Last Updated on November 9, 2025
Planning a trip to the serene landscapes of Laos? Whether you’re heading to explore the ancient temples of Luang Prabang, trek through the mountains of Northern Laos, or discover the cascading waterfalls of Kuang Si, don’t forget to check Laos travel vaccines requirements or recommendations. This Laos travel health guide breaks down the recommended and required vaccines for travel to Laos in 2025, so you can stay healthy while you explore this beautiful country.
For a broader look at how to navigate travel vaccine needs for any destination, check out my Travel Vaccines by Country: How to Check What You Need (2025 Guide).
📑 Table of Contents
- Commonly Recommended Vaccines for Laos
- Sometimes Recommended (Based on Trip Type)
- Mosquito-Borne Risks in Laos (Dengue, Zika, Malaria)
- Which Vaccines Do You Need? (By Travel Style)
- Are Vaccines Required to Enter Laos in 2025?
- Vaccine Costs in Laos (2025)
- When to Get Your Travel Vaccines
- Health Tips Beyond Vaccines
- Laos Travel Vaccine FAQ
Commonly Recommended Vaccines for Laos
Think of this list as a helpful starting point – not every traveler will need every shot, but these are the most commonly recommended based on health risks in Laos:
✅ Core Recommendations
Hepatitis A (Recommended)
Protects against liver infection from contaminated food/water – especially important outside of tourist areas.
Typhoid (Recommended)
Also food and waterborne; common in areas with poor sanitation, which can be found even in major towns.
Hepatitis B (Recommended)
Spread through blood/body fluids. Important for long stays, medical exposure, or certain risk activities. Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old. Unvaccinated 60 years and older may get vaccinated.
Tetanus (DPT/Tdap) (Routine)
Make sure your booster is up to date. Tetanus risk comes from any open wound, anywhere.
Influenza (Seasonal Flu) (Routine)
Flu viruses circulate globally – staying current helps protect you while traveling.
COVID-19 (Still Recommended)
No longer required for entry, but strongly advised to reduce risk of severe illness.
Routine Childhood Vaccines (Routine)
Make sure you’re up-to-date on MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Polio, Varicella (Chickenpox), etc.
⚠️ Sometimes Recommended (Depends on Your Trip)
Rabies
Consider if you’ll spend time in rural areas, interact with animals (especially dogs, bats, and monkeys), or engage in activities like cycling or trekking. Risk exists throughout Laos.
Japanese Encephalitis (JE)
A mosquito-borne virus found in rural and agricultural areas, especially prevalent near rice paddies and pig farms. Relevant for long-term, outdoor, or night-time rural travel. Risk exist year-round with peak season during the rainy season (June-September).
Chikungunya
This mosquito-borne virus is present. Consider for those staying 6 months or more in affected areas. Mosquito bite avoidance is important for prevention. (As of Aug 22, 2025, FDA has suspended the license of IXCHIQ chikungunya vaccine)
🦟 Dengue, Zika & Mosquito Risks in Laos
Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya viruses are present, especially during the rainy season. Unlike malaria, Dengue is more common in urban areas such as Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Zika risk is low but relevant for pregnant travelers.
Malaria is a concern in specific forested and southern rural regions, but not in major cities.
To protect yourself from all mosquito-borne diseases in Laos:
- Use repellent containing DEET or picaridin
- Wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk
- Sleep under a mosquito net in rural or high-risk areas, particularly in southern provinces or on remote islands
👉 Read more: How to Prevent Dengue Fever, Is Zika Still a Travel Risk
🦟 Is Malaria a Risk in Laos in 2025?
There’s no vaccine for malaria, but antimalarial pills may be recommended. Malaria in Laos is a concern in rural, forested areas, particularly in southern provinces (e.g., Attapeu, Champasak, Khammouane, Salavan, Savannakhet, and Sekong) and along borders with Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. There is generally low to no risk in major cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang or popular tourist areas. Discuss with a travel health provider based on your exact itinerary.
🧳️ Which Vaccines Do You Need for Laos in 2025?
The right Laos vaccine recommendations depend on your travel style. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
| 🧭 Trip Type | 💉 Recommended Vaccines | 📝 Why These? |
|---|---|---|
| City & Temple Exploration (e.g., Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Pakse) | Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Flu, COVID-19 | More exposure to local street food and varied sanitation. Mosquito protection still needed (Dengue is common in urban areas). |
| Backpacking / Rural Trekking (e.g., Northern Laos, Bolaven Plateau) | Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies, Flu, COVID-19, JE (if significant rural/farm exposure), consider Malaria pills | Higher exposure to local environments, animals, and potentially higher mosquito-borne disease risk. |
| Mekong River Journeys / Multi-Country Travel | Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Flu, COVID-19, (Consider Rabies, JE, Malaria pills) | Varying levels of exposure along the river and borders. If crossing borders frequently or spending time in less developed areas, consider additional vaccines. Malaria risk can vary along the river. |
| Volunteering / Long-Term Stay | Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Flu, COVID-19, Rabies, JE, Chikungunya, consider Malaria pills | Longer stays = higher cumulative risk. JE, Rabies more relevant. |
💡 Don’t forget: Make sure your routine vaccines like MMR, Tdap, and Polio are up to date—these are easy to overlook but still important for safe travel.
