Vietnam, unfortunately, is a country with a number of diseases and health hazards- it has a long list of maladies, including rabies, malaria, dengue fever, hepatitis, typhoid, and tuberculosis. You’re best off getting vaccinated for at least some of the more deadly diseases, especially if you’re going to be spending time in rural areas, where medical facilities can often be very inadequate indeed. Also take care not to expose yourself to health risks; carry mosquito repellent and malaria pills, keep clean, and don’t drink or eat anything that is suspect. Tap water in Vietnam is not potable, and all water you consume must be either boiled or bottled. Only eat food that is freshly cooked and preferably hot and do avoid raw food such as salads and fruit that you can’t peel.

During the Vietnam War, Agent Orange- a defoliant was used extensively in chemical warfare, and residues of this still remain. Although the risk is minor, it is there, and especially for pregnant women. You should be careful if you’re venturing into the countryside, where water bodies are (in places) still somewhat contaminated.

The larger cities of Vietnam have fairly reliable medical facilities, and there are a large number of hospitals and clinics, so you shouldn’t have much problem if you have the misfortune of falling ill.

Vietnam, now that the friction with the West has reduced to quite an extent, is quite safe for most Westerners (and of course other nationalities) to travel to. There are sometimes minor skirmishes at the border with Cambodia, so you should check with your embassy (or the local tourist office in Vietnam) before heading towards the border.

Crime rates in much of the country are not particularly high, so you need not be paranoid about getting robbed or mugged- just keep an eye on your valuables, don’t put temptation in the path of any would-be thieves, and you should be okay. Remember not to flash your money around, and keep your room door locked while you’re sleeping.