Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a fascinating city. Both vibrantly modern and pleasingly historic, Hanoi offers a mix of unique cafes, pulsating night clubs, high-end restaurants and designer boutiques. From the singular Old Quarter to the sleek West Lake area, there's something in Hanoi for everyone.
Before setting off to experience all that Hanoi has to offer, be sure to prepare yourself with travel medical insurance. With this guide and the right insurance on your side, you'll be ready for whatever you come across on your trip to Hanoi.
Hanoi Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
Travel medical insurance can provide coverage for the financial costs related to the treatment of injuries or illness during your time in Hanoi and Vietnam. A Hanoi travel medical insurance plan can act as a financial shield to protect you from the potentially high cost of medical treatment for tourists. It's something no prepared traveler should vacation without.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Hanoi?
Vietnam has ended all of its previous COVID-19-related entry requirements. It is no longer mandatory for visitors to provide proof of travel medical insurance, proof of vaccination, or a negative coronavirus PCR test. Despite the end to the requirement, it is still suggested that all visitors to Hanoi purchase travel medical insurance.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Hanoi?
If you want to safeguard yourself and your loved ones from massive medical bills while vacationing abroad, it is a good idea to have travel medical insurance in your corner.
If you were to get sick or injured in Hanoi, treatment at a private medical facility could be extremely expensive. If your situation were serious enough to require emergency medical evacuation, the cost could be exponentially more. Since your domestic health insurance likely won't provide adequate coverage in Vietnam, you could be stuck paying these big medical bills yourself.
With travel medical insurance, you can be covered financially in the event that unexpected medical treatment is necessary. It only takes one slip and fall, or one bout of food poisoning to be glad that you have it.
Things to Do for Travelers in Hanoi
Hanoi is lively day and night. And there's always something fun and enjoyable to keep you entertained. Here is a list of experiences to enjoy and help you say "Sin Chao," or hello, to Hanoi in style.
Cruise to Halong Bay
Halong Bay, or Ha Long Bay, is an iconic Vietnamese experience. This stunning natural wonder is made up of almost 800 limestone karsts formed by erosion over millions of years. Several tour operators in Hanoi offer day trips to Ha Long Bay. Take a tour on a traditional junk boat for a quintessential Vietnamese experience. With time and budget permitting, you may also opt for a two-day luxury cruise of Halong Bay.
Explore Ba Vi National Park
Drive a little more than an hour from Hanoi and you'll arrive at spectacular Ba Vi National Park. The national park offers exciting mountain hikes and trails for you to experience botanical wonders, amazing birds, and stunning vistas. At the summit of the Tan Vien peak is an 11th-century temple dedicated to the Mountain God.
Savor the Street Food
Hanoi offers a delicious array of Vietnamese and international cuisine to travelers. A stroll through the labyrinth streets of the Old Quarter is all you need to enjoy delectable dishes like:
- Chè thập cẩm (sweet soup)
- Bún chả (grilled pork with noodles)
- Bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls)
- Bánh tom (shrimp cakes)
- Bánh xeo (pancakes)
- Kem xôi (sticky rice ice cream)
Countryside Tours
One of the best ways to get away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and experience the serene beauty of the Vietnamese countryside is by taking a Hanoi countryside motorbike tour. Zip through lush green paddy fields, explore archetypal Vietnamese villages, and enjoy local food during this half-day tour.
Hanoi Paragliding
The Vietnamese countryside is a nature lover's delight. And what better way to enjoy this dramatic panorama than a paragliding ride? Several paragliding operators offer tandem rides as well as individual rides.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Hanoi
Hanoi is a very safe city for international travelers. However, like the rest of the world, an element of risk exists even in this beautiful city. Visitors to Hanoi may consider the following travel risks to remain extra safe during their visit:
Traffic Troubles
Hanoi is a bustling metropolis with thousands of motorbikes and scooters zipping through its streets. If you are walking through town, be extra careful of these notorious bikes, especially while crossing the street.
Cash Problems
The Vietnamese currency is known as the Vietnamese Dong (VND). The common denomination found in Hanoi is VND 10,000, and the notes go up to VND 500,000. Tourists can be susceptible to cheating by local scammers who may give inadequate change while cashing larger currency notes.
Health Risks
One of the biggest health hazards in Hanoi is the air quality. It can lead to aggravated heart, lung, or respiratory issues. Tourists should also take adequate precautions to avoid insect-borne diseases.
Cyclone Danger
The cyclone season hits Vietnam every year from May to November. Strong winds, heavy rainfall, thunder, lightning, and flooding are possible during this period. Visitors may expect disruptions to transport with cancellations for air and rail bookings.
Before You Travel to Hanoi - Do This
- Buy a money belt. One of the best ways to prevent common tourist thefts is by carrying your cash in a money belt.
- Carry your prescriptions. Vietnamese customs may not allow you to enter the country with certain medications without a doctor's prescription. Carry copies of your prescriptions with you to avoid a holdup at the airport.
- Get insured. Enjoy your vacation with less worry. Buy the right travel medical insurance for yourself and your travel companions.