Hanoi

We spent time in Hanoi with our family. This is what we figured out about pharmacy.

The Basics

Pharmacies in Hanoi are everywhere and most medications are available without a prescription. 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. A course of antibiotics costs 20,000 to 80,000 VND (0.80 to 3.20 USD). Pain relievers and antihistamines are even less. Children's formulations like liquid paracetamol and oral rehydration salts cost under 30,000 VND. 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. Be careful with dosages though. We always double-check the dosage information on the packaging, especially for the kids' medications, because the packaging is in Vietnamese and it's easy to misread.

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 and antibiotics, but packaging is in Vietnamese. Point to the child and mime the symptoms, or show a translation. 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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This page is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Information may be outdated or inaccurate. Always call ahead to confirm. See our full disclaimer.

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Sources: CDC Travel Health: Vietnam