Departing for Vietnam soon?
Travelers to this beautiful country should be aware of the risk of malaria – a mosquito borne disease with potentially-severe symptoms.
What’s the Risk of Malaria in Vietnam?
While malaria is more prevalent in rural and remote regions of Vietnam, particularly near the borders with Laos and Cambodia, no area in the country is completely risk-free. The overall level of risk varies depending on several factors, including the season, time of day, and the type of environment you’re visiting.
Malaria transmission in Vietnam tends to peak during the rainy season (May through October), when mosquito populations surge due to higher humidity and standing water. During this period, travelers spending time outdoors in the evening or staying in areas with dense vegetation, rice paddies, or forested regions are at greater risk.
Urban centers such as Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City have a very low incidence of malaria thanks to strong public health measures, but travelers venturing to provinces like Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Quang Nam, or Binh Phuoc should remain cautious. Using mosquito protection, sleeping under treated bed nets, and taking preventive medication when recommended can greatly reduce the risk of infection.
Understanding how malaria risk changes with location and season, and taking the proper precautions, helps ensure your trip to Vietnam remains safe, healthy, and enjoyable. For personalized guidance, consult a travel health physician before departure or through Runway Health, where licensed doctors can recommend the most appropriate prevention plan based on your itinerary.
1) Consult a Doctor for Preventative Anti-Malarials
When planning a trip to Vietnam, protecting yourself against malaria is a top priority. This is why many doctors recommend anti-malarial medication, regardless of which area of Vietnam you’re in.
Malarone is one of the most commonly prescribed and trusted medications for malaria prevention among travelers. It has earned its reputation as a traveler favorite due to its strong effectiveness, predictable dosing, and relatively low risk of side effects compared to older antimalarial drugs.
Malarone is a combination medication that contains Atovaquone and Proguanil, two active ingredients that work together to prevent the malaria parasite from reproducing and spreading in the body. It’s taken once daily, starting 1–2 days before entering a malaria-endemic area, continued throughout your stay, and for 7 days after leaving the region.
Because of its short post-travel dosing period, convenient schedule, and mild side effect profile, Malarone is often preferred by travelers visiting destinations in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America, where malaria remains a concern. When combined with mosquito precautions—such as repellents, treated bed nets, and proper clothing—it offers a reliable and well-tolerated defense against malaria, helping travelers stay healthy and enjoy their trips with confidence.
Get Anti-Malaria Prescription ➜
Runway Health offers fast & easy online prescriptions, which can be shipped to your doorstep (allowing you to avoid in-person appointments and pickups). Medications are below average retail pricing – so you can budget easier and avoid overpaying.
2) Use Insect Repellent Wisely & Effectively
Using insect repellent is another key method to protect against malaria in Vietnam.
Products containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are commonly used among travelers.
A few more tips, if you use repellent:
- Make sure to apply the repellent on all exposed skin, especially during peak mosquito activity times, such as early morning and late afternoon into the evening.
- Reapplying according to the product’s instructions is critical, especially if you’re sweating a lot or swimming.
- Insect repellent can be used safely on both your skin and over clothing for added protection.
3) The Role of Mosquito Nets
Sleeping under a mosquito net is a simple yet highly effective way to prevent malaria.
Nets treated with insecticide offer the best protection and should be tucked under your mattress to ensure no mosquitoes can get inside. It’s especially important to use a mosquito net if you’re staying in accommodations that aren’t completely sealed or are close to mosquito-breeding sites like stagnant water.
Checking your net for any holes or tears each time you use it ensures that you remain protected throughout the night.
4) Protective Clothing for Mosquito Protection
Wearing the right clothing is a simple yet effective way to protect against mosquito bites in Vietnam.
If you plan to venture into high-risk areas in Vietnam, consider the following:
- Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks can create a barrier between your skin and mosquitoes, especially during their most active times at dawn and dusk.
- Choosing clothes made from tightly woven fabrics can further reduce the risk of bites.
