Vietnam - Health
Major cities such as Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City have a number of public and private hospitals with English-speaking staff. In rural areas, healthcare is limited and of low standard.
International dental clinics with English-speaking dentists are located in all major towns and cities. Fees vary.
Travel insurance is recommended.
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines prior to your trip.
Vaccinations against Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B are recommended.
Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for people who travel extensively in rural areas and for long-term tourists.
Note: There is an outbreak of diphtheria in several provinces in Vietnam specifically Dien Bien, Ha Giang, and Thai Nguyen. Diphtheria bacteria spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, including from coughing or sneezing. People can also get sick from touching open sores or ulcers of people sick with diphtheria.
You should be up to date with your diphtheria vaccines if traveling to the affected areas. A Level 2 travel health notice was issued recently (September 2023) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Food and Water Concerns:
It is not recommended to drink tap water in Vietnam. It is best to drink bottled water or use filtered water for drinking purposes. Bottled water and mineral water are widely available and can be bought at supermarkets, kiosks, and many shops.
Beware of food from street-side vendors, which might be contaminated.
Mosquito-borne Diseases:
Visitors going to certain areas of Vietnam are recommended to take prescription medicine to prevent malaria.
Insect-borne diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika are risks in Vietnam.
Because of the risks to pregnancy, travelers should consult the CDC Travelers’ Health website for the most current recommendations for Zika.
Prevention:
- Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin.
- Re-apply according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Wear neutral-colored (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing. - Pre-soak or spray the outer layer of clothing and gear with permethrin.
- Ensure that the hatch and window screens work properly.
Prescription Drugs:
Some addictive and psychotropic medications are controlled.
Some medications may not be available in Vietnam. You should bring adequate supplies of medications for the duration of your stay and check with the Ministry of Health that the medicine you need is allowed to enter Vietnam. Always carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor.
Emergency Numbers:
See Emergencies.
A list of public and private hospitals is available on the Vietnam Tourism webpage.
Useful Links:
- Vietnam Ministry of Health
- Official Website Vietnam Tourism
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Last update: September 2023
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Hi, I am Reinhard. We (my wife and myself) sail our Ovni 435, named “Exit Strategy” under Flag of Austria and would like to visit Vietnam in March/April 2020, furthermore we would like to pick up 2 friends in Vietnam and sail later to Malaysian Islands. What authority issues we have to prepare?
Hi Reinhard,
Sadly Vietnam still seems very much “off limits” to foreign yachts. The latest information we have on formalities is in the Vietnam formalities section – https://www.noonsite.com/place/vietnam/formalities/. It appears using a clearance agent can ease the process, however, we don’t have any contacts in that area. Even the new South China Sea pilot says “make absolutely certain that all your paperwork is in places. Yachts without the correct paperwork have been impounded and crew have spent several days in prison.” It however does not indicate exactly what paperwork is required.
Quite possibly the simplest option is to leave the boat in Malaysia and travel overland to Vietnam.
I will however put some feelers out and see if we can get some more up to date information for you.
I’m in Vietnam. If I can help (and I’m quite sure I can) please let me know.
Hi Michael. I am buying a Seawind1260 and the plan was to pick it up from Vietnam but that will be delayed now. I have some questions about purchasing items from a chandlery in Vietnam but can’t really see too much information on line. Would you be able to give me some advice?
Frances
Ruurd van Putten is a Dutch guy providing several yachting services. Contact him at info@sailing.vn
It’s spectacular cruising grounds, to be sure. We are working daily to open things up and simplify the process.
It’s a grind, but we are making slow and steady progress.
Ana Marina plans to open in Q-4 2019, and hopefully that will create a little momentum in the ministry offices.
If I can be of any help, feel free to get in touch
Michael Aumock
GM@AnaMarina.com
Hi this is Josef..I have a 43 Gulfstar presently in Philippines verry interested to sail Vietnam
Taking my Philipiena along ..how would I proceed??
Gm@anamarina.com
Realistically you are looking at Q2 2020 for relatively easy access, unless you want to flag it as Vietnamese
Hi Michael, it appears that the email address is not working. Is there another email address?
Thank You.
Johnathan G.A.Bravo
Am keen to cruise Vietnam but it still seems a bit of a struggle.
Any advice appreciated.
Apart from the new “Ana Marina” in Nha Trang – are there any other marinas in Vietnam?
Are there any other marinas planned or mooted??
Is it still a nightmare to cruise in Vietnam?