For Irish travellers, Thailand and Vietnam remain two of the most exciting and affordable destinations in Southeast Asia. From bustling cities like Bangkok and Hanoi to serene beaches and lush jungles, both countries offer unforgettable experiences — but they also present distinct health considerations. Whether you’re planning a short holiday, backpacking trip or extended stay, visiting a TMB Clinic before you travel ensures you are properly protected.
Recommended Vaccinations
Many vaccines are strongly recommended for travel to Thailand and Vietnam. Your exact needs depend on your itinerary, duration of stay, and planned activities — so a pre-travel consultation is the best way to ensure that you are protected and informed of health risks.
Core vaccinations most Irish travellers require:
- Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio (Td/IPV): Ensure your routine boosters are up to date.
- Hepatitis A: Common in both countries due to varying food and water hygiene standards.
- Typhoid: Spread through contaminated food and water; especially relevant if you’re travelling outside major tourist areas.
Additional vaccines may be advised depending on your travel plans:
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for longer stays, medical work, or activities involving potential exposure to blood (tattoos, piercings, etc.).
- Rabies: A