This coming fall I would love to travel to Vietnam. Can you give me any advice regarding health and safety while visiting this part of the world? Virginia A.

Dear Virginia,

I am so excited for you and a little envious too. From my research Vietnam is visually stunning, with a patchwork of green rice paddies, soaring mountains and beautiful beaches. And the food is fabulous--with over 500 Vietnamese dishes, dining out is an adventure. 

Health Before you go, plan on visiting with a Travel Clinics of America physician. A Travel Medicine physician is your best source for information regarding travel vaccinations and travel diseases. Their advice is based on several factors; the time you plan to spend in Vietnam, the activities you hope to accomplish and your underlying medical conditions.

When packing your prescription medications, leave them in their original labeled container. It is a good idea to carry a letter from your physician describing your medical conditions and list of medications (including generic names). If you are carrying syringes or needles you must have a letter from your physician documenting their medical necessity.

Medical Checklist (just in case)Antibacterial cream, anti-fungal cream, antihistamines, decongestants, pain relievers/anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea medication, antiseptic for cuts and scrapes, contraceptives, insect repellent, a diarrhea 'stopper', indigestion medication, laxatives, steroid cream, throat lozenges, sunscreen and a hat.

I highly recommend that you carry a first aid kit with scissors, bandages, gauze, thermometer, safety pins and tweezers.

Insurance Do not leave the country without health insurance, accidents happen. If you have medical insurance, check to see if you are still covered when you travel to Vietnam. You may want to consider getting extra insurance.
 

Safety When you travel to Vietnam, it is important to be cautious about your safety. There are an array of scams and theft problems that I think are worthy of mention so that you can maintain a healthy skepticism.

1. Motorbike-rental scams. In short, beware of using the excellent lock that the owner insists that you use. Someone may follow you (with the proper key), steal the bike and then you have to pay for a new bike (as per your signed contract).

2. Motorbike-won't start scam. You have parked your rented motorbike in a 'safe' area protected by a guard. When you come back, it won't start. However, the guard knows someone who will repair the bike for US$10 (the mechanic that removed the parts in the first place will re-install them).

3. Your motel-of-choice supposedly has 'no vacancy', however a helpful taxi driver knows of a hotel with a vacancy. To avoid this scam, make your reservation ahead of time--by telephone or email.

4. Handbag and luggage theft. When you travel in Vietnam, do not leave anything dangling from your body (handbags, jewelry, cameras). Thieves on motorbikes may grab your personal items in a drive-by. Anything left unattended, even for a moment, may disappear.

5. Pick-pocketing. This activity often involves children, mothers and street vendors skillful a picking pockets or handbags. Even streetwalkers, looking for 'a good time', will approach Western men, give them a big hug--and then depart with their wallet and/or mobile phone.

As I stated before, maintain a healthy skepticism. Before you go, schedule a visit with a Travel Clinics of America physician and then relax and enjoy the Vietnamese experience. Despite all of these warnings, Vietnam is not any worse than what you would expect anywhere else.

Travel Healthy, Travel Smart, Travel Clinics of America

Dr. Alla