Vaccines and health advice for Thailand

Thailand is a dream destination — until you’re stuck in a hospital bed with food poisoning, a nasty mosquito-borne virus, or worse. While the country is generally safe for travelers, the heat, wildlife, and unfamiliar cuisine can pose health risks. The good news? A bit of preparation goes a long way in keeping you healthy. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Essential vaccines for traveling to Thailand

Which vaccines do you need?

Before you pack your bags, check that your vaccinations are up to date. Some are essential, while others depend on where you’re traveling and what activities you have planned.

Mandatory vaccines

• Yellow fever – Only required if you’re arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic.

Recommended vaccines

• Tetanus and diphtheria – If you haven’t had a booster in the last 10 years, now’s the time.
• Hepatitis A – The easiest way to ruin your trip? Eating contaminated food. This vaccine helps.
• Typhoid – If you’re planning to eat a lot of street food (and let’s be real, you are), get this shot.
• Hepatitis B – Spread through blood and bodily fluids. Worth considering if you’ll be in close contact with locals, volunteering, or getting a tattoo.
• Japanese encephalitis – If you're spending time in rural areas or traveling during monsoon season, this mosquito-borne disease is a risk.
• Rabies – Stray dogs, monkeys, and even cats can carry rabies. If you’re heading to remote areas or just can’t resist petting animals, consider the vaccine.

Pre-travel health checklist

Packing for a healthy trip

You don’t need to haul a full pharmacy with you, but a few essentials will save you a trip to a Thai drugstore in the middle of the night.

• Mosquito repellent – Look for one with at least 30% DEET.
• Sunscreen – The Thai sun is brutal. Go for SPF 50+.
• Oral rehydration salts – A lifesaver if you get traveler’s diarrhea or heat exhaustion.
• Basic first-aid kit – Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, and antihistamines.
• Hand sanitizer – Because not all bathrooms are created equal.
• Prescription meds – Bring enough for your trip, plus a doctor’s note if needed.

Pre-travel health check

Book an appointment at a travel clinic at least 8 weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses, so don’t leave it too late.

How to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses

Malaria in Thailand

The risk of malaria depends on where you go. Good news: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and most tourist spots are malaria-free. Bad news: Rural and jungle areas, especially near the borders with Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, have a higher risk.

Prevention tips:

• Sleep under a mosquito net if you’re in high-risk areas.
• Wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn.
• Consider anti-malarial medication if you’re traveling to remote areas — ask your doctor.

Dengue fever and Zika

Dengue fever is a year-round risk in Thailand, but cases spike during and after the rainy season (June-October). Zika is less common but can be dangerous for pregnant travelers.

• Dengue symptoms: High fever, severe joint pain (hence the nickname "breakbone fever"), rash, and headaches.
• There’s no vaccine — the only prevention is avoiding mosquito bites. Use repellent, and wear light-colored clothing.
• If you get sick, drink plenty of fluids and take paracetamol (not ibuprofen or aspirin, which can make symptoms worse).

Staying healthy in Thailand

Rabies awareness

Stray dogs are everywhere in Thailand, and some carry rabies. Monkeys, cats, and even bats can also transmit the virus. If you get bitten or scratched:

• Wash the wound immediately with soap and water.
• Disinfect it with iodine or alcohol.
• Seek medical help right away. Even if you've had the vaccine, you'll need booster shots.

Food and water safety

Thai street food is incredible, but a little caution goes a long way.

• Eat at busy stalls with high turnover — fresh food is safer than something that’s been sitting out.
• Avoid raw seafood and unpeeled fruits.
• Drink bottled or filtered water — tap water isn’t safe. Even for brushing your teeth, stick to bottled water.
• If you’re prone to stomach issues, carry activated charcoal tablets or probiotics.

Traveler’s tummy

If you do get hit with food poisoning:

• Stay hydrated with oral rehydration salts (ORS).
• Eat plain foods like rice, bananas, and toast.
• Avoid anti-diarrheal meds unless absolutely necessary — your body needs to flush out the bacteria.

Dealing with pollution and heat

• Bangkok’s air pollution can be nasty — wear an N95 mask if you have respiratory issues.
• The heat is no joke. Drink plenty of water, take breaks, and avoid outdoor activities during peak sun hours (12–3 pm).

