Health & Vaccinations
Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccinations for entry from Germany. Recommended are:
- Standard vaccinations: Tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles (get a booster)
- Hepatitis A: Strongly recommended (transmission through food/water)
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for longer stays
- Typhoid: Recommended for travel to rural areas
- Rabies: Recommended — stray dogs are ubiquitous, medical care in rural areas is minimal
- Japanese Encephalitis: For longer stays in rural areas during the rainy season
Malaria & Dengue
- Malaria: Risk in remote forest areas, especially in the south and east. In Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Vang Vieng: no risk. Prophylaxis only needed for trekking in remote areas — consult a travel medicine specialist!
- Dengue: Nationwide, especially during the rainy season (June–October). No vaccine. Mosquito protection: DEET-containing repellent (at least 30%), long clothing at dusk, mosquito net at night.
Tap Water & Stomach
NEVER drink tap water. Bottled water is cheap everywhere (5,000 LAK per 1.5l). Ice in tourist restaurants is safe (industrially produced). Street food is generally safe with high turnover.
Medical Care
Medical care in Laos is significantly worse than in Thailand. In Vientiane, there are two acceptable clinics: Alliance International Medical Centre and French Medical Centre (Centre Médical de l'Ambassade de France). In Luang Prabang: only basic clinics. Outside the cities: virtually no care.
In case of serious emergencies: Evacuation to Bangkok or Udon Thani (Thailand). Travel health insurance with repatriation is MANDATORY!
