Medical advise for sickness in Vietnam
This guide is here to help travelers in Vietnam understand what to do when they fall ill—whether it’s finding medication, visiting a doctor, or knowing when to seek professional medical attention. While most minor illnesses can be treated with rest and over-the-counter medication, serious conditions always require professional medical advice from a licensed doctor.
To stay prepared, here are some important things to consider before and during your trip:
- Travel insurance: Always have travel insurance that covers medical expenses in Vietnam. Learn more about your options here: travel insurance for Vietnam.
- Keep important contacts saved: Save your personal doctor’s contact details or check if your country provides a helpline for travelers needing medical assistance abroad.
- Vaccinations: Protect yourself from common illnesses in Vietnam by getting the recommended vaccines before traveling: vaccinations for Vietnam.
- Bringing medication: If you rely on prescription medication, bring enough for your trip and check the regulations on carrying medicine into Vietnam: bringing medication into Vietnam.
- Health & safety tips: Take precautions to avoid getting sick in the first place. Follow these tips on food safety, drinking water, traffic risks, and more: health & safety in Vietnam.
Common sickness for travellers in Vietnam
Getting sick while traveling in Vietnam is not uncommon, as the climate, food, and environment can expose you to different health risks. The most common issues range from food poisoning and stomach problems to mosquito-borne illnesses and respiratory infections. Accidents, particularly motorbike injuries, are also a major concern for travelers. Below are some of the most frequent health problems travelers face in Vietnam and how to handle them.
Food poisoning
Food poisoning is one of the most common illnesses travelers experience in Vietnam due to different bacteria, food preparation methods, and hygiene standards. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. To avoid food poisoning, be cautious about where you eat, drink bottled or filtered water, and ensure food is cooked thoroughly. If you do get food poisoning, staying hydrated and resting is essential. For a full guide on prevention and treatment, check out: food poisoning in Vietnam.
Traveler’s diarrhea
Similar to food poisoning, traveler’s diarrhea is caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses in contaminated food or water. Symptoms include frequent, watery stools, cramps, and mild dehydration. It can often be treated by drinking plenty of fluids and taking rehydration salts. Over-the-counter medication like loperamide (Imodium) can help in non-severe cases. If symptoms last more than a few days, medical attention may be needed.
Dengue fever & mosquito-borne illnesses
Vietnam has a tropical climate, making mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever and, in some areas, malaria a concern. Dengue fever is particularly common in cities and during the rainy season, causing symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, muscle pain, and skin rashes. There is no specific treatment, so preventing mosquito bites by using repellent, wearing long sleeves, and staying in mosquito-protected areas is key. If you experience symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Respiratory infections
Vietnam’s air pollution, especially in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, can trigger respiratory infections, coughs, and allergies. Sudden temperature changes, air conditioning, and high humidity can also contribute to sore throats and colds. If you have asthma or other respiratory conditions, consider wearing a mask outdoors and carrying necessary medication.
Motorbike injuries
Motorbike accidents are one of the most common medical emergencies for travelers in Vietnam. Even experienced riders can find local traffic challenging, and road conditions are not always ideal. Common injuries include road rash, sprains, fractures, and head injuries. If you plan to ride, wear a quality helmet, drive cautiously, and consider travel insurance that covers motorbike accidents. If you do get into an accident, seek medical attention immediately, even for minor injuries.
Fever and heat exhaustion
Fever can be a symptom of various illnesses, including infections, food poisoning, or mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever. If you have a mild fever, staying hydrated, resting, and taking fever-reducing medication like paracetamol can help. However, if your fever is high (above 39°C/102°F) or lasts more than a few days, seek medical attention.
Heat exhaustion is another cause of fever and is common due to Vietnam’s hot and humid climate. Symptoms include excessive sweating, dizziness, nausea, and dehydration. To prevent heat exhaustion, drink plenty of water, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and wear light, breathable clothing. If symptoms persist or worsen, cool down in a shaded or air-conditioned area and seek medical assistance if necessary.
