Dealing with pollution

Hanoi is one of the most polluted cities in South East Asia. Air pollution in Hanoi is caused by a combination of exhaust fumes from the busy traffic, construction dust, and emissions from factories in the outskirts of Hanoi. These can pose an environmental health problem, especially if you or members of your family have sensitive airways, asthma, bronchitis, or other respiratory conditions. Do seek medical advice before you make the trip. Staying indoors all the time does not help you escape the pollution, indoor air purifiers are often used to ensure good indoor air.

The US embassy in Hanoi has an Air Quality Monitor and publishes the air quality index readings according to an easy to understand color-coded system. You can also use the app Airvisual to check the pollution on your mobile phone.