishmentsConsider using a card with a small credit limitCover the keypad with one hand when entering your PINPay careful attention when others are handling your cardsAvoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual featureUse ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or businessCheck for any unauthorized transactions on your account statementsCybercrimeCybercrime occurs. Perpetrators may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal using unsecured public Wi-Fi networksAvoid making purchases on unencrypted websitesBe cautious when posting information on social mediaBe especially vigilant if you decide to meet someone you met onlineDon’t click a suspicious link in an email or text message asking for your credit card detailsAt the airportCriminals posing as taxi drivers have targeted foreign visitors at Nội Bài International Airport in Hanoi and robbed them by forcing them to withdraw money from have also been robbed by drivers who greeted them upon arrival with a placard showing their your pickup with your hotel before arrival, or use authorized airport taxisConfirm the driver’s identity and the licence plate before getting in the carGambling scamsTourists have been victims of gambling scams in Hanoi, as well as in Ho Chi Minh City, particularly in the Pham Ngu Lao scam consists of a friendly invitation sent to the victim to go to someone’s home in order to meet a relative interested in visiting Canada. While waiting for the relative, the scammers suggest a casual game of cards involving an initial small wager. Some victims have lost thousands of dollars over the course of an wary of unsolicited proposals from you’ve been scammedget to a safe location immediatelytake note, as soon as possible of the name and address of the facility where you were heldnotify the police and obtain a reportif a bank card was involved, report the scam to your banking company, which will likely request a copy of the police report to cancel the transactionOverseas fraudSpiked food and drinksSnacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and wary of accepting these items from new acquaintancesNever leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangersUnregulated alcoholSome people died after consuming unregulated and adulterated rice wine due to high levels of cautious if you choose to drink alcoholOnly consume reputable alcohol brandsAvoid buying alcohol from individuals or street vendorsSeek medical assistance if you begin to feel sickAlcohol, drugs and travelDemonstrationsPublic demonstrations are rare since local authorities don’t usually authorize them. Demonstrating without authorization can lead to heavy consequences, including lengthy prison areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking placeFollow the instructions of local authoritiesMonitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrationsMass gatherings large-scale eventsInternet censorship and surveillanceWithin the Vietnamese territory, local authorities block access to severalwebsitessocial mediasearch enginesonline servicesYou shouldn’t expect internet authorities may monitor your communications at any time. They may review the content stored or consulted on your electronic devices. They may also place certain foreigners under electronic surveillance. They can search your home or hotel room without your knowledge or security while travellingJournalismForeign journalists and other media workers in Vietnam may face considerable restrictions in the context of their work. The Vietnamese government may employ measures such asphysical and electronic surveillancedelaying or refusing renewals of press cards and visasintimidation and harassmentBe particularly vigilant if researching or reporting on subjects critical of or sensitive to the and war remnantsLandmines and unexploded ordnance still pose a serious risk in several areas, particularlyin the province of Quảng Trịalong the border with Laosin North and Central VietnamUnmarked minefields are common. If you plan travelling outside of major tourist destinationspay attention to signs indicating the possible presence of landminesremain on paved roadsavoid open fields, roadside ditches, shoulders and unmarked trailsreport any suspicious items to local authoritiesAdventure tourismOutdoor activities, such as trekking, zip-lining, rock climbing, speleology, or parasailing and other adventure activities can be dangerous if unprepared. Trails are not always marked, and weather conditions can change rapidly, especially during the rainy operators may not always adhere to international safety you intend to practice adventure tourismnever do so alone, and do not part with your expedition companionsconsider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be setting out buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity avoid venturing off marked trails ensure that you’re adequately equipped and bring sufficient water stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard refrain from using facilities or equipment if you have doubts on their safety inform a family member or friend of your itinerary Water activitiesTidal changes and strong winds can cause hazardous currents and and divingBeaches are not always sea urchins, jellyfish and other aquatic life found along reefs may be poisonous. A sting to the touch can cause poisoning or you plan to divechoose a reputable company always respect warning flags advising of dangerous conditionsask about the presence of dangerous speciesseek immediate medical attention in case of injury;wear swimming shoes to protect yourself from reefs, rocks, corals or sea urchins;keep a safe distance from boats and restricted areasavoid beaches or coastal areas during periods of severe weather warningsavoid diving into unknown waters, as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or deathfollow the advice of the local authoritiesBoatingBoat accidents have occurred due to the overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels, including in Ha Long a reputable boating companyEnsure that your tour operator follows up-to-date safety regulationsDon’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthyWater safety abroadPiracyAlthough rare in Vietnam, pirates commit attacks and armed robbery against ships in coastal piracy report - International Maritime BureauRoad safetyRoad safety is poor throughout the country. Fatal accidents are frequent. They frequently involve motorcycle and pedestrians are commonly use elevated walkways or pedestrian bridges when conditionsRoad conditions are poor throughout the can be dangerous due to poorly maintained roads and vehiclestraffic jams and heavy traffic, especially in urban areaspotholes slippery roads during the rainy seasonDriving habitsDrivers don’t always respect traffic laws. Some vehicles, especially motorcycles, drive against the flow of traffic and on the you plan to travel by car in Vietnam, you should consider hiring a you choose to drivealways drive defensivelyavoid travelling after dark or during adverse weather conditionsavoid driving a motorcycleMake sure you have proper insurance and a valid licencePublic transportationTaxisOfficial taxis are generally taxis known as “xe oms” are not motorcycle taxisUse only official taxis or a trusted ridesharing appNegotiate the fare in advance, or insist that the driver use the meterNever share a taxi with a strangerConfirm the driver’s identity and the licence plate before getting in the carBe familiar with your hotel’s address and the neighbourhood to avoid being brought