Laos
Laos lies in South-East Asia, with China and Vietnam to the north and east, Burma and Thailand to the west and Cambodia to the south. Covering 236,000 sq. km, the country is landlocked and largely mountainous, especially in the north where peaks rise to over 2,800 m. Dense forests cover the northern and eastern areas. The Mekong River, which flows through the country, forms part of the border with Burma and Thailand.
The climate is tropical, with the rainy season from May to October. December to April is drier but March and April are hot and humid, with temperatures around 34°C. The weather is cooler from October to January.
![]({"file":"e9225e24-147d-4698-a408-aa673f84de0e.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":80}}} "Laos 1")
Pre-travel Preparation Will Help Protect Your Health While You Are Away
Pre-travel preparation will help keep you safe and healthy while you are away. Please consult the Travel Doctor-TMVC before you travel overseas. We will provide specific recommendations tailored to your itinerary. Our doctors will assess and advise you on your risks, and recommend appropriate vaccination and medication to minimise your risk of becoming seriously unwell on your trip.
Vaccination Recommendations/Requirements
Before you travel, make sure that you are up to date on all routine vaccines recommended for you based on your age and underlying risk profile.
These include:
- Chickenpox (Varicella): either previous disease or vaccination
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
- Flu (Influenza)
- Hepatitis B
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR): travellers born during or after 1966 are recommended to have received two vaccinations previously
- Meningococcal ACWY
- Polio: per childhood schedule
- SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Additional vaccines may be required or recommended for this destination. This will vary depending on your medical history, prior immunisations, length of travel, season of travel, itinerary and other relevant factors.
Safe Eating and Drinking Practices
One of the great pleasures of travel is sampling the local cuisine. However, contaminated food and beverages are a common cause of traveller’s diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal illnesses. Safe eating and drinking practices are essential in minimising your risk of contracting traveller’s diarrhoea.
Insect Avoidance
In many countries, insects carry dangerous diseases. While mosquitoes pose the main risk to travellers, bites from sand flies, ticks, fleas and bedbugs can also transmit diseases. Ensure you are prepared and read up on our insect avoidance tips.
Warm Climates
Travellers often spend more time outdoors while travelling in warm climates. It is important to make sure you apply sunscreen regularly and stay hydrated, as dehydration and heat stroke often go unrecognised.
Health Risks
The following diseases are known to occur in the area:
Disclaimer: The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
Health Alerts
Don't leave your health to chance.
Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.
![Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.]({"file":"cta-image-01.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":60}}} "Don't leave your health to chance.")