Vietnam riots against Chinese, safe to travel?

Lucyinthesky on 23/05/2014 - 23:18
Last edited 23/05/2014 - 23:23

Hi Guys!

I need some advice on whether I should reconsider my travels to Vietnam in 2 weeks. I only found out today that there are riots and demonstrations going on in HCMC and Hanoi against Chinese nationals in Vietnam, with many injured and some dead.

I am an Australian born Chinese, therefore I have the typical Chinese features. I am worried that I may be subjected to violence due to my race.

I am contemplating on postponing my trip to Vietnam, however there are associated issues. Eg/ wasted annual leave, flights ( both international and domestic ) accomodation and tour bookings ( I have paid a 20%deposit on those), travel insurance and travel vaccinations.

Do you think I'm overthinking all this? Would you travel if you were in my shoes?
I am traveling with my partner (he is also Asian)

Travel

Comments

    • ntt on 24/05/2014 - 09:19
      +4

      it's not like some young (profanity) like you who play games everyday, it's a war that nobody want. However, entertain your illusion.

      ntt on 24/05/2014 - 09:19 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
        • ilsan0 on 24/05/2014 - 10:09
          +1

          Why dont you have Bruce Lee as your Avatar then?

        • [Deactivated] on 24/05/2014 - 14:17
          +1

          So… China bullies another country for land dominance and you advocate that the Chinese should "show no mercy".

          Where is your sense of objectivity and fairness?

        • ilsan0 on 24/05/2014 - 15:17
          +5

          He is either a Troll or a 15 yr old Keyboard Warrior or Both!

        • ilsan0 on 24/05/2014 - 17:44
          +4

          Sure come along then. You got a date?

        • [Deactivated] on 24/05/2014 - 18:06
          +5

          This century belongs to China… We are coming.

          Good riddance to the partial Chinese lineage in my bloodline. I'm selectively ridding it. Thanks for reinforcing why I ought to.

        • [Deactivated] on 24/05/2014 - 19:19
          +2

          LOL bambooBee - same! I'm half Chinese by blood (and half English).

        • Willis Vo on 25/05/2014 - 13:36
          +1

          Do u have some evidences to provide it? searching and have a look at internet or BBC and you will know the real thing. don't just listen to a Bullshit government young guy.

        • HN Professional on 25/05/2014 - 17:16
          +1

          Dunno why you're taking the bait and disavowing part of your heritage based on the rantings of a troll (who might not even be Chinese*)

          *Davo got heavily slammed recently….
          for trolling about MH-370…
          the majority of the passengers of whom are/were…? :-\

          It gets its kicks from the shock/horror reactions of others. Starve it.

        • StrawberryCheesecake on 25/05/2014 - 19:09

          I don't think there is any intention for any of the countries involved to go to war. It's a waste of resources. As for travelling, I would survey the news closely. After all, one's life is more valuable than anything else.

          @bambooBee
          I'm not sure if it is objective and fair of you to call out who you believe is the bully here…

        • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2014 - 21:11

          @StrawberryCheesecake, China sets out to implant an oil rig on [insert country]'s territory. A protest is a reaction; a protestor is the responder (to a cause) and not the perpetrator.

          Say my parents decide to intrude upon the neighbour's land to build their house (illegally). Hm… It doesn't seem objective and fair to call the neighbours out as being the bullies for protesting and taking legal action.

        • fotg on 25/05/2014 - 21:18
          +2

          I'm Chinese, certainly I can't agree with you, a country doesn't respect another won't be respected no matter how powerful you are.

        • fotg on 25/05/2014 - 21:22

          Protesting by killing people?

        • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2014 - 21:26

          @fotg,

          a country [that] doesn't respect another won't be respected no matter how powerful you are.

          Agreed.

          Protesting by killing people?

          Of course that should never condoned nor allowed; it's an outright wrong form of response.

        • fotg on 25/05/2014 - 21:43

          As you were mentioning your tiny Chinese heritage, I'm very proud of mine and also being an Aussie. Combining these two leads to great fulfilment, just take the belt buckle designed in Tang Dynasty (~1400 years ago) for example, it's elegant and colourful, even to the luxury brand standards nowadays.

