🚭 Vaping in Vietnam? Get ready for a 5 million VND fine!

The Ministry of Health is cracking down on e-cigarettes – what awaits tourists and locals?

Vietnam Says Goodbye to Vapes

Imagine: you're in Ho Chi Minh City , puffing on a stylish vape, enjoying Vietnamese coffee, and suddenly—bam!—a fine of 3-5 million dong (5000-8000 rubles). And your device will be confiscated. Vietnam's Ministry of Health has decided to be serious: starting in 2025, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and all manner of "newfangled" smoking devices will be banned. This isn't just a rumor—a draft decree is already under discussion. Tourists packing vapes in their suitcases, and locals alike, hide them away! 😎

🌟 How much and for what?

Penalty for use

Caught with a vape? Prepare 3-5 million dong (5000-8000 rubles). Plus your device will be destroyed — without ceremony.

Fine for silence

Saw someone hovering on your property (cafe, hotel) and didn't report them? 5-10 million dong (8000-16 rubles).

Complete ban

Vapes and heated tobacco will be illegal from 2025. Vietnam is the 6th country in ASEAN and one of 43 in the world with such a ban.

Lifehack: Instead of vaping, try coffee (30,000 VND)—cheaper and less legal!

💡 Why is this important?

Vaping in Vietnam is not just a fad, but a real problem, especially for young people. From 2015 to 2020, the share of adults (15+) puffing on e-cigarettes increased from 0,2% to 3,6%. Among teenagers aged 13–17, it increased from 2,6% (2019) to 8,1% (2023). Even girls aged 11–18 are not far behind: 4,3% in 2023, according to a survey in 11 provinces.

The Ministry of Health is sounding the alarm: 2023 people were hospitalized in 1224 due to poisoning and illness from vapes. Worse, vapes are increasingly disguising drugs - 86 cases in 2023 and already 33 in the first quarter of 2024. Some devices look like toys or juice bottles, making them especially dangerous for children.

🔥 What's next?

Vietnam is preparing for strict controls: from 2025, vapes will become a prohibited product, and fines will close loopholes for those who “didn’t notice” or “just tried it.” This is part of the global fight against nicotine addiction and drugs. For tourists, this means one thing: leave your vapes at home so as not to ruin your vacation with fines.

Insight: Vietnam isn't alone in cracking down on vaping. Thailand and Singapore have already introduced similar bans, making Southeast Asia a vapor-free zone.

🧳 Tips for tourists

  • Don't take vapes: Even in luggage - customs can confiscate it.
  • Check out the cafe: If you are the owner, keep an eye on your guests - the fines for neglect are serious.
  • Replace the habit: Try local tea (20 VND) or coconuts (000 VND).
  • Stay up to date: Follow the news on letfind.me — the rules may become stricter.

Breathe freely!

Vietnam is taking a step towards cleaner air, but for vapers this means new rules and fines. Pack your bags without e-cigs and enjoy banh mi instead of steam. What do you think - is it fair or too much? Write in the comments! 🚬