Laos
Travel Destination – Laos
Located in Southeast Asia and landlocked between Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and China, Laos is famous for it stunning natural scenery and rich Buddhist culture.It is a popular destination for travellers seeking an off-the-beaten path adventure with opportunities for exploring ancient temples, cruising the Mekong River and experiencing adventure sports.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
It’s a good idea to discuss your trip with a travel doctor. They will provide a detailed travel health plan tailored to your specific itinerary within Laos. Your doctor will also discuss your immunisations, provide scripts for the vaccines you decide on and check that you have prescriptions for any recommended medications. Ideally, book your appointment at least six to eight weeks before you travel, so that if you need multiple vaccinations these can be spaced out. With less time before you travel it is still worth seeing a travel doctor, as accelerated schedules of some vaccinations can be arranged.
Insect avoidance
Dengue, malaria and Japanese encephalitis are some examples of the many diseases carried by mosquitoes in Laos. Avoiding insect bites is one of the key preventive measures for this group of infections. Strategies include sleeping in airconditioned rooms or spaces with fly screens (and where this is not possible, under permethrin treated mosquito nets), wearing long sleeves and long pants when outside, and using insecticides containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Mosquito coils and electrical vaporising mats can also be useful on verandas and other outdoor spaces.
Food and water hygiene
By using a few simple precautions, it is still possible to enjoy the unique local cuisine in Laos while minimising your risk of gastroenteritis and other gastrointestinal infections. Always wash your hands or use antiseptic hand gel prior to eating. Avoid raw, undercooked or reheated food. Street food is safest when it has been cooked in front of you and fruits and vegetables are best when they can be peeled before consuming, like bananas and mangoes. Drink only boiled, filtered or bottled water and avoid untreated tap water and ice made from it.
Rabies prevention
Australia is one of the few parts of the world which is free of rabies. Elsewhere, rabies can be carried by dogs, monkeys and other mammals and transmitted by their bites and scratches. Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Laos. The key preventive strategy is to avoid animals. Unless you will be working with animals or travelling to remote areas with limited access to health care, rabies vaccination may not be required prior to travel, but it is best to discuss this with your doctor. If you are bitten while in Laos, you should seek immediate medical attention. With treatment, you can be protected from fatal infection. This is important, even for those who have had pre-departure vaccination.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for Laos?
Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver, typically contracted through food or water. While it often causes mild illness, symptoms can be severe and occassionally life-threatening, particularly in adults. Although Hepatitis A is uncommon in Australia, it remains widespread in many parts of Asia, including Laos. Travellers to Laos are advised to receive the Hepatitis A vaccine if they haven't already completed the two-dose course. The vaccine provides long-term protection and is a key safeguard when enjoying local food and drink during your trip.
Typhoid
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Typhoid is a systemic bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi. Contracted through ingestion of contaminated food or water, it causes high fevers, fatigue, headaches, abdominal pain and gastrointestinal upset. A typhoid vaccine is available which provides three years of protection. This may be recommended by your doctor if you are at risk.
Hepatitis B
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Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can lead to chronic liver disease and is spread through blood and bodily fluids, including via unprotected sex, tattooing, and sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes. While many Australians are now protected through routine childhood immunisation, adults who haven't received the full hepatitis B vaccine should consider it before travelling to Laos - especially if they plan to stay long term, make repeat visits, or may engage in activities that increase of exposure. The vaccine offers long-lasting protection.
Japanese encephalitis virus
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Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection found in parts of rural Laos, particularly near rice paddies and pig farms. While most people infected experience no symptoms or only mild illness, in rare cases the virus can cause severe brain inflammation, leading to permanent disability or even death. The risk is highest in rural areas during the rainy season and for travellers spending extended times outdoors. Protection involves strict mosquito bite avoidance, and a vaccine is available for those at higher risk. Your doctor may recommend Japanese encephalitis vaccination depending on your itinerary, duration of stay, and planned activities.
Routine vaccinations
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In Australia, the transmission of many common infections are kept at very low levels through widespread routine immunisation. This is not always the case in other countries, and rates of infections such as measles, mumps and rubella may be much higher than at home. The lead up to overseas trips is a good time to review your routine vaccinations and get boosters where you need them. These will include immunisations against influenza, COVID-19, measles, tetanus and others.
