Vietnam has been named one of the world’s 10 safest countries for travelers in the 2026 edition of the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index, landing at number 9 globally with a safety and security score of 6.52 out of 7. The ranking puts Vietnam ahead of many long-established tourist favorites and alongside Singapore (number 1), Qatar (number 2), and Saudi Arabia (number 3) at the top of the list.
What the Ranking Actually Measures
The WEF’s safety and security sub-index combines data on crime rates, political stability, terrorism risk, and road safety across 119 countries. Vietnam’s placement in the global top 10 reflects a steady, multi-year improvement rather than a one-time spike — the same report notes that Vietnam’s overall tourism development ranking has reached its highest level since 2019, driven by visa reforms, expanded airport infrastructure, and a more diversified set of destinations outside the usual Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City-Hoi An circuit.
Why This Matters for Travelers
For anyone still weighing whether Vietnam is safe for tourists — including solo travelers and families planning a first trip — this is the kind of independent, data-backed reassurance that’s harder to find than anecdotal reviews. It doesn’t mean Vietnam is risk-free: petty scams targeting tourists in busy areas are still common, and the usual big-city precautions apply (see our guide to avoiding scams in Vietnam for specifics). Road safety, in particular, remains the weakest part of the safety picture in most Southeast Asian rankings, including Vietnam’s — so care crossing streets and choosing transport still matters more than the headline ranking might suggest.
A Reputation Tourists Already Sense on the Ground
Travelers who’ve been to Vietnam often describe it as safer-feeling than its reputation abroad suggests, especially compared to how it’s sometimes portrayed in older travel writing. This ranking puts a number behind that impression. If you’re building out a first trip, our two-week Vietnam itinerary for first-timers is a reasonable starting point for mapping a route that balances cities, coast, and countryside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries ranked above Vietnam for safety?
Singapore topped the list, followed by Qatar and Saudi Arabia — all three scored higher on the WEF’s combined crime, political stability, terrorism risk, and road safety measures.
Does this ranking mean there’s no crime in Vietnam?
No. It’s a relative, data-driven comparison across 119 countries, not a guarantee. Petty theft and tourist-targeted scams still occur, particularly in dense tourist areas, so standard precautions remain worthwhile.
What’s driving Vietnam’s improved tourism ranking overall?
The WEF report credits visa reforms, airport and transport infrastructure upgrades, and a wider spread of destinations being promoted beyond the traditional north-to-south circuit.
Bottom Line
A top-10 global safety ranking from a major economic body is a meaningful data point for anyone still deciding where to go in 2026 — and for Vietnam specifically, it lines up with what a lot of recent visitors have already been saying.
Sources: VnExpress International, VnExpress International
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