Finding an effective mosquito repellent in Vietnam is easy once you know which active ingredients to look for. Pharmacies, Watsons, supermarkets and convenience stores sell multiple options, but the packaging can make similar products look very different.
For travelers, the most useful repellents are usually those containing DEET or picaridin, two active ingredients with established evidence for preventing mosquito bites. This is particularly relevant in Vietnam because dengue is endemic and the Aedes mosquitoes that spread it can bite during the daytime.
For this ranking, we prioritised active ingredient, concentration, published protection time, availability through established Vietnamese retailers, ease of use and value. Prices are current retailer examples and can change with promotions.
The best mosquito repellents in Vietnam at a glance
| Rank | Product | Active ingredient | Best for | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Remos Mentholatum Lavender Mist 150ml | DEET 15% | Best overall | VND 68,000-75,000 |
| 2 | Remos Baby Spray 70ml | Picaridin 15% | Best picaridin option | VND 70,000-80,000 |
| 3 | Soffell Floral Spray 80g | DEET 13% | Best value spray | Around VND 45,000 |
| 4 | Remos Lemongrass Spray 150ml | DEET 15% | Best family-size spray | VND 64,000-75,000 |
| 5 | Soffell Orange Spray 80g | DEET 13% | Best inexpensive alternative | Around VND 45,000 |
| 6 | Remos Baby Cream 70g | Picaridin 10% | Best cream for young children | VND 48,000-59,000 |
| 7 | Remos Lavender Spray 70ml | DEET 15% | Best travel-size DEET spray | VND 39,000-45,000 |
| 8 | Remos Lemongrass Spray 70ml | DEET 15% | Best compact scented spray | VND 34,000-45,000 |
| 9 | Soffell Floral Lotion 60ml | DEET 13% | Best low-cost lotion | Around VND 27,000 |
| 10 | Soffell Orange Lotion 60ml | DEET 13% | Best budget scented lotion | Around VND 27,000 |
1. Remos Mentholatum Lavender Mist 150ml - best overall
Active ingredient: DEET 15%
Typical price: around VND 68,000-75,000
Best for: everyday travel, city use and families with children over the product's specified age
Remos is one of the easiest mosquito-repellent brands to find in Vietnam, and its 150ml Lavender Mist is our best overall choice because it combines a proven active ingredient with a useful bottle size and broad local availability.
Watsons currently lists the product with 15% DEET and states that it can provide protection for up to 10 hours according to the manufacturer's product information.
The 150ml bottle makes more sense than a tiny travel spray if you will be in Vietnam for several weeks or sharing repellent with another person.
Pros
- 15% DEET.
- Widely sold in Vietnam.
- Larger 150ml bottle.
- Good value.
- Easy spray application.
Cons
- DEET has a noticeable feel and smell for some users.
- DEET can affect certain plastics and synthetic materials.
2. Remos Baby Spray 70ml - best picaridin mosquito repellent in Vietnam
Active ingredient: Picaridin 15%
Typical price: around VND 70,000-80,000
Best for: travelers who prefer picaridin and families with younger children when used according to the label
Remos Baby Spray stands out because it uses 15% picaridin rather than DEET.
Picaridin, also called icaridin, is one of the main alternatives recommended by international public-health authorities for mosquito protection.
Pharmacity lists the current Remos Baby Spray formulation as containing 15% picaridin and describes protection lasting up to approximately six hours. The product is marketed in Vietnam for adults and children from six months of age, according to the local product information.
Many adults may also prefer it because picaridin generally feels less oily and has less odor than DEET.
Pros
- 15% picaridin.
- Less greasy feel than many DEET products.
- Compact bottle.
- Local product information includes use from six months of age.
Cons
- More expensive than basic Soffell products.
- Smaller bottle than the main Remos adult sprays.
3. Soffell Floral Spray 80g - best value spray
Active ingredient: DEET 13%
Typical price: around VND 45,000
Best for: budget-conscious travelers who prefer a spray
Soffell is another very common Southeast Asian mosquito-repellent brand and is widely sold in Vietnam.
