Traveling to Vietnam means immersing yourself in a fascinating country with contrasting landscapes and millennia-old culture. To make the most of your stay, however, it is essential to prepare your departure carefully from a health perspective. Between the tropical climate, unfamiliar cuisine, and varying hygiene conditions across regions, a few sensible precautions help you avoid discomfort and travel with peace of mind.

No vaccination is mandatory for traveling to Vietnam, unless you are coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic, in which case vaccination is required. However, it is strongly recommended to be up-to-date with your basic vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, pertussis, MMR, hepatitis B) and to consider additional vaccinations depending on your itinerary and the length of your stay.

The most recommended vaccines are those against:

• Hepatitis A (common in Southeast Asia)
• Typhoid (for prolonged stays or street food consumption)
• Rabies (for rural activities or contact with animals)
• Japanese encephalitis (for extended stays or nature-based travel).

The flu vaccine can also be useful, particularly for vulnerable individuals.

Furthermore, no COVID-19 requirements have been in place since 2023, but it is still advisable to follow basic hygiene practices and wear a mask in very crowded areas.

Before departure, consult an international vaccination center to tailor your vaccinations to your travel plans.

Vietnam does not present major health risks, but the tropical climate and dietary differences can cause minor discomfort. With common sense and good hygiene, most problems are easily preventable.

Water and food

In Vietnam, tap water is not potable, even in major cities. Never drink it directly, avoid adding ice to beverages, and refrain from drinking fruit juices diluted with water. Always prefer bottled mineral water with a sealed cap (opened in front of you), water boiled for at least 15 minutes, or water treated with disinfectant tablets. Hot beverages like tea or coffee are safe, but avoid raw milk, which is rarely pasteurized.

As for food, consume only well-cooked dishes served hot. Avoid raw vegetables, cut fruit, and vegetables washed in tap water, and favor local soups like pho, which are safe. Eat in clean establishments or street food stands frequented by locals, where dishes are prepared fresh.

The main diseases transmitted through water and food are traveler's diarrhea, typhoid fever, and hepatitis A. If you experience digestive issues, rehydrate thoroughly and carry oral rehydration salts with you.

Finally, wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer before meals. These simple gestures are enough to prevent infections and safely enjoy Vietnamese flavors.

Mosquitoes and vector-borne diseases

In Vietnam, mosquitoes can transmit several diseases such as:

• Dengue
• Chikungunya
• Zika
• Malaria (rare but possible in certain rural or forested areas)
• Japanese encephalitis (a serious viral disease).

Mosquito bite prevention remains the best protection:

• Use an effective insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin
• Wear long, light-colored clothing, especially from sunset onward
• Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net.

Choose accommodations equipped with mosquito nets on windows, fans, or air conditioning, as cool temperatures reduce mosquito activity. Use a soothing cream for bite relief.

For remote rural areas, particularly the highlands and southern forests, preventive antimalarial medication may be recommended: discuss this with your doctor before departure.

Heat and sun

Vietnam experiences a hot and humid tropical climate, especially in the Central and Southern regions, where temperatures can exceed 35-40°C between March and May in the South, and May to July in the North. To avoid any risk of heat stroke or dehydration, it is essential to adopt a few simple measures: drink bottled water regularly, wear light and breathable clothing, and wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Avoid intense physical activities during the hottest hours of the day, particularly between 11 AM and 3 PM, and apply high-protection sunscreen. If you experience dizziness, headaches, or nausea, immediately seek shade, rest, and drink plenty of water.

Pollution and allergies

Major Vietnamese cities, notably Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, rank among Asia's most polluted, due to dense traffic, heat, and humidity that trap fine particles in the air. Atmospheric pollution levels can therefore be high, especially during rush hours or windless days.

If you are asthmatic, prone to respiratory issues, or simply sensitive to air quality, it is recommended to wear a filtering mask, such as FFP2 type, to limit inhalation of particles. Also favor morning walks or late afternoon outings, when pollution is slightly less concentrated.

Before heading to Vietnam, prepare a complete personal medical kit. Bring your regular medications in sufficient quantity, accompanied by prescriptions in English, especially if they are specific medications such as psychotropic drugs or insulin. Don't forget to pack:

• Pain relievers (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
• An antidiarrheal
• An antispasmodic
• An antihistamine
• Oral rehydration salts
• An antiemetic for nausea.

Also include:

• An antiseptic
• Adhesive bandages
• Sterile gauze pads
• Antibiotic ointment
• Hand sanitizer
• Disinfectant wipes
• Water purification tablets.

Note that while pharmacies are common in major cities, it is safer to bring your own products, suited to your needs and compliant with customs regulations.

Vietnam now has significantly improved medical infrastructure, particularly in major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. There are modern private clinics and well-equipped international hospitals, often with English-speaking or French-speaking staff. Conversely, in rural areas, facilities are more basic, sometimes poorly supplied with equipment and medications, which can make emergency care difficult to access.

In case of serious problems, medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore is often necessary. Urban pharmacies are numerous and well-stocked, but remain cautious about counterfeits and avoid buying medications in markets. In an emergency, dial 115, although emergency services may take time to respond.

Furthermore, it is strongly recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, hospitalization, and medical repatriation, as treatment in private clinics can be expensive.