Vietnam Travel Guide

🇺🇸 US State Department Advisory

Reissued after periodic review without changes. Exercise normal precautions in Vietnam. Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Vietnam.  If you decide to travel to Vietnam: Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  X/Twitter.   Review the  Country Security Report  for...

✈️ Planning a Trip?

Despite advisories, many travelers visit Vietnam safely every year. Check our guides for practical tips:

🚨 Emergency Numbers

🏥 Healthcare Summary

Access: very_easy Hours: Pharmacies (nhà thuốc) are extremely common in cities and towns, often open 24/7. Many medications are available without prescription, including antibiotics. Prescription rules: Many medications are available OTC. For prescription drugs, a Vietnamese doctor's prescription may be required. International prescriptions are generally not accepted. 💡 Tips Vietnam has very easy pharmacy access — many medications available OTC that require prescriptions elsewhere, including antibiotics. However, quality of medications can be inconsistent. Buy from reputable pharmacies (large chains like Long Chau, Pharmacity, or Nexus) when possible.

Insurance: ⚠️ Strongly recommended Average cost: $25-50/week 💡 Tip International clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City accept direct billing from major insurers. Public hospitals require payment upfront. Medical evacuation from rural areas to Bangkok or Singapore may be necessary for serious conditions. Ensure your policy covers this. 💡 Tip International clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City accept direct billing from major insurers. Public hospitals require payment upfront. Medical evacuation from rural areas to Bangkok or Singapore may be necessary for serious conditions. Ensure your policy covers this.

💊 Medication Restrictions

Vietnam restricts medications classified as 'addictive' or 'psychotropic' (including many anxiety, depression, insomnia, and ADHD medications) to a maximum 7-day supply. Carry a signed doctor's letter listing your name, medication names, dosages, and the quantity needed for your trip. Contact the Vietnamese Embassy before travel if you need to bring more than 7 days' supply. Drug penalties are extremely severe — the death penalty may apply for trafficking — and police conduct random drug testing at nightlife venues and private residences.

• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) — RESTRICTED: Available by prescription. Classified as psychotropic substances under Vietnam's drug control laws. Carry original packaging and doctor's documentation—Vietnam has strict drug enforcement.
• Adderall / amphetamines — BANNED: Amphetamines are strictly illegal narcotics in Vietnam. Penalties are among the harshest in the world—possession of >100g of amphetamines can carry the death penalty. Adderall is not available. Do NOT bring into Vietnam.
• Cannabis / CBD — BANNED: Cannabis is strictly illegal in all forms. Possession can result in 1-5 years imprisonment; trafficking of large quantities can carry the death penalty. CBD products are also illegal.
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) — RESTRICTED: Limited availability. Classified as psychotropic substance under Decree 73/2018. Requires prescription and documentation. Travelers should carry a doctor's letter and prior authorization may be needed.
• Codeine / opioids — RESTRICTED: Codeine requires prescription. Opioids strictly controlled—heroin trafficking carries the death penalty. Even prescription opioids require careful documentation. Carry original packaging and medical records.

🙏 Cultural Tips

Tipping: Not traditional but increasingly appreciated in tourist areas. Leave 10-15% at tourist restaurants and bars in Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City (rarely automatic). Tip tour guides 50,000-100,000 VND/day. Round up taxi fares. Hotel porters: 20,000-50,000 VND.

Cultural taboos to avoid:

• Touching someone's head (sacred)
• Pointing with index finger (point with whole hand)
• Losing your temper or showing anger publicly (extreme loss of face)
• Patting a child on the head
• Taking photographs of military installations

🎭 Tourist Scam Guides

Common scams to watch out for in Vietnam: