Vietnam travel health

Travellers tend to worry about contracting infectious diseases when in the tropics, but infections are a rare cause of serious illness or death in travellers. Pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, and accidental injury (especially traffic accidents), account for most life-threatening problems. Becoming ill in some way, however, is a relatively common thing. Fortunately, most common illnesses can either be prevented with some common-sense behaviour or be treated easily with a well-stocked traveller’s medical kit.

Heath care in Vietnam

Health issues and the quality of medical facilities vary enormously depending on where and how you travel in Vietnam. Many of the major cities are now very well developed, although travel to rural areas can expose you to a variety of health risks and inadequate medical care.

Some international hospitals/clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (American, French and German doctors on staff)

In Hanoi: (tel code: 84-4)

    * Hanoi French Hospital
      1 Phuong Mai Str.
      Tel: 577-1100, emergency: 574-1111

    * Family Medical Practice
      Unit 109-112, Van Phuc, Blog A1, Kim Ma Str.
      Tel: 843-0748 (24hours))

    * International SOS
      31 Hai Ba Trung Str.
      Tel: 934-0666, emergency: 934-0555

    * Vietnam-Korea Friendship Hospital
      12 Chu Van An Str.
      Tel: 843-7231

In Ho Chi Minh City: (tel code: 84-8)

    * International SOS
      65, Nguyen Du Str.
      Tel: 829-8520, emergency: 829-8424

    * Saigon International Clinic
      8 Alexandre de Rhodes Str., District 1
      Tel: 823-8888

    * Gia Dinh International Hospital
      1 Trang Long Str., Bin Thanh District
      Tel: 803-0678

    * Franco Vietnamese Hospital
      6 Nguyen Luong Bang Str., District 7
      Tel: 411-3333

Resources of Health Advice for Travellers

    * Travel-related risks
    * Medical consultation before travel
    * Medical kit and toilet items
    * Travellers with pre-existing medical conditions and special needs
    * Insurance for travellers
    * Role of travel industry professionals
    * Responsibility of the traveller
    * Medical examination after travel

(Source: World Health Organization (WHO) http://www.who.int/ith/en/)