Do we travel through areas affected with malaria?

Most parts of Vietnam have virtually no risk of malaria. As of 2024, Vietnam has successfully eliminated malaria in 46 of its provinces and centrally-run cities. The total number of reported malaria cases has decreased dramatically from over one million annually in the early 1990s to just 448 cases in 2023.

Most top destinations in Vietnam, including Dalat, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang, present no risk.

In the Central Highlands there is low risk of malaria. This concerns, for instance, areas and cities like Lak Lake, Buon Me Thuot, Pleiku and Kon Tum.

Vietnam Malaria Map by the NHS

Please click here for a map of the British National Health Services on Vietnamese areas afected by malaria.

What is malaria?

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by malaria parasites. Malaria mainly occurs in (sub)tropical countries, like Vietnam.

How can you get malaria?

Malaria parasites are transmitted by mosquitoes. The parasites enter the body through a mosquito bite. The parasites first multiply in the liver and then in the red blood cells. The disease is not contagious: malaria is not transmitted from human to human.

Malaria transmission in Vietnam is primarily concentrated in hilly, forested areas of the southern and central highlands, with a seasonal peak from December to February

How do I reduce the chance of getting malaria in Vietnam?

Malaria mosquitoes sting mainly in the evening, at night, and in the early morning. As in other countries, wearing clothes with long sleeves and trouser legs reduces the risk of getting malaria in Vietnam. Mosquito repellents are also recommended, as is the use of a mosquito net. Check all precautions you can take.

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine against malaria.

Travel through malaria-free parts of Vietnam: