Vietnam has been ranked one of the safest countries in the world for travelers. However, it always pays to be prepared. These health and safety tips will help you travel to Vietnam with greater peace of mind. Also below is a list of public and private hospitals for easy reference.
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CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS
Health services and prevention measures
Since its start, Vietnam has closely monitored the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and has installed a series of proactive, comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and travelers.
Travelers experiencing symptoms of the virus — fever, cough, and difficulty breathing — should immediately call Vietnam’s health hotline: 19003228.
To combat the spread of the virus, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has ordered all Vietnamese and foreigners in the country to wear face masks on flights, in airport terminals, and in crowded public places such as supermarkets, bus stations, and public transport vehicles.
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 specialized advice. Anti-malarial drugs and many diarrhea treatments are not entirely safe during pregnancy.
If you have a medical condition or allergy that requires particular attention, carry a doctor’s letter with you that describes the nature of the situation and the 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 like Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City have several state-owned private hospitals with English-speaking staff. While small pharmacies are common in almost any Vietnamese town, you may be far from the nearest pharmacy or hospital in the rural areas.
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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 traveling 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 mainly 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 concern, and heat exhaustion may show up in symptoms such as headaches and irritability. Drink plenty of water. Heatstroke is a more severe consequence of overexposure to the 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.
Traveler’s diarrhea is a common concern when in new countries. Stick to bottled water and avoid ice in rural areas. To prevent contracting bacteria, look for restaurants with a high turnover of customers and those that prepare freshly cooked food. Generally, street food in Vietnam is relatively safe, but always use your judgment when choosing vendors. If you experience stomach upsets or diarrhea, take rehydration salts and stay hydrated. If the problems persist, seek medical attention.
Critter bites
These are sometimes issues 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 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.
SAFETY TIPS FOR TRAVELLING VIETNAM
Petty theft
Vietnam is a relatively safe country. However, petty theft is a legitimate concern, especially in big cities. Refrain from extending cameras and cellphones on busy streets and corners: most robberies are drive-by snatchings. When taking pictures on sidewalks, keep your camera close to your body and away from the flow of traffic.
Women, in particular, should be warned to keep a tight grip on their bags and purses when walking 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. Bags carried around the shoulder or in bike baskets can quickly be snatched.
When staying in hotels and guesthouses, place your valuables in the safe or lock them in your bags before leaving your room. It is a good idea, in general, to be mindful of your valuables, keep a close eye on your bags, and not flaunt large amounts of cash or expensive gadgets in rural areas.
Unfortunately, if you find yourself the victim of theft, law enforcement can do little to recover stolen belongings.
Taxi scams
Taxi scams in Vietnam include rigged meters, overcharging, confusing currency, and fixed prices. Two trusted companies you can rely on are Mai Linh and Vinasun. Both of these taxi companies have new vehicles and sealed meters. They also have a pick-up service that works in most Vietnamese towns and cities. You can look for them as soon as you land in Vietnam’s international airports.
Tourist Scams
Vietnam is constantly improving its tourism services. However, there are still some agents and independent operators who flout the rules. When booking cruises on Halong Bay, always go with reputed companies. For tours around Vietnam, book with vetted travel agents instead of hole-in-the-wall establishments to avoid being scammed.
For Female Travellers
Vietnam is generally a safe country to travel to, and female travelers will find themselves welcome. The Vietnamese are still quite conservative, so respecting the local culture by not bearing too much skin is best. Solo female travelers can expect to be approached with questions about why they are traveling alone. The inquiries are usually harmless and borne out of curiosity. Crime against women is uncommon in Vietnam. Nonetheless, it’s wise not to be alone on the streets late at night and take a taxi if you’re heading back late.
Source: https://vietnam.travel/
