Before traveling to Vietnam, it is important to acknowledge some basic information about the health and safety in the country. You should read on the whole article here as we will give you what you need to know about health and safety in Vietnam. Take a quick look!

Health Care in Vietnam

Health care in Vietnam varies in quantity and quality. Big cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have very good private and state-owned hospitals and clinics, while it is often hard to see a doctor in rural areas.

Pharmacies, however, can be found in almost every town. Write down the name of the medicine you want to buy, or use body language to explain, as not many pharmacist can communicate in English.

Prior to departure, you may want to consult your doctor on vaccination and get well-prepared for a small first-aid-kit. The following vaccines are recommended: Polio, tetanus, yellow fever, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis. Your personal kit must have solution to stomachache, headache and such.

The sun shines over half of a day along the country, so make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen. Additionally, the dust rate in the air is quite high in industrial cities; it is advisable you buy a small mask just like the local in case you are allergic.

Vietnam is a tropical country, which entails many kinds of dangerous bacteria and insects. Mosquito repellents are essential. If there are cases of malaria or dengue fever, you should go to doctor immediately.

Sexual health: Unprotected sex can spread HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis and warts.

The bottom line is having your travel insurance ready before the trip.

Availability and Cost of Health Care Service

Public health care service in Vietnam has been improved thanks to the significant improvement in the economy of Vietnam. Nonetheless, in those remote areas, local clinics will just have fundamental supplies – if you become seriously ill in those regions, it is better to get to Hanoi (Hà Nội), Ho Chi Minh (Hồ Chí Minh) City, and Danang (Đà Nẵng) as soon as possible. For surgery or any other extensive treating method, you should not hesitate to fly Singapore, Hong Kong or Bangkok.

• Private Clinics

You should pay close attention to those private clinics as they are familiar with local resources and could organize evacuations if required. The best medical facilities – in Ho Chi Minh (Hồ Chí Minh) City, Hanoi (Hà Nội), and Danang (Đà Nẵng) – have good facility standards coming close to those in the developed countries.

• State Hospitals

Most are basic and overcrowded. To treat foreigners, a facility needs to have a special license, so that is why a few of state hospitals have been supplied.

• Self-Treatment

If your disease is not serious or minor, such as travelers’ diarrhea, this is your option. In case your problem is serious, particularly malaria, then do not waste your time. You need to go to the nearest quality facility in order to receive close attention.

Purchasing OTC medication is not recommended because fake medications along with poorly stored drugs are common. Remember to check expiry dates on your medicines.

Safety issues in Vietnam

Emergency contact number: Police (113) - Fire (114) - Ambulance (115)

Vietnam is generally a safe place for tourists. Pick-pocket is reported to be decreasing significantly. If you are robbed, do not hesitate to contact the local police. Many tourists have their stolen possessions returned by this way.