Rights and obligations of tourists in Vietnam

1. Some concepts of tourism

Article 3 of the 2017 Law on Tourism stipulates some concepts as follows:
1. Tourism is activities related to human trips outside of their usual place of residence for a period of no more than 01 consecutive year to meet the needs of sightseeing, relaxation, entertainment, learning, exploring tourism resources or in combination with other legitimate purposes.
2. Tourists are people who travel or combine travel, except for cases of studying or working to receive income at the destination.
3. Tourism activities are activities of tourists, organizations, individuals doing tourism business and agencies, organizations, individuals, and communities related to tourism.

2. Rights of tourists in Vietnam

According to 11 Laws on Tourism 2017, the rights of tourists are stipulated as follows:
- Use tourism services provided by tourism business organizations and individuals or travel on their own.
- Request tourism business organizations and individuals to provide information on tourism programs, services, and destinations according to signed contracts.
- Be facilitated in exit, entry, transit, customs, residence, and travel within the territory of Vietnam in accordance with the provisions of law and international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member.
- Be guaranteed legal rights and interests according to contracts signed with tourism business organizations and individuals providing tourism services.
- Be treated equally; be guaranteed safety of life, health, and property when using tourism services; be respected for honor and dignity; be rescued and rescued in emergency cases.
- Complain, denounce, and sue for violations of tourism laws.
- Make recommendations to organizations and individuals managing tourist areas, tourist attractions, tourism service providers, and competent state agencies on issues related to tourism activities.
- Receive compensation for damages according to the provisions of law.

3. Obligations of tourists in Vietnam

According to the 12 Law on Tourism in 2017, the obligations of tourists are as follows:
- Comply with Vietnamese laws and the laws of the country and territory where they travel; behave in a civilized manner, respect local customs, practices, and cultural identities, protect and preserve tourism resources and the tourism environment; do not cause harm to the national image and cultural traditions of Vietnam.
- Comply with the regulations of tourist areas, tourist attractions, and tourism service providers.
- Pay for services according to contracts, fees, charges, and other collections according to the provisions of law.
- Compensate for damages according to the provisions of civil law.

4. Laws regulating safety for tourists

- Competent state agencies, within the scope of their duties and powers, shall take measures to ensure security, order and social safety at tourist areas and tourist attractions.
- Organizations and individuals managing tourist areas and tourist attractions shall take measures to prevent and avoid risks and organize security, rescue and salvage units for tourists.
- Organizations and individuals doing tourism business shall be responsible for warning of risks to tourists; promptly informing and instructing tourists in case of emergency; applying necessary measures and coordinating with relevant agencies, organizations and individuals in rescuing and salvage for tourists.

5. Regulations on handling complaints from tourists

- Organizations and individuals doing tourism business, managing tourist areas and tourist attractions shall organize to promptly receive and handle complaints from tourists within the scope of their management.