People and Society of Vietnam

Nationality

Vietnamese (singular and plural)

Ethnic Groups

Vietnamese 85%-90%, Chinese, Hmong, Thai, Khmer, Cham, mountain groups

Population

98,186,813

Population in Major Urban Areas

Ho Chi Minh City 6.405 million; HANOI (capital) 2.955 million; Haiphong 925,000; Da Nang 834,000

Medical facilities in Vietnam do not meet international standards and frequently lack medicines and supplies. Medical personnel in Vietnam, particularly outside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, may speak little or no English. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. International health clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can provide acceptable care for minor illnesses and injuries, but more serious problems will often require medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore. Although you can purchase many medications at pharmacies without having a prescription, some common U.S. medications are not available in Vietnam. You should bring adequate supplies of medications for the duration of your stay in Vietnam. You may obtain lists of local English-speaking physicians from the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the U. S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Neither the Embassy nor the Consulate may recommend specific medical practitioners or hospitals. Emergency medical response services are generally unresponsive, unreliable, or completely unavailable. Be cautious about drinking non-bottled water and about using ice cubes in drinks. You may wish to drink only bottled or canned beverages or beverages that have been boiled (such as hot tea and coffee). In July 2012, the Government of Vietnam reported outbreaks of rabies in the northern mountainous provinces of Son La, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Lao Cai (Sapa) and Yen Bai. Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The most important global source of rabies in humans is from uncontrolled rabies in dogs. In Vietnam, monkeys also pose a risk. Children are often at greatest risk from rabies. They are more likely to be bitten by rabid animals, and are also more likely to be severely exposed through multiple bites in high-risk sites on the body. Travelers in Vietnam should exercise caution around unfamiliar animals and seek immediate medical attention if bitten. Avian influenza (H5N1) continues to be a concern in Vietnam. In Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries affected by avian influenza, you should avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Vietnam has risen dramatically over recent decades, reflecting significant improvements in public health infrastructure, nutrition, and access to medical care. As of the most recent available data, the average life expectancy at birth in Vietnam stands at approximately 74 to 75 years overall, with women living longer than men — women averaging around 77 years and men around 72 years. This upward trend represents one of the more notable public health achievements in Southeast Asia. In the 1960s and 1970s, life expectancy in Vietnam was considerably lower, suppressed by the effects of prolonged conflict, poverty, and limited healthcare access. Following the economic reforms known as Doi Moi, introduced in 1986, Vietnam experienced sustained economic growth that enabled expanded investment in healthcare systems, sanitation, and disease prevention programs. Several factors contribute to the current life expectancy figures. Vietnam has maintained relatively low rates of cardiovascular disease compared to many Western nations, partly attributed to a traditional diet rich in vegetables, rice, fish, and lean proteins. The country has also made measurable progress in reducing infant and child mortality rates, which directly influences life expectancy calculations at birth. Communicable diseases that once posed serious threats — including malaria, tuberculosis, and cholera — have been significantly reduced through national health campaigns and international cooperation. Vaccination coverage across the population has expanded substantially, protecting both children and adults from preventable illness. Despite these gains, Vietnam faces emerging health challenges that may affect future life expectancy trends. Non-communicable diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and respiratory conditions linked to rising rates of tobacco use and air pollution in urban areas such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, are growing concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic also introduced a temporary setback to health system capacity and population health outcomes in the early 2020s, though Vietnam's relatively swift public health response helped limit long-term mortality impacts. The aging population places increasing demands on a healthcare system that continues to develop its capacity for long-term and elder care. Vietnam's life expectancy compares favorably with many of its regional neighbors at similar income levels, suggesting that deliberate health policy choices have played a meaningful role alongside economic development in extending the lives of its citizens.