to a wrong locationBusesBus and coach accidents are are generally have been reported on certain train lines, including sleeper stub is required to exit the train station. Passengers without a ticket stub will be required to pay the fare your ticket stub when travelling by accidents have occurred due to the overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels, particularly on the line connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Vung board vessels that appear overloaded or within Vietnam - Vietnam TourismAir travelWe do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety about foreign domestic airlines Back to top Entry and exit requirements Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit have obtained the information on this page from the Vietnamese authorities. It can, however, change at any this information with the Foreign Representatives in requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry Canadian passportYour passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave for official travelDifferent entry rules may travelPassport with “X” gender identifierWhile the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your travel documentsDifferent entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your linksForeign Representatives in CanadaCanadian passportsVisasTourist visa required Business visa required Student visa required Work visa requiredE-visa authorizationIf you have a valid Canadian passport, you may be eligible to apply online for an e-visa. This is a single-entry electronic tourist visa, valid for a maximum of 30 days. It allows to enter Vietnam via the port of entry indicated in the visa approval notice only. Some restrictions visits of multiple entries or longer than 30 days, you must get a visa from the nearest Vietnamese embassy before for an e-visa - Immigration Department of VietnamVisa exemptionsCanadian spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens may be eligible for a visa exemption the Embassy of Vietnam in Canada for more information on this extensionYou must have a visa to enter required, you can request a visa extension atthe Vietnam Immigration Department in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh Citycertain local travel agencies and tour companiesVietnamese visas in expired Canadian passports are not valid. The visa needs to be transferred to the new your Vietnamese visa or having the wrong type of visa is a serious matter. You may be delayed from onward travel until a fine is the visa validity and conditions must report your presence to local authorities upon accommodations will generally file the declaration on your behalf. If you’re staying in a non-commercial accommodation, you must do so with the nearest police sure you request the return of your passport once it has been registered by hotel hotel staff may ask to see your passport at check-in. They may make copies of it. They may also insist on holding your passport until you leave. There is no legal reason for leave your passport or any other ID document with anyone Ask for your documents to be returned to you as soon as check-in is completeTravel restrictionsTravel near military facilities is restrictedin some parts of the central highlandsin some border areaIf you wish to visit a village, commune or ward that is close to the border, you must obtain permission from the provincial police the relevant local authority to confirm these screeningUpon entry, you may be subject toa body temperature checkquarantine for medical observation if showing flu-like symptomsChildren and travelLearn more about travelling with feverLearn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever vaccines section. Back to top Health This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and vaccines Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination. Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella chickenpox, influenza and others. Pre-travel vaccines and medications You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito. Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection. Risk There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. Country Entry Requirement* Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country. Recommendation Vaccination is not recommended. * It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destinations you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. About Yellow Fever Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in CanadaHepatitis AHepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against encephalitisJapanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling. Travellers are at higher risk if they will be travelling long term more than 30 days making multiple trips to endemic areas staying for extended periods in rural areas visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos entomologists Hepatitis BHepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure should get There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this country. Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no vaccine against malaria. Protect yourself from mosquito bites. This includes covering up, using insect repellent and staying in enclosed, air-conditioned accommodations. You may also consider pre-treating clothing and travel gear with insecticides and sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net. Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling see CATMAT Appendix 1. If recommended, you should start taking antimalarial medication prior to travel. See a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic, preferably six weeks before you travel to discuss your options. Rabies In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions, including keeping your distance from animals including free-roaming dogs, and closely supervising children. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals. COVID-19Coronavirus disease COVID-19 is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air. It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally. Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. Safe food and water precautions Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water. Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it! Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater streams, canals, lakes, particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated. Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. Travellers' diarrheaTravellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions. The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration drinking lots of fluids. Carry oral rehydration salts when Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time. Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination. Insect bite prevention Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present Use insect repellent bug spray on exposed skin Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester Minimize exposure to insects Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page. Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for In this country, dengue is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites. Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal. The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region. Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset. Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue. Animal precautions Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets places where live animals are slaughtered and sold or caves. Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock pigs, cows, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game. Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals. Avian InfluenzaHuman cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers. Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds alive or dead and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked. Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms working with poultry such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds foxes All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same infections Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by washing your hands often avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events concerts, sporting events, rallies avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness Sexually transmitted infections STIs, HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine. Hand, foot and mouth diseaseHand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral illness that mainly affects infants and children. Travellers are at increased risk if visiting or living in overcrowded conditions. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against this is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs. For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low. Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional. High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and services and facilitiesGood health care is limited. The quality of care varies greatly throughout the medical facilities and supplies are limited outside of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh clinics and hospitals are usually better equipped. Services can be expensive, but they usually have qualified medical staff who speak English or French well. Emergency and ambulance services response times may be slow du to traffic congestion. In case of emergency, you may consider taking a taxi or private vehicle to go to the hospital rather than wait for an evacuation is very expensive. You may need it to neighbouring countries in case of serious illness or sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital health and safetyMedicationIf you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in sufficient quantities of your medication with youAlways keep your medication in the original containerPack your medication in your carry-on luggageCarry a copy of your prescriptions Back to top Laws and culture You must abide by local about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained transfer of offenders treaty exists between Canada and Vietnam. If you’re convicted of a serious crime, you must serve your jail sentence in Vietnam. You may also have to remain in Vietnam for a parole period after your for possession, use, production or trafficking of drugs, including cannabis, are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines, jail sentences or the death linksAlcohol, drugs and travelCannabis and international travelIdentificationLocal authorities may request to see your ID at any valid identification or a photocopy of it at all timesKeep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place in case it’s lost or seizedKeep a digital copy of your ID and travel documentsGamblingGambling outside of licensed casinos is illegal in must hold of a foreign passport to gamble in these licensed activitiesThere are severe restrictions on political activities, includingparticipating in public protestspublishing messages critical of the government on social mediasIf you engage in political activities you may face detention, deportation and travel ban to Vietnam in the of sensitive installations is prohibited. This includesmilitary sitesborder crossingsThese sensitive areas are not always from photographing military installations or personnel even if no sign is postedComply with all requests from local authoritiesReligious activitiesThere are restrictions on certain religious activities, such as preaching, distributing literature and associating with unapproved religious and intimate activitiesAs a foreigner, you are not allowed to invite Vietnamese nationals of the opposite sex into your hotel room to stay overnight unless you are are allowed to stay with a Vietnamese family only if you have obtained permission from local possession and distribution of pornographic material is of antiquesVietnamese law restricts the export of antiques, but these laws are vague and unevenly enforced. If you purchase items that may be considered as antiqueskeep receipts and all paperwork provided by the sellerensure you have the proper exportation permits from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnam General Department of you can't present the required paperwork, the items may be of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam in VietnameseDress and behaviourThe Vietnamese society is visiting religious and culturally places to avoid offending local sensitivitiesdress conservativelybehave discreetlyrespect religious and social traditionsseek permission from locals before photographing themTet celebrationsThe lunar new year is celebrated between the end of January and the end of February. Theses celebrations usually last several days and can have an impact on the availability and provision of essential services such asbanking servicespublic services including healthcaretransportfood distributionPlan your trip accordingly if you travel to Vietnam during this citizenshipDual citizenship is not legally recognized in local authorities consider you a citizen of Vietnam, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those with dual citizenshipMandatory military serviceCanadians with Vietnamese citizenship may be subject to mandatory military service and other national this requirement before travelling to Child AbductionThe Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Vietnam by an abducting parentact as quickly as you canconsult a lawyer in Canada and in Vietnam to explore all the legal options for the return of your childreport the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial linksInternational Child Abduction A Guidebook for Left-Behind ParentsTravelling with childrenCanadian embassies and consulates by destinationEmergency Watch and Response CentreDoing business in VietnamDisputes related to business agreements or arrangements are costly and take time to resolve. You may be subject to a travel ban restricting you from leaving the country until matters are you plan on doing business in Vietnamseek legal advice in Canada and in Vietnam before making commitmentschoose your own lawyerensure that all documents are translated so that conditions, terms and limitations are well understoodTeachingThere are many teaching opportunities in Vietnam. However, make sure you are well informed before signing a a local lawyer or professionalEnsure that the contract specifies the maximum number of classroom hours per day and per week, maximum workdays per week, and vacation periodsConfirm the living arrangements if any are includedEnsure that you possess the right visa for the activities you will performEnsure you understand any liabilities linked to early termination of a contractDrivingYou must hold a valid Vietnamese driver's licence to drive a vehicle with an engine of 50CC or more. This includes most motorcycles. Motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear a country has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving or cycling. Penalties