It is strictly regulated.
Vietnam’s cultural heritage laws and local ordinances heavily restrict metal detecting in public parks. While not outright banned nationwide, unauthorized searches risk violating the 2018 Law on Cultural Heritage and provincial decrees, with penalties including fines up to 50 million VND (≈$2,100) and criminal liability under Article 343 of the Penal Code for damaging historical sites. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and provincial Departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism enforce compliance, with 2026 amendments tightening oversight on artifact removal.
Key Regulations for Metal Detecting in Public Parks in Vietnam
- Cultural Heritage Protection: Detecting without a permit violates the 2018 Law on Cultural Heritage (Article 31), as parks often contain unexcavated archaeological layers or artifacts classified as state-protected heritage.
- Local Permit Requirements: Provincial authorities (e.g., Hanoi’s Department of Culture and Sports) may issue permits for “scientific research,” but recreational use is universally denied under Circular 04/2021/TT-BVHTTDL.
- Prohibited Areas: Parks within UNESCO-listed zones (e.g., My Son Sanctuary buffer zones) or near historical monuments (e.g., Thang Long Imperial Citadel) are off-limits, with 2026 enforcement prioritizing drone surveillance and ground-penetrating radar checks.