What not to do in Vietnam: laws and customs for tourists
What's illegal in Vietnam — drugs, photographing military sites, protests, drink-driving, e-cigarettes, changing money privately, drones — and the customs worth knowing: temple dress, chopsticks, carrying your passport. With sources.
Short answer: in Vietnam, tourists must not touch drugs (cannabis included), photograph military sites, take part in protests, drive after even a small drink, use e-cigarettes, or change money with private individuals. Carry your passport or a copy. Don't enter temples in shorts and a vest, and never leave chopsticks standing in rice. Each rule with its source is below.
What is against the law?
| Don't | What to know | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Drugs, including cannabis | prison and heavy fines, up to the death penalty for production and trafficking; you can be charged on a positive test even if you used before arriving | GOV.UK, Canada |
| Photograph military sites | bases, border crossings and police posts; there may be no signs | GOV.UK, Canada |
| Protests and political activity | unauthorised protests and criticism of the authorities, including on social media, can lead to detention, deportation or an entry ban | GOV.UK, Canada |
| Drink-driving | zero tolerance — any alcohol in blood or breath (Law 36/2024/QH15); fines under Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP | Canada, Vietnam News |
| E-cigarettes and heated tobacco | banned since 1 January 2025; users are fined | our guide to cigarettes |
| Changing money with private individuals | banks and licensed outlets only (Decree 340/2025/NĐ-CP) | Báo Văn hóa, where to change money |
| Flying a drone without a permit | Ministry of Defence permit; without it only recreational devices under 250 g outside restricted zones (Decree 288/2025/NĐ-CP) | LuatVietnam, Vietnam Law Magazine |
What are the penalties for drugs in Vietnam?
Very severe: prison, heavy fines, and for production and trafficking up to the death penalty. Cannabis is illegal too. The Government of Canada specifically warns that you can be charged on a positive test even if you took the substance before entering Vietnam. More on safety in is Vietnam safe.
Can you take photos in Vietnam?
Almost everywhere except military sites: bases, border crossings and police posts. There may be no warning signs, so put the camera away near uniformed staff and fenced-off areas. Don't photograph soldiers or protests, and follow police instructions. Ask before photographing people or rituals in temples.
Do you need a permit to fly a drone?
Yes. Since 5 November 2025, Decree 288/2025/NĐ-CP requires a Ministry of Defence permit for flights. Without one, only light recreational devices under 250 g may be flown, and only outside prohibited and restricted zones, with notice to the local military and police. Don't fly over cities, airports, military sites or border areas without a permit.
Do you have to carry your passport?
Yes. UK and Canadian travel advice says to carry photo ID at all times — police can ask for it, and a copy of the photo and visa pages is usually accepted. Never leave your passport as a deposit, whether at a bike rental or with a landlord. Domestic flights need the same passport you entered with. Your hotel or landlord registers your stay — how it works is in temporary registration. Renting a bike without handing over your passport — motorbike rental.
Can you drink and ride a scooter?
No, not a drop. Since 1 January 2025, road traffic Law 36/2024/QH15 bans driving with any alcohol in your blood or breath — scooters included. Fines are set by Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP, licences can be suspended, and after an accident the consequences can be far more serious.
How to dress for a temple in Vietnam?
Cover your shoulders and knees: a shirt or T-shirt with sleeves, trousers or a skirt below the knee. Take off your hat, and your shoes where required (look for shoes by the entrance). Keep your voice down, don't point at statues and don't sit on the monks' platform. That's the advice of Vietnam's official tourism portal, Vietnam News and Rough Guides. In shorts and a vest you may be turned away.
What customs should you know?
Never leave chopsticks standing upright in rice — it looks like incense at a funeral. People usually take their shoes off at home — if you see shoes by the door, take yours off too. On tipping, see tipping in Vietnam.
What can't you take out of Vietnam?
According to Canadian travel advice, exporting antiques requires a permit, and cash above the set limit must be declared at customs. What you can take and how much — what to bring back from Vietnam.
FAQ
Can you vape in Vietnam? No, e-cigarettes have been banned since 1 January 2025. More in cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
What happens if you're caught with cannabis? It's a drug under Vietnamese law: penalties are severe, and you can be charged on a test even if you used it before arriving.
Can you fly a drone? Only with a Ministry of Defence permit; without one, recreational devices under 250 g outside restricted zones.
Do you need to carry your passport? Yes, photo ID or a copy of the photo and visa pages. Don't leave your passport as a deposit.
Can you have a drink and ride a scooter? No: the limit is zero, with fines and licence suspension.
Can you change money at a market or with a friend? No, only at banks and licensed agents. Where — where to change money.
Can you wear shorts to a temple? Better not: shoulders and knees should be covered.
What should you avoid at the table? Leaving chopsticks standing in rice.
Sources and checks
Drugs, photographing military sites, politics and ID — UK (GOV.UK) and Canadian government travel advice (updated 19 October 2026). Drink-driving — Law 36/2024/QH15 and Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP (Vietnam News, 30 December 2024) and Canada. Currency exchange — Decree 340/2025/NĐ-CP (Báo Văn hóa, 29 December 2025). Drones — Decree 288/2025/NĐ-CP (LuatVietnam, 10 November 2025; Vietnam Law Magazine, 12 July 2026). Exporting antiques and cash — Canada. Temples and etiquette — vietnam.travel, Vietnam News (26 March 2026), Rough Guides. Checked 12 November 2026. We don't quote fine amounts where sources disagree. This isn't legal advice: rules change, so if in doubt ask your hotel or consulate.