Pharmacies in Hanoi:
Where to Buy Medications as a Foreigner (2026)
Whether you're recovering from dental implants, managing a chronic condition, or stocking up for a travel emergency — knowing which pharmacies in Hanoi carry English-labeled medications, stay open 24 hours, and won't sell you counterfeits is essential knowledge for every medical tourist.
Quick Summary
- Best pharmacy chains with English service: Long Châu (largest, 24hr branches), Pharmacity (app delivery), Guardian Health & Beauty
- Antibiotics are available OTC in Vietnam, including Amoxicillin and Metronidazole — but always follow your clinic's prescription
- Post-dental surgery pack (antibiotics + ibuprofen + chlorhexidine + gauze) costs roughly AUD $10–$20 / USD $7–$15 at local pharmacies
- 24-hour pharmacies are found at Long Châu branches and hospital pharmacies (Vinmec, French Hospital)
- Counterfeit risk is highest at unlicensed street stalls — stick to licensed chains with Ministry of Health registration
- Controlled substances (opioids, benzodiazepines) require documentation and have strict import limits
1. Types of Pharmacies in Hanoi
Hanoi's pharmacy landscape has transformed dramatically over the past decade. What was once a patchwork of informal street stalls has evolved into a modern, regulated retail sector — though informal options still exist and carry distinct risks. As a foreigner, understanding these three tiers helps you make the right choice for every scenario.
🏪 International Chain Pharmacies
Best for: Foreigners seeking reliable quality, English labels, and knowledgeable staff
Key players: Long Châu, Pharmacity, Guardian Health & Beauty
- Ministry of Health licensed
- English product labels on imported brands
- 24-hour branches available
- App-based delivery (Pharmacity)
🏥 Hospital Pharmacies
Best for: Post-treatment prescriptions, specialist medications, emergency after-hours needs
Key locations: Vinmec International (Times City), French Hospital of Hanoi, Hanoi Family Medical Practice
- Full prescription dispensing
- English-speaking pharmacists
- Open 24/7 at major international hospitals
🏬 Street Pharmacies (Nhà Thuốc)
Best for: Locals, basic OTC items, minor ailments
Caution: Quality varies; limited English; counterfeit risk higher at unlicensed stalls
- Cheapest prices in the city
- Look for green cross + license number on door
- Avoid for post-surgical medications
Pro tip for dental tourists: Your Hanoi dental clinic will typically provide a written prescription with both Vietnamese and generic (INN) drug names. Hand this to the pharmacist at any Long Châu or Pharmacity branch — they are trained to fill these accurately and can advise on local brand equivalents.
2. Top Pharmacy Chains with English Service
Vietnam's pharmacy retail sector is dominated by three major chains that have invested heavily in staff training, inventory management, and customer experience for international visitors.
Long Châu (FPT Long Châu)
LARGEST CHAIN IN VIETNAM100+ locations
Multiple (see app)
Good at major branches
Yes — longchau.vn
Long Châu is Vietnam's largest pharmacy chain with over 4,500 stores nationwide — the Vietnamese equivalent of Boots or CVS. In Hanoi, you'll find branches in virtually every district. Their product range is extensive: prescription medications, OTC drugs, supplements, medical devices, baby care, and cosmetics. For dental tourists, Long Châu is the go-to for filling post-surgery prescriptions. Staff at larger branches (especially in Hoàn Kiếm, Tây Hồ, and Cầu Giấy) often have conversational English.
Key post-dental items stocked: Amoxicillin (Moxilen, Amoxil), Metronidazole (Flagyl), Ibuprofen (Brufen, Advil), Paracetamol (Panadol, Efferalgan), Chlorhexidine mouthwash (Eludril, GUM Paroex), sterile gauze packs, ice gel packs
Pharmacity
BEST FOR APP DELIVERY50+ locations
Good, bilingual app
Yes — 1–3hr delivery
Pharmacity is particularly popular with expats and medical tourists for its clean, modern stores and excellent mobile app (available in English). You can browse their full catalog, search by drug name or brand, and order for same-day delivery to your hotel — extremely convenient if you're recovering from surgery and can't travel easily.
