Vaccines for Laos: Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling in 2026

Traveling to Laos means immersing yourself in a country where a gentle way of life, rice fields, turquoise waterfalls, and warm smiles shape everyday life. But before enjoying this serenity, it is important to prepare your trip carefully, especially regarding vaccinations and preventive measures.

In this article, you will find all the essential recommendations, presented simply, to help you travel safely. And because a successful trip also depends on good preparation, ORLA Tours supports you from A to Z with practical advice based on our on-the-ground experience.

Do you need vaccines to travel to Laos?

No vaccines are mandatory to enter Laos. However, some recommended vaccines protect you against diseases present in the region and allow you to travel with greater peace of mind.

Recommended vaccines for travel to Laos

✔️ Universal vaccines (strongly recommended)

These are routine vaccines that every traveler should be up to date with: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Pertussis, as well as Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. They prevent complications that may not be specific to Laos but could easily disrupt your trip.

✔️ Hepatitis A: the most important vaccine for Southeast Asia

Transmitted through water or food, this is one of the most strongly recommended vaccines. The good news is that a single injection already provides effective protection.

✔️ Typhoid: recommended depending on your itinerary

Useful if you plan to leave major cities, eat regularly in local restaurants, or enjoy rural experiences, which is often the case for ORLA Tours travelers.

✔️Rabies: for immersive nature travel

Laos has stray dogs and other animals. The vaccine is recommended for extended stays, for children, or for travelers planning hikes in remote areas.

✔️Japanese encephalitis: for rural travel

Recommended if your program includes:

• rice fields

• isolated villages

• long treks

• stays during the rainy season.

  
  

The disease is rare, but prevention provides reassurance for many travelers.

What about malaria?

There is no vaccine, but preventive measures are available. Most tourist areas in Laos present a low risk. Depending on your itinerary, a doctor may recommend:

• preventive medication

• simply protection against mosquito bites.

  
  

ORLA Tours designs each itinerary to limit exposure to risk areas and advises you based on your actual route, which is one of the key advantages of working with a local agency.

Practical health tips for traveling in Laos

• Protect yourself from mosquitoes : This is the most effective measure against dengue, zika, and Japanese encephalitis. Mosquito nets, repellents, and long clothing in the evening are simple but essential precautions.

  
  

• Stay well hydrated : The tropical climate can be intense. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive.

• Enjoy local food wisely : Laos offers incredible flavors. Simply avoid poorly washed raw foods, choose stalls frequented by locals, and limit ice in very rural areas.

• Make sure you have travel insurance : It is essential. Medical care is good but limited outside major cities.

Why are these recommendations reliable?

Because we live here. We see the climate, the villages, and the real conditions every day. Every piece of advice we share comes from daily experience and feedback from hundreds of ORLA Tours travelers.

Preparing your vaccines is important. Preparing a journey truly tailored to you is even better.

At ORLA Tours, we design 100 percent personalized itineraries based on your preferences, pace, travel group, and even your health considerations such as rural areas, season, climate conditions, and natural risks.

👉 Interested in a tailor-made trip to Laos? Fill out our itinerary creation form and let our local team guide you step by step.

FAQ – Laos Vaccinations (2026)

1. Are vaccines mandatory to enter Laos?

   No. No vaccines are mandatory, but some are strongly recommended, such as Hepatitis A, routine vaccines, and Typhoid depending on the areas visited.

   
   

2. Do I need malaria prevention?

   It depends on your itinerary. The risk is low in tourist areas. We advise you, based on your program, whether preventive treatment is necessary.

   
   

3. Should I get vaccinated against rabies?

   Recommended if you are traveling in rural areas, planning long hikes, or traveling with children.

   
   

4. When is the best time to get vaccinated?

   Between 4 and 8 weeks before departure, as some vaccines require two doses.

   
   

5. Do children need vaccinations for Laos?

   The same principle as for adults applies: routine vaccines should be up to date and Hepatitis A is strongly recommended. Additional vaccines depend on the itinerary.