Vietnam has been ranked one of the safest countries in the world for travellers, however it always pays to be prepared. These health and safety tips will help you travel Vietnam with greater peace of mind.
Before you go
Before traveling to Vietnam, be sure to purchase insurance for your trip. Two months before you leave, you should also consult your doctor or local travel clinic for the latest information on health risks in Vietnam and to receive any vaccinations you may need. Actually, vaccinations are not required.
Pregnant women should consult their doctors for specialised advice. Anti-malarial drugs and many diarrhoea treatments are not completely safe during pregnancy.
If you have a medical condition or allergy of which requires particular attention, carry a doctor’s letter with you that describes the nature of the condition and treatment needed. We also recommend you pack a medical kit with:
- DEET-based insect repellent
- Paracetemol or ibuprofen for pain relief
- Anti-itch ointment, such as hydrocortison
- Sunscreen
- Antihistamine for allergy treatment, such as zertec, benadryl
- Bacitracin for wound care, such as neosporin
- Diarrhoea treatment, such as imodium
Hospitals in Vietnam
Major cities such as Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh have a number of state-owned and private hospitals with English-speaking staff. While small pharmacies are common in almost any Vietnamese city, in the rural areas you may be far from the nearest pharmacy or hospital.
Taxi scams
Taxi scams in Vietnam take the form of rigged meters, overcharging, confusing currency and fixed prices. Two trusted companies you can rely on are Mai Linh and Vinasun. Both of these taxi companies have new vehicles and sealed metres, they also have a pick-up service that works in most Vietnamese towns and cities. You can look for them as soon as you land in Vietnam’s international airports.