Laos
Risk / Health Info for Laos
Canadian Travel Clinics can help you make sure your shots are up to date before you go to Laos, including your polio shot. Protect yourself against hepatitis A and B, as well as typhoid. There is also a chance of malaria so at least six weeks before you go consult our experts about anti-malaria pills. Zika has been reported in Laos so avoid mosquito bites as much as possible. Water- and food-borne illnesses are common.
Laos has few healthcare facilities, and evacuation to Thailand is usually required except for basic medical conditions and injuries. Global Affairs Canada recommends that leaving if Laos if you experience health issues while you are there. The Embassy of Australia has a health clinic in Ventiane that Canadians can use.
- Altitude in Laos
- Parts of Laos are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.
- Dengue fever in Laos
- There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Laos. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.
Recommended Vaccines for Laos
| Vaccine Name | Course |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | 2 Doses |
| Hepatitis A and B combined (adult) | 3 Doses |
| Hepatitis A and B combined (paediatric) | 2 Doses |
| Hepatitis A and typhoid (combined) | 1 Dose |
| Hepatitis A (paediatric) | 1 Dose |
| Hepatitis B | 3 Doses |
| Hepatitis B (paediatric) | 3 Doses |
| Japanese encephalitis | 2 Doses |
| Malaria prophylaxis | |
| Rabies | |
| Typhoid | 1 Dose |
| Typhoid (oral) | 1 Dose |
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About Laos
Laos, also known as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, neighbours Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and China. With a mountainous terrain, it is generally hot and wet. Among the poorest countries in the South East Asia, Laos has a slow-paced lifestyle that makes it very attractive to visitors seeking to relax.
top Tips for travelling to Laos
Vang Vieng is surrounded by limestone mountains and caves, not far away from Tham Poukham, which is a cave with a blue-green lagoon and a reclining Buddha statue. Global Affairs Canada advises avoiding travel to some parts of Laos, so check before you go.