Saigon Warning for all photographers

[himalayas1]

It really bad news to here about this, but I think if you are carrying camera you should keep it in bag, when you need it or want to click a picture you can take it out from your bag and try to walk on road side. I think this tip will help.

 

[yrh0413]

I always put a number padlock at TTSW HD main compartment zip when walking on crowded place, and put nothing in the front or side pocket. Safer this way, unless they cut thru bag. Backpack is an easy target for thief. Friend lost his passport (backpack is cut and passport stolen) when walking in shopping complex in JB and GF backpack was opened in KL's KTM but nothing stolen. I even padlock my backpack in plane's cabin if I plan to sleep in long haul flight. Paranoid :bsmilie:.

ya I bought a padlock immediately after that incident. I guess it is safer if travel with a bigger gang.

 

[zan82]

Sorry to hear your loss TS, the locals in Vietnam call these bikers "Ali baba", and they specifically prowl on tourists like us.

I was there last year with my colleague and one "Ali baba" snatched his pouch with credit cards and IC all in from a bike, and the most frustrating thing? The communist police play taiji by directing us to different police posts saying that the street where the robbery occurred is not in their territory as its smacked right in between two streets -_-"'

It's not a good experience when happy holiday becomes sad and I do empathize your situation...

 

[Far far away]

I am so sorry about your loss TS. Hope your insurance policy will compensate you some money to lessen the pain.

A timely reminder for all of us cloistered in safe Singapore to be vigilant when we get out of the country. Be safe always people!

 

[kezane]

oh mans.. i going HCM next month and now I'm considering shd i bring my dslr after looking at this thread.. hahhaa

 

[sachokphantom]

You can still bring it along. All you have to do is be very very careful. Always look out for motorbike that gonna past you. Mine happened at backpacker area as the road there is not as busy as other roads.

oh mans.. i going HCM next month and now I'm considering shd i bring my dslr after looking at this thread.. hahhaa

 

[MorrieC]

I am new to this forum and just want to voice my opinion on Vietnam.
Vietnam is an amazing country to travel. Depending on where you go there is something to photograph everywhere. We where in Saigon in late February of 2011 and overall I felt the city was reasonably safe and we did not have any problems at all. Just be aware of your surroundings.

I did take a DSLR but I used a Blackrapid strap which was comfortable and may have deterred theft.
Vietnam is hot and can be very humid, depending on where you go.

We are planning another trip but my camera gear is going to be downsized a lot. I think something like a Sony NEX, Olympus OM-D or the new Fujifilm XPro1 would be the perfect camera kit, Light and small.

One very lovely city it visit is Hoi An. It was like stepping back in time and is listed on the world heritage site.
Have a great trip.
Morrie

 

[Expat yorkshire]

To be honest I have walked around Saigon and Hanoi for the last five years and took a lot of street photos . Mostly roadside , mostly with bikes within a few feet , and this is the first time time I have had any problem.

The problem is the incident had affected by behaviour and will change the way I take pictures.

 

[Bukitimah]

Such incidents can happen anywhere. It is good to share and everyone reminded of it. I am visiting Bali next month. After reading this, I am on the alert mood. Thank you for sharing.

 

[yrh0413]

To be honest I have walked around Saigon and Hanoi for the last five years and took a lot of street photos . Mostly roadside , mostly with bikes within a few feet , and this is the first time time I have had any problem.

The problem is the incident had affected by behaviour and will change the way I take pictures.

Same here, I was stationed at HCMC for 2 months in 2009 and never had problem with thieves and pickpockets. I guess crime rate in Vietnam is creeping in especially in major capitals like HCMC and Hanoi.

 

[Far far away]

Same here, I was stationed at HCMC for 2 months in 2009 and never had problem with thieves and pickpockets. I guess crime rate in Vietnam is creeping in especially in major capitals like HCMC and Hanoi.

I guess there would always be such petty crimes in every city. Just a timely reminder to all of us to be alert and vigilant against such crimes. Bring a monopod to prepare to clobber those thieves!!!