for drinking and driving or cycling includelicence suspensionheavy finesIf you are involved in a traffic accident as a driver, you mayface criminal charges as a driverhave to pay compensation to the victimsface a travel ban preventing you from leaving the country until compensation is paidThere are restrictions on vehicles crossing from and into neighbouring the Department of Transport in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City for information on for licences or of Transport in Ho Chi Minh City in VietnameseMoneyThe currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong VND.Cash declarationsArrivalUpon arrival, you must declare if you havemore than 15 million Vietnamese dong, more than US$5,000, or the equivalent in any other currency, in cashmore than 300 grams of gold, including jewellery, gold bar and raw goldDepartureUpon departure, you mustdeclare if you have more than 15 million Vietnamese dong, more than US$5,000, or the equivalent in any other currency, in cash;present a written approval to carry foreign currency or Vietnamese dong in cash abroad, issued by an authorized Vietnamese credit institution in accordance with the laws on foreign exchange control or the State Bank of Vietnam. Back to top Natural disasters and climate Rainy seasonThe rainy season extendsfrom June to September in the north and southfrom October to December in central VietnamSeasonal flooding occurs in October and November in central Vietnam. It’s also commonin and around Hanoi, particularly along the Red Riverin the Mekong River Delta regions in the southSeasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable due to mudslides and landslides. Bridges, buildings, and infrastructure may be vigilant, especially in areas around major riversStay away from flooded areasMonitor weather reportsMonitor local media for the latest updates, including those on road conditionsFollow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation ordersUseful linksMekong Flood and Drought Forecasting - Mekong River CommissionForecasting - National Center for Hydro-Meteorological ForecastingTyphoonsTyphoons usually occur from June and December. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential you decide to travel to Vietnam during this periodknow that you may expose yourself to serious safety risksbe prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your tripstay informed of the latest regional weather forecastscarry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operatorfollow the advice and instructions of local authoritiesUseful linksForecasting - National Center for Hydro-Meteorological ForecastingTornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoonsLarge-scale emergencies abroadHeat wavesHumidity and heat may be severe, particularly during the rainy the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, which can both be fires may air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy case of a major firestay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailmentsfollow the instructions of local emergency services personnelmonitor local media to stay informed on the evolving situationAir pollutionSmog and other types of air pollution can be hazardous in urban areas. Air quality can also be affected in rural areas due to agricultural pollution levels can change periods of high pollutionlimit your outdoor activities, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments or have pre-existing medical conditionsmonitor local mediafollow the instructions of local authoritiesUseful linksAir pollution in Hanoi - World Air Quality IndexAir pollution in Ho Chi Minh City - World Air Quality Index Back to top Need help? Local servicesEmergency servicesIn case of emergency, dialpolice 113medical assistance 115firefighters 114Consular assistanceHanoi - Embassy of CanadaHo Chi Minh City - Consulate General of CanadaFor emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Vietnam, in Hanoi, or the Consulate General of Canada, in Ho Chi Minh City, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa. 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Photograph Source Air Force – Public Domain As its forces mobilized on the borders of Ukraine, reports of substantial numbers of Russia’s draft-vulnerable men fleeing into exile flooded the US news media. Of particular relevance to the recent publication of my documentary memoir, Safe Return Inside the Amnesty Movement for Vietnam War Deserters, are the accounts of battlefield desertions by Russian soldiers following the invasion and now publicized as well with increasing frequency. Far from being despised in the US, these acts of resistance– not just the draft evasions, but the desertions as well – have been held in high esteem as expression of legitimate opposition to the Russian invasion . How, on the other hand, do we suppose the mass of Russian public opinion responds to accounts of Russian soldiers abandoning the battlefield? I suspect that the majority have viewed these acts much the way the US political and military establishments conflated resistance to an unjust war like Vietnam, over the course of which the incidents of desertion numbered in the hundreds of thousands, with how one would have expected those same deserting soldiers to act if their own land, their own homes were being attacked. Instead, in the conflated paradigm, the distinction between aggressive and defensive wars is collapsed, and American deserters were in the main denounced as misfits, shirkers, cowards or even traitors; Russians deserters are likely to be tarred with the same charges. In the meantime, we await how the outcome of the former Wagner commando’s – now a deserter – appeal for asylum in Norway will echo among his comrades in the trenches of Ukraine. The comparison here is imperfect, of course, since the Vietnam War ended five decades ago, and the war in Ukraine drags on, its outcome far from certain. It is likely to be some time before we learn the fates of those who deserted the Russian ranks or fled to foreign soil to evade conscription. We do know something about what befell those who evaded the draft or deserted active service during the long decade of the Vietnam/American War. A movement for amnesty was organized in the US demanding their reintegration and repatriation without penalty. I tell that story in part in my account of the activities of the Safe Return Amnesty Committee. I say in part, because Safe Return occupied one corner, albeit a prominent one, within the larger confines of the amnesty movement, and primarily concentrated its efforts on defending the deserters who had less support than the draft resisters among members of the public not militantly opposed to the war. Still, over the course of the roughly six years that the amnesty movement was active, late 1971 to early 1977, a good deal of public sympathy was eventually stirred for the American deserters. But when President Carter came to pardon draft resisters shortly after his inauguration in 1977, he left the resolution of those still in the active status of desertion to the whims of the military. The same solution was applied to all the dissident GIs already herded through the inquisitions of military justice and turned out with discharges that were less than honorable. Even congenitally centrist observers like the editors of the New Republic were wide eyed in acknowledging something fishy when reporting that those with “bad paper” numbered in the hundreds of thousands. To compound this stigma, a significant sector of legal