Health Tips For Travelling Vietnam
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.
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
Some medications can be difficult to find in Vietnam: be sure you travel with a full supply of any prescribed medicine you need.
Hospitals in Vietnam
Major cities such as Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City 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.
INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALS IN VIETNAM
FAMILY MEDICAL PRACTICE HANOI
Van Phuc Compound, 298 Kim Ma Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam
+84 4 3843 0748
+84 4 3846 1750
HONG NGOC HOSPITAL
55 Yen Ninh, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam
+04 8 39 275 568
+04 8 39 275 568
L’HOPITAL FRANCAIS DE HANOI
No.1 Phuong Mai, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam
+84 4 3577 1100
+84 4 3576 4443
INTERNATIONAL SOS HANOI
51 Xuan Dieu Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam
+ 84 4 3934 0666
+84 4 3934 0556
VIET DUC HOSPITAL
40 Trang Thi Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
+84 4 3825 3531
+84 4 3825 3531
VINMEC INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL
458 Minh Khai Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, Vietnam
+84 4 3974 3556
+84 4 3974 3557
FAMILY MEDICAL DANANG
96-98 Nguyen Van Linh Street, Hai Chau District, Danang, Vietnam
+84 236 3582 699
+84 236 3583 049
HOAN MY DANANG HOSPITAL
161 Nguyễn Văn Linh, Thạc Gián, Q. Thanh Khê, Da Nang, Vietnam
+84 236 3650 676
+84 236 3650 676
SOUTH VIETNAM
COLUMBIA ASIA
No. 8, Alexandre de Rhodes, Bến Nghé, District 1, Bến Nghé, Vietnam
+84 8 3823 8888
+84 8 3823 8888
FAMILY MEDICAL HCMC
Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, District 3, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
+84 8 3822 7848
+84 8 3822 7859
FV HOSPITAL
No. 6 Nguyễn Lương Bằng, Tân Phú, District7, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
+84 8 54 11 33 33
+84 8 54 11 33 34
INTERNATIONAL SOS
No.167A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street, district 3, HCMC, Vietnam
+84 8 3824 0777
+84 8 3829 8551
YERSIN INTERNATIONAL
No. 10 Truong Dinh - Ward 6 - District 3 - HCMC
+84 8 3933 66 88
+84 8 3930 46 64
VICTORIA HEALTHCARE VIETNAM
152 Nguyen Luon Bang, Tan Phu, District 7, HCMC, Vietnam
+84 8 3910 4545
+84 8 3910 4545
COMMON HEALTH ISSUES IN VIETNAM
Pollution in Vietnam
Air pollutants may aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms. Symptoms include scratchy throat and nasal drip. For anyone with respiratory ailments, invest in a small mask while travelling around metropolitan areas, or plan to spend more time in the countryside if possible.
Mosquito-borne diseases
The risk of contracting malaria is heightened in the rural highlands. Consider taking anti-malarial medication if you plan to travel to any remote destinations in Vietnam. Dengue fever has become increasingly problematic in Southeast Asia and occurs mostly in the Mekong Delta, including Ho Chi Minh City. With no vaccines available, the best preventive measure is to wear bug spray during the hours of sunrise and sunset.
Heat concerns
Vietnam tends to be hot and humid year round. Don’t underestimate the strength of the sun. Sunburn can happen quickly: it's best to wear sunscreen throughout the day. Be vigilant with reapplication, especially at beachside destinations. Dehydration is another concerns, as well as heat exhaustion, which may show up in symptoms such as headaches and irritability. Drink plenty of water. Heatstroke is a more serious consequence of overexposure to sun and may require hospital treatment. If you're feeling weak, dizzy, nauseous, and have a temperature of over 41°C, get medical help immediately.
Food-related illnesses
Traveller’s diarrhoea is a common concern when in new countries. Stick to bottled water and avoid ice in rural areas. To avoid contracting bacteria, look for restaurants with a high turnover of customers and those that prepare freshly cooked food. Generally street food in Vietnam is quite safe, but always use your own judgement when choosing from vendors. If you experience stomach upsets or diarrhoea, take rehydration salts and stay hydrated. If the problems persist, seek medical attention.
Critter bites
These are sometimes an issue when when staying in hostels and other shared dormitories, and sometimes even in hotels. Seek help at the nearest clinic if you're suffering from the bites of fleas, bed bugs, and/or lice. Be on the lookout for rabies when in contact with animals, wild or domesticated. Avoid the monkeys on Cat Ba Island when touring Ha Long Bay. When jungle trekking, be wary of ticks, leeches and poisonous snakes lurking in the undergrowth. Seek medical assistance immediately if bitten.