Tip: Use the Pharmacity app to search medications by their international generic name (INN) if you have a foreign prescription. The app auto-suggests Vietnamese equivalents with pricing.
Guardian Health & Beauty
BEST FOR HEALTH & PERSONAL CAREGuardian (part of the DFI Retail Group) leans toward health, beauty, and personal care. You'll find Guardian at major shopping malls including Vincom Ba Triệu, Aeon Mall, and Lotte Center. Their OTC medication range is solid, with a strong selection of imported vitamins, supplements, wound care, and dental hygiene products. For post-dental recovery, Guardian is excellent for high-quality mouthwashes and premium wound care. Staff are generally English-fluent at mall locations.
3. OTC vs Prescription Medications in Vietnam
Vietnam's medication classification system differs significantly from Australia, the UK, and the US. Understanding these differences is crucial — especially for dental tourists who need post-surgical medications.
| Medication | Vietnam | Australia | USA | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amoxicillin 500mg | Often OTC | Prescription | Prescription | Self-medicating not advised; resistance risk |
| Metronidazole 400mg | Often OTC | Prescription | Prescription | Commonly prescribed post-implant/extraction |
| Ibuprofen 400mg | OTC | OTC | OTC | Brufen, Advil — widely available |
| Paracetamol 500mg | OTC | OTC | OTC | Panadol, Efferalgan — universally available |
| Codeine (low-dose) | Rx Required | Pharmacy/Rx | Schedule V/Rx | Controlled; requires documentation |
| Chlorhexidine Mouthwash | OTC | OTC | OTC | Essential post-dental — Eludril, GUM brands stocked |
| Diazepam / Benzodiazepines | Strictly Controlled | Schedule 4 | Schedule IV | Not for tourist purchase; requires documentation to import |
Important Note on OTC Antibiotics
While antibiotics are widely available without a prescription in Vietnam, self-medicating without professional guidance is strongly discouraged. Incorrect antibiotic use can cause allergic reactions, dangerous drug interactions, and contributes to global antibiotic resistance. Always obtain antibiotics through your clinic's prescription or a consultation with a licensed pharmacist.
4. Post-Dental Surgery Pharmacy Checklist
This checklist is designed specifically for SmileJet readers undergoing dental implants, extractions, bone grafts, or veneers in Hanoi. Your clinic will provide prescriptions for most of these — but knowing exactly what to look for helps you verify you have everything before heading back to your hotel.
Note: Individual prescriptions vary. Always follow your dentist's specific instructions over this general guide.
SmileJet Post-Surgery Pharmacy Checklist
- Amoxicillin 500mg (Moxilen)
- Metronidazole 400mg (Flagyl)
- Augmentin 625mg (if allergic alternative)
- Ibuprofen 400mg (Brufen/Advil)
- Paracetamol 500–1000mg (Panadol)
- Mefenamic acid 500mg (if prescribed)
- Chlorhexidine 0.12–0.2% mouthwash
- Saline rinse sachets
- Extra-soft toothbrush
- Sterile gauze pads (5x5cm)
- Ice gel pack / cold compress
- Vitamin C supplements
- Soft food supplies
Estimated total cost at Long Châu: AUD $12–$25 / USD $8–$17 / VND 200,000–430,000 for the full post-surgery kit. Individual items are approximately 40–70% cheaper than equivalent products purchased in Australia or the United States.
Most top Hanoi dental clinics — including Picasso Dental, Westcoast International, and Australian Dental Clinic — provide a printed medication list after procedures, often with Vietnamese drug names alongside international generic names, making pharmacy visits straightforward.
5. What to Bring from Home vs Buy Locally
The cost savings on medications in Hanoi are real, but there are situations where bringing from home is the smarter choice. Here's how to split your pharmacy strategy effectively.
