DA NANG, Vietnam — Vietnam’s rapid growth as a destination for international visitors is exposing tensions between its welcoming image and a legal system that remains rigid and harsh, particularly for foreigners who run afoul of the law. While the country attracts millions with its natural beauty, affordability, and hospitality, its Communist-controlled criminal justice framework emphasizes social order and control, often resulting in severe penalties and prolonged detention for foreign nationals accused of minor or more serious offenses.

In 2023, Vietnam received a record 22.8 million international visitors, with expectations of another 15 percent increase this year. Many come as digital nomads or tourists seeking new opportunities, but some have found themselves detained under difficult circumstances. Cases involving drug use, public disorder, drunk driving, visa violations, and alleged illegal activities have led to arrests and lengthy pretrial detention, fueling diplomatic friction and raising questions about Vietnam’s approach to foreigners in its expanding economy.

One recent incident spotlighting these challenges occurred on May 29 in Da Nang, where 34-year-old Australian brand strategist Shaymus Lilly caused property damage and assaulted individuals at Gé Cafe before police detained him on charges related to public disorder. Witnesses noted signs of a possible mental health episode, including Lilly’s own statement on social media seeking help and reports that he suffered from bipolar disorder and had stopped taking medication. Despite concerns, authorities held him for at least three months pending investigation, with potential prison time if convicted. Australian consular officials have been notified but his exact legal status remains unclear.

The case reflects broader issues facing foreign detainees in Vietnam. Lawyers, diplomats, and relatives of those arrested report limited access to legal representation and consular support, with official translators often unavailable, delaying or complicating communication. The Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security has acknowledged the “increasingly complex” situation of foreigners exploiting visa policies to engage in unlawful activities and has called for additional resources to manage detainees, including improving detention conditions and budgeting for the needs of foreign inmates.

While the tourism sector celebrates increased visitors, local residents and authorities express ambivalence. In Da Nang, longtime residents note the rise of nightlife and associated disruptions, but generally maintain a welcoming attitude toward foreigners. Nonetheless, police have ramped up enforcement efforts, including surprise raids, visa inspections at hotels, and drug testing at residences during early morning hours.

Vietnam’s legal framework remains highly influenced by Communist Party directives prioritizing social stability. Drug offenses, even minor ones, can carry severe penalties including the death penalty or long prison sentences. Allegations of unfair trials, lack of due process, and presumption of guilt persist, echoing remnants of Soviet-era justice systems. International human rights advocates and foreign diplomatic missions continue to criticize Vietnam for inadequate consular access and prolonged pretrial detentions, in contrast to international norms.

Despite these criticisms, some government officials have signaled a desire to improve the system. Recent proposals to Hanoi lawmakers highlighted outdated policies such as the detainee meal allowance and called for modernization consistent with Vietnam’s growing openness. A senior public security spokesman recently emphasized a commitment to streamlining procedures to ensure foreigners traveling for legitimate purposes find Vietnam welcoming and well-governed.

Meanwhile, businesses affected by incidents involving foreign nationals face their own frustrations. The owner and manager of Gé Cafe, which sustained damages during the May 29 incident, expressed a preference for an apology and compensation from Mr. Lilly over extended legal action. They noted the rare display of Vietnamese and Australian flags outside the cafe as a symbol of goodwill that contrasts with the unresolved situation.

As Vietnam balances its ambitions for economic integration and international tourism with its tradition of stringent social control, these tensions underscore the complexities that lie beneath the country’s relaxed image. The experiences of foreign visitors caught in the legal system illustrate the challenges Vietnam faces in reconciling its past with its evolving global role.