What vaccines do I need for Vietnam?

Recommended by the CDC: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis (especially rural or long-stay), Rabies (adventure travelers, long-stay).

Is tap water safe to drink in Vietnam?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Vietnam. Drink bottled or treated water throughout your trip, including in resort areas.

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Southeast Asia

Vietnam Travel Health

Reviewed by Alexander Webber, Chief Epidemiologist · Updated 2026-08

Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, offering varied climates, terrains, and health risks. From Hanoi's cooler north to Ho Chi Minh City's tropical south, travelers encounter risks from mosquito-borne diseases, food and waterborne illness, and air pollution in urban centers. Rural and highland travel carries additional risks for malaria and Japanese encephalitis.

Food Safety: Moderate Risk Tap Water: Unsafe Malaria Risk Present

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Vaccines for Vietnam

CDC Recommended

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Japanese Encephalitis (especially rural or long-stay)
Rabies (adventure travelers, long-stay)

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Vietnam

Malaria Risk

Low risk in major cities and coastal tourist areas. Moderate to high risk in forested, mountainous, and border areas of the central highlands, and provinces bordering Cambodia and Laos.

Food and Water Safety

Moderate Risk Tap water: not safe to drink

Cooked street food is generally safe. Raw herbs, salads, unpeeled fruit, shellfish, and uncooked dishes carry higher risk. Pho and other hot soups are lower risk. Drink only bottled or boiled water.

Key Health Tips for Vietnam

Apply DEET repellent and use bed nets — dengue and Japanese encephalitis vectors bite during the day.
Only drink bottled or purified water; ice in cities is usually factory-made and safer, but verify.
Consider malaria prophylaxis if venturing into highland or border regions.
Helmet use on motorbikes is legally required and strongly advisable — traffic accidents are a leading cause of traveler injury.

Disease Risks in Vietnam

Official Resources

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