Infant Mortality Rate

Vietnam has made remarkable progress in reducing infant mortality over the past several decades, reflecting sustained investment in public health infrastructure, maternal care, and child nutrition programs. The infant mortality rate currently stands at approximately 16 to 17 deaths per 1,000 live births, a significant improvement from rates that exceeded 50 per 1,000 live births in the early 1990s. This downward trend is attributed to several key factors, including expanded access to skilled birth attendants, increased immunization coverage, improved sanitation and clean water access, and targeted government health initiatives. Vietnam's national immunization program covers a broad range of childhood diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, and hepatitis B, contributing directly to lower infant death rates. Despite nationwide progress, notable disparities remain between urban and rural areas, as well as among different ethnic minority communities living in remote highland regions. Infants born in mountainous provinces in the northwest and central highlands face considerably higher mortality risks than those born in major cities such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Limited access to healthcare facilities, lower rates of prenatal care utilization, and higher rates of poverty in these regions are primary contributing factors. Causes of infant death in Vietnam are largely consistent with patterns seen across lower-middle-income countries and include neonatal complications such as preterm birth and birth asphyxia, respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, and congenital conditions. The neonatal period — the first 28 days of life — accounts for a substantial proportion of all infant deaths recorded nationally. The Vietnamese government, working in partnership with international organizations including UNICEF and the World Health Organization, continues to implement programs aimed at bridging the urban-rural gap, strengthening neonatal care units in provincial hospitals, training community health workers, and promoting exclusive breastfeeding practices. These combined efforts position Vietnam as one of the stronger performers in infant mortality reduction among Southeast Asian nations at a comparable stage of economic development.

Major Infectious Diseases

very high

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

• Non Religious80.0%
• Buddhist10.0%
• Catholic7.0%
• Other3.0%

Vietnamese (official), English (as a second language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer; mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)

Vietnamese is the official language. There are distinct northern, central, and southern dialects and accents. The most popular foreign languages taught in schools are English, Russian, and French.