Pharmacies and medicine in Vietnam
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Vietnam, with at least one in every neighborhood and often entire streets lined with multiple pharmacies. Whether you need basic medicine, first-aid supplies, or cleaning solutions for wounds, pharmacies are the most accessible option.
Most medications, including antibiotics and general treatments, are sold over the counter without requiring a prescription. This makes it convenient for travelers dealing with minor health issues. However, counterfeit medicine is a concern, especially at smaller, unregulated pharmacies. To ensure you are getting genuine and safe medication, it is best to buy from reputable pharmacy chains that are well-established and trusted.
Recommended pharmacy chains in Vietnam:
- Pharmacity – The largest pharmacy chain with locations in all major cities, known for high standards and reliability.
- Long Châu – Well-stocked pharmacies with a reputation for quality medicine and professional service.
- An Khang – Another trusted chain offering a wide range of medicine and personal healthcare products.
For peace of mind, always check the expiry date and packaging of medicines before purchasing, and consult a pharmacist if you have any doubts.
Tip 1: Let staff at your accommodation know
Vietnamese culture places a strong emphasis on community and taking care of one another, so don’t hesitate to inform the staff at your accommodation if you’re feeling unwell. While you may not want to share sensitive medical details, simply letting them know you are sick can be incredibly helpful.
Many hotels, guesthouses, and homestays will go out of their way to assist you—whether it’s bringing food to your door, providing basic medicine, or arranging transportation if you need medical help. If your condition worsens, they can also help you get to a hospital or call a doctor if needed.
For easier communication, consider sharing your WhatsApp with the staff. If they don’t use WhatsApp, they likely use Zalo, Vietnam’s most popular messaging app. (What is Zalo? Find out here.)
Even if you don’t need help immediately, keeping your accommodation staff informed ensures that someone is aware of your situation and can assist if necessary.
Tip 2: Delivery apps for food and groceries
If you’re too sick to leave your room, you can easily order food, groceries, or even medicine using delivery apps. The most convenient option is Grab, which most travelers already use for booking rides. It’s also Vietnam’s biggest food delivery app, allowing you to browse menus, select dishes, and order from thousands of restaurants with just a few taps.
Beyond food, many supermarkets and even pharmacies are listed on Grab, so you can order basic medicine, drinks, and other essentials without having to go outside.
If you’re staying in a hotel or guesthouse, you can ask the staff to receive the order for you and bring it to your room, so you don’t even have to go to the lobby. This is especially helpful if you’re too weak to move around but still need something to eat or drink.
Best hospitals in Vietnam
Vietnam has a wide range of hospitals, from local public hospitals to international hospitals in major cities. While every city and town has at least one public hospital, the quality of care, language skills of the staff, and overall service can vary.
- Local hospitals are cheaper, but they can be overcrowded, lack English-speaking staff, and have longer waiting times. They are mainly used by locals and may not provide the same level of comfort or specialized care that international travelers expect.
- International hospitals in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Da Nang offer higher standards of care, modern equipment, and English-speaking doctors, but they come with higher costs.
If you need medical attention, check with your travel insurance to see which hospitals are covered before seeking treatment. For a list of recommended hospitals in Vietnam, visit: Hospitals & Healthcare in Vietnam.
Emergency numbers in Vietnam
In worst-case scenarios, knowing the right emergency numbers can be crucial. However, in some cases, it might be faster and more reliable to take a taxi or Grab directly to the hospital, especially in big cities where traffic can slow down ambulances.
If you need emergency assistance, you can ask your accommodation staff to help—whether it’s calling for an ambulance, giving the correct address, or translating for you.
Here are the key emergency numbers in Vietnam:
- Ambulance (Medical Emergency): 115
- Police: 113
- Fire Department: 114
- Tourist Helpline: (+84) 28 3823 2323 (Ho Chi Minh City) / (+84) 24 3933 3333 (Hanoi)
If you have serious medical concerns, head to an international hospital for better care and English-speaking staff. See the full list of recommended hospitals here: Hospitals in Vietnam.