Pharmacity currently sells the Floral Spray for around VND 45,000 and describes the Soffell formula as containing 13% DEET with protection lasting around eight hours according to its product listing.
For someone staying in Vietnam for a short holiday, this provides a straightforward DEET repellent without paying for an imported travel product.
Pros
- 13% DEET.
- Very affordable.
- Common Vietnamese retail availability.
- Convenient spray format.
Cons
- Floral fragrance will not appeal to everyone.
- Slightly lower DEET concentration than the main Remos products in this ranking.
4. Remos Lemongrass Spray 150ml - best family-size repellent
Active ingredient: DEET 15%
Typical price: around VND 64,000-75,000
Best for: couples, families and longer stays
This is essentially the larger lemongrass-scented alternative to Remos Lavender Mist.
Watsons lists it with 15% DEET, while the 150ml size makes it particularly convenient for people who do not want to keep buying small bottles.
For a month in Vietnam, the larger bottle can provide better value than travel-size alternatives.
Pros
- 15% DEET.
- 150ml size.
- Low cost per millilitre.
- Widely available.
Cons
- Larger bottle is less convenient for a pocket or small day bag.
- Lemongrass fragrance is noticeable.
5. Soffell Orange Spray 80g - best inexpensive alternative
Active ingredient: DEET 13%
Typical price: around VND 45,000
Best for: everyday urban use and travelers who prefer an orange scent
Soffell Orange Spray offers almost the same practical proposition as the Floral version but with a different fragrance.
Pharmacity currently lists it at approximately VND 45,000 and states that it provides mosquito protection for around eight hours according to the product information.
It is a sensible option if you walk into a Vietnamese pharmacy and simply want an inexpensive, established DEET-based repellent.
Pros
- Affordable.
- 13% DEET.
- Convenient spray bottle.
- Easy to replace locally.
Cons
- Fragrance may be strong for some users.
- Not our first choice for travelers who dislike DEET on their skin.
6. Remos Baby Cream 70g - best mosquito-repellent cream for young children
Active ingredient: Picaridin 10%
Typical price: around VND 48,000-59,000
Best for: controlled application to smaller areas and families with young children
Remos Baby Cream uses 10% picaridin and is marketed locally for adults and children from six months of age.
Pharmacity's current product listing describes protection lasting up to approximately six hours.
The cream format is useful when parents want more control over exactly where the repellent is applied rather than spraying around a child.
Adults can also use it, although frequent travelers may prefer the faster application of a spray.
Pros
- 10% picaridin.
- Cream allows controlled application.
- Local product instructions include young children.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Slower to apply over large areas.
- Lower picaridin concentration than Remos Baby Spray.
7. Remos Lavender Spray 70ml - best travel-size DEET spray
Active ingredient: DEET 15%
Typical price: around VND 39,000-45,000
Best for: day bags, short trips and people who want a compact DEET option
The 70ml Remos Lavender Spray offers the same useful 15% DEET concentration found in the larger Remos products but in a much more portable format.
It is easy to carry while sightseeing, hiking or moving between cities.
Watsons currently sells it for around VND 43,000 before or during promotional discounts.
Pros
- 15% DEET.
- Compact 70ml bottle.
- Very affordable.
- Widely available.
Cons
- Runs out faster during long trips.
- Lavender fragrance may not suit everyone.
8. Remos Lemongrass Spray 70ml - best compact scented option
Active ingredient: DEET 15%
Typical price: around VND 34,000-45,000
Best for: backpackers and travelers wanting a cheap bottle for a day bag
The 70ml Lemongrass Spray is one of the cheapest ways to buy a locally available 15% DEET repellent from an established brand.
Watsons lists the standard price around VND 45,000, while Pharmacity promotions can reduce it further.
There is little functional reason to choose it over the lavender version other than fragrance preference and whichever product is cheaper at the time.
Pros
- 15% DEET.
- Low price.
- Small travel-friendly bottle.
- Easy to find locally.
Cons
- Small volume.
- Scented formulation.
9. Soffell Floral Lotion 60ml - best low-cost lotion
Active ingredient: DEET 13%
Typical price: around VND 27,000
Best for: travelers who prefer applying repellent by hand
At around VND 27,000 from Pharmacity, this is one of the cheapest established mosquito repellents in the ranking.
