Currently, no vaccinations are required by law to enter Vietnam, with the exception of visitors travelling from an area where yellow fever is endemic. However, Doctors will often recommend vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, diphtheria, tetanus, polio and Japanese encephalitis together with a course of anti-Malarials.

Although there is no requirement to prove that you have taken medical precautions as a condition of entry into Vietnam, the decision to avoid advised medical precautions should either be based on medical advice from your practitioner, or personal acceptance of risk.

If you are planning to travel without vaccinations or other medical protection, it may also be prudent to check your travel insurance policy document, to ascertain if there are prequalifying conditions with regard to such matters attached to your medical cover.

Providing visitors exercise good personal hygiene, there are minimal risks from disease in Vietnam, but if you are intending to travel well off the beaten track, particularly in the central highlands and areas south of the Mekong delta, precautions against malaria are highly recommended. As Dengue Fever and Japanese encephalitis are also borne by mosquitoes, it is advised to use repellents and wear long sleeves and trousers at vulnerable times and places. 

Visitors should avoid drinking tap water, or water from the wild, and should use only bottled water, even for brushing teeth. In common with many other parts of the world, it pays to examine the bottle top seals of bottled water to ensure these have not been re-filled by unscrupulous traders. 

For those unfamiliar with travel in the planet’s tropical regions, special attention should be given to the possibility of dehydration, sunstroke and sunburn. Always drink plenty of water and wear a high factor sunscreen and bear in mind that it is possible to suffer from considerable sunburn even on completely overcast days, particularly in the first few days of your trip. 

Although there are plenty of pharmacies in Vietnam, and it is often possible to get medicines over the counter that would require a prescription at home, please be aware that products, including condoms, can often be poor quality, counterfeit or out of date. 

If you rely on particular medication or other health related products it is better to bring an adequate supply with you when you travel. It is also recommended to have a dental check prior to travelling to avoid the unforeseen spoiling your holiday.