and journalistic opinion, by no means entirely radical, held that the overwhelming majority of bad discharges involved offenses that would not be criminal in civilian society. Put it this way, that tainted label is not something you want on your resume when you go job hunting. The Vietnam antiwar movement was a qualified success in aiding to end the land war in Southeast Asia, an outcome the dysfunctional state of our own fighting forces – aka the GI Resistance – contributed to significantly. But the scope of antiwar movement’s influence was anything but socially transformative, and thus impotent to power a post-war amnesty movement, albeit partially vindicated in the case of the draft evaders, to transcend the taboos that virtually every society associates with desertion. Not even when the war the deserters fled from was almost universally held to have been at the very least a mistake, and in many minds a war of aggression, no less than the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. The explosive rates of discontent in the ranks during the Vietnam-fueled fiasco did effect at least one obvious consequence. Shortly after the Peace Accords with Vietnam were signed in January 1973, the conscript US Army was replaced with an All-Volunteer Force, an even less democratic, some would say mercenary, arrangement for sharing the burden of military service than the draft. I expand on many of these themes in Safe Return an excerpt of which follows below. The book may be purchased from McFarland Books. Safe Return An Excerpt By late December 1971 I was already calling myself a revolutionary. A whole generation of New Leftists consumed by their opposition to the Vietnam War had come to define themselves in similarly provocative terms. As a state of mind this pretense was not entirely delusional. Only those activists most unhinged from material reality believed the United States was living a genuinely revolutionary moment. But revolutionary zeal had become rampant throughout the politicized youth culture. The axiomatic beliefs shared by many – perhaps most – radicals within this loosely knit, endlessly factious collectivity called the Movement held that the American political system was a sham, and that capitalism as a viable engine to achieve social and economic justice had been totally discredited. Equally in disrepute was liberalism, the idea that the system could be reformed at a steady and gradual pace, an ideological wolf in sheep’s clothing presenting a more comforting appearance for maintaining the status quo. Aim the first blow at the liberals Chairman Mao had advised his own revolutionary cadres; our group wasn’t Maoist, but we certainly had our issues about liberals. In the Movement we were known as CCI, short for Citizens Commission of Inquiry on War Crimes in Vietnam. Founded in the wake of public dismay over the revelation of the My Lai massacre in November 1969, CCI’s goal was to elevate popular awareness to the much greater scope of American atrocities in the war zone. Over the ensuing two years we’d had an amazingly good run, terrific coverage in the press and electronic media, with our two major accomplishments, a National Veterans Inquiry, and the rump Dellums War Crimes hearings on Capitol Hill, both subjects of books from mainstream publishers. We never did convince most Americans beyond radical veteran and Movement circles that war crimes committed by our troops were both widespread and a de facto consequence of the manner in which the war was being conducted, primarily against South Vietnamese civilians. CCI had claimed that American war crimes were a matter of policy inherent in tactics saturation bombing, free fire zones, forced removal of non-combatant civilians and destruction of their villages, and the systematic use of torture in the interrogation of detainees and prisoners. Looking back, I suppose that the most important contribution CCI made to the collective antiwar effort was to provide a forum for disaffected GIs like me who’d had their heads turned around in Vietnam and were inclined to tell that story to anyone on the home front willing to listen. By late 1971 the war crimes issue was a dead letter. Nixon had temporarily succeeded in demobilizing the antiwar movement with his policy of Vietnamization, the gradual withdrawal of American ground forces which, because victory now depended on the backed Saigon regime to battle on without American infantry, the press gruesomely described as “changing the color of the corpses.” It was a savvy political move. Clearly what had come to bother most Americans about the Vietnam War was its utter endlessness, not least the interminable images on the nightly news of GIs being stuffed into body bags and brought home in flag draped coffins. And still the war raged on with a full complement of American air and naval firepower at an intensity that was virtually undiminished despite the overall reduction in troops. Moreover, the field of hostilities would actually expand when both Laos and Cambodia, where covert war had been carried out for years, were openly invaded by American forces or their Army of South Vietnam surrogates. Far from “winding down,” from the Movement perspective the war had merely shifted into a phase that was likely to confuse, if not palliate, the mounting opposition among many so-called Middle Americans whose exhaustion with Vietnam had become a political obstacle to the Nixon administration’s hallucinatory dreams of “keeping” Indochina and sustaining the puppet regime in Saigon. It was in this atmosphere that in late 1971, Tod Ensign and I created Safe Return and entered the lists of the emerging Amnesty Movement. What most disturbed Tod and me, and many others in the not yet depleted ranks of the antiwar movement, was that, behind President Richard Nixon’s smokescreen of troop withdrawals, the public was being lured into a comfortable fiction that the role in the war was – or would soon be – over. Those informed feared worse. Tens of thousands of American troops still engaged in Vietnam combat in the early seventies, but the violence had now expanded openly throughout all of Indochina, with the relentless use of American air power as lethal to local populations as it had ever been. Looking for a new issue to prolong our own antiwar activism, Tod and I quickly shifted our attention to amnesty. We reasoned that a campaign positioned to anticipate a post-war political climate might become an adaptable vehicle for addressing a war vanishing from the headlines, but still far from over. If we had not yet come to see that advocating on behalf of veterans and GIs would define our political work in the years ahead, that trajectory was already evident when we created Safe Return. Thus, our orientation in this emerging movement would not be on behalf of those who’d refused to serve, but those who’d come to resist the war as a result of entering the armed forces. Once in uniform, many would run afoul of a draconian system of command dominated military justice and institutionalized racism, and in epidemic numbers deserted, some to foreign exile. On a wider political canvas, we demanded a universal amnesty without conditions for all those who resisted and were victimized by what we understood as an illegal war. We were certainly unambiguous in our public backing of resistance to the draft in any form, religious, philosophical, political or plain old self-interest. And while we acknowledged the sincerity of those who became conscientious objectors, we were arguing a unique position that would