Vietnam’s perpetually stagnant climate makes it a veritable haven for mosquitoes. Not only are these flying insects particularly irritating and distracting – as you are certainly already aware from personal experience! – but mosquitoes in this area of the world pose two additional risks to travelers. Not only are you putting yourself at risk of illness if you scratch mosquito bites with dirty fingertips while hiking in the wilderness, but mosquitoes in Vietnam are also carriers of some of the world’s most dangerous diseases, including Malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus.

But don’t worry! You will avoid mosquitoes and have a healthy Southeast Asian vacation by following the expert advice given in this blog post. Continue reading to learn more.

Wear insect repellent!

You may not like it, but DEET-containing repellents are still the most effective method of avoiding mosquitoes and mosquito bites known to man. Whenever you go outside during your Vietnamese vacation, make sure to add a dense layer of repellent to all exposed skin. So you don’t leave a big mess, look for an odor- and grease-free formulation.

Avoid the peak times for mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are most active at two times of the day: dawn and dusk. Avoid going outside at these times, and if you do, take the necessary precautions.

Wear the right kind – and color – of clothing

Wear clothing that is tightly knit and made of fiber that mosquitoes cannot penetrate. Long, thick trousers and tops, woolen socks, and comfortable, well-sealed shoes are your best bets in this situation. Try to cover as much of your body as possible with this sort of clothing; also, tuck your top into your trousers and your pants into your socks.

However, if the weather is too humid, you can at the very least pay attention to the colors you wear. According to research, mosquitoes are more drawn to vivid colors than light or dark shades, so dress in khaki, earth, or plain colored clothes when hiking.

Stay clean!

Mosquitoes are also drawn by the smell of sweat and body odor; if you didn’t already have sufficient reasons to stay clean whilst traveling, then here is another one!