Travel Guide: Health and Safety in Laos
I thought I’d share some straightforward advice about staying healthy and safe in this lovely corner of Southeast Asia. It’s a brilliant country with genuinely warm people, but there are a few things worth knowing before you visit.
Jabs and Medications
I recommend getting these vaccinations:
- Definitely have: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus
- Worth considering: Hepatitis B, Rabies, Typhoid
- If you’re heading into very rural areas: Cholera and Japanese Encephalitis
As for malaria, it’s mostly been eradicated here – cases dropped by 99.5% over 25 years according to the WHO. The few remaining cases typically occur in remote villages during the rainy season (June to October). Most expats I know don’t bother with malaria tablets for everyday life, but it’s a personal choice. A good mosquito repellent with DEET is essential either way. Just don’t try bringing aerosol sprays on the Lao train – they’ll be confiscated.
Medical Facilities
Healthcare here is limited. Vientiane has a few decent clinics, but for anything serious, most of us pop over to Thailand. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is rather important.
Staying Safe
Violent crime isn’t really an issue in most of Laos, but do watch your belongings as opportunistic theft happens.
A few places to be extra careful:
- The Golden Triangle area near the Burma border has a fair bit of drug trafficking
- The Chinese Special Economic Zone in that region is best avoided altogether – it’s essentially run by criminal organizations
- Parts of the Bolaven Long Motorcycle Loop have had problems with muggings
- Xaysomboun Province east of Vang Vieng has military restricted areas where you’ll need permission and an escort to visit
Buy a local SIM card or use Airalo to buy an eSIM before you arrive. Things don’t always go to plan and you’ll find being able to use maps etc very useful. WhatsApp is widely used. WIFI is good but not available everywhere.
Food and Water
Bottled water is your friend, street food is generally fine in cities (look for busy stalls), and give your stomach a few days to adjust. Most people have no problems.
Alcohol is generally safe, never had a problem. Avoid free alcohol offered at hostels. Drugs are illegal. Some places like Vang Vieng and 4000 islands offer such things, consume them there and don’t take them off premises or you will be arrested.
Motorcycles
Wear a helmet for your own safety. People have driver training and anything can happen do don’t expect most people to know road rules, always be aware. Shoes are a good idea too. If you rent a motorbike scooter, check it for damage, take photos and show the owner. Leaving passports is common and usually safe.
Walking and general safety
Laos doesn’t understand health and safety. Footpaths may have large holes in them, bricks or rebar sticking out. You need to watch where you are walking. Stairs are also not usually even so there is often that first or top step that catches you out.
Final Thoughts
Luang Prabang is magical and everyone loves it. Vientiane… well, it’s our capital and has its charms, but most visitors find a day or two is plenty. The rest of the country rewards those willing to put up with a few bumpy roads and basic facilities. The high speed train is a great way to get you to 3 key areas of the 4 in Laos.
Despite the precautions I’ve mentioned, Laos is a wonderfully laid-back place where serious problems are rare. The biggest hazards for most visitors are motorbike accidents and sunburn, both entirely avoidable with a bit of common sense.
Swing by if you make it to Laos – first Beer Lao’s on me!
Any other thoughts? Let me know in the comments.
Health, Laos, Luang Prabang, Travel
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