For the most part, Vietnam is a safe country for international travelers. There are, however, some things to be aware of for your health and safety.
For the most part, Vietnam is a safe country for international travelers. There are, however, some things to be aware of for your health and safety.
- Is Vietnam Safe to Travel?
- Staying Healthy in Vietnam
- Common Health Risks and Diseases Found in Vietnam
- Required Vietnam Vaccinations for US Travelers
- Medical Assistance
- Hanoi French Hospital
- Vinmec International Hospital Hanoi
- Viet Duc Hospital
- Ho Chi Minh City International Hospital
- FV Hospital
- Cho Ray Hospital
- Medical Emergency Numbers
- Travel Insurance
- Bringing Medications Into Vietnam
- Water and Swimming
- Mosquitoes
- Air Quality
- Staying Safe in Vietnam
- Crime in Vietnam
- Civil Unrest and Political Tension
- Terrorism
- Climate and Natural Disasters
- Local Laws in Vietnam
- Embassies and Consulates in Vietnam
- Additional Tips for Travelers in Vietnam
- Stay Safe and Have Fun in Vietnam
Is Vietnam Safe to Travel?
Staying Healthy in Vietnam
From bug bites to motorbike accidents, there are plenty of ways you can inadvertently become sick or injured while traveling in Vietnam. Here are some things to keep an eye out for to stay healthy during your Vietnam visit.
Common Health Risks and Diseases Found in Vietnam
The most common health risks in Vietnam are:
- Diarrhea
- Malaria
- Dengue fever
- Zika virus
It is important to take precautions to avoid these diseases. Drink bottled water, use insect repellent, and wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
Required Vietnam Vaccinations for US Travelers
In addition to being up-to-date on your regular vaccinations, like flu, polio, shingles, and measles, the following vaccinations are recommended for travelers to Vietnam:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Japanese encephalitis (for travelers to rural areas)
- Rabies (for travelers who will be spending time outdoors)
You should get any recommended or required vaccinations at least a month before your trip.
Medical Assistance
If a foreign traveler becomes sick or injured in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, they can seek medical attention at one of the following hospitals, which cater to foreigners and have English-speaking staff.
Hanoi French Hospital
This is a private hospital that offers a wide range of medical services, such as emergency care, surgery, cardiology, oncology, and maternity. It has modern facilities and equipment, and follows international standards of quality and safety. It also has a 24-hour hotline and ambulance service. Address: No.1 Phuong Mai Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi. Phone: +84 24 3577 1100.
Vinmec International Hospital Hanoi
This is another private hospital that provides comprehensive and high-quality healthcare services, such as internal medicine, pediatrics, neurology, orthopedics, and dentistry. It has a team of experienced and qualified doctors and nurses and is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). It also has a 24-hour emergency department and pharmacy. Address: No.458 Minh Khai Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi. Phone: +84-24-3974-3556.
Viet Duc Hospital
This is a public hospital that specializes in surgery and trauma care. It is one of the largest and most reputable hospitals in Vietnam and has performed many complex and successful operations, such as organ transplants, brain surgery, and robotic surgery. It also has a 24-hour emergency department and intensive care unit. Address: No.40 Trang Thi Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Phone: +84-24-3936-5426.
Ho Chi Minh City International Hospital
This is a private hospital that offers a variety of medical services, such as general practice, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, gastroenterology, and dermatology. It has modern facilities and equipment and follows international standards of quality and safety. It also has a 24-hour hotline and ambulance service. Address: No.3-5 Street 1A, Binh Tri Dong B Ward, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City. Phone: +84-28-6280-3333.
FV Hospital
This is another private hospital that provides comprehensive and high-quality healthcare services, such as emergency care, surgery, oncology, pediatrics, and rehabilitation. It has a team of experienced and qualified doctors and nurses and is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). It also has a 24-hour emergency department and pharmacy. Address: No.6 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Saigon South (Phu My Hung), District 7, Ho Chi Minh City. Phone: +84-28-5411-3333.
Cho Ray Hospital
This is a public hospital that specializes in internal medicine and infectious diseases. It is one of the oldest and largest hospitals in Vietnam and has treated many patients with COVID-19. It also has a 24-hour emergency department and intensive care unit. Address: No.201B Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Ward 12, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City. Phone: +84-28-3855-4137.
