Southeast Asia is the dream destination for many travellers around the world, and Vietnam is no exception. However, health conditions can seriously make or break your journey to Vietnam. Although health issues and the quality of medical facilities vary enormously according to regions, most major cities and tourist destinations are low-risk and have good services. Nevertheless, it is crucial to take notes on the common diseases, emergency contact information, vaccinations for Vietnam, and all other important points to make your trip safer.
There are many concerns over health-related issues for many first-time Vietnam visitors.
- What are the common diseases we should be cautious of?
- Are vaccinations for Vietnam necessary?
- What type of medicines should I prepare for my trip to Vietnam?
Understanding your concerns, we have compiled a detailed & comprehensive health guide for travelling in Vietnam.
Common diseases to look out for..
• Infectious diseases
With its tropical climate, Vietnam is, unfortunately, the ideal environment for many infectious diseases to thrive. Though rarely life-threatening, sickness is a common thing in this country. Therefore, we have compiled the most common infectious diseases in Vietnam into this infographic:
• Environmental hazards
Aside from diseases, the environment is another factor that can affect your dream journey to Vietnam. Below are the most common environmental hazards, and how to prevent them:
Food poisoning/Traveller’s diarrhoea
This is by far the most common problem for foreign travellers. To prevent your stomach from digesting unwanted bacteria, stay away from unsanitary, “shady” looking restaurants. We recommend you eat freshly cooked food, avoiding raw seafood and fresh vegetables as much as possible. If you have the disease, it’s best to take a rest and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Skin problems/bites and stings
Aside from mosquitoes, bedbugs, jellyfish, leeches, and ticks are the most common reason for your itchy spots and stings. Apply antiseptics to bitten areas, and refrain from scratching to avoid irritation.
Heat/sunburn
The heat and sunshine can be very intense in the summer, especially in the southern area. Apply sunscreen regularly and stay hydrated at all time to avoid sunburn, heatstroke and prickly skin.
Air pollution
The low quality of air in big cities such as Hanoi or Hochiminh City causes quite a hassle for those with weak lungs. Even for travellers with strong breathing systems, we advise to always carry a mask with you when going out on big roads or during rush hours.
Is it necessary to take vaccinations for Vietnam beforehand?
Vaccinations for Vietnam depends on the length of your stay. The only universal vaccination you need is yellow fever. If you have been in a yellow fever zone at most 6 days prior to your arrival, proof of vaccination is required.
For Southeast Asia, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends these following vaccinations:
What to do if you have allergies?
Unfortunately, allergies are not regarded as an important issue in Vietnam. As diverse and delicious Vietnamese cuisine is, however, almost all dishes contain one or many ingredients that might be harmful, even lethal for people with serious allergies. With the language barrier at hand, it is quite difficult to tell restaurant staff about your medical conditions. The safer option would be to buy ingredients and cook for yourself. However, if you are looking for a better alternative, below is the infographic which you can use when you enter a restaurant in Vietnam:
Always make sure to go to a reputable restaurant with a clear menu where you can ask for the ingredients. No need to worry though, Vietnamese cuisine is to die for, but not literally. Bon Appetit!
Which medicine to pack for your journey?
Though pharmacists are available throughout Vietnam, you should always prepare a medical kit with these items below:
Important note
Travel insurance
Always travel with health insurance – accidents can happen at the most unexpected times. Additionally, if your health insurance does not cover travelling abroad, you can get an extra one for safety.
Weather
As a tropical country, the weather can be quite unpredictable and potentially harmful for those who are not used to it. Especially during the rainy season, many areas can be extremely humid and this can seriously affect your respiratory system. Common sickness includes flu, cold or sore throat. Therefore, check out our weather map and plan your trip well beforehand to avoid unexpected health problems.
Hospitals and emergency contact information
Emergency first-aid hotline: 115
