Travel Vaccines for Laos
Everything you need to stay healthy exploring Laos — from Luang Prabang's temples to Vang Vieng's caves and the Mekong River. About 5,000 Canadians visit Laos each year.
Verified by CDC · Updated February 2025
What Vaccines Do You Need?
Based on CDC recommendations. Your specific needs may vary based on itinerary, health history, and planned activities.
Hepatitis A
Strongly RecommendedHepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and water. Essential for all travellers to Laos. The virus is prevalent in areas with limited sanitation, which includes much of rural Laos and even some urban areas.
Typhoid
Strongly RecommendedTyphoid fever is common in Laos, spread through contaminated food and water. Risk is elevated at local markets, street food stalls, and in areas with poor sanitation. Vaccination is strongly recommended for all travellers, especially those eating outside tourist hotels.
Hepatitis B
RecommendedHepatitis B is spread through blood and bodily fluids. Laos has high hepatitis B prevalence. Recommended if you may need medical or dental care, get tattoos or piercings, have intimate contact, or plan an extended stay. Medical facilities may not follow standard infection control.
Japanese Encephalitis
RecommendedJapanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection found in rural agricultural areas of Laos, particularly during monsoon season (May–October). Recommended for travellers spending extended time in rural areas, visiting rice-growing regions, or travelling during the rainy season. The disease can cause severe brain inflammation.
Rabies
RecommendedRabies is present in Laos, with stray dogs common in both urban and rural areas. Pre-exposure vaccination is strongly recommended because post-exposure treatment (rabies immunoglobulin) is very difficult to obtain in Laos. Travellers bitten in rural areas may need evacuation to Thailand for treatment.
Cholera / Dukoral
RecommendedCholera vaccination may be considered for travellers visiting rural areas or those with adventurous eating habits. The oral Dukoral vaccine also provides some protection against ETEC traveller's diarrhea. Discuss with your travel health pharmacist based on your specific itinerary.
Routine (Tdap, MMR, Polio)
RecommendedEnsure routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling to Laos. Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) are particularly important. Laos has lower vaccination coverage than neighbouring countries, increasing risk of exposure to vaccine-preventable diseases.
Important: Vaccine recommendations depend on your specific travel plans, health history, and the areas you'll visit. Book a free consultation for personalized advice.
What to Watch Out For
These are common health concerns for travelers. Most are preventable with proper precautions.
Dengue Fever
Dengue is endemic in Laos, with outbreaks particularly during and after the rainy season (May–October). Transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that bite during the day, especially at dawn and dusk. Found in both urban and rural areas. Use DEET-based insect repellent and wear protective clothing.
Use DEET insect repellentMalaria
Malaria risk exists in rural and forested areas of Laos year-round, with higher transmission during the rainy season. Both Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax are present. Risk is low in Vientiane city and major tourist areas but significant in rural and border regions. Antimalarial medication is recommended for travel to risk areas.
Use DEET insect repellentJapanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis virus is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes that breed in rice paddies and standing water. Risk is highest in rural areas during monsoon season. While rare in travellers, the disease is severe when it occurs, causing brain inflammation with high mortality and disability rates. Vaccination is the best prevention.
Use DEET insect repellentRabies
Rabies is a serious concern in Laos. Stray dogs are common throughout the country, and rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (including immunoglobulin) is extremely difficult to obtain. If bitten by an animal in rural Laos, evacuation to Thailand for treatment may be necessary. Avoid contact with all animals.
Use DEET insect repellentSchistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis (specifically Schistosoma mekongi) is found in the Mekong River and its tributaries in southern Laos, particularly in Champasak Province near the Khone Falls area. Avoid swimming, wading, or bathing in freshwater rivers and streams. The parasites penetrate skin on contact with contaminated water.
Use DEET insect repellentMalaria Information
Malaria risk is present in rural and forested areas of Laos year-round, with higher transmission during the rainy season (May–October). Both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are present. Risk is low in Vientiane city and main tourist centres like central Luang Prabang. Higher risk areas include border regions, the Bolaven Plateau, and rural provinces in the north and south.
Risk Areas
Risk present in: Campeche, Chiapas, southern Chihuahua. Rare in: Oaxaca, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco. No risk along the US-Mexico border or in major resort areas.
Recommended Prevention
Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil) or Doxycycline are recommended for travellers visiting rural areas, forested regions, or border zones. Chloroquine is NOT effective due to widespread resistance. Begin medication before travel as directed and continue after returning. Combine with rigorous mosquito bite prevention.
Essential Health Tips
Food & Water Safety
- Drink only bottled or purified water
- Avoid ice in drinks outside resorts
- Eat thoroughly cooked foods
- Peel fruits yourself
- Avoid street food if unsure of hygiene
Food & Water Safety
- Drink only bottled or purified water
- Avoid ice in drinks outside resorts
- Eat thoroughly cooked foods
- Peel fruits yourself
- Avoid street food if unsure of hygiene
Food & Water Safety
- Drink only bottled or purified water
- Avoid ice in drinks outside resorts
- Eat thoroughly cooked foods
- Peel fruits yourself
- Avoid street food if unsure of hygiene
Frequently Asked Questions
For Luang Prabang, Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are essential. Hepatitis B and Rabies are recommended. If you plan to visit surrounding rural areas or travel during monsoon season, Japanese Encephalitis vaccine should also be considered. Ensure routine vaccinations (Tdap, MMR) are up to date.
Vang Vieng has low malaria risk as it is a developed tourist town. However, if you plan to trek into surrounding rural and forested areas, antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended. Discuss your specific itinerary with your travel health pharmacist. Regardless, mosquito bite prevention is important for dengue protection.
Japanese Encephalitis vaccination is recommended if you'll be spending time in rural areas, visiting rice paddies, or travelling during the rainy season (May–October). The disease is rare in short-term urban travellers but can be severe. The vaccine requires two doses given 7-28 days apart, so plan ahead.
Swimming in the Mekong River is not recommended due to schistosomiasis risk (particularly in southern Laos), strong currents, and water quality concerns. Waterfalls like Kuang Si near Luang Prabang are popular swimming spots and generally considered lower risk, though freshwater exposure always carries some risk of waterborne infections.
Yes, rabies is a significant concern in Laos. Stray dogs are common throughout the country, and rabies is endemic. The biggest challenge is that post-exposure treatment, especially rabies immunoglobulin, is extremely difficult to obtain in Laos. Pre-exposure vaccination is strongly recommended. If bitten, you may need to travel to Thailand for proper treatment.
Visit a travel health clinic at least 4-6 weeks before departure. Japanese Encephalitis vaccine requires two doses 7-28 days apart. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination requires multiple doses over 3-4 weeks. Hepatitis A and Typhoid can be given closer to departure but are more effective with lead time. Your pharmacist will also prescribe antimalarial medication if needed.
Book Your Laos Travel Health Consultation
Book directly online — no phone calls needed. Choose your service below.