extend the blanket of amnesty over those who didn’t learn what was wrong with the Vietnam War until it was too late to avoid it. This was a class of men not schooled in religious argumentation or moral abstraction; a class of men who found no ready path to evade service through deferments, doctor’s letters, or informed political understanding; a class of men who would do the fighting and dying for 90% of their draft aged peers. There seems little doubt that, among the 10% of the draft age population who served, and the even smaller cohort who did the actual fighting in Vietnam, a majority of them, by any fair measure, came from the lower and marginalized strata of the working class. To the degree the politics we espoused at Safe Return had a consistent ideological edge, it was our espousal of class over moral politics. Over Safe Return’s lifetime, whatever the unique character and content of each campaign or action, our pitch for amnesty possessed a singular and consistent message to portray these many individual acts of defiance to military authority as a collective form of resistance. And such it was, we believed, in the temper of the times. Exactly how we fashioned that story line evolved with each successive episode of our trademark action, the voluntary surrender of a representative deserter under attention-getting circumstances tailored to each returnee an escapade in Paris, a surrender on the floor of a presidential convention, a caper on Capitol Hill, a Welcome Home Christmas Party under the nose of the FBI at a Greenwich Village jazz club. Four prominent Vietnamese dissidents have been given harsh prison terms for speaking out against the government. Activists say it's part of an escalating crackdown on dissent. SARAH MCCAMMON, HOST Vietnam has sentenced four dissidents to lengthy jail terms for what officials are calling spreading anti-state propaganda. Activists say it's part of an escalating crackdown on dissent. This is in a country that the is keen to keep on its side in a bid to try to contain China, as Michael Sullivan SULLIVAN, BYLINE Like its neighbor to the north, Vietnam is a one-party communist state. And like China, it tolerates little dissent. But four convictions in one week?PHIL ROBERTSON Well, the Vietnam government is telling the Vietnam people to sit down and shut up, that they are not going to accept any challenges to their rule. They're not going to accept demands for better governance or an end to corruption or to end the human rights That's Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director for Human Rights Watch. Human rights lawyer and activist Vi Tran has another explanation for the timing of last week's TRAN I think it is a message, and the message is just, like, raising two middle fingers to the rest of the Western Especially the European Union, she says. She thinks the EU has been a bit naive in its approach to Vietnam, especially in the runup to the free trade agreement the two signed not long ago. Here's an argument she says she heard frequently while in If we, you know, help them raise the economy to a better place, human rights would come with it, right? They also say that, you know, Vietnam is needed in the geopolitical world because this is the place that we can counter China. So we should be nice to Vietnam a little bit, and they will be nicer to human rights In fact, activists say the government's crackdown on dissent is just getting HUU LONG 2021 is and has been a very difficult year for dissidents and journalists because within one year, they prosecuted and tried and convicted three groups of More than 20 people in total, says activist and journalist Trinh Huu Long, among them his friend and colleague, the prominent journalist Pham Doan Trang.SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDINGUNIDENTIFIED PERSON Non-English language spoken.SULLIVAN Her conviction and sentencing last week was covered prominently on state-run media. Here's her friend, the human rights lawyer and journalist Vi Tran, reading Pham Doan Trang's defiant final statement to the court.SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDINGTRAN You may imprison me and bask in celebration for eliminating a long-standing thorn in your eye, but you will never be rid of your ugly, authoritarian, undemocratic, anti-democratic reputation because an animal is forever an animal. It can never become The judge sentenced Phan Doan Trang to nine years in prison, more than the prosecutors had asked for. There was an outpouring of support for her on social media, which Vietnam hasn't been able to keep a lid on the way neighboring China has. And the recent surge of the COVID pandemic in Vietnam has dinged the ruling party's reputation even more. Again, activist and journalist Trinh Huu I see major changes in political attitudes among ordinary Vietnamese people. They are now much more critical, and they are more willing to stand up for what is right. And I think this is very bad news for the But rights activists aren't likely to get much help from a West more concerned with China's growing assertiveness in the South China HAYTON I don't think the outside powers have any desire to rock the boat in Vietnam at the Bill Hayton is a Vietnam watcher at Chatham House think tank in I think as long as Vietnam keeps its repression within certain limits, it'll be privately admonished, but it's not going to be publicly criticized by the big powers, and they're not going to take any practical measures like Another activist is scheduled to be sentenced next week. For NPR News, I'm Michael Sullivan in Chiang Rai. Copyright © 2021 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at for further information. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record. Nearly 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War, and more than a quarter century since the normalization of relations, Vietnam is emerging as a rising power at the heart of the Indo-Pacific region and an increasingly important partner. Once one of the world’s poorest and most isolated countries, Vietnam is now a middle-income country with a dynamic, young population and a promising future. Since joining ASEAN in 1997, Vietnam has played a significant role in regional diplomacy and development. Vietnam’s foreign policy aims to act as a “friend and reliable partner of all countries in the international community.” Vietnam has established strategic partnerships with Japan, China, India, Russia and other countries. The United States and Vietnam agreed on a “comprehensive partnership” in 2013 that is strategic in all but name, including cooperation on economic, security, educational, cultural and war legacy issues. Vietnam’s policy of multiple partnerships has remained intact despite maritime security challenges in the East South China Sea and disputes over management of the Mekong River. Politically, Vietnam is a one-party state ruled by the Communist Party. The People’s Army of Vietnam has significant influence in the political system. Freedom of expression, opinion and speech are guaranteed in the constitution but not properly implemented in practice. Vietnam’s vibrant civil society and social media face increasing restrictions affecting both informal actors such as bloggers and legally registered nongovernmental organizations NGOs. Human rights remain a contentious issue in the relationship; however, both President Obama and President Trump assured Vietnamese leaders in the past that the United States respects Vietnam’s differing political system. The Vietnamese government