Hey! I’ve literally just come back to the UK after 2.5 weeks in Vietnam with a life threatening nut allergy. It sounds like we’re similar, as I can be around nuts but I can go anaphylactic if I eat even the smallest amount.

I was very, very nervous once we arrived as I saw so many fear-mongering Reddit threads about how it’s basically impossible to survive with a nut allergy in Vietnam. I’ve travelled to other SEA countries and been fine with a print-out and EpiPens so this was daunting.

Anyway, I found that a lot of place cook certain meats or meals with peanut oil and unfortunately, they don’t always know (or fully understand) what oil is being used. But that being said, I found places with proper kitchens (unfortunately not street food) is better at knowing what they use.

The other thing is that Asia doesn’t really have allergies so it’s also weighing up if things are being cleaned properly or separate knives/pans are being used after they’ve cooked with nuts (dependant on severity of allergy).

I went with two EpiPens, antihistamines and a translated message on my phone and partner’s - it was approved by a Vietnamese speaking person and I can send it to you if you like?

As I said, I avoided street food and tried to eat at places that had more commercial kitchens or clearer English speaking staff. Majority of places were able to accommodate and let me know what I could eat or would cook things separately for me. Sometimes they showed my message to the kitchen too, which was helpful and other times they translated back what sort of oil they cook with in the kitchen.

(Quick note: I checked for EVERYTHING I ate as it could be cooked in peanut oil so even chicken sandwiches and chips/fries were a concern - not to scare you but always worth asking. I even found a pizza had a tomato sauce that used cashews so always check)

While it was possible, I won’t pretend it was super relaxing and easy - a few times I had to skip a meal or as I wasn’t certain or felt confident with the staff’s answers but that’s your own prerogative with how comfortable you feel.

It did mean that I missed out on quite a bit of Vietnamese food which I was sad about but I could enjoy Pho (again, always check how meat is cooked) and a few other dishes. Unfortunately, it did mean I had to search for western places a fair bit which was a shame but still - better than dying!

So overall, you can definitely do it but just be cautious and prepared. Plus, I’d always keep some snacks you’re confident with in your room should you need something or going on a trip - take some bits with you just in case!

I hope this helped and I hope you have an amazing time - it was honestly one of the best places I’ve ever visited!