Medical Emergency Numbers
If you’re having an emergency, there are several numbers you can call for medical attention:
- 115 for ambulance service
- 114 for fire brigade
- 113 for police
- 112 for emergency rescue
You can also call ∗9999 for a 911-style emergency medical response service available in English and Vietnamese.
Travel Insurance
Health insurance is not mandatory for foreigners to get medical treatment in Vietnam, but it is highly recommended. Not only can travel insurance protect you from delays and cancellations, but it can also protect you from unexpected medical expenses. Companies like battleface, Allianz, World Nomads, and HTH Worldwide all offer customizable travel insurance plans designed for your needs.
Medical costs in Vietnam can vary depending on the type and quality of treatment, the hospital, and the location. While some basic services may be affordable, more serious or complex procedures can be very expensive. Therefore, having health insurance can help you avoid paying out-of-pocket for unexpected medical bills.
The cost of health insurance in Vietnam depends on various factors, such as your age, health status, coverage level, deductible amount, and provider. Generally speaking, travel insurance is the cheapest option, followed by local health insurance and international health insurance. However, you should compare different plans and providers to find the best value for money and the most suitable coverage for your needs.
These are the health insurance plans available for foreigners in Vietnam:
Travel Insurance
This is a short-term plan that covers you for emergencies and accidents while traveling in Vietnam. It usually includes benefits such as medical evacuation, repatriation, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and personal liability. However, it may not cover medical care for pre-existing conditions, routine check-ups, or chronic diseases. You can buy travel insurance from your home country or online before your trip to Vietnam.
International Health Insurance
This is a long-term plan that covers you for a wide range of medical services and treatments in Vietnam and other countries. It usually includes benefits such as hospitalization, surgery, outpatient care, maternity care, dental care, and optical care. It may also cover you for pre-existing conditions, depending on the policy.
Local Health Insurance
This is a long-term plan that covers you for medical services and treatments in Vietnam only. It usually includes benefits such as hospitalization, surgery, outpatient care, maternity care, and dental care. It may also cover you for pre-existing conditions, depending on the policy.
Bringing Medications Into Vietnam
You can bring medication into Vietnam, but you must have a valid prescription from your doctor. You should also declare any medication you are bringing with you at the airport.
Water and Swimming
It is not advisable to consume tap water anywhere in Vietnam. Tap water may contain pathogenic organisms or chemical residues that can cause sickness and diseases, such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis, typhoid, cholera, giardia, dysentery and hepatitis. Tap water may also be contaminated by dirt, rust, bacteria or heavy metals from the water pipeline system.
It’s advisable to avoid drinking or using contaminated water for brushing teeth, washing fruits or vegetables, or making ice cubes. Instead, you should use bottled water or filtered water that is boiled or treated with purification tablets. Bottled water is readily available everywhere, like convenience stores, supermarkets, and street vendors.
Swimming in Vietnam can be dangerous, especially in the ocean. There are strong currents and riptides, as well as jellyfish and other marine animals that can be harmful. It is important to swim only in designated areas and to be aware of the dangers before entering the water.
Mosquitoes
As they can transmit various diseases, such as malaria, dengue and Japanese encephalitis, mosquitoes pose a health concern in Vietnam. There are 281 mosquito species in Vietnam, of which anopheles, aedes, and culex are the most common and dangerous.
The risk of mosquito-borne disease in Vietnam varies depending on the region and the season. Generally the southern and central regions have a higher risk than the northern region, and the rainy season (from May to October in the north and from June to November in the south) has a higher risk than the dry season.
However, mosquitoes can be found year-round across Vietnam, not just in rural areas, so it’s advisable to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites whenever and wherever you travel in Vietnam.
Some of the precautions you can take are:
- Wear insect repellent that contains DEET or other effective ingredients on your exposed skin.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks that cover your body and are made of thick or tightly woven fabric that mosquitoes can’t bite through.
- Avoid wearing bright colors that may attract mosquitoes and opt for light or neutral tones instead.
- Stay clean and avoid sweating or having body odor that may attract mosquitoes.
- Avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk, which are the peak times for mosquito activity.
- Sleep under a mosquito net or in an air-conditioned room with screened windows and doors.
- Consult your doctor before traveling to Vietnam to see if it makes sense for you to take anti-malarial medication or get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis.
