Congratulations on moving to Vietnam! This country is full of resplendence, character, and charm. The scenery is truly mind-blowing, the gastronomy will leave you stuffed, and the people are warm and welcoming. Vietnam is a true gem of Southeast Asia and will offer you kindness at every corner. Unfortunately, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Use this article to understand emergency services in Vietnam and get the help you need quickly to recover safely.
Throughout this article, we will discuss the biggest dangers and threats to your health while visiting Vietnam. Everything we mention is applicable regardless of where you are in the country. However, the good news is that the majority of risks can be easily avoided by applying common sense.
The leading causes of accidents and emergencies in Vietnam
Road-related accidents
We'll cut right to the heart of many emergencies in Vietnam. According to Statista, there were 6.4 thousand road-related fatalities in 2023. The Family Medical Practice in Vietnam claims that more than 500 accidents involving foreigners are recorded every year.
Vietnam's roads are amongst the most dangerous in the world for numerous reasons. Traffic laws are in place; however, they are only becoming more enforced as of 2025. This presents a learning curve for drivers who have established bad habits. In addition to this, potholes in Vietnamese roads are a common obstacle. Bear in mind that while accidents occur in the cities on a daily basis, rural driving is actually more dangerous due to less congestion and people driving faster outside of the city, combined with unlit roads after dark.
Tap water
Tap water in Vietnam isn't intended for consumption and is not safe to drink. The likelihood of a fatality is remote; however, there is a high possibility of stomach cramps and nausea. This could result in hospitalization if you have underlying health concerns. If you have no choice but to drink tap water, boil it first. Doing this will kill the majority of contaminants.
Food poisoning
Food poisoning also occurs in Vietnam from time to time. Emergencies of this nature can be unpredictable. If you suspect food poisoning, seek medical attention immediately. Unfortunately, there's no way to avoid this anywhere in the world. We encourage you to wash all your fruits and vegetables before eating, and don't resist street food out of fear!
What to do in the event of accidents and emergencies in Vietnam
The Emergency Medical Response (EMR) team can be contacted in several ways. Keep *9999 (available in English and Vietnamese) stored in your phone, on paper, and in your memory if possible.
Calling this is the best option as it's easy to remember and faster to punch into a third-party phone in emergencies. In addition, the service is available in both Vietnamese and English. Upon receiving your call, the emergency medical response will be dispatched to your location immediately.
The emergency numbers you should be familiar with in Vietnam are:
- 111 (child protection);
- 112 (lifesaving services);
- 113 (police);
- 114 (fire);
- 115 (first aid).
Answer questions quickly and calmly, and stay calm. The emergency response team will determine the severity of the incident and dispatch an ambulance. The hospital the patient is taken to depends on proximity and whether the hospital has the facilities to treat the patient's condition.
We hope you enjoy your stay in Vietnam and wish you the safest of travels.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
