Health
Health care: There are hospitals in major towns and cities, and health care centers in all provinces, but facilities are limited and there is a lack of medicine. Health insurance is essential and should include coverage for emergency repatriation by air. Immediate cash payment is expected for medical services.
Vaccination: Special Precautions and Vaccinations Certificate may be required. Malaria regulations can change at short notice. Please take medical advice in case of doubt. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers arriving from infected areas. A Cholera vaccination certificate is not an official condition of entry to Vietnam. However, cholera is a serious risk in the country. Malaria risk exists, predominantly in the falciparum form, throughout the year everywhere except urban areas, the Red River delta and the coastal plains of Central Vietnam. The Recommended prophylaxis is mefloquine, doxycycline or atovaquone/proguanil, depending on the specific area visited.
Food and drink: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized. Milk is not pasteurized and should be boiled. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from un-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Safety
Safety: Vietnam is a relatively safe country to visit. As a global rule, we recommend you never leave your belongings unattended and always maintain eye contact or a firm grip on cameras and shoulder bags. Valuables should be stored in the safety box in your room, if available, or at the reception. Avoid mopeds late at night and choose reliable metered taxi companies.
Natural Hazards: Occasional typhoons can happen from May to January with extensive flooding, especially in the center and northern area.