Hanoi Health & Vaccinations: Medical Travel Guide (2026)

Hanoi is generally a healthy destination for prepared travelers — but knowing what vaccinations to get, what health risks to expect, and what to bring in your medical kit makes all the difference. Most travelers don’t experience serious health issues, but the wrong street food choice or mosquito bite can disrupt your trip. This complete Hanoi health and vaccinations guide for 2026 covers recommended shots, common health risks, what to pack in your medical kit, and how to handle emergencies.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine Vaccines (Should Be Current)

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
• Polio
• Influenza (annual)
• COVID-19 (current vaccinations)

Strongly Recommended for Hanoi

• Hepatitis A: Foodborne, important.
• Hepatitis B: Recommended for all travelers.
• Typhoid: Foodborne and water-borne.
• Cholera: Increased risk in some areas.

Consider Based on Travel Plans

• Japanese Encephalitis: If staying 1+ month or rural travel (rice fields).
• Rabies: If extensive outdoor activity (hiking, biking, animal interaction).
• Yellow Fever: Required if coming from endemic countries.

Get Vaccines 4-8 Weeks Before Travel

Some vaccines need multiple doses or time to be effective. Visit a travel medicine clinic for personalized recommendations.

Common Health Risks in Hanoi

1. Traveler’s Diarrhea

• Cause: Bacterial contamination from food or water.
• Symptoms: Stomach cramps, diarrhea, sometimes nausea.
• Prevention: Bottled water, hot freshly cooked food, peeled fruit.
• Treatment: Loperamide (Imodium) for symptoms. Hydration.
• When to see doctor: Bloody diarrhea, high fever, lasting more than 3 days.

2. Heat Exhaustion

• Cause: High summer temperatures (32-38°C) with humidity.
• Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, headache.
• Prevention: Hydrate constantly, avoid 11 AM-3 PM outdoor activity, light clothing.
• Treatment: Cool environment, fluids, rest.
• When to see doctor: Heatstroke (confusion, hot dry skin, no sweating).

3. Mosquito-Borne Diseases

• Dengue Fever: Most common. Symptoms: high fever, joint pain, rash.
• Zika Virus: Mild typically; concerning for pregnant women.
• Japanese Encephalitis: Rare but serious; rural areas.
• Malaria: Very rare in Hanoi area; risk in some rural mountains.
• Prevention: DEET 25%+ repellent, long sleeves at dusk, mosquito coils.

4. Air Pollution

• Issue: Hanoi has serious air pollution, especially November-March.
• AQI levels: Often 100-200 (unhealthy).
• Symptoms: Respiratory irritation, sore throat, eye discomfort.
• Prevention: Check daily AQI (IQAir, AirVisual apps). Wear N95 mask on bad days.
• Avoid: Outdoor exercise, motorbike riding on bad-air days.

5. Food Poisoning

• Cause: Contaminated street food.
• Prevention: Eat at busy restaurants. Cooked-to-order. Avoid sun-exposed food.
• Treatment: Hydration, electrolytes. Loperamide if needed.

6. Sunburn

• Especially summer.
• Use SPF 50+ sunscreen.
• Sun hat and sunglasses.
• Avoid 11 AM-3 PM exposure.

7. Motor Accidents

• Biggest health risk for tourists.
• Hanoi traffic chaotic.
• Wear helmet on motorbikes.
• Verify travel insurance covers motorbike riding.

8. Respiratory Infections

• Worse in winter (cold + pollution).
• Common cold, bronchitis.
• Bring inhaler if asthmatic.

Travel Medical Kit

Essential Medications

• Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen (pain, fever).
• Loperamide (Imodium) (diarrhea).
• Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) (stomach).
• Antihistamines (Benadryl) (allergies, motion sickness).
• Motion sickness pills (Bonine, Dramamine).
• Sleep aids (jet lag).
• Antibiotic eye drops.
• Cold/flu medicine.
• Probiotics (digestive health).
• Oral rehydration salts.

First Aid Supplies

• Band-aids (various sizes).
• Gauze, medical tape.
• Antiseptic cream/wipes.
• Hydrocortisone cream (rashes).
• Tweezers.
• Small scissors.
• Thermometer.

Mosquito Prevention

• DEET 25%+ insect repellent.
• After-bite cream.
• Mosquito coils (cheap in Vietnam).

Sun Protection

• SPF 50+ sunscreen.
• SPF lip balm.
• Aloe vera gel for sunburn.

Personal/Prescription

• Prescription medications (with documentation).
• Birth control.
• Asthma inhaler.
• Allergy medications.
• Diabetes supplies if needed.

Other Items

• Hand sanitizer.
• Wet wipes.
• Toilet paper/tissues.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Vitamin supplements (especially Vitamin C).

Bringing Prescriptions to Vietnam

• Original packaging with pharmacy label.
• Prescription from your doctor.
• Letter from doctor explaining condition (optional but helpful).
• Generic name in addition to brand name.
• Liquid medications: 100ml in carry-on.
• Controlled substances: Get Vietnam Embassy permission letter in advance.
• Buffer supply: 2-3 days extra in case of delays.