The product listing identifies 13% DEET as the active ingredient and advertises prolonged mosquito protection.
The lotion format makes it easier to apply precisely around ankles, arms and other exposed areas without spraying the surrounding environment.
Pros
- Extremely inexpensive.
- 13% DEET.
- Easy controlled application.
- Small enough for a bag.
Cons
- Less convenient for covering large areas quickly.
- Floral fragrance.
10. Soffell Orange Lotion 60ml - best budget scented lotion
Active ingredient: DEET 13%
Typical price: around VND 27,000
Best for: inexpensive everyday protection
The Orange Lotion is essentially the citrus-scented counterpart to Soffell Floral Lotion.
Pharmacity lists it for around VND 27,000, making it another extremely inexpensive option for travelers who need a mosquito repellent immediately after arriving in Vietnam.
Its value is simplicity: established active ingredient, low cost and easy local availability.
Pros
- 13% DEET.
- Around VND 27,000.
- Compact.
- Common local brand.
Cons
- Scent may be noticeable.
- Lotion takes longer to spread than a spray.
How we selected the best mosquito repellents in Vietnam
This ranking is based on practical criteria rather than simply listing the most expensive international products.
We considered:
Active ingredient
We prioritised repellents using established ingredients such as DEET and picaridin.
Concentration
Concentration influences how long a repellent can remain effective and how frequently it may need to be reapplied.
Availability in Vietnam
Products available through established Vietnamese retailers received preference over imported repellents that may require international delivery.
Price
A repellent costing hundreds of thousands of dong is difficult to recommend when locally available products with established active ingredients cost VND 30,000-80,000.
Format
Sprays are convenient for rapid coverage, while creams and lotions allow more controlled application.
Use case
Different products work better for different users, including adults, families, children, backpackers and long-term residents.
This ranking is not based on independent laboratory testing conducted by Vietnam Clinic. Product protection times are manufacturer or retailer claims and should be interpreted accordingly.
Should you choose DEET or picaridin?
For most travelers, either is a strong choice.
DEET has an exceptionally long history of use and is available cheaply throughout Vietnam.
Picaridin may be more comfortable for people who dislike DEET because it typically has less odor, feels less greasy and is less likely to damage certain plastics.
Among locally available products in this ranking, Remos Baby Spray with 15% picaridin is the clearest picaridin option, while several Remos and Soffell products provide inexpensive DEET alternatives.
For a full explanation of active ingredients, concentrations and application, see Mosquito Repellent in Vietnam: What Works Best and How to Use It.
Is 13% or 15% DEET enough for Vietnam?
For ordinary city travel, many people will find these concentrations practical when the products are reapplied according to their labels.
The repellents sold widely in Vietnam often contain around 13% to 15% DEET rather than the 30% to 50% formulations commonly marketed to expedition travelers.
A higher concentration can be useful for:
- Long hikes.
- Camping.
- Forest travel.
- Rural areas with heavy mosquito exposure.
- Situations where frequent reapplication is difficult.
If you are travelling into a high-exposure environment, bringing a stronger repellent from home may therefore still make sense.
Are the cheapest mosquito repellents good enough?
Price alone is not a reliable measure of effectiveness.
A VND 27,000 Soffell product containing 13% DEET has a recognised mosquito-repellent active ingredient, while an expensive natural spray may rely on essential oils that provide shorter protection.
Check the active ingredient before judging a product by packaging, fragrance or price.
Where can you buy mosquito repellent in Vietnam?
The products in this ranking are available through major retailers such as:
- Pharmacity.
- Watsons Vietnam.
- Guardian.
- Other pharmacies.
- Supermarkets.
- Convenience stores.
Availability varies by branch.
Remos and Soffell are particularly easy to encounter in major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.
Travelers therefore do not normally need to bring enough repellent for an entire long stay unless they strongly prefer a specific imported product.
Which mosquito repellent is best for dengue prevention?
The important factor is the active ingredient and correct use, not whether a bottle specifically says "dengue" on the front.
