Why Do Vietnamese People Wear Face Masks?

In Vietnam, the face mask is part of everyday life. On the busy streets of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City,… the inhabitants wear them almost everywhere, whether on a motorbike, bicycle or on foot. For travelers, this habit is intriguing: why do so many Vietnamese people cover their faces, even outside of epidemic periods?

Far from being just a sanitary gesture, the Vietnamese mask is a symbol of urban life. It protects from the sun, from pollution and from traffic dust, but it also reflects a sense of style and an attitude of caution and collective respect.

From Horizon Vietnam Travel, we love exploring these small details of everyday life that tell the story of a country’s culture. The use of masks in Vietnam is one of these simple gestures, at once practical, aesthetic and deeply rooted in modern Vietnamese life.

Face Mask Use in Vietnam: Fashion or Necessity?

The market for face masks in urban Vietnam has experienced rapid growth. If you visit a Vietnamese city, you won’t miss the fact that 8 out of 10 people in circulation wear face masks. But what are the motivations behind this phenomenon?

We must first trace its roots.

In the 2000s, people wearing face masks were mainly those who wanted to avoid sun exposure. The Vietnamese mask then played a crucial role in protecting against sun rays, an essential aspect for Vietnamese people who value clear skin, both in women and men. People use this mask, designed to fight the sun and protect the skin from any tanning, because the natural skin of Vietnamese people is not as pale as that of Western women. Thus, the complete protection package includes not only a Vietnamese mask, but also jackets, gloves, helmets, socks, and everything possible to cover yourself as much as possible. This type of mask is often unique, sporting bright colors and being long enough to cover the neck.

Moreover, currently, in Vietnam, scooters are the main means of transportation for inhabitants. This generates a growing air pollution problem, particularly in the two major cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where the population exceeds 9 million inhabitants and where more than 5 million motorcycles circulate. Poor air quality has thus become a major reason why the Vietnamese mask is so widespread. During peak hours (5 PM to 6 PM), it is almost impossible to breathe without such protection. Most people then opt for a medical or fabric mask, confirming the importance of the Vietnamese mask in daily life.

In some cases, young people wear masks as a fashion item.

For these reasons mentioned above, when an epidemic occurs, particularly the Covid-19 pandemic, people find it normal to wear a mask. Most people adhere to mask use in public places such as airports, supermarkets, … even in the office during working hours. This is one of the main reasons that helps the Vietnamese government effectively control the Covid-19 epidemic.

Is Traveling with a Mask Necessary in Vietnam?

The answer is yes if you plan to move around in urban areas like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi by bicycle or motorbike. But if you know you’ll be using a taxi or car, you could avoid it.

Note now that the widely used medical mask cannot really protect you. They do not have adequate filtration and the evidence of their effectiveness against pollutants is limited. They simply help you breathe more comfortably. Therefore, you might want to consider purchasing disposable masks such as Mr. Druk’s AQ Blue, N95 or 3M specifically designed to fight pollution.

Tip: Download the World Air Quality Index (AQI) Ranking app on your mobile phone to check air quality and plan your outdoor activities in Vietnamese cities and around the world.

Which face masks should you wear in Vietnam?

Disposable masks are widely available in minimarkets and pharmacies in Vietnam at a very low price. However, it is recommended to prepare standardized medical masks before your trip since you will enter crowded places, namely international airports.

Conclusion:

Vietnam remains a developing country with many aspects to improve. We always do our best to fight environmental problems and support climate change mitigation projects in Vietnam. In this context, it is common to see Vietnamese people wearing face masks, often called Vietnamese masks, to protect themselves from air pollution. This small accessory, which has become emblematic of local daily life, reflects at the same time the environmental challenges and practical solutions adopted by its inhabitants.

We hope this reality will not prevent you from enjoying your trip to our wonderful country. For an even more pleasant experience, we recommend taking measures to protect your health, in particular by considering using a Vietnamese mask during your travels, especially in dense urban areas.