won international recognition for its strict handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in its early stages. Although subsequent waves have been harder to control, Vietnam’s economy has continued to grow at the highest rate in Southeast Asia. Future challenges for the country include how to continue economic liberalization and societal opening while maintaining stability and a relatively low level of inequality. USIP’s War Legacies and Reconciliation Initiative The Institute of Peace engages in research and dialogue examining the extraordinary arc of relations. In August 2021, USIP launched a multiyear project to foster public education as well as government-to-government and people-to-people dialogue among Vietnamese and Americans. Addressing war legacies, including Agent Orange, unexploded bombs UXO and recovery of wartime remains, is an essential component of the wider work of building a strong bilateral partnership. USIP’s initiative stems from Congress’s landmark authorization in 2021 for the government to assist Vietnam in identifying its war dead, following decades of Vietnamese cooperation to help the United States conduct the fullest possible accounting of personnel. USIP’s project aims to further advance reconciliation, to sustain support for addressing war legacies and to highlight lessons from the experience that could apply elsewhere in the world. Events and Public Education USIP convenes virtual and in-person seminars featuring prominent speakers from the and Vietnam. Our experts also join events with partners around the United States to increase public awareness of the journey towards reconciliation and the ongoing importance of addressing war legacies. Facilitating Dialogue USIP convenes governmental and nongovernmental leaders in Track and Track 2 dialogues on war legacies and the partnership. Dialogues focus on specific issues or topics, such as Agent Orange remediation or veterans’ exchange. Additional dialogues are planned for students and young professionals from both countries, including Americans of Vietnamese descent. Media and Publications USIP supports video, social media, blogs and reports on topics related to war legacies and bilateral cooperation, enabling Americans and Vietnamese to speak in their own voices about their experiences of reconciliation. Publications advance USIP’s values of ending conflicts and rethinking engagement in Asia. Lloyd Austin and Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van GiangOn December 2, 2021, USIP hosted a public online event on “Learning from Cooperation on Wartime Remains Recovery How Vietnamese and Americans are Working Together to Account for Missing Personnel from the Vietnam War.” The event featured governmental and non-government speakers from both countries, including Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Director Kelly McKeague and Vietnamese Deputy Ambassador Hoang Thanh Nga. Related Publications While relations have progressed remarkably since the end of the Vietnam War, “we talk about reconciliation as a long-term process … so even though we’re now almost 50 years into the post-war period, that reconciliation process isn’t complete yet,” says USIP’s Andrew Wells-Dang. Type Podcast This winter marks 50 years since and Vietnamese diplomats in Paris ceremoniously signed “peace accords” that did not end the Vietnam War, but that achieved America’s withdrawal from it. Thus, the accords permitted, a half-century later, what is now a durable American-Vietnamese reconciliation. In the face of seemingly intractable wars — in Ukraine, Afghanistan, the eastern Congo basin, Yemen or elsewhere — the growing relationship shows that even a peace that seems impossible today can indeed be built for our children. Type Analysis and Commentary Reconciliation Fifty years ago, the accords led to the withdrawal of military forces from Vietnam, marking an important step toward a post-war settlement between the United States and Vietnam. Now, “There is a lot of cooperation on economic issues, education, security and on resolving the legacies of the war … we have a comprehensive partnership that is 10 years old,” says USIP’S Andrew Wells-Dang. Type Podcast Trong khi Chiến tranh Việt Nam đã lùi xa gần 50 năm 1975-2025, các gia đình Việt vẫn tiếp tục khắc khoải tìm kiếm hài cốt thân nhân nằm xuống trong cuộc chiến. Nỗ lực tìm kiếm này không chỉ giúp khép lại quá khứ, mà còn đóng vai trò quan trọng trong thúc đẩy tiến trình hòa giải, khắc phục hậu quả chiến tranh, và đưa câu chuyện quan hệ Hoa Kỳ-Việt Nam trở thành một điển hình về tính thực tiễn và khả năng xây dựng hòa bình thời hậu chiến. Tuy nhiên, năm tháng đi qua và tạo thêm nhiều thách thức, việc tìm kiếm hài cốt ngày càng trở nên khó khăn. Type Blog Reconciliation View All Publications Related Projects In 2021, the Institute of Peace launched a multiyear project to foster greater dialogue both in and between the United States and Vietnam on war legacy issues and reconciliation. This project stems from the Congress’s landmark 2021 authorization for the government to assist Vietnam in identifying its missing personnel, following decades of Vietnamese cooperation to help the United States conduct the fullest possible accounting of personnel. This project will support this bilateral initiative while also engaging in the work that remains to addresss legacies of war — including the continuing impacts of Agent Orange and unexploded ordnance — and to deepen reconciliation. View All Trans-Pacific View Diplomacy Southeast Asia Hanoi enjoys considerable leverage as a frontline state in Washington’s strategic competition with Beijing. Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink, center, Adm. John C. Aquilino, commander of Pacific Fleet, right, Rear Adm. Stu Baker, commander of Carrier Strike Group 9, center-left, and Capt. Brett Crozier, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN 71, pose for a photo with welcoming officials in Da Nang after Theodore Roosevelt and the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill CG 52 arrived for a port visit commemorating the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Credit Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas V. HuynhShortly after assuming his post as the new ambassador to Vietnam, Marc Knapper gave an extended interview with the local media. In the interview, Knapper affirmed the priority to elevate relations from a comprehensive partnership to a “strategic partnership” during his tenure. Just six months earlier, in August 2021, Vice President Kamala Harris also proposed to upgrade the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership when she visited Hanoi. The Donald Trump administration, despite its anti-alliance rhetoric, also committed to elevating ties with Vietnam. Former Secretary of Defense James Mattis once referred to the United States and Vietnam as “like-minded partners,” regardless of the differences in political systems. Former ambassador Daniel Kritenbrink said Washington considered Hanoi to be “one of the most important partners in the world.”However, Vietnam’s responses to the proposal have been lackluster. While welcoming the outreach, it did not agree to improve the relationship to a strategic partnership. Harris failed to persuade Hanoi to change its mind during her visit. The newly appointed Vietnam ambassador to the Nguyen Quoc Dung also left out “strategic partnership” as a goal of his tenure. Some Vietnamese officials have described the partnership as strategic in all but name, but officially, the