Yes, using a strong insect repellent with 20–50% DEET (or Picaridin) is highly recommended in Vietnam to protect against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and Zika, especially in rural areas, the Mekong Delta, or during the rainy season. It is best to bring your preferred repellent from home.
We also recommend you pack a medical kit with: DEET-based insect repellent. Paracetemol or ibuprofen for pain relief. Anti-itch ointment, such as hydrocortison.
Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours. Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (eg. boots, pants, socks, tents).
It was originally tested as a pesticide on farm fields, and entered military use in 1946 and civilian use in 1957. It was used in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. In its original form, known as "bug juice", the application solution was composed of 75% DEET and 25% ethanol.
If you're planning a trip to Vietnam, you've probably heard people mention the mosquitoes. They're common across the country, especially during certain months, and they can be more than just annoying. Some carry diseases like dengue fever or malaria, which can seriously affect your travel plans if you're not careful.
Can You Buy DEET In Vietnam? - Exploring Southeast Asia
How to not get bitten by mosquitoes in Vietnam?
Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks can create a barrier between your skin and mosquitoes, especially during their most active times at dawn and dusk. Choosing clothes made from tightly woven fabrics can further reduce the risk of bites.
If used improperly, such as if someone swallows it or applies too much, DEET can cause severe health effects like seizures, low blood pressure, uncoordinated movements or death, Dr. Kennedy said. But those cases are rare — seizures, for example, occur only once in every 100 million uses, according to the E.P.A.
Vietnam is currently one of the hotspots of dengue fever globally, with the incidence rate among the highest in Southeast Asia. Every year, the country records more than one hundred thousand cases. In 2022 alone, it surpassed 370,000 cases, the highest level in history.
With its diverse landscape and vibrant local culture, Vietnam is a great country to travel and explore. Before you can embark on your Vietnam adventure, you need to check whether you need any vaccinations. If you have not already been vaccinated, you will need immunisations for hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid.
Only place (hotel) that I have ever had a net issued and can of spray supplied was on Phu Quoc island. As mentioned, with air con, they don't seem to thrive so well. Also, higher level rooms (above 3rd floor) are also much better at not having them hang out.
The mosquito population reach the peak in the early rainy season or around early June but the highest infection for mosquito and human occur months later in late August. This delay is due to the cyclic pattern of the mosquito population density.
Standard tourist route (Hanoi → Halong Bay → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City) needs no malaria tablets. Trekking Central Highlands or visiting remote border areas requires them. We provide antimalarial consultations: Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone), Doxycycline, or Mefloquine.
A small amount of DEET is absorbed into the body when applied to the skin. This amount may increase when the treated skin is covered with clothing. The body may also absorb increased levels of DEET when alcohol or sunscreen is also applied to the skin.
Mosquitoes tend to prefer larger people (both heavier and taller) because they release more carbon dioxide (CO2) and have larger visual targets, but other factors like body heat, lactic acid, sweat, dark clothing, and blood type (Type O) are also major attractants, making it less about being fat versus skinny and more about a combination of these cues. Overweight individuals produce more CO2 and have higher metabolic rates, making them more visible and attractive.
More recently, a 2005 study showed there was no evidence it influenced the attraction of mosquitoes to human skin-derived chemicals from volunteers taking vitamin B supplements. There is simply no evidence taking vitamin B will offer any significant protection from mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes can bite through clothing, especially if the material is thin. If possible, use 0.5% permethrin to treat clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents), or buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear ahead of time.
