Pharmacies & Medications

Pharmacies (Nhà Thuốc) are on every corner in Vietnam — often without prescription requirements. Many medications that require a prescription in Germany are available over-the-counter here (antibiotics, painkillers, malaria prophylaxis). But be cautious: Counterfeits are a problem, especially in small, unlicensed shops.

• Recommendation: Bring basic supplies from home (Imodium, electrolytes, sunscreen, insect repellent, personal medications). For everything else: Pharmacies near large hospitals are the most reliable.
• Travel Pharmacy: Diarrhea medication (this WILL happen), charcoal tablets, paracetamol, antihistamines, disinfectant spray, band-aids, sunscreen SPF 50+, DEET insect spray.