  • Adz81 on 23/05/2014 - 23:27

    http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Vietnam

    Government says no dodgier that it normally is…

    But, maybe get some travel insurance to be sure…

  • Adz81 on 23/05/2014 - 23:28
    +1

    In May 2014, there have been reports of large-scale demonstrations aimed at Chinese-affiliated companies, factories and official representatives in Vietnam. Australians should avoid all protest sites, surrounding areas and large-scale public gatherings as they have the potential to turn violent. Australians should avoid taking photographs of demonstrations, the military or the police, as this may not be tolerated by the Vietnamese authorities.

    From the site… avoid protests…

    Why not check with the embassy there?

    • ESEMCE on 26/05/2014 - 09:09

      Goven you appearance, I'd be seriously rethinking the trip..
      Get some advice in writing from Foreign Affairs Department that you can use as evidence for your travel insurance.

  • Frantic on 23/05/2014 - 23:30

    Get some jungle warfare training

    • JepunK on 24/05/2014 - 00:25

      Bring Bear Grylls!!

      • subywagon on 24/05/2014 - 02:45
        +3

        What's Bear Grylls gonna do? Show him how to drink his own urine?

        • fatal on 25/05/2014 - 14:55
          +1

          Being in the SAS (even the reserves) means you can do a lot more than drink your own urine.

        • Frantic on 25/05/2014 - 17:15
          +1

          SAS or not he would of got his british pansy butt kicked in DaNang.. was there 67-69.. Charlie was everywhere, man

        • StewBalls on 26/05/2014 - 00:13
          -2

          Being in the SAS (even the reserves) means you can do a lot more than drink your own urine.

          You can also eat your own faeces…

        • Cluster on 26/05/2014 - 01:01
          +2

          It appears to be a popular pastime. I quite often hear people saying something 'tastes like shit'. They clearly needed a point of reference.

  • Emilia on 24/05/2014 - 04:26
    +1

    Travel insurance is the thing that should give you peace of mind when travelling if something were to happen to you.

    Your travel insurance will still hold if the Smart Traveler website has not upgraded their caution status. However, if you do not follow their advice to keep away from protests and something happens to you, you probably won't get an insurance pay out.

    However, if you don't feel safe going, your safety means more than any money you have paid.

  • punter1 on 24/05/2014 - 09:09
    +14

    Travel Ins is not going to help if you are dead.

    • eatwell365 on 24/05/2014 - 11:44
      +1

      Agreed. No use to have peace of mind when rest in peace.

    • Frantic on 24/05/2014 - 17:35
      +5

      Agreed. Get Life Insurance

  • kokoboko on 24/05/2014 - 13:24
    -8

    I thought vietnamese and Chinese looks the same you should be fine… Though Im not sure the cause of the riots i seen in the news that the Chinese are greedy taking its neighbours land. Im not an expert on Chinese history if someone could explain why they are claiming all of the south china sea its much appreciated.

    • Lucyinthesky on 24/05/2014 - 20:54
      +7

      Hi Kokoboko

      I'm pretty sure that Vietnamese people are able to tell the difference with Chinese or Vietnamese people :-)

    • Chongy288 on 25/05/2014 - 14:38

      Sorry there are many ways to identify Asians from different countries, I'm hoping it was a comment made out of ignorance.

    • airzone on 25/05/2014 - 18:08
      -6

      Lol, I'm an Aussie and I can tell the difference between the various Asian races at a glance..

      I'm not familiar with the details in these particular riots, but the usual story is:

      • Chinese are the "rich" merchant class (due to working friggen hard)
      • Poor local natives are jealous that the Chinese are "stealing" their money / business / opportunities / whatever, but are blind to the effort that has gone into making this
      • Someone arcs up about some atrocity - imagined, or otherwise and whips up some hysteria
      • And it's easier just to kill the Chinese, burn their stuff, chase them out than compete

      It's a gross oversimplification but generally this is the gist behind xxxx vs Chinese violence.

      • OzBLover on 25/05/2014 - 18:53
        +4

        The Chinese people living in Vietnam, while some are quite healthy, are not super rich compare with the rest. It is not the same with the Chinese community in Malaysia where they are really the backbone of the economy.

        The riot being mentioned here is the one occurred in Binh Duong where all factories are attacked not only the Chinese ones. My sister's company, being an EU wholly owned subsidiary, were destroyed. I can tell you it has nothing to do with the protests and their organizers. It was the stupid and disgraceful act of some greedy people who wanted to rob the businesses operating in that area. They are now being charged and order had been restored.