 

[roche]

you are a lucky guy, they come and rob you 2 twice and your hand is still intact.

they chould have take a parang the 2nd time round and get your hand off altogether. :bsmilie:

 

[eleveninth]

Such incidents can happen anywhere. It is good to share and everyone reminded of it. I am visiting Bali next month. After reading this, I am on the alert mood. Thank you for sharing.

hmmm i go there practically every yr. so far so good, but always be alert. have fun.

 

[Sam-Gor]

Just wondering possible if we tied our cam to our backpack or sling bag instead?

http://www.ebay.com.sg/itm/220883016321?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

 

[daredevil123]

I do not know where is district 1 but Mine was also almost been snatch by them at backpacker area. I was about to hang it over my neck when the two guys on the motorbike ran past me and tried to but I was lucky I was hold it firm tight.

You got jacked at Bui Ven? I shot there extensively...

 

[vlg134]

just came back from HCMC few days ago. I kept reminding my frens not to expose their valuables. It is true robbery is quite bad there. So just be careful and don't draw attention by carrying ur cameras n gears around. I put my gears inside a backpack and carry as normal.
My relative also don't dare to wear their gold jewelry after got robbed from motor bike.

 

[daredevil123]

In HCM city, or Hanoi, or Guangzhou, or any major city, you need to take precautions. Slide sling is always the best, with one hand on the camera at all times, and even when slung, camera is in the front of the body. Always be on the lookout. Even when shooting, my camera never gets unslung from me.

Even during crossing bridges last nov, 2 of our members almost got robbed. Luckily both attempts failed, but resulted in one of our singaporean members injured, as he was dragged by the handstrap.

so always be on the look out, don't indulge too much in your LCD screen. Make quick checks. When you shoot, see your subject, lift up and shoot immediately, and lower. Be defensive.

Another thing is, being very friendly with the locals, vendors and all, really helps. Most of the time we were laughing together, and as I leave we always smile and wave goodbye. And more than often, these vendors remember us the next time they see us, and will smile and wave. This will make the crooks think twice, because they are not sure if these locals know us or not. ANd many times, these locals have helped some of my friends to stay out of trouble.

 

[sachokphantom]

Seriously was dragged? wow.. I was lucky then because somehow the guy was the who let it go instead but I did move forward a bit by force.

In HCM city, or Hanoi, or Guangzhou, or any major city, you need to take precautions. Slide sling is always the best, with one hand on the camera at all times, and even when slung, camera is in the front of the body. Always be on the lookout. Even when shooting, my camera never gets unslung from me.

Even during crossing bridges last nov, 2 of our members almost got robbed. Luckily both attempts failed, but resulted in one of our singaporean members injured, as he was dragged by the handstrap.

so always be on the look out, don't indulge too much in your LCD screen. Make quick checks. When you shoot, see your subject, lift up and shoot immediately, and lower. Be defensive.

Another thing is, being very friendly with the locals, vendors and all, really helps. Most of the time we were laughing together, and as I leave we always smile and wave goodbye. And more than often, these vendors remember us the next time they see us, and will smile and wave. This will make the crooks think twice, because they are not sure if these locals know us or not. ANd many times, these locals have helped some of my friends to stay out of trouble.

You got jacked at Bui Ven? I shot there extensively...

I think that was the place.


Guys pls do not feel scare or worry too much if you are going to Vietnam. When I back at Singapore, I read newspaper that a girl hp was snatch at our orchard road so I believe everywhere is the same just be caution when we are at others land. I believe Bro Daredevil and others who went for cross bridges can vote as well. Pls take a look how great those photos taken by them.

 

[Expat yorkshire]

Slide sling is always the best, with one hand on the camera at all times, and even when slung, camera is in the front of the body. Always be on the lookout. Even when shooting, my camera never gets unslung from me.

.

Thanks for the advice , Ijust bought this

Lens Loop — Welcome | Seat Belt Camera Strap - Camera Slings - LensLoop

Made out of the car seat belt material so difficult to cut

 

[esoeij]

I'm just wondering, if the camera is so securely strapped to you, won't it increase the risk of serious injury if some a**h**e on a motorbike tries to rip it away from you? I mean, instead of the camera being freed and stolen, you might end up crashing to the ground or being dragged along and this might result in head injuries or worse.