Buy in Hanoi — Better Value
- Ibuprofen and Paracetamol
- Chlorhexidine mouthwash
- Gauze pads and wound care
- Basic antibiotics (with prescription)
- Vitamins C & D supplements
- Antihistamines (Cetirizine, Loratadine)
- Antacids and digestive aids
- Electrolyte sachets
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Motion sickness tablets
Bring from Home — Safer Choice
- All existing prescription medications
- Controlled substances (opioids, ADHD meds)
- Biologics requiring cold-chain
- Medications with complex brand names
- Insulin and diabetes devices
- Mental health medications (SSRIs)
- Specialty cardiac or blood-thinning drugs
- Rare allergy medications or EpiPen
General rule: If you can describe your medication by its generic (INN) name and it's not a controlled substance, you can almost certainly buy it locally for less. If it's a specialist medication or one you've been on for years without substitution — bring a 2-week buffer from home. See also our Hanoi dental trip packing list.
6. Prescription Medications: The Process for Foreigners
If you need a prescription medication in Hanoi that isn't available OTC, or require an ongoing prescription refill, here's the step-by-step process for foreigners.
Visit a Qualified Medical Provider
For dental post-care: your clinic provides the prescription. For other medications: visit Hanoi Family Medical Practice (43B Quang Trung), Vinmec International Hospital, or the French Hospital of Hanoi. All have English-speaking doctors who can issue prescriptions recognized by local pharmacies.
Obtain a Written Prescription
Request a prescription with both Vietnamese names and INN (generic) names. Ensure it includes drug name, dosage, frequency, duration, and the doctor's signature and facility stamp. Most international-facing clinics issue bilingual prescriptions as standard practice.
Present at a Licensed Pharmacy
Take your prescription to any Long Châu, Pharmacity, or hospital pharmacy branch. The pharmacist will verify and dispense accordingly. For controlled medications, you may need to show your passport. Keep the receipt for insurance claims.
Insurance Reimbursement
Keep all receipts, the prescription copy, and any doctor's notes. Most travel insurance plans reimburse for prescription medications obtained abroad. Submit within the required claim window (typically 90 days). See our guide to planning your Hanoi dental trip for more insurance tips.
7. Controlled Substances & Customs Rules
Vietnam has strict laws regarding controlled substances that differ markedly from Western countries. Violating these rules — even unintentionally — can result in serious legal consequences.
Critical Rules for Travelers
- Opioid pain medications (tramadol, oxycodone, morphine): Strictly controlled. Bring only the amount needed, carry original packaging + prescription + doctor letter, and declare at customs.
- Benzodiazepines (Diazepam, Alprazolam, Temazepam): Controlled in Vietnam. Carry prescription and declare at customs for quantities over 30 tablets.
- ADHD medications (Ritalin, Adderall, Vyvanse): Vietnam classifies amphetamines as a prohibited narcotic — check with the Vietnamese Embassy BEFORE traveling with these.
- Medical cannabis products: Illegal in Vietnam regardless of prescription status.
- Maximum personal use quantity: 3-month supply with documentation for most controlled medications.
Best practice: Contact the Embassy of Vietnam in your home country 4–6 weeks before departure if you take any controlled substance. Also see our Hanoi safety guide for general travel safety information.
8. Generic vs Brand Name Drugs: Cost Differences
One of the biggest surprises for first-time medical tourists in Vietnam is how inexpensive medications are — even the brand-name versions. Here's a concrete price comparison.
| Medication | Hanoi Generic (VND) | Hanoi Brand (VND) | Australia (AUD) | USA (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen 400mg × 10 | 15,000–20,000 | 35,000–55,000 | AUD $6–$9 | USD $4–$8 |
| Amoxicillin 500mg × 10 | 18,000–25,000 | 40,000–70,000 | AUD $10–$20 | USD $15–$30 |
| Chlorhexidine 250ml | 45,000–60,000 | 80,000–120,000 | AUD $12–$18 | USD $10–$16 |
| Paracetamol 500mg × 10 | 8,000–15,000 | 25,000–40,000 | AUD $5–$9 | USD $4–$8 |
| Metronidazole 400mg × 10 | 15,000–22,000 | 35,000–60,000 | AUD $8–$15 | USD $10–$20 |
Exchange rate: 1 AUD ≈ 16,200 VND; 1 USD ≈ 25,400 VND (April 2026). Approximate retail averages at Long Châu and Pharmacity.