      • zeomega on 25/05/2014 - 22:07

        Exactly the same thing that happened in Indonesia years ago.

      • Wyzard on 26/05/2014 - 01:03

        Perhaps you should make yourself familiar with the details before you make your moronic gross oversimplications…

      • voldemort on 26/05/2014 - 20:52

        Your comment and ignorance are quite disgusting :|

        • Baghern on 27/05/2014 - 08:52

          As he stated its a gross oversimplification.

          We have that issue here with education… fortunately for us most of the next generation become slackers like us. I find it hilarious how often the medical professional I meet is often Asian.

          Its also the reason behind the riots in Fiji. But in that case its the Indian migrants.

  • ntt on 24/05/2014 - 19:25
    -6

    OP, let me say it straight. I'm not guarantee that you would safe in Vietnam, it depends on….almost everything. Like you are Chinese or look like Aussie, doesn't matter. You can get rob or involve in an accident, in worst case, your life can't be safe. HOWEVER, as you seen, a lot of Aussie came and went back with a happy face (not 100%) but you can enjoy rich variances Vietnamese foods, cheap beer, cheap karaoke and a lot of things you would find amazing!!! Beautiful beaches…..and caves…and Halong Bay….so much things to do with a budget in mind.

    Anyhow, the reason why Vietnamese hate Chinese is because of the warlike government and some (well, can say a lot of) aggressive and stupid people as you can find one in your thread. But just want you to know that, the Chinese people live in Vietnam is most likely near 1 million and they live in harmony.

    Don't ask me why always the people from China mainland draw "hate" not in Vietnam, but everywhere where they travel or short live. Sorry if I say anything that make you and any good person else feel offend, but I try not to.

    Final word, just travel to there and enjoy, nothing very bad happens. Cheers!

    • cktftw on 25/05/2014 - 16:54
      +2

      Don't stereotype. Plenty of mainland Chinese are more educated and cultured than you are!

  • Lucyinthesky on 24/05/2014 - 20:56
    +1

    Thanks guys for the input

    I have to admit that I can't believe things like this still happens in this day and age. I hate violence and war but I'm hoping that if I treat the people and the country with respect, I should get the same back.
    Definitely leaning towards continuing on with the holiday, unless anything else happens in the meantime.

    • tyler.durden on 25/05/2014 - 12:38
      +3

      Just where a hat and sunnies

      • edgar28 on 26/05/2014 - 14:31

        power rangers suit like the one in HBF run for a cause?

      • [Deactivated] on 27/05/2014 - 08:34
        +2

        Yes one of those Viet style hats.

    • Chongy288 on 25/05/2014 - 14:42

      Where are you going? If you're in a tourist area you should be ok as tourism is a significant part of their countries income and can't have the headlines "riots attacking tourist".
      I know that the person who killed an Australian in phuket Thailand was more hunted by his people for it.
      Might help to always keep your passport with you if you don't already.

    • tonester on 26/05/2014 - 02:47

      Definitely leaning towards continuing on with the holiday,

      +1

      unless anything else happens in the meantime.

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/145479#comment-2005979

    • [Deactivated] on 26/05/2014 - 23:12
      +1

      I have to admit that I can't believe things like this still happens in this day and age

      China South Sea Dispute

      TL;DR version: Territorial dispute… South China Sea. Long history. China (powerhouse) seeks domination, smaller coutnries protest.

      Definitely leaning towards continuing on with the holiday, unless anything else happens in the meantime.

      As others suggested, just avoid protest zones. Stay safe, enjoy your holiday.

  • lplau on 25/05/2014 - 18:20
    +3

    I would recommend to cancel your trip.

    Hong Kong travel advisories have posted this:
    warning its residents to avoid "non-essential travel" to Vietnam.

    http://www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota/

    However, If you really want to risk it, make sure you buy travel insurance, and make sure it covers incidents like this.