Vietnamese Pharmacies

• Plentiful throughout Hanoi.
• Many sell prescription drugs over the counter (different from Western practice).
• Quality varies — verify brand names.
• Common medicines very cheap — $1-5 for most antibiotics.
• English-speaking pharmacists available at chain pharmacies.

Recommended Pharmacy Chains

• Pharmacity (modern chain, English-friendly).
• Long Chau Pharmacy.
• Eco Pharmacy.
• An Khang Pharmacy.

Food & Water Safety

Drink Only

• Bottled water (sealed).
• Boiled water (hot tea, coffee).
• Carbonated drinks (sealed).
• Major brand bottled juice.
• Pasteurized milk (boxed long-life).

Avoid

• Tap water (even brushing teeth).
• Ice in non-tourist establishments.
• Reused water bottles.
• Unpasteurized milk products.
• Fresh juice from street vendors.

Eat Safely

• Hot freshly cooked food.
• Restaurants with high turnover.
• Peeled fruits (you peel yourself).
• Bottled sauces in original containers.

Avoid

• Raw seafood (sushi from non-reputable places).
• Sun-exposed food.
• Reheated foods.
• Salads (washed in tap water).
• Leftovers from previous day.

Air Pollution Mitigation

Daily AQI Check

• IQAir: Best app for Vietnam.
• AirVisual: Reliable data.
• Hanoi AQI seasonal: Best Apr-Sep, worst Nov-Mar.

Action by AQI

• 0-50 (Good): Normal activities.
• 51-100 (Moderate): Sensitive groups limit outdoor.
• 101-150 (Unhealthy for sensitive): Wear mask.
• 151-200 (Unhealthy): N95 mask, limit outdoor.
• 200+ (Very unhealthy): Stay indoors when possible.

Mask Recommendations

• N95 or KN95 for serious pollution.
• Cloth/surgical masks insufficient.
• Available at pharmacies and some convenience stores.

If You Get Sick

Mild Issues (Diarrhea, Headache, Cold)

• Treat with travel kit medications.
• Hydrate well.
• Rest.
• Visit pharmacy for additional meds.

Moderate Issues (Persistent Fever, Severe Vomiting)

• Visit international clinic or hospital.
• Family Medical Practice ($30-60 consultation).
• Hanoi French Hospital (international standard).

Serious Issues (High Fever, Severe Pain)

• Go to international hospital.
• Vinmec, Hanoi French, or Hong Ngoc.
• Notify travel insurance immediately.
• English-speaking staff available.

Emergency

• Ambulance: 115.
• Or Grab to nearest international hospital.
• Notify embassy if serious.

Health Insurance

• Strongly recommended: Travel insurance with health coverage.
• Verify: Hospitalization, evacuation, repatriation, motorbike if planning.
• Reputable insurers: World Nomads, SafetyWing, Allianz Travel.
• Costs: $30-100 per week.
• Bring: Policy number, claim phone number.

Pre-Travel Health Preparation

4-8 Weeks Before

• Visit travel medicine clinic.
• Get recommended vaccines.
• Get prescription for malaria pills if traveling rural.
• Buy travel insurance.

2 Weeks Before

• Pack medications.
• Refill prescriptions with buffer.
• Print insurance documents.
• Note emergency contacts.

Day of Travel

• Bring carry-on medications (in case checked bag lost).
• Travel insurance card.
• Doctor’s notes.

Special Health Concerns

Pregnant Travelers

• Consult doctor before travel.
• Avoid Zika risk areas.
• No raw fish/shellfish.
• Limited travel insurance for pregnancy.

Asthmatic Travelers

• Bring inhaler + spare.
• Pollution can trigger.
• Stay in air-purified accommodations.

Diabetic Travelers

• Carry insulin in carry-on.
• Bring extra supplies.
• Doctor’s letter for syringes.
• Vietnamese food generally good but watch sugar in drinks.

Senior Travelers

• Heat exhaustion higher risk.
• Falls in uneven streets.
• Bring all regular medications.
• International hospital recommended.

Hanoi Health FAQs

Do I need vaccinations for Hanoi?

Routine vaccines current plus Hepatitis A/B and Typhoid recommended.

Is Vietnamese tap water safe?

No — bottled water only, even for brushing teeth.

How bad is air pollution?

AQI 100-200 common, especially Nov-Mar. Wear N95 on bad days.

Is mosquito-borne disease a major risk?

Dengue happens. Use repellent religiously.

Can I buy medications in Hanoi?

Yes — pharmacies plentiful. Many drugs available without prescription.

Are international hospitals expensive?

$30-100 consultation. $200-1,000/day hospitalization. Insurance covers.

Should I worry about street food?

Hot, freshly cooked, busy stalls generally safe. Use judgment.

What about COVID-19?

No special restrictions in 2026. Standard travel precautions.

Plan Your Healthy Hanoi Trip

Health preparation prevents trip-ruining illness. Pair this guide with our safety pillar, hospitals guide, travel insurance guide, and emergency contacts.