Pharmacies in Hanoi for English speakers

The Basics

Pharmacies in Hanoi are everywhere. You'll find them on almost every street in the Old Quarter and throughout the city. The small independent pharmacies (nha thuoc) are the most common. Chains like Pharmacity and Long Chau are growing and tend to be more organized with clearer labeling.

Cost

Medications are very cheap. Pain relievers and antihistamines cost very little. Take antibiotics only when a doctor prescribes them. Children's formulations like liquid paracetamol and oral rehydration salts cost very little. Even imported medications are affordable.

Practical tips

The Pharmacity branches are the most tourist-friendly. They have clearer product displays and some staff speak basic English. In the Old Quarter, the pharmacies on Hang Bong and Hang Gai streets are used to foreign customers. For anything specific, write down the generic name of the medication and show it to the pharmacist. Most pharmacists are trained and know the generic names even if they don't speak English. The packaging is often only in Vietnamese. We ask the pharmacist to write the instructions down for us, especially for the kids' medicines.

Language

Limited English at most pharmacies. Generic drug names are your best tool. The Pharmacity chain stores have slightly better English than independent shops. Point-and-show works for common items.

With kids

Vietnamese pharmacies stock children's paracetamol, but packaging is in Vietnamese. Show a translation of what you need. A child should take antibiotics only when a doctor prescribes them. For familiar brands, try the pharmacies inside Vincom malls. Baby formula and diapers are easier to find at Circle K or Vinmart.

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