Before You Go: Essential Health and Safety Tips for Vietnam

Insurance and Health Precautions Before embarking on your journey to Vietnam, ensure you purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Approximately two months prior to your departure, consult your doctor or local travel clinic for the latest health advisories and necessary vaccinations for Vietnam. Pregnant women should seek specialized medical advice, as certain anti-malarial drugs and diarrhea treatments may not be safe during pregnancy.

Medical Conditions and Allergies If you have any medical conditions or allergies requiring particular attention, carry a letter from your doctor detailing the nature of the condition and the necessary treatments.

Recommended Medical Kit Pack a medical kit that includes the following essentials:

• DEET-based insect repellent
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief
• Anti-itch ointment (such as hydrocortisone)
• Sunscreen
• Antihistamines for allergy treatment (such as Zyrtec, Benadryl)
• Bacitracin for wound care (such as Neosporin)
• Diarrhea treatment (such as Imodium)

Some medications may be difficult to find in Vietnam, so ensure you travel with a full supply of any prescribed medicine you need.

Hospitals in Vietnam In major cities like Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City, there are numerous state-owned and private hospitals with English-speaking staff. While small pharmacies are common in almost every Vietnamese city, rural areas may lack immediate access to pharmacies or hospitals.

Pollution
Air pollutants can exacerbate asthma and allergy symptoms, causing scratchy throats and nasal drip. For those with respiratory issues, it's advisable to wear a small mask in metropolitan areas or spend more time in the countryside.

Mosquito-Borne
Diseases Malaria risk is heightened in rural highlands. If traveling to remote areas, consider taking anti-malarial medication. Dengue fever, prevalent in the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City, lacks a vaccine, so use bug spray during sunrise and sunset for prevention.

Heat Concerns
Vietnam's climate is hot and humid year-round. Sunburn is a risk—wear sunscreen and reapply regularly, especially at the beach. Stay hydrated to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion, which can manifest as headaches and irritability. Heatstroke, indicated by weakness, dizziness, nausea, and a temperature over 41°C, requires immediate medical attention.

Food-Related
Illnesses Traveler’s diarrhea is common. Stick to bottled water and avoid ice in rural areas. Choose restaurants with high customer turnover and freshly cooked food. While street food in Vietnam is generally safe, use your judgment. If you experience stomach upsets, take rehydration salts and stay hydrated. Persistent issues require medical attention.

Critter Bites
Flea, bed bug, and lice bites can occur in hostels and dormitories. Seek help at a clinic if bitten. Be cautious of rabies when in contact with animals and avoid monkeys on Cat Ba Island. During jungle treks, be wary of ticks, leeches, and poisonous snakes. Immediate medical assistance is necessary if bitten.

Petty Theft
While Vietnam is generally a safe country, petty theft is a concern, particularly in larger cities.

To protect yourself:

Avoid extending cameras and cellphones on busy streets, as most thefts are drive-by snatchings.

When taking pictures on sidewalks, keep your camera close to your body and away from the flow of traffic.

Women should keep a tight grip on bags and purses, especially in Ho Chi Minh City.

When riding a motorcycle, place your bags in the seat compartment or hook them in the front of the bike, as shoulder bags or bike basket bags are easily snatched.

In hotels and guesthouses, place valuables in the safe or lock them in your bags before leaving your room.

Be mindful of your valuables, keep a close eye on your bags, and avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive gadgets, particularly in rural areas.

Unfortunately, if you become a victim of theft, law enforcement may have limited ability to recover stolen items.

Taxi Scams
Taxi scams in Vietnam can include rigged meters, overcharging, confusing currency, and fixed prices. To avoid these scams:

Rely on trusted taxi companies like Mai Linh and Vinasun. Both companies have new vehicles and sealed meters and offer pick-up services in most Vietnamese towns and cities.

Look for their taxis as soon as you land in Vietnam's international airports.

Tourist Scams in Vietnam

Vietnam is continually enhancing its tourism services, but some agents and independent operators may still flout the rules. To ensure a safe experience:

Halong Bay Cruises: Always book with reputable companies.

Tours Around Vietnam
Choose vetted travel agents rather than smaller, less established operators to avoid scams. 

Vietnam is generally a safe destination for female travelers who will find themselves warmly welcomed. However, the local culture is conservative:

Dress Respectfully
Avoid baring too much skin to respect local customs.

Solo Travel
Solo female travelers might be approached with questions about their travel, usually out of curiosity.

Safety Precautions
Although crime against women is uncommon, it’s wise to avoid being alone on the streets late at night and take a taxi if you're heading back late.

Travel smart and enjoy your journey in Vietnam!