Malaria is something of a serious issue and visitors should think seriously about taking anti-malaria medication before, during and after their trip as well as spraying exposed areas of their bodies at all times of the day. Dengue fever, another mosquito-borne disease, is equally virulent and cannot be immunised against so anti-mosquito spray is especially important even when indoors.
The risk of water-borne diseases should be considered fairly significant and all outdoor sources of water should be viewed as potentially contaminated and entered/bathed in with caution. Tap water is entirely unsafe to drink and should be avoided for all internal uses including the brushing of teeth. Bottled water is available everywhere and is a much safer alternative. Fruit and vegetables should be cleaned with bottled water before consumption.
As sexual contact with Lao citizens is illegal unless you are married; you should not face any problems of sexually transmitted diseases from the locals. Sexual partners of the backpacker variety however should be approached with the same caution you would employ back home and condoms used at all times. Latex condoms are easy to get hold of in Laos but may come in ‘Asian sizes’ only so it may be wise to carry your own if you are to avoid breakages.