WHO recommends proven repellents as part of dengue prevention, while CDC lists ingredients including DEET and picaridin among effective options for mosquito protection.
Remember that dengue-transmitting Aedes mosquitoes bite during the day.
Do not apply repellent only at sunset.
Repellent is only one part of mosquito protection
You can further reduce bites by:
- Wearing lightweight long clothing.
- Staying in screened or air-conditioned rooms.
- Using mosquito nets where appropriate.
- Removing standing water around accommodation.
- Using permethrin-treated clothing for higher-risk outdoor travel.
No repellent provides perfect protection.
What is our top recommendation?
For most adult travelers, Remos Mentholatum Lavender Mist 150ml offers the strongest balance of local availability, price, bottle size and a clearly stated 15% DEET formulation.
If you prefer to avoid DEET, Remos Baby Spray 70ml with 15% picaridin is the most interesting locally available alternative in this ranking.
For the cheapest effective option, Soffell Floral or Orange Lotion provides 13% DEET for around VND 27,000 at current Pharmacity pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers below cover common questions about choosing mosquito repellent in Vietnam. Prices, packaging and formulations can change, so check the current label before purchasing or using a product.
What is the best mosquito repellent in Vietnam?
Remos Mentholatum Lavender Mist 150ml is a strong overall option because it contains 15% DEET, is widely available and costs roughly VND 68,000 to 75,000. Travelers who prefer picaridin can consider Remos Baby Spray 70ml.
Which mosquito repellents can I buy in Vietnam?
Remos and Soffell products are widely available through Vietnamese pharmacies and retailers. Common options include 13% to 15% DEET sprays and lotions and picaridin-based Remos Baby products.
What is the best picaridin mosquito repellent in Vietnam?
Remos Baby Spray is one of the easiest locally available picaridin products to identify. Pharmacity lists the current formulation as containing 15% picaridin.
How much does mosquito repellent cost in Vietnam?
Common locally available repellents generally cost around VND 27,000 to VND 80,000. Soffell lotions are among the cheapest options, while larger Remos sprays and picaridin products cost somewhat more.
Is Soffell mosquito repellent good for Vietnam?
Soffell products sold by major Vietnamese pharmacies contain DEET, typically around 13% in the products included in this ranking. They are inexpensive and practical for everyday mosquito protection when used according to the label.
Is Remos mosquito repellent good?
Remos offers several locally available formulations containing either 15% DEET or picaridin. Its wide availability and low prices make it one of the most practical repellent brands for travelers in Vietnam.
Do I need 50% DEET in Vietnam?
Not necessarily for ordinary urban travel. Locally sold products with 13% to 15% DEET can be practical when reapplied according to the label. Higher concentrations may be useful for long periods outdoors, forests, camping or situations where frequent reapplication is difficult.
Where can I buy mosquito repellent in Da Nang, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?
Major pharmacy and health retailers such as Pharmacity, Watsons and Guardian sell mosquito repellents in Vietnam, and Remos and Soffell products are commonly available in the country's major cities.
Conclusion
You do not need an expensive imported product to find an effective mosquito repellent in Vietnam. Major Vietnamese retailers currently stock several affordable options containing DEET or picaridin, including products from Remos and Soffell.
Our best overall choice is Remos Mentholatum Lavender Mist 150ml with 15% DEET, while Remos Baby Spray with 15% picaridin is the strongest alternative for people who prefer picaridin.
Soffell's 13% DEET sprays and lotions stand out for value, with some products costing less than VND 50,000 and lotion versions around VND 27,000.
Whichever product you choose, consistent application matters more than the brand. Use it during the daytime as well as evening when mosquitoes are active, follow the label for reapplication and combine repellent with practical measures such as protective clothing and screened accommodation.
Sources
Writer
Jonathan García-Allen
Psychologist, book author and digital strategist specializing in mental health. He co-founded Psicología y Mente, one of the world’s most visited mental health websites, with more than 20 million visits per month. He has more than 10 years of experience creating health content and helping psychologists, therapists and clinics grow their online presence through content, SEO and digital marketing
Medical review
Tan Nguyen
Medical writer for Vietnam Clinic. MD, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City.
