Yes, magnet fishing is legal in Vietnam, but only under strict conditions. Authorities classify it as a form of treasure hunting, subject to the 2023 Law on Cultural Heritage and local police oversight. While no nationwide ban exists, unauthorized searches near historical sites or military zones risk fines up to 50 million VND (Decree 38/2021/ND-CP). The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) requires permits for artifacts exceeding 50 years old, aligning with 2026 cultural heritage compliance updates.
Key Regulations for Magnet Fishing in Vietnam
- Cultural Heritage Permits: MCST approval is mandatory for retrieving objects over 50 years old (Article 36, 2023 Law on Cultural Heritage). Unlicensed removal of artifacts from rivers or lakes constitutes theft under the Penal Code (Article 321).
- Restricted Zones: Fishing in military, maritime, or archaeological protection zones is prohibited (Decree 16/2021/ND-CP). Violations near Ho Chi Minh City’s Saigon River or Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake trigger immediate confiscation and legal action.
- Environmental Compliance: Local environmental departments enforce the 2022 Law on Environmental Protection, banning magnet fishing in protected wetlands (e.g., Xuan Thuy National Park) without prior ecological impact assessments.