Question 1

What is the "Bui Vien Bar Drink Spiking and Overcharge" scam in Ho Chi Minh City?

Accepted Answer

On Bui Vien Walking Street, some bars and clubs employ local or Vietnamese women to befriend foreign tourists, encourage rounds of drinks, and then disappear before the bill arrives. The bill presented includes drinks the tourist did not order, inflated prices not matching the menu, and charges for the companions' drinks. Tourists who refuse to pay face intimidation from staff or associates. Track your own drinks and keep the menu visible throughout the evening. Pay per round rather than running a tab. Leave any bar immediately if the atmosphere changes or the bill differs from what you ordered. Stick to bars reviewed on international platforms with transparent pricing.

Question 2

What is the "Massage Parlour Locker Theft" scam in Ho Chi Minh City?

Accepted Answer

Budget massage parlours along Bui Vien Street and the streets radiating from Pham Ngu Lao offer very low-priced massages but staff unlock or access lockers containing tourist valuables — phones, cash, and cards — while the customer is on the table. The theft is not discovered until the customer has left the premises. Carry only the cash you need for the massage and leave valuables at your accommodation safe. Use massage parlours that have been reviewed on established platforms and avoid venues that aggressively tout for customers from the street. Keep your phone with you rather than in a locker.

Other Tourist Scams in Ho Chi Minh City

Bui Vien Bar Drink Spiking and Overcharge

Massage Parlour Locker Theft

Experienced a scam here?