Health
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following standard vaccinations for travellers to Southeast Asia: Adult diphtheria and tetanus boosters, Hepatitis A and B, MMR, Polio and Typhoid.
Make sure you visit your GP several weeks before travel to make sure you are up to date with all your vaccinations.
Malaria and Dengue Fever can be present in some areas so seek advice from your GP before travel and make sure you take all preventative measures against mosquito bites.
See our general health advice for more information.
If you are travelling in from a yellow fever zone you will need to have a yellow fever certificate to present on arrival in Laos.
Medical care in Laos is fairly basic and is only really generally available in the capital city. If you have any ongoing serious health conditions consider them carefully before visiting Laos.
Hygiene standards are not high so avoid drinking tap water and don’t have ice in drinks. Drink only boiled or bottled water. If you contract diarrhoea seek medical advice.
There have been some outbreaks of Bird Flu in the past so avoid live birds and poultry.
Safety
Laos is a very friendly country and is considered one of the safest in Asia, but as happens everywhere, there have been some incidents of petty crime, so be alert and follow our general safety advice when travelling.
There have been a few reports of food or drink being drugged, so don’t leave food or drink unattended.
If you are thinking of travelling on the Mekong River avoid the speedboats and opt for a slow boat instead – the speedboats pose a risk to travellers. Roads in Laos are also basic and levels of safety are not good so try to travel during the day and take care on public transport.
The Lao-Thai border sees occasional political skirmishes so avoid getting caught up in any violence. Keep to well-beaten tracks in rural areas as there are a few unexploded mines still present in the country. Avoid all military sites.
Involvement in drugs is severely punished and illegal in Laos. The government prohibits sexual relations between Lao nationals and foreign nationals and this can impose a heavy penalty.
You should carry your ID when travelling through Laos as you may be spot-checked and if you cannot provide proof of identity you may be fined.