Street Scams in Hanoi, Vietnam
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Hanoi — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Lombok, Palawan, and Mandalay.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
3
Street Scams Scams
10
Total in Hanoi
How it works
While walking in the Old Quarter, individuals crouch and begin polishing or "repairing" tourists' shoes without permission, then demand large payments for the unsolicited service.
How it works
Women carrying fruit baskets on shoulder poles invite tourists to try carrying the baskets for a photo. Once on your shoulders, the vendor demands a large fee for the photo and for touching the goods. Refusal leads to a scene.
How it works
Vendors at Dong Xuan Market and the surrounding streets show tourists high-quality sample goods — branded electronics, clothing, or silk — but swap them for inferior counterfeits during packaging. Payment is collected before the swap is discovered, and vendors deny any substitution. In some cases, the stall vacates the area immediately after the transaction.
See all scams in Hanoi
10 total warnings across all categories