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Health And Vaccinations

The medical infrastructure in Laos is rudimentary. It is advisable for travelers to have insurance covering medical expenses, evacuations, and accidents to cover the risk of a serious problem requiring evacuation to Thailand for reliable care.

No vaccinations are required for Laos except for the yellow fever vaccination. However, it is recommended to be up to date with vaccinations such as DT-Polio, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and measles for children.

Vaccinations for rabies and Japanese encephalitis are recommended for rural and adventure stays, especially for children. In Laos, the risk of contracting malaria is only in sparsely touristy rural areas. Antimalarial treatment is necessary only if you are hiking in the mountains or forests. There is no malaria in major cities like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, the Plain of Jars, or the Mekong from Pakse to the island of Khong. However, it is essential to protect yourself with skin and clothing repellents and impregnated mosquito nets.

Dengue is present throughout the country, and precautions should be taken. This disease is a viral infection transmitted to humans by infected mosquito bites. In severe cases, dengue can be fatal; it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor in case of fever.

For rural areas, it is wise to plan for antimalarial treatment and bring repellents while taking preventive measures against mosquito bites: using repellents, wearing covering clothing, and using mosquito nets (effective prevention against insect-borne diseases, particularly dengue and Japanese encephalitis).

Here is the link to the Pasteur Institute, which could be useful on the subject: Institut Pasteur - Laos

Tap water in Laos is not drinkable. It is recommended to consume bottled water. If not available, filter and boil water before consumption. It is also advisable to avoid ice in drinks consumed in bars and restaurants.

The sun is almost always present and very powerful. Sunburn and dehydration are major issues for tourists during outdoor activities and water activities such as cruising, fishing, or canoeing. Always apply high SPF sunscreen, wear hats, and wear light, long-sleeved clothing in light colors. Additionally, it is important to drink enough water.

You can find many pharmacies throughout your trip. However, the quality of medications remains uncertain: counterfeiting, random dosages, etc. It is better to equip your first aid kit with common medications (paracetamol for fever, intestinal powders, disinfectants, medications for colds and sore throats, mosquito repellent cream, and sunscreen). For those on regular medical treatment, it is advisable to bring enough medication and always keep it in your carry-on luggage.