is not one of Vietnam’s 17 strategic partners, putting it behind Australia, Japan, and India, the three other countries in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue Quad.Certainly, one of the reasons behind Vietnam’s refusal is the pressure from China. However, such an explanation needs to take the unique dynamics of relations into consideration. The fact that it is the not Vietnam, that keeps pushing for an upgrade is puzzling in two aspects. First, Vietnam, as a weaker state adjacent to China, needs the for its security more than the needs Vietnam. If Vietnam does not want to confront China alone and desires more presence in the South China Sea, it should not have waited for Harris’ offer of a strategic partnership. Washington could have waited for Vietnam to reach out first instead of making the first move, as it has been the has been the party that has conceded to Vietnam on major issues in order to improve the overall bilateral relationship, including breaking its diplomatic protocol to host Vietnamese Communist Party VCP General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in the White House in 2015 and staying silent as Vietnam continued to purchase Russian arms in technical violation of the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act CAATSA. It is worth noting that the sanctioned its treaty ally Turkey for buying Russia’s S-400 missile system. In short, Vietnam seems to hold the trump card in the bilateral relationship despite the huge power imbalance vis-à-vis the United States. This defies the conventional expectation that the relatively stronger partner has more bargaining leverage over the weaker answer to this puzzle lies in the nature of Vietnam being an “ally of convenience.” The essence of any improvements in relations is to check the rise of China, which allows the two ideological enemies to conveniently cooperate against the most immediate common security threat. Such convenient cooperation, however, is not built on the mutual political trust seen in other Asian allies, which reflects the convenient feature of the partnership. In major aspects, the convenient partnership is similar to the “quasi alliance” in the 1970s and 1980s, during which Washington and Beijing worked together to check the Soviet Union. Hanoi still perceives Western influence as posing challenges to its regime security. And to complicate matters further, under the pressure of the anti-communist Vietnamese American community, the condemns Vietnam’s poor human rights practices and may sanction Vietnamese officials under the Global Magnitsky it is exactly these weak spots in relations that afford Vietnam a strong bargaining leverage in the bilateral relationship. Although Vietnam is an autocratic state like China, the United States perceives Vietnam to be too important to its Indo-Pacific strategy to let issues concerning human rights or political differences derail the upward trajectory of the partnership. This creates a contradiction in foreign policy it wants to condemn China as an autocratic rival and to mobilize an alliance of democracies to check its rise, but it cannot alienate Vietnam at the same time. Consequently, Washington is actively trying to improve its ties with Hanoi, even to the point of overselling Vietnam’s importance like Mattis did, to be able to protect it from condemnations of other “different-minded” autocratic states. The wants to send a signal that Vietnam is not just another communist autocratic state, it is a close friend of efforts to improve the relationship to a strategic partnership is one of many concessions that it has made to Hanoi to solve the contradiction, as Washington can create legitimate exemptions to autocratic Vietnam when Vietnam is not treated as a adversary. For example, the has not sanctioned Vietnamese officials the way it has sanctioned Chinese officials for alleged human rights violations under the Magnitsky Act. It does not denounce the VCP the same way it has denounced the Chinese Communist Party or communism as a whole. The official motto is to build a “strong, independent, and prosperous Vietnam,” not a democratic remarkably has not sanctioned Vietnam under CAATSA even though Vietnam was among the top five Russian arms buyers from 2015 to 2019. On the contrary, Washington seems to be fine with its important partners using Russian arms, as in the case of its transfers of Soviet-made arms to Ukraine, if the partners use those arms to balance against adversaries. The wants Vietnam to buy more of its arms, but if Hanoi can better use Russian equipment than American due to the legacy of relying on Soviet-made arms, the will not put great pressure on it to conflicts arise, the tended to quietly work with Vietnam or to turn a blind eye rather than publicly challenge it. In January 2021, the Trump administration labelled Vietnam a currency manipulator, risking tensions. However, the Trade Representative shortly announced it would not take any punitive actions such as raising tariffs on imports from Vietnam. Six months later, the and Vietnam released a statement claiming that the two countries had solved the issue after “enhanced engagement.” In December last year, Vietnam along with Taiwan again exceeded the Treasury’s thresholds for possible currency manipulation, but Washington did not label it as a manipulator this time. The also largely overlooked the increasingly huge trade deficit with Vietnam while it was publicly upset with the deficit with China. Again, these special treatments are possible only when the actively tries to single out Vietnam as an important security partner from its avowed hatred for autocratic seems to well understand its strong bargaining leverage and thus its refusal to raise the relationship to the level of a strategic partnership is based on the confidence of its importance in the Indo-Pacific strategy. In other words, Vietnam’s reluctance does not hurt the positive outlook of relations. As State Department Counselor Derek Chollet put it in his recent visit to Vietnam, bilateral exchanges show “the ever growing strength of the United States-Vietnam relationship.” This explains why some Vietnamese officials claimed the partnership is already strategic in practice thanks to the current level of needs such leverage since it does not want to be perceived by China to be aligning with the while still wanting to keep its options open with the United States. It also wants to hedge against abandonment. The has maintained its neutrality in the South China Sea, and Vietnam does not expect Washington to risk a naval confrontation with China over the islands not vital to the survival of Vietnam or its other allies such as the Philippines. It is worth noting that South Vietnam did not receive military support when China occupied the Saigon-controlled Paracel Islands in in all, the special treatment to Vietnam fit its long tradition of prioritizing security interests over ideology in foreign policy, as the is willing to embrace autocratic regimes if it perceives those regimes to be sharing its security interests. If the partnership is important enough, the seemingly weak points in relations are counterintuitively beneficial to Hanoi because Washington will have to concede on those points as a part of its broader efforts to shield Hanoi from its attacks on other autocratic regimes. It is highly likely that the and Vietnam will address their differences quietly while publicly emphasize the progress made in the past three decades.

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