Laos
Other health risks in Laos
Malaria
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Malaria is a serious parasitic infection transmitted by mosquito bites, affecting the liver and red blood cells. It typically causes high fevers, chills, fatigue, and muscle aches. In severe cases it can lead to life-threatening complications, such as cerebral malaria and severe anaemia. In Laos remains a concern in certain rural and forested regions, especially around rice paddies. Preventative measures include avoiding mosquito bites - particularly from dusk to dawn - and taking anti-malarial medication when planning to travel to at-risk areas. Your travel doctor will advise whether malaria tablets are recommended based on your exact itinerary.
Dengue
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Dengue fever is one of the most common mosquito-borne illnesses affecting Australian travellers to Laos. It is caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitos, which are most active during the daytime and are commonly found in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms typically include high fever, fatigue, severe muscle and joint pain, headache, and skin rash. Most people recover within one to two weeks after their first infection. However, repeat infections with a different strain of the virus can lead to more severe forms of dengue, which may involve internal bleeding, low blood pressure, and life-threatening complications. There is no specific treatment or widely available vaccine for travellers, so prevention depends on avoiding mosquito bites, especially during the day.
Rabies
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Rabies is a deadly viral infection transmitted through the bites or scratches of infected animals, most commonly dogs, but also cats, monkeys, and other mammals. While Australia is free of rabies, the virus remains present in many parts of the world, including Laos. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, making prevention critical. Travellers should avoid contact with animals, particularly stray dogs and monkeys which are common in tourist areas and temples throughout Laos. A pre-travel rabies vacine is recommended for those spendiing extended time in rural areas, working with animals, or visiting locations where access to urgent medical care may be limited. If bitten or scratched, urgent post-exposure treatment is essential - even if pre-travel vaccination has been received. Anyone exposed to a potentially rabid animal in Laos should wash the wound with soap and water for at least fifteen minutes, then seek immediate medical care to begin the necessary course of treatment.
Gastroenteritis
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Traveller's diarrhoea (gastroenteritis), is one of the most common health issues affecting visitors to Laos. The infection is typically caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with bacteria such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, or enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). Symptoms often begin within 1 to 3 days of exposure and may include nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, and vomiting. In most cases, the illness is mild and self-limiting, resolving within a few days. The key to treatment is staying well hydrated. Oral rehydration solutions are idea as they replace both fluids and electrolytes. Antibiotics are generally reserved for severe or prolonged cases, or when a traveller has underlying health conditions that increase their risk of complications. You should seek medical attention if symptoms are not typical, unusally severe, persist beyond a few days, or if you're unable to keep up with fluid losses. Prevention is based on good hand hygiene and safe food and water practices, such as avoiding raw or undercooked foods and drinking only bottled or properly treated water.
Non-infectious conditions
Deep vein thrombosis
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Travelling long distances, such as flying from Australia to Laos, can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the legs due to prolonged sitting and reduced circulation. The help prevent DVT, travellers should stay well hydrated, avoid excessive alcohol, and move regularly during long journeys by walking or doing simple leg exercises. Those at high risk, including people with a personal history of clots or recent surgery, may benefit from wearing compression stocking during travel. If DVT develops, it is treated with blood-thinning medication. If you experience unexplained leg pain, swelling, or shortness of breath after a long trip, seek medical attention promptly.
Safety on the roads and elsewhere
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Travelling to a country like Laos often involves exciting new experiences - from motorbike rides and mountain treks to scuba diving and jungle tours. While these adventures can be highlights of your trip, it's important to be aware of the risks and take sensible precautions. If considering riding a motorbike, ensure you're properly licensed, confident in your skills, familiar with local road rules and always wear a properly fitted helmet. When using other forms of road transport, choose vehicles with working seatbelts and drivers who operate safely. For diving, especially as a beginner, make sure your instructor is certified and follows recognised safety protocols. If participating in a hike or trek, wear already broken- in walking boots, use insect repellant and sunscreen, pack light, and stay within your fitness level. Most importantly, ensure your travel insurance covers the specific activities you're planning to do while in Laos and includes emergency medical evacuation if required.