- For added protection, clothing can be treated with permethrin, the same type of repellent mentioned above.
When exploring Vietnam’s natural beauty, wearing protective clothing not only guards against mosquitoes but also against other insects and environmental elements.
5) Stay in Well-Screened or Air-Conditioned Accommodations
Choosing where to stay in Vietnam can play a significant role in malaria prevention.
Malaria Journal discusses how accommodations that are well-screened or equipped with air conditioning can significantly reduce your exposure to mosquitoes. Screens on windows and doors prevent mosquitoes from entering, while air conditioning keeps indoor environments cooler and less hospitable to mosquitoes.
When booking your stay, consider asking about these features, especially if you plan to visit rural or high-risk areas. Spending the night in accommodations that prioritize these protective measures can greatly enhance your defense against malaria.
6) Watch for Water & Dense Vegetation
Mosquitoes that transmit malaria thrive in warm, humid environments with standing water and dense vegetation. These are conditions commonly found across Vietnam’s rural and forested regions and provide ideal breeding sites for the Anopheles mosquito, the primary carrier of malaria.
Be especially cautious around stagnant or slow-moving water sources, such as:
- Ponds
- Rice paddies
- Irrigation canals
- Slow-moving streams or marshes
These environments are particularly common in Vietnam’s countryside and agricultural zones, where mosquito populations tend to be highest. Even small collections of water, such as puddles or containers left outdoors, can become breeding grounds during the rainy season.
Likewise, areas with dense vegetation or jungle terrain provide shaded, humid conditions where mosquitoes can rest during the day and remain active longer into the evening. When traveling through or staying near forests, rural villages, or river valleys, take extra precautions by:
- Applying EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, ideally treated with permethrin
- Sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets when accommodations are open-air or unscreened
By recognizing high-risk environments and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can greatly reduce your chances of mosquito bites and lower your risk of malaria while traveling through Vietnam’s beautiful but tropical landscapes.
7) Understand Peak Dawn & Dusk Hours
Mosquito activity in Vietnam, particularly from the Anopheles species that transmit malaria, peaks during the early morning and late evening hours, when temperatures are cooler and humidity is higher. Understanding these patterns is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of mosquito bites and stay healthy while traveling.
During these peak hours, mosquitoes are not only more numerous but also more aggressive, as they seek out blood meals before and after daylight hours. Travelers spending time outdoors during dawn or dusk, especially in rural or forested areas, are at a higher risk of being bitten.
Planning your daily activities with these high-risk times in mind, such as scheduling hikes or excursions during midday hours when mosquitoes are less active, can significantly reduce your chances of exposure and lower your risk of contracting malaria or other mosquito-borne illnesses.
8) Know When to Seek Help
Recognizing the early symptoms of malaria and knowing when to seek medical care are essential for anyone traveling in Vietnam or other malaria-endemic regions. The disease can present with a range of symptoms that often resemble the flu, which is why early detection and treatment are so important.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- Headache and muscle aches
- Fatigue and general weakness
- Sweating or alternating hot and cold sensations
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (in some cases)
These symptoms typically appear 7 to 30 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, but in some cases, depending on the malaria species, they may take weeks or even months to emerge after returning home. Because the early signs can be mistaken for common viral illnesses, travelers often underestimate their seriousness.
If you suspect you may have malaria, seek medical attention immediately. The disease can progress rapidly and become life-threatening if not treated promptly. Healthcare providers in Vietnam are experienced in diagnosing malaria and can perform a simple blood test to confirm infection. Early treatment is highly effective and can prevent complications.
When visiting a clinic or hospital, be sure to inform the healthcare provider about your recent travel history, any mosquito exposure, and current medications or preventive measures you’ve taken, such as antimalarial tablets. This information helps guide accurate testing and treatment.
Prompt recognition and quick medical evaluation not only improve your chances of a full recovery but also help prevent further transmission. If you’re uncertain about your symptoms or need medical guidance during your trip, you can connect with a physician at Runway Health online for expert advice and next steps.