• English
• Vietnamese

Crime Information

Pick-pocketing and other petty crimes occur regularly. Although violent crimes such as armed robbery are still relatively rare in Vietnam, perpetrators have grown increasingly bold, and both the U.S. Consulate General and the U.S. Embassy have recently received reports of pipes, knives and razors being used in attempted robberies in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Thieves congregate around hotels frequented by foreign tourists and business people and areas such as Hanoi”™s Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City”™s Ben Thanh Market, and assaults have been reported in outlying areas at night. Do not resist theft attempts and report them immediately to local police and to the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Motorcyclists are known to snatch bags, cameras, and other valuables from pedestrians or passengers riding in "cyclos" (pedicabs) or on the back of motorcycles. Serious injuries resulted when thieves snatched purses or bags that were strapped across the victim's body, resulting in the victim being dragged along the ground by the thief's motorcycle. Passengers riding in cyclos (pedicabs) may be especially prone to theft of personal possessions by snatch-and-grab thieves, because they ride in a semi-reclining position that readily exposes their belongings and does not allow good visibility or movement. Some cyclo drivers have reportedly kidnapped passengers and extorted money; it may be risky to hire cyclos not associated with reputable hotels or restaurants. The use of motorcycle taxis (known as “xe oms”) is strongly discouraged. Motorcycle taxis are unregulated and unsafe, and the helmets provided to riders offer little to no protection against injury in the case of an accident. In one instance, a U.S. citizen was sexually assaulted after hiring what was believed to be a legitimate motorcycle taxi near Ho Chi Minh City. Keep your passport and other important valuables in your hotel in a safe or another secured location at all times. You should carry at least two photocopies of your U.S. passport. Hotels are required to obtain a copy of your passport (please refer to "Special Circumstances" below), and you should carry a photocopy of your passport with you. You should immediately report the loss or theft of your U.S. passport to the local police and the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulate General. You must obtain a police report from the local police office in order to apply for a replacement passport and a Vietnamese exit visa. You should take precautions in choosing ground transportation when you arrive at the airport in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Some travelers reported being robbed by drivers who greeted them upon arrival with a placard showing the traveler's name. If you are expecting to be picked up, ask the company for the drivers name, phone number, and license plate number before you travel. You should use only airport taxis (currently Noi Bai taxi in Hanoi and Mai Linh or Vinasun in HCMC) or vehicles provided by hotels. Several times in the past year in Hanoi, taxi drivers detoured travelers en route from the airport to flophouses masquerading as hotels. You should be familiar with the basics of the hotel you have chosen, such as address and neighboring landmarks. This information can be found on the Internet. We have received complaints of taxi drivers overcharging fares by using rigged meters. In one case a driver locked the passenger in the cab to extort a higher fare. You should try to write down the name of the taxi company, plate number and any other identifying information in any incident so that it can be reported to the local authorities. Some scams target tourists. Specifically, tourists have been victims of gambling scams in the Pham Ngu Lao neighborhood of Ho Chi Minh City. This scam usually starts with a friendly invitation to someone's home to meet a relative interested in visiting or studying in the U.S. While waiting for this individual, a casual game of cards will start. Victims have reported starting the game with only a small wager but losing thousands of dollars over the course of an evening. Be aware that gambling outside of licensed casinos is illegal in Vietnam. The U.S. Embassy has also received occasional reports of incidents in which an unknown substance was used to taint drinks, leaving the victim unconscious or in a state similar to inebriation and unable to make appropriate decisions. To date, reports have included theft, but sexual assaults are also possible. Do not leave drinks or food unattended, and don't go to unfamiliar venues alone. You should also avoid purchasing liquor from street vendors, as the authenticity of the contents cannot be assured. Recreational drugs available in Vietnam can be extremely potent. Three U.S. citizens died in 2010 from accidental overdoses of drugs. Drug suppliers will often misrepresent the substances they are selling, such as heroin for cocaine and vice versa. Penalties for possession or use of drugs of any kind are severe (please refer to the Criminal Penalties section below). Some U.S. citizens have reported threats of death or physical injury related to personal business disputes. The U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Consulate General cannot provide personal protection services. If you do not have confidence in the ability of the local police to protect you, you may wish to depart the country as soon as possible. Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Vietnam, you are subject to the laws of Vietnam even if you are a U.S. citizen. The Vietnamese legal system and some Vietnamese laws can be vastly different from our own. While you are in Vietnam, U.S. laws do not apply. If you do something illegal in Vietnam, your U.S. passport will not help. In some places in Vietnam, you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings (see Special Circumstances below). Driving under the influence of alcohol in Vietnam can result in fines, confiscation of your driving permit, or imprisonment. There are also some actions that might be legal in Vietnam but still illegal in the United States. Be aware that you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods, engage in child pornography, or have sex with minors. Notification and Access: A 1994 agreement between the United States and Vietnam provides that Vietnamese officials should notify the U.S. Embassy of the detainment of a U.S. citizen within 96 hours of the arrest and that they give U.S. officials access to those citizens within 48 hours after notification of the arrest. For purposes of notification and access, the U.S. government considers a U.S. citizen to be anyone ”” including a U.S. citizen of Vietnamese origin -- who enters Vietnam on a U.S. passport. Therefore, we encourage you to carry photocopies of your U.S. passport data and photo pages at all times so that, if questioned by Vietnamese officials, you have proof of your U.S. citizenship readily available. Despite the 1994 agreement, Vietnamese officials do not always notify U.S. consular officers in Vietnam in a timely manner when they arrest or detain a U.S. citizen. There have also been very significant delays in U.S. consular officers obtaining access to some incarcerated U.S. citizens. This has been particularly true when the U.S. citizen is being held during the investigatory stage, which Vietnamese officials do not consider covered by the bilateral agreement. The investigatory stage can last up to one year, and often proceeds without the formal filing of any charges. U.S. citizens should note that the problem of access has been particularly evident when the Vietnamese government considers the U.S. citizen to be a citizen of Vietnam, irrespective of proof of U.S. citizenship. According to the 1994 agreement, U.S. citizens, even dual citizens, have the right to consular access if they were admitted into Vietnam as a U.S. citizen with their U.S. passport. If detained or arrested, U.S. citizens should insist upon contact with the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulate General. Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if you are arrested in Vietnam, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest, and to have communications from you forwarded to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.