It is not even the middle of January and people are prepping for TET - the New Year celebrations. Baskets filled with goodies line grocery stores and vendor baskets, orange trees and cherry blossom branches - real and plastic are being transported on speeding motorcycles. Red envelopes to collect lucky money are sold at stationery stores and some places are starting to set up 'photo' stands with fake backgrounds of cherry blossoms or funny scenes.
Amidst this celebratory atmosphere, there is also a sense of frenziness - like the craziness at the US malls around Christmas time. Hanoi has a reputation for experiencing an increase in crime during TET season, because people are buying gifts for family and friends, and many people are receiving their bonuses at this time. For these reasons, it is wise to be extra careful with yourself and your belongings when you are out and about.
Most blogs and travel guides say that Hanoi is safe, and where I agree it is somewhat safer than some big cities, I find that it is unsafe for the following reasons:
1 everyone comes to Hanoi thinking it is safe and not being prepared or wary of criminal activities or dangers;
2 the types of crime against expats (or locals) is not what one might expect
3 the lack of follow up action can leave one feeling very frustrated and violated
If you are coming to Hanoi during TET, be prepared for many local stores being closed. While it is nice to walk around because there is far less traffic and sidewalks are not littered with motorcycles, it is important to remember that you may not be able to do as much shopping or experiencing local culture, since many people return to the countryside to visit relatives. If you are a temple hopper, there will be lots to see at the temples because those who are in town, spend much time visiting temples and shrines to pay worship to ancestors. It provides for colourful photograph opportunities.
As for the crime watch, be careful and be aware that crime here is not limited to pickpocketing but to a little more unconventional things. In just the last two weeks, the following crime against expatriates occurred:
- recently a Canadian Embassy officer had his jacket cut open with a knife and his palm organizer stolen at the Hang Dao night market
- an Australian woman and a friend were walking down Xuan Dieu road when a local man followed them and threatened them with a knife
-an Australian expat had her purse stolen on the train from Hue to Hanoi
- in the old Metro (store like a COSTCO or large warehouse store) a Canadian expat was surrounded by a small group who pushed her off-balance with pillows and blankets while one of them cut open her purse to take the contents. She and her husband reported the incident to Metro staff. But after expressing concern the manager had his staff frisk the couple as they were leaving.
- at the old Metro a Malaysian expat had her purse slashed. The management seemed uninterested in her complaint.
- one of the people in the US Embassy community had their purse slashed open with a razor in December at Big C (a large department store like Target or IKEA).
So, be careful and yes, Hanoi might be safer than some other countries, but it's still subject to criminal activity so be careful, especially during this festive season.