Generic medications in Vietnam meet Ministry of Health quality standards manufactured under GMP guidelines. For standard post-dental medications, generics are safe and effective. Ask your pharmacist for the "thuốc gốc" (generic) if you want the most affordable option.
9. Counterfeit Medication Awareness Tips
Counterfeit medications are a real problem in Southeast Asia, though Vietnam's regulatory crackdowns have significantly reduced their prevalence in licensed chains. The risk is concentrated in informal markets and unregistered street stalls.
Buy Only from Licensed Stores
Licensed pharmacies display their Ministry of Health registration number on signage. Long Châu, Pharmacity, and Guardian are all fully licensed national chains.
Check Packaging Integrity
Inspect for blister packs with clear printing, security holograms on high-value medications, and proper lot numbers and expiry dates. Reject any medication with damaged or poorly printed packaging.
Use the Verification App
Vietnam's Drug Administration Authority operates a QR code verification system. Scan the code on medication packaging to verify authenticity on the DAV website (dav.gov.vn).
Red Flags to Watch For
Unusually low prices; medications sold loose without packaging; sellers in tourist markets; packaging with spelling errors or missing batch numbers.
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All of these clinics provide printed prescription and medication guidance after procedures, with many offering pharmacy recommendations and assistance coordinating with Long Châu or Pharmacity for same-day delivery to your accommodation.
Picasso Dental Clinic – Old Quarter Branch
📍 Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
Picasso Dental's flagship Old Quarter branch is one of Hanoi's most trusted international clinics, serving Western dental tourists for over a decade. Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, it's perfectly positioned for tourists staying in central Hanoi, with multiple Long Châu branches within a 10-minute walk for post-procedure pharmacy needs.
Why choose Picasso Old Quarter: English-speaking team, international implant brands (Nobel Biocare, Straumann), transparent pricing, direct prescription handover, tourist-area convenience
Picasso Dental Clinic – Westlake Square Branch
📍 Westlake Square, Tây Hồ, Hanoi
The Westlake Square branch of Picasso Dental caters to the expat and boutique hotel-staying crowd around Tây Hồ. The upscale mall location means pharmacy access via Guardian Health & Beauty is in the same building, making post-procedure medication pickup seamless.
Why choose Picasso Westlake: Premium facility, Guardian pharmacy on-site, West Lake expat neighborhood, international standard equipment
Westcoast International Dental Clinic
📍 West Lake Area, Hanoi
Westcoast International Dental is a well-established clinic serving the West Lake expat community. Known for comprehensive implant services, their team provides detailed post-care instructions with pharmacy guidance. Long Châu has a 24-hour branch approximately 1.5km from the clinic.
Why choose Westcoast: Comprehensive implant services, experienced international team, detailed post-care protocols, West Lake location
Australian Dental Clinic Hanoi
📍 Hanoi City Centre
Australian Dental Clinic Hanoi applies Australian clinical standards to dental care in Vietnam, making it a natural choice for Australian patients. Their detailed prescription handover matches Australian medication naming conventions, removing confusion when filling medications locally.
Why choose Australian Dental: Australian clinical protocols, familiar standards for AU/NZ patients, detailed medication guidance in English
Home Dental Clinic Hanoi
📍 Hanoi
Home Dental Clinic offers a boutique approach to international dental care with a strong focus on personalized patient experience. Their after-care service is particularly praised by dental tourists — the team provides detailed medication guides and follow-up support throughout your recovery.
