Moderate riskAsia · South-Eastern AsiaVietnam Travel Health Guide
Moderate risk
Vietnam carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in rural areas of Vietnam. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Compiled by Voyax Health from CDC Travelers' Health: Vietnam. Editorial sections reviewed by Voyax Health pharmacists ·
Overall risk
Moderate risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
The country has three climates. The north is best October to April, the centre January to August, and the south December to April. Dengue peaks with the rains in each region.
Travel health in Vietnam
Vietnam's health picture mirrors Thailand's with a little more edge: dengue is endemic and large outbreaks recur, typhoid and hepatitis A are real food and water risks, and rabies is present in dogs across the country. Malaria has been pushed back to rural and forested areas, mainly the central highlands and the far south; Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay and the coastal resorts carry no risk. Traffic is the leading cause of serious injury to visitors, especially on rented motorbikes.
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Make sure all routine vaccinations are current before traveling to Vietnam.
COVID-19
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations before traveling.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travelers to Vietnam age 1 year and older.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers to Vietnam.
Measles
Measles vaccination is required for all international travelers. Get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before travel.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccination is recommended for most travelers to Vietnam, especially if visiting rural areas.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for long-term travelers or those doing outdoor activities in rural areas.
Rabies
Consider rabies vaccination if you'll be doing activities with animal exposure or may have limited access to medical care.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya vaccine is generally not recommended. Prevent mosquito bites to reduce risk.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccination is not needed for Vietnam.
Disease risks
Malaria
Malaria risk exists in rural areas of Vietnam. Take antimalarial medication as prescribed and prevent mosquito bites. No risk in major cities.
Traveler's Diarrhea
All areas except Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang; high risk in rural Mekong Delta.
Malaria risk
Malaria risk is limited to certain areas. Whether you need antimalarial medication depends on your itinerary — see details.
Malaria risk exists in rural areas of Vietnam. Take antimalarial medication as prescribed and prevent mosquito bites. No risk in major cities.
Seasonal timing
When health risks peak through the year — plan around them.
Peak
June to November
Dengue
Highest in the south (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) and central coast. Day-biting mosquitoes; use repellent from morning.
Peak
May to October (north)
Japanese encephalitis
Rural rice-growing areas, especially the Red River Delta and northern highlands. Vaccination is for extended rural stays.
Peak
September to November (central and north)
Typhoons and flooding
Flooding disrupts travel and increases waterborne disease risk in the weeks after.
Water & food safety
Water
Do not drink tap water. Bottled water is cheap and everywhere; check the seal. Ice in restaurants and cafés in cities is generally factory-made and safe; be cautious in rural markets.
Food
Pho and banh mi from busy stalls cooked or assembled fresh are generally safe. The higher-risk items are raw herbs and salads washed in tap water, undercooked shellfish, and blood-based dishes. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccination provide a safety net.
Medications
Pharmacies are plentiful and sell most medications without a prescription, but counterfeit products are a documented problem. Use larger chain pharmacies (Pharmacity, Long Chau) in cities and bring your own regular and controlled medications with documentation.
On the ground
Medical facilities
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have international-standard private clinics and hospitals (FV Hospital, Vinmec, Family Medical Practice). Elsewhere care is basic. Serious cases are often evacuated to Bangkok or Singapore.
Travel insurance
Essential, with evacuation cover. Check whether motorbike use is covered; many policies exclude it or require a licence and helmet.
Emergency numbers
Police
113
Medical / Ambulance
115
Fire
114
U.S. Embassy
+84-24-3850-5000
Vietnam travel health FAQ
Do I need malaria pills for Vietnam?▼
Not for the usual route of Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and the beaches. Prophylaxis is advised for rural areas in the central highlands and parts of the south near the Cambodian border. Your pharmacist checks each stop.
Is the rabies vaccine recommended for Vietnam?▼
Consider it for stays over a month, rural travel, cycling, or anyone likely to interact with animals. Dog bites are common and rabies immune globulin can be scarce outside the two big cities.
Which vaccines do I need for a two-week trip to Vietnam?▼
Routine vaccines, hepatitis A and typhoid for almost everyone; hepatitis B for most travellers; Japanese encephalitis and rabies depending on how rural and how long your trip is. Yellow fever vaccination is required only if arriving from a yellow fever country.
More country guides
Brunei DarussalamLow riskBrunei Darussalam carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine not needed from US, but required if coming from countries with yellow fever risk or long layovers there
CambodiaModerate riskCambodia carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists primarily in rural and forested areas of Cambodia. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Christmas IslandLow riskChristmas Island carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Plan your Vietnam trip
Get vaccines, prescriptions and a personalized health plan for Vietnam — matched to your itinerary and travelers.
Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health: Vietnam · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.