Emergency Numbers — What to Know
Vietnam uses 115 for ambulance, 113 for police, and 114 for fire. Operators speak Vietnamese; English support is minimal on public lines. In Ho Chi Minh City, public ambulance response is unreliable — traffic congestion means waits of 20–40 minutes are common. For medical emergencies, call a private hospital directly: Family Medical Practice (028 3822 7848) or FV Hospital (028 5411 3333) have their own ambulances and English-speaking dispatchers. The Tourist Police office is at 161 Nguyen Du, District 1 — officers speak some English.
Non-Emergency Resources
Private international clinics handle most tourist medical needs — walk-in service with English-speaking doctors and international insurance accepted. Pharmacies (nhà thuốc) are on every corner; pharmacists can sell many medications without prescription, but quality control varies — buy from established chains. For dental care, several international dental clinics in District 1 and District 2 (Thủ Đức City) serve tourists. Your consulate can assist with emergencies — most are in District 1 or District 3.
Emergency Phrases
| English | Local |
|---|---|
| Help! | Cứu tôi! (Cứu tôi!)KOO-oo toy |
| Call an ambulance | Gọi xe cấp cứu (Gọi xe cấp cứu)GOY seh KAHP KOO-oo |
| I need a doctor | Tôi cần bác sĩ (Tôi cần bác sĩ)toy KUHN bahk SEE |
| Where is the hospital? | Bệnh viện ở đâu? (Bệnh viện ở đâu?)behn vee-EN uh DOW |
| Fire! | Cháy! (Cháy!)CHAI |
| Police! | Công an! (Công an!)kohng AHN |
Practical Tips for Tourists
FV Hospital (Franco-Vietnamese) in District 7 is the top private hospital — international standard, English-speaking staff, and comprehensive emergency department. Family Medical Practice (District 1) is a well-known international clinic for tourist medical care. Chợ Rẫy Hospital is the largest public hospital — capable trauma centre but extremely crowded with limited English. For serious conditions, medical evacuation to Singapore or Bangkok may be recommended — ensure your travel insurance covers this.
Vietnamese SIMs from Viettel, Mobifone, or Vinaphone are cheap and available at the airport and phone shops. Emergency calls work from any phone. Wi-Fi is widespread and generally good in Ho Chi Minh City.
Traffic is by far the biggest danger for tourists. The city has millions of motorbikes and chaotic traffic — cross streets slowly and predictably, never run. Motorbike snatching (bag grab while riding past) occurs in tourist areas; carry bags on your building-side shoulder. Tap water is not safe to drink. Dengue fever is present — use repellent. The most common tourist crime is overcharging in taxis — use Grab (ride-hailing app) instead of street taxis.
🇻🇳 See all Vietnam emergency numbers
