We have synthesized Eu3+-doped YVO4 phosphors by using a hydrothermal method and investigatedtheir luminescent properties. Aqueous solutions of Y2O3, V2O5, Eu2O3, and nitric acid with various pH valueswere used as the precursors. The crystallinity, surface condition, and emission characteristics were examinedusing XRD, FT-IR, and photo-excited spectrometer. Eu3+ incorporation followed by the efficient red emissionstrongly depends on the acidity of solution media. The emission intensity becomes stronger as the pH valuesincrease to 7 and then gradually decreases. This phenomenon might be related to the hydroxyl quenchingeffect, which is induced by surface bound OH- groups.