For most short-term travellers the usual recommended vaccinations for Vietnam include cover against the childhood diseases (Tetanus and Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps and Rubella) as well as cover against the food and water borne diseases, including Typhoid and Hepatitis A.

For those trekking in the Vietnamese countryside or staying for longer periods cover against Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines should also be considered.

The recommended time to start your vaccines is four to six weeks before leaving home. However, those planning a longer visit, or where if the planned trip is likely to bring them to more rural parts of Vietnam, should book their consultation earlier to ensure that there is sufficient time to complete the vaccine courses.

Vietnam is endemic for Malaria and the risk of transmission occurs in many regions of the country. Therefore, antimalarial tablets (malaria prophylaxis) may need to be considered, depending on your itinerary.

The majority of those visiting Vietnam will have no particular difficulty with regard to safety and security, though street crime can be a problem in the main cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Ming. Generally this is in the form of pick-pocketing or snatch and grab incidents. Take care of your personal belongings at all times and take care not to flaunt your relative wealth.

The biggest risks for travellers to Vietnam tend to be associated with food and water borne diseases, mosquito bites and the traffic. Common-sense and care is needed at all times to ensure a good, safe holiday.