Laos
🏛️ Capital: Vientiane
👥 Population: 7.77 million
💬 Language: Lao
💰 Currency: Lao Kip (LAK)
✈️ Reasons to travel: Ancient temples, Mekong River, lush mountains, French colonial charm, slow-paced lifestyle
📈 High Season: November to February
📉 Low Season: May to October
☀️ The warmest month: April
❄️ The coldest month: January
🌧 The rainiest month: August
Safety
Travelers should check government safety advisories before any trip to avoid dangerous situations. These sources offer reliable updates on security risks, health alerts, and local laws.
Check out the travel advisory from at least one of these government websites:
Average safety level:
Increased caution
Try our travel preparation app for free, and get an overview of safety, entry requirements, local laws, contacts for hospitals, and more.
Health
Sanitation and drinking water:
Score: 32/100
Rank: 132nd/180
These are based on indicators such as types of facilities and sewage systems in households, water sources, water treatments, etc. The higher the score the safer the drinking water and sanitation (based on the Environmental Performance Index from Yale University).
A lower score may suggest a higher risk of food-borne illnesses like traveler’s diarrhea.
Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in Laos:
- Chikungunya
- Dengue fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Japanese encephalitis
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Rabies
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid fever
Infectious diseases in Laos with no vaccine currently available:
- Cutaneous larva migrans
- Malaria
- Schistosoma
- Scrub typhus
- Zika
Yellow fever certificate requirements:
No certificate required.
Would you like to learn more about Laos?
Use our app to find important information about relevant vaccines, what medication to pack, and how to address risks at your destination, so you can enjoy your travel to the fullest.
We’ve connected data from hundreds of scientific publications with the most recent recommendations from the world’s top authorities, including the WHO, the American CDC, and the UK’s NHS, to help you get the best preparation for the trip possible.
Try MyGlobdoc now! Laos is already available there.
Laos FAQ
Is it safe to travel to Laos in terms of health risks?
Yes, Laos is generally safe for travelers; however, health risks vary depending on the location and season. Common concerns include mosquito-borne illnesses, foodborne diseases, and limited access to advanced healthcare in rural areas. Taking preventive measures, such as vaccinations, safe food practices, and mosquito protection, can greatly reduce these risks.
What vaccinations do I need before traveling to Laos?
Recommended vaccines for Laos include hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus. Depending on your travel plans, you may also need hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies. A personalized travel health report from MyGlobdoc can help determine the exact vaccines needed based on your itinerary and activities.
Are there any common diseases in Laos that travelers should know about?
Yes. Common diseases in Laos include dengue fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, and traveler’s diarrhea. In certain rural areas, malaria and Japanese encephalitis may also be risks. Awareness of these health threats can help you take targeted precautions before and during your trip.
How can I avoid food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea in Laos?
Eat freshly cooked foods from reputable vendors, avoid raw seafood or undercooked meat, and peel fruits before eating. Stick to bottled or boiled water, and avoid ice unless you’re sure it’s made from purified water. Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer, especially before meals.
Is malaria a risk in Laos, and do I need anti-malarial pills?
Yes, malaria is present in some rural and forested areas of Laos, especially in the southern half of the country. If your itinerary includes these regions, anti-malarial medication may be recommended. MyGlobdoc can provide region-specific malaria risk guidance based on your travel plans.
What mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Laos?
Mosquito-borne diseases in Laos include dengue fever, malaria, Japanese encephalitis, and chikungunya. These are more common during the rainy season and in rural areas, except for dengue, which is more common in urban areas. Use insect repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves, and sleep under mosquito nets when necessary.
Do I need travel health insurance for Laos?
Yes, travel health insurance is highly recommended. Medical facilities outside major cities like Vientiane can be limited, and serious conditions may require evacuation to Thailand. Insurance ensures access to quality care and protects you from high medical costs in emergencies.
What should be in a travel medical kit for Laos?
Pack oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrheal medicine, insect repellent, sunscreen, pain relievers, adhesive bandages, and any personal prescription medications. If you’re traveling to remote areas, include a basic first aid kit and a kit for water purification (filtration or chemical). MyGlobdoc app can generate a checklist tailored to your specific travel route.
How can I stay healthy while backpacking through Laos?
Stay hydrated, protect yourself from mosquitoes, and eat at clean, busy food stalls. Avoid overexertion in the heat, especially during outdoor activities. Keep your vaccinations current and carry a small medical kit for minor issues.
Is Laos safe for pregnant travelers or travelers with chronic illness?
Laos can be safe for pregnant travelers and those with chronic conditions if proper precautions are taken. Pregnant travelers should avoid Zika-affected areas and take extra mosquito protection steps. Bring sufficient medication, a doctor’s letter, and ensure your travel insurance covers pre-existing conditions.
What should I do if I get sick in Laos?
In Vientiane and Luang Prabang, international clinics and hospitals cater to travelers. For minor issues, pharmacies are readily available; however, for serious conditions, evacuation to Thailand may be necessary. Always carry your insurance details and emergency contact information.
What travel health documents or certificates are required for Laos?
Currently, travelers do not need specific health certificates to enter Laos. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is not required. Check the latest entry and health requirements before departure.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laos
Map generated with https://www.mapchart.net/index.html
Ortho map By Source file: Ssolbergj This file: Svenskbygderna (talk) – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=90671055 / edited in Canva
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
https://datatopics.worldbank.org/world-development-indicators/
Block, S., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. (2024). 2024 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any health problem. The use or reliance on any information provided on this page is solely at your own risk.
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