Why travel insurance is a must

Medical care in Thailand is generally high quality, but if you need treatment, costs can add up fast — especially in private hospitals. Accidents, food poisoning, and even lost luggage can throw a wrench in your trip. A good travel insurance policy ensures you’re covered for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and unexpected mishaps, so you can explore with peace of mind. Here’s what you need to know before choosing a policy.

Hospital costs in Thailand

If you end up in a private hospital without insurance, expect a hefty bill. While public hospitals are cheaper, they’re often overcrowded, and waiting times can be long. Here’s what you could be paying without coverage:

• Doctor’s consultation: $30–$100
• Emergency room visit: $100–$300
• Hospital stay (private room): $200–$500 per night
• Surgery: Anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000, depending on complexity
• Medical evacuation to your home country: $20,000+

Without insurance, even a minor injury can turn into a financial nightmare.

What to look for in a policy

Not all travel insurance is created equal. When choosing a plan, make sure it includes:

• Medical coverage – At least $100,000 for hospital stays, doctor visits, and medications.
  Emergency evacuation – If you need to be flown home for treatment, this can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
• Adventure sports coverage – If you’re planning on scuba diving, rock climbing, or motorbiking, make sure these activities aren’t excluded.
• Trip cancellations and delays – Helps if flights are canceled or you need to cut your trip short.
• Lost or stolen belongings – Covers theft or damage to your gear, including cameras and laptops.

Trusted providers

Several insurance companies cater specifically to travelers in Thailand. Some well-reviewed options include:

• World Nomads – Great for adventure travelers, covering activities like scuba diving and motorbiking.
• SafetyWing – A budget-friendly option, especially for long-term travelers and digital nomads.
• Allianz Travel – Comprehensive plans with high medical coverage limits.
• IMG Global – Offers strong medical coverage with evacuation options.

Always read the fine print to ensure your activities and destinations are covered.

Emergency help: what to do if you get sick

Even with the best planning, illnesses and accidents happen. Here’s how to get help fast.

Emergency numbers

• Medical Emergency: 1669
• Tourist Police (English-speaking officers): 1155
• Ambulance (Bangkok only): 1646
• Fire Department: 199

Best hospitals and clinics

If you need medical care, head to one of these well-equipped, English-speaking hospitals:

• Bangkok – Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok Hospital
• Chiang Mai – Chiang Mai Ram Hospital
• Phuket – Bangkok Hospital Phuket
• Koh Samui – Bangkok Hospital Samui
• Pattaya – Pattaya International Hospital

For minor issues, most pharmacies have trained pharmacists who can recommend medications.

Smart travel safety tips

Thailand is generally safe, but a few precautions can prevent serious mishaps.

Avoiding animal bites

Those cute monkeys at temples? They bite. Stray dogs and cats can also carry rabies. Avoid touching animals, and if you do get scratched or bitten, seek medical attention immediately.

Staying safe in crowds

Large gatherings — whether at markets, festivals, or public transport hubs — can increase your risk of picking up illnesses. Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Carry hand sanitizer – Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating. Many public restrooms lack soap.
• Wear a mask in high-risk areas – Bangkok’s pollution and crowded spaces make masks a smart choice, especially during flu season.
• Stay hydrated – Heat and humidity can be draining. Carry a reusable water bottle and opt for sealed bottled water when unsure.
• Avoid sharing drinks or utensils – Street food is a highlight, but use your own utensils when possible and avoid communal serving dishes.

Drink safety

Staying hydrated is crucial in Thailand’s heat, but not all drinks are safe. Keep these tips in mind:

• Stick to bottled water – Tap water isn’t safe to drink. Buy sealed bottles or use a portable water filter.
• Be cautious with ice – In major cities and tourist areas, ice is usually made from purified water, but in rural areas, it may not be. When in doubt, skip it.
• Watch alcohol consumption – Some local liquors, like homemade rice whiskey, may contain harmful additives. Buy alcohol from reputable stores.
• Avoid drink spiking risks – In party hotspots like Phuket and Pattaya, drink spiking does happen. Never leave your drink unattended, and watch it being opened or poured.