  • OzBLover on 25/05/2014 - 18:41
    +12

    Ok guys. My mom just got back from Vietnam yesterday and I was there last year so something to share with everyone:

    • Most people there are not interested in protests or whatsoever. While most of them truly against the idea of the Chinese government having the oil rig in Vietnam territories, they choose to work and earn money to feed their families rather than spending time protesting.
    • All the protests are peaceful. You see police everywhere - the one that my mom attended even had more policemen than protesters.
    • You are safe even if you look Chinese and speak Chinese. There are thousands of Chinese in Saigon (district 3 in particular) and it is business as usual.
    • Better speak English as you will get along easier. Again there are thousands of overseas Vietnamese (aka Vietkieu) visiting the country and most of them speak very little Vietnamese so most of the time people think you are Vietkieu anywayz

    You will get into trouble if you:

    • Hold a sign saying that you support the Chinese government and their movement in the South China Sea
    • Try to verbally argue with people about which side is right/wrong - people there are

    Tips:
    Avoid travelling to Binh Duong (in the South) and Ha Tinh (in the middle part). These 2 provinces are traditionally ok however with recent movements better be careful. The rest are absolutely fine especially the big 4 cities for tourists (Hanoi, Saigon aka HCM city, Nha Trang and Danang)

  • JetBombat on 25/05/2014 - 19:33
    +11

    Easily solved

  • ThisJustin on 26/05/2014 - 06:13
    +1

    Stay the hell away from protest sites. Don't be another annoying Westerner who sticks their nose in and tries to tell the involved parties who is right and who is wrong. You should be fine.

  • Bargainmaniaz on 26/05/2014 - 09:18
    -1

    Lucyinthesky, Vietnam will always be there for anyone to visit. At this stage the situation is very unsafe and volatile. This year alone there have been several unprecedented things happening: MH370, Sewol, Brazil riot, Ukraine political unrest and Bangkok coup. Not to mention the Vietnamese riot.

    Why would you want to pay for a holiday trip just to face riots and political unrest?? Even if the holiday trip is free, you should put safety first.

    Go elsewhere. There are so many choices to choose from, especially as an Ozbargain member there are plenty of other flight destinations that often go on sale.

    For the past few months there have been good discounts on airfares. Just look around Airasia or even Qantas they are selling Sydney to Singapore return for $699. Last month Virgin was selling Sydney to Los Angeles for $1150 return.

  • Nav2k on 26/05/2014 - 09:47
    +6

    I'm in HCMC now… At the end of a 3 week trip… Tbh I'm not sure why I'm on ozbargain….

    Anyway… I haven't seen anything here and everything is safe in my opinion..

    Ppl are all super nice and lots of tourists around.

    Obviously don't go to protest spots..

  • daywalker on 26/05/2014 - 11:27
    +2

    I am in Vietnam at the moment which protests have been under control. Under-covered police are everywhere in CBD Ho chi minh city (source: taxi drivers and newspapers) so you shouldn't worry too much. Also, if you happen to travel to Vietnam, Vinasun taxi is the reliable taxi brand you must consider to take. My Korean friend got ripped off by the unknown taxi driver who took 3 times fare from him compared to Vinasun taxi.
    The majority thing you should concern is the heat in Vietnam that annoys me mostly. I shouldn't be in Vietnam at this time due to high humidity heat. I am mostly staying in air-con hotel and beaches area (Nha Trang, Da Nang and Phu Quoc)

  • Maxxjet on 26/05/2014 - 13:14
    +7

    Deeply in their hearts, they are buddhists, peaceful people…

    • lplau on 27/05/2014 - 12:05
      +1

      You can say that about any religion, until there is religious wars. lol.

      • Maxxjet on 27/05/2014 - 13:17

        Maybe you can, I cannot , lol, we all know… Lol

  • andyken on 26/05/2014 - 15:32
    -7

    simple, stay away dude instead went to malaysia (penang, kl, johor, sabah) or singapore or bali or maybe cambodia

    • JepunK on 26/05/2014 - 22:59

      and.. eat Durians…yayyy

  • Minhvu on 27/05/2014 - 15:19
    +1

    Hi Lucyinthesky.

    I am overseas Vietnamese students living in Melbourne.

    I understand your concerning. What I could say is my people just against the bully Chinese government who are violating out exclusive economic zone. We do not hate Chinese people, there are lots Chinese-Vietnamese currently living in Vietnam.

    You may think i am saying for my country, but I am not. I can not recommend someone going to the danger place. What I could offer you is I will ask my friends there to give you some guiding and support if you need. I hope that you will enjoy your trip as your thought.

    My email is :[email protected]

    Feel free to contact me at anytime ;)

    • Frantic on 27/05/2014 - 22:42

      sounds legit ;)

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