Why choose Home Dental: Boutique patient experience, comprehensive post-care support, English-speaking team, personalized recovery guidance
Global Dental Clinic Hanoi
📍 Hanoi
Global Dental Clinic Hanoi has a multi-national clinical team with experience treating patients from across Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Their post-care protocol includes a printed pharmacy guide in multiple languages, and the front desk team can contact nearby Long Châu branches on your behalf.
Why choose Global Dental: Multi-national team, multilingual post-care guides, pharmacy coordination service, strong international patient track record
Greenfield Dental Clinic Hanoi
📍 Hanoi
Greenfield Dental Clinic is a newer clinic that has quickly built a reputation for modern facilities, transparent pricing, and excellent patient communication. Post-surgery, patients receive a comprehensive care pack that includes medication instructions and a Hanoi pharmacy map marking the nearest Long Châu and Pharmacity branches.
Why choose Greenfield: Modern facilities, transparent pricing, comprehensive post-care packs with pharmacy maps, strong communication throughout treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from dental tourists and first-time visitors to Hanoi about navigating the local pharmacy system.
Can I buy antibiotics over the counter in Hanoi?
Yes, antibiotics such as Amoxicillin, Metronidazole, and Ciprofloxacin are widely available over the counter at most Vietnamese pharmacies without a prescription. However, self-medicating with antibiotics carries serious risks including antibiotic resistance and adverse reactions. If your Hanoi dental clinic prescribes antibiotics post-surgery, always follow their specific instructions. Reputable chains like Long Châu and Pharmacity stock branded and generic antibiotics, and their staff can advise on dosage.
Where is the nearest 24-hour pharmacy in Hanoi?
Long Châu operates several 24-hour branches across Hanoi, including locations in Hoàn Kiếm (Old Quarter area), Tây Hồ (West Lake), Cầu Giấy, and Hai Bà Trưng districts. You can find the nearest 24-hour branch via the Long Châu app or their website longchau.vn. Pharmacity also has extended-hours locations and offers same-day delivery via their app. Hospital pharmacies at Vinmec International and the French Hospital operate around the clock for emergencies.
What medications should I bring for a dental trip to Hanoi?
For a dental trip to Hanoi, consider bringing: your regular prescription medications (a 2-week buffer supply), any medications you rely on with hard-to-translate brand names, and any controlled substances that require documentation. Most post-dental medications — Ibuprofen 400mg, Paracetamol, Chlorhexidine mouthwash, Amoxicillin, Metronidazole, gauze, and ice packs — are easily purchased at Hanoi pharmacies for a fraction of Western prices. See our Hanoi dental trip packing list for the complete guide.
Are medications cheaper in Hanoi than in Australia or the US?
Yes, significantly. Generic Ibuprofen 400mg (10 tablets) costs approximately 15,000–25,000 VND (AUD $0.90–$1.50 / USD $0.60–$1.00). Amoxicillin 500mg (10 capsules) runs about 20,000–40,000 VND. Chlorhexidine mouthwash (250ml) is around 50,000–80,000 VND. Branded medications from international manufacturers cost more but are still 40–70% cheaper than equivalent products in Australia, the UK, or the US. This cost saving is one reason dental tourists often stock up on post-care supplies in Hanoi.
Can I bring my prescription medications into Vietnam?
Yes, you can bring personal-use prescription medications into Vietnam. You should carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor, keep medications in original labeled packaging, and declare controlled substances at customs. Vietnam allows personal quantities (typically a 3-month supply) without import permits. Controlled substances like opioids, benzodiazepines, and ADHD medications require documentation and are subject to strict limits. Contact the Vietnamese Embassy or your home country's embassy in Hanoi before traveling with controlled substances.
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Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medication availability, regulations, and pricing in Vietnam are subject to change. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional or licensed pharmacist before taking any medication, especially if you have pre-existing conditions, drug allergies, or are currently taking other medications. Drug interactions can be serious. For post-surgical medication, always follow the specific instructions provided by your treating dentist or dental clinic. SmileJet is a dental tourism marketplace and is not responsible for the accuracy of third-party pharmacy information or medication outcomes. Information in this guide is current as of April 2026.