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What Vaccines Do You Need for Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam?

Hello travelers, Planning an adventure through Thailand’s beaches, Cambodia’s temples, and Vietnam’s vibrant cities? Before you go, one key question to answer is: “What vaccines do you need for Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam?” Staying healthy is essential to enjoying every moment of your trip. Here’s the latest guidance to help you plan with confidence and safety.

Why Vaccinations Matter for Southeast Asia

While Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are generally safe destinations, they all have tropical climates and certain health risks that travelers should be aware of.

Whether through mosquitoes, water, food, or person-to-person contact, some diseases that you may not come into contact with back home like Malaria, yellow fever, etc are combated by vaccinations.

As of early 2025, the following recommendations are based on the latest available guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Routine Vaccinations

Regardless of where you travel, ensure you’re up-to-date on your routine immunizations, including:

  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
  • Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP/Tdap)
  • Polio
  • Influenza (flu shot)
  • Chickenpox (Varicella)

These diseases can still be found worldwide and can spread quickly among travelers.

Hepatitis A

  • Recommended for all travelers, as Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food or water — even in upscale restaurants or resorts.
  • Transmitted through contaminated food or water.
  • Even high-end restaurants aren’t immune to occasional lapses in hygiene.

Hepatitis B

  • Recommended for:
    • Travelers engaging in sexual activity with new partners
    • People getting tattoos, piercings, or medical procedures abroad
  • Spread through blood and bodily fluids.

Typhoid

  • Strongly recommended if you plan to:
    • Eat street food (which is delicious but higher risk)
    • Visit smaller towns or rural areas
  • Typhoid spreads via contaminated food or water.

Cholera and diphtheria: Though not common among short-term visitors, outbreaks have occasionally been reported in rural parts of Southeast Asia. Travelers spending extended time in remote areas should discuss these vaccines with a healthcare provider.

Japanese Encephalitis

  • Considered for:
    • Travelers staying longer than 1 month
    • Visitors to rural or agricultural areas
    • Those engaging in outdoor activities like hiking or biking
  • More common during the rainy season due to mosquito activity.

Rabies

  • Recommended if:
    • You’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors
    • You’ll be around animals, especially stray dogs and monkeys
    • You’re traveling with children (who are more prone to animal bites)

Rabies is present in both urban and rural areas across all three countries.

Malaria

There’s no vaccine for malaria, but prevention is crucial:

  • Malaria risk is low in most major cities and tourist destinations in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. However, the risk increases in forested and rural border areas — particularly along the Cambodia–Thailand and Vietnam–Laos borders.
  • Talk to your doctor about:
    • Prescription antimalarial medication
    • Insect repellent
    • Long sleeves and pants in mosquito-prone areas

COVID-19

While COVID-19 restrictions have eased significantly, it’s wise to:

  • While COVID-19 entry restrictions have largely been lifted, staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination is still recommended for personal protection. Carrying proof of vaccination isn’t usually required but may still be useful in emergencies.
  • Carry proof of vaccination, as entry requirements can change quickly.

Tips for Staying Healthy in Southeast Asia

From years of guiding travelers, here are my top health tips for your trip:

Visit a Travel Clinic Early

  • Schedule an appointment at least 4-6 weeks before departure.
  • Some vaccines need multiple doses.

Be Careful with Food and Water

  • Drink bottled or filtered water.
  • Eat freshly cooked hot food.
  • Avoid raw salads unless you’re confident in hygiene standards.

Protect Against Mosquitoes

  • Wear long sleeves, especially in the evening.
  • Use insect repellents with DEET.
  • Sleep under mosquito nets in rural accommodations.

Carry a Basic Medical Kit

Include:

  • Oral rehydration salts
  • Antidiarrheal medication
  • Basic wound care supplies

Keep Health Records Handy

Carry copies of your:

  • Vaccination records
  • Travel insurance details
  • Emergency contact information

Why Cambodia Immigration Services Cares About Your Health

At Cambodia Immigration Services, we’re not just visa experts — we’re your travel partners. We believe a successful trip starts with solid preparation, including:

  • Health precautions
  • Visa requirements
  • Local travel tips

We keep travelers updated on the latest health recommendations and regulations so you can focus on the fun parts of your journey.

Apply for your Cambodia eVisa here

Don’t Forget Your Cambodia eVisa

While we’re talking about health, don’t forget another critical part of your travel checklist:

Even with the right vaccines, you still need a valid visa for Cambodia.

Applying for your Cambodia eVisa through Cambodia Immigration Services is the safest and easiest way to ensure your trip goes smoothly. With us, you get:

  • Fast processing — as quick as 5 business hours for super urgent cases
  • Professional review to avoid costly mistakes
  • Transparent fees with no hidden charges
  • Friendly support from real experts who care about your journey

So… What Vaccines Do You Need for Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam?

To recap:

  • Keep abreast of the routine vaccines.
  • Consider very carefully vaccines against Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Japanese Encephalitis in light of any plans you may have.
  • Consult your physician on the prevention of malaria in case of rural visits.
  • Make sure not to forget your Cambodia eVisa so that your journey remains without any trouble.

Bon voyage, and wishing you the best, as well as Southeast Asia will be one of your best memories in the journey of life!

Are you willing to straighten out your Cambodia eVisa? You can apply here or get in touch with us at all times. At every step of the way we are there to assist.

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