Air Quality
Air pollution is a problem throughout Vietnam, but especially in urban areas and industrial zones. Some of the main causes of air pollution in Vietnam are:
- Transportation: There are more than 3.6 million cars and 58 million motorbikes on the roads in Vietnam, most of which are old and do not meet emission standards. They emit large amounts of exhaust fumes that contain fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and other pollutants.
- Industry: There are many factories, power plants, and construction sites that produce smoke, dust, and waste gasses that pollute the air. Some of the industries that contribute to air pollution are coal, steel, cement, textile, chemical, and mining.
- Household: Many households use solid fuels such as wood, charcoal, and coal for cooking and heating, which generate smoke and ash that contain PM2.5, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and other pollutants.
- Agriculture: There are many agricultural activities that cause air pollution, such as burning crop residues, using pesticides and fertilizers, raising livestock and operating machinery.
- Natural: There are also some natural sources of air pollution, such as forest fires, volcanic eruptions, dust storms and sea-salt spray.
To check the daily air quality in Vietnam, you can use online resources such as:
- IQAir: This website provides real-time air quality data for various locations in Vietnam, as well as historical data, health recommendations, and pollution sources. It also has an app for mobile devices.
- AirVisual: This website also provides real-time air quality data for various locations in Vietnam, as well as historical data, health recommendations, and pollution sources. You can also download an app for mobile devices
Staying Safe in Vietnam
Travel around Vietnam, and especially activities that fall under adventure tourism in Vietnam, can be dangerous. The safety standards on roadways are lower than in the United States, and the terrain can be hazardous and remote.The rainy season, for example, can increase the risk of flooding, landslides, and other hazards.
To stay safe when traveling within Vietnam, follow these guidelines:
- Don’t stray off main routes.
- Take a reputable guide.
- Check local weather forecasts before traveling.
- Avoid illegal tour guides.
- Make sure your travel insurance covers your planned activity fully.
- Get permission from the provincial police department if you want to visit a village, commune, or ward that is close to the border.
- Be aware of the risk of unexploded mines and ordnance.
Crime in Vietnam
The crime rate in Vietnam is relatively low, but there is still some petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, and violence against women, including trafficking and sexual harassment and assault. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid being a victim of crime.
Exercise common sense and keep yourself safe from petty crime in Vietnam by:
- Staying in busy, well-lit areas
- Avoid badly lit and unfamiliar areas at night
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash or valuable personal belongings on you
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Be careful on public transport—don’t get onto empty buses or trains
Hanoi Crime & Safety
Hanoi is generally a safe city to travel to, but street crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and valuables theft can occur, especially in crowded areas. Violent crime is rare, but robberies, assaults, and harassments have been reported lately.
Travelers should be vigilant of their surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and keep their valuables secure. Travelers should also be aware of scams and frauds that target tourists, such as taxi overcharging, fake goods, and fake tour guides.
Hanoi is notorious for its chaotic and congested traffic. Motorbike accidents are a common risk for travelers, whether they are drivers, riders, or pedestrians. Travelers should wear helmets, follow traffic signals, and avoid driving or walking during rush hours.
Ho Chi Minh City Crime & Safety
Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a relatively safe city to visit too, but street crime is more common here than in Hanoi. Travelers should take similar precautions as in Hanoi to avoid being victims of theft, scams, or violence.
Travelers should also be careful of the traffic situation in Ho Chi Minh City, which is even more hectic and chaotic than in Hanoi. Avoid driving or riding motorbikes if you are not experienced or confident enough.
Crime Against Women
There is a relatively high rate of gender inequality and violence towards women in Vietnam. Some of the manifestations of this are:
- Violence against women: According to a national study in 2019, nearly two out of three women ages 15 to 64 have experienced at least one form of violence by their husbands or partners in their lifetime, and 31.6% in the last 12 months.
- Gender-biased sex selection: This is the practice of preferring sons to daughters, resulting in an unbalanced sex ratio at birth (SRB). In 2019, the SRB in Vietnam was 111.5 boys per 100 girls, which is the third-highest in Asia after China and India.
- Gender discrimination: Gender discrimination can occur in various areas of life, such as education, employment, health care, political participation, inheritance, and decision-making.
There’s also some violence or discrimination targeted towards foreign women in Vietnam, especially migrants, refugees, tourists, and those from ethnic minorities. Some of the forms of violence or discrimination that foreign women may face in Vietnam are:
- Sexual harassment: This is any unwanted or unwelcome sexual behavior that makes a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated, including verbal comments, gestures, physical contact, or exposure. Sexual harassment can occur in public places, such as streets, markets, buses, taxis, hotels, bars, or clubs, and in workplaces, schools, or online platforms.
- Sexual assault: This is any sexual act that is forced or coerced upon a person without their consent, including rape, attempted rape, groping, fondling, or kissing. Sexual assault can occur in any setting and by anyone, such as strangers, acquaintances, friends, relatives, or partners.
- Trafficking: This is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons by means of threat, force, fraud, or deception for the purpose of exploitation. Trafficking can involve sexual exploitation, forced labor, domestic servitude, organ removal, or begging. Trafficking can affect women and girls who are lured by false promises of jobs, education, marriage or a better life.
- Discrimination: This is any distinction, exclusion, or restriction based on sex or gender that impairs or nullifies the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by women and girls. Discrimination can occur in various areas of life, such as access to services, resources, opportunities, and justice.
To stay safe from violence or discrimination in Vietnam, these are some measures foreign women can take:
- Be cautious and alert: You should always be careful and aware of your surroundings when traveling or living in Vietnam. You should avoid risky situations or places that may expose you to violence or discrimination. You should also follow the local customs and laws to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts.
- Know your rights: You should be aware of your rights and entitlements as a foreign woman under the law and the constitution of Vietnam. You should also know the legal procedures and mechanisms to protect yourself from violence or discrimination.
- Seek help and support: If you are a victim of or witness to violence or discrimination, you can report it to the authorities or seek help from various sources, such as your embassy or consulate, NGOs, hotlines, or shelters. You can also contact the national hotline for women at 1800 1769 for free and confidential assistance.
LGBTQ+ Safety
Vietnam is a relatively safe destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, as it has no anti-LGBTQ+ laws and a growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ people in society. Vietnam is one of the most progressive countries in Southeast Asia in terms of LGBTQ+ rights, as it has legalized same-sex weddings, allowed transgender people to change their legal gender, and hosted annual Pride events.
However, Vietnam is still a conservative and traditional country, where LGBTQ+ people may face discrimination, harassment, or violence from some segments of the population. LGBTQ+ travelers should be aware of the local norms and customs and avoid public displays of affection or dressing provocatively, and take note of local religious and cultural beliefs in order to avoid any conflicts or confrontations.
Civil Unrest and Political Tension
There is currently no civil unrest or political tension in Vietnam, though you should always keep an eye on the political situation in any country you’re visiting.
Terrorism
There is a low risk of terrorism in Vietnam. However, it’s always a good idea to be prepared in case of a threat.
Avoid terrorist attacks by:
- Stay informed of local news and events
- Avoid strikes, protests, demonstrations, and riots
- Stay indoors and safe during attacks
- Contact emergency services and your country’s embassy
Climate and Natural Disasters
Vietnam has a tropical climate, with hot, humid summers and warm, dry winters. The country is also prone to natural disasters, such as typhoons, floods, and earthquakes, so monitor the situation before you travel.
Local Laws in Vietnam
It is important to be aware of the local laws in Vietnam before you travel, particularly the following:
- It is illegal to use drugs in Vietnam.
- It is illegal to engage in prostitution in Vietnam.
- It is illegal to drink alcohol in public in Vietnam.
Embassies and Consulates in Vietnam
If something happens to you during your time in Vietnam, reach out to your country’s embassy or consulate for assistance. While they can’t provide legal assistance, they can offer guidance and advice for next steps.
Additional Tips for Travelers in Vietnam
- Be sure to pack comfortable shoes—you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- It can rain at any time of year, so bring a rain jacket.
- Bring sunscreen, because the sun is very strong in Vietnam.
- Bring insect repellent—there are mosquitoes and other insects that can carry diseases.
- Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases to better communicate with locals.
- Be respectful of Vietnamese culture and customs.
Stay Safe and Have Fun in Vietnam
Doing your research before traveling helps you avoid issues and be prepared in case of an emergency. For more information on other aspects of travel to Vietnam, including local laws, local culture and customs, and entry and exit requirements, visit our Vietnam content hub.
Obtaining the proper visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a Vietnam visa. Start your visa application process.