✈️ Are Vaccines Required to Enter Laos in 2025?
As of 2025, no vaccines are mandatory for travelers entering Laos. The recommended vaccines are for your personal protection, not border entry requirements.
❌ No, Vaccines Are Not Required for Entry
Vaccines like Hepatitis A, Typhoid, or Rabies are recommended but not required by law.
💰 Laos Travel Vaccine Prices in 2025 (Estimated Costs)
| Vaccine | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Doses |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | $50–$100 | 1–2 |
| Hepatitis B | $60–$120 | 3 |
| Typhoid | $40–$90 | 1 |
| Rabies | $200–$300 | 2–3 |
| Japanese Encephalitis | $250+ | 1–2 |
| MMR / Tdap | Often covered | 1 |
| COVID-19 booster | Free to low cost | 1 |
Getting vaccinated in Laos? Available at private clinics, but it’s best to get vaccines before traveling to ensure proper timing and quality.
Insurance Tips
Most travel insurance plans do NOT cover vaccine costs. Check if your private health or employer plan does.
🗓️ How Far in Advance Should You Get Your Vaccines?
Best Practice: 4–6 Weeks Before Departure
Why?
- Your body needs time to build immunity.
- Some vaccines need multiple doses (Hep A, B, Rabies, JE).
- Clinics may need to order specialty shots.
- You want a buffer in case of mild side effects.
✈️ Leaving Soon? Still Visit a Travel Clinic
Even if you’re leaving in a few days, you can still get partial protection and personalized advice.
Final Tips for Staying Healthy in Laos
🍴 1. Practice Food and Water Safety
- Drink only bottled or boiled/filtered water.
- Avoid ice unless the source is known.
- Eat hot, fresh food. Avoid raw salads and street snacks that have been sitting out.
- Be cautious with local alcoholic beverages. Especially in less regulated establishments, homemade spirits (e.g., Lao-Lao) or mixed drinks can sometimes contain dangerous contaminants like methanol. Stick to sealed, known brands of alcohol, or venues you trust. When in doubt, avoid.
👉 Read more: How to Avoid Food Poisoning
🦟 2. Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes
- Use repellent with DEET, picaridin, or IR3535.
- Wear long sleeves at dusk and dawn.
- Sleep under a mosquito net if staying in rural areas.
👉 Read more: How to Prevent Mosquito Bites
☀️ 3. Stay Sun Safe
- Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen.
- Wear breathable clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
- Hydrate often.
👉 Read more: How to Prevent Heatstroke and Dehydration
🩹 4. Prevent Injuries
- Watch your step on uneven terrain.
- Clean cuts with clean water and antiseptic.
- Carry a small first aid kit.
👉 Read more: How to Pack a Practical Travel Medical Kit
📢 5. Stay Informed
- Pay attention to local disease alerts and air quality reports.
- Ask hotel staff or pharmacies for current advice.
🤔 FAQ
No vaccines are legally required for most tourists, but several are highly recommended for your safety, such as Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, and Tetanus.
Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Flu, COVID-19 and Routine Vaccines are standard. Rabies, JE and Chikungunya depend on your activities, locations and duration.
Only in specific rural areas, especially in southern provinces. No risk in major cities like Vientiane or Luang Prabang.
No, Yellow Fever is not needed for Laos.
At least 4–6 weeks before departure.
✈️ Read More on Travel Health:
- Travel Vaccines by Country: How to Check What You Need (2025 Guide)
- What Routine Vaccines for Travel to Consider (2025 Guide)
- How to Stay Healthy on Long Haul Flights
- Southeast Asia Medication Kit for Travel
- How to Prevent Altitude Sickness When Traveling to Machu Picchu
- Southeast Asia Heat Survival Guide: How to Prevent Heatstroke & Dehydration
Disclaimer
The information provided in this post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or travel health professional before making any decisions regarding travel vaccines or health precautions for your trip. This post does not substitute for professional medical consultation.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Travel Health Laos
World Health Organization (WHO) – Vaccines and Vaccination
About the Author
Jun is a Canadian pharmacist and the writer behind Mindful Travel and Health. I believe in simplifying travel health advice so every traveler can feel confident on their journey. I continue to expand my knowledge to help improve health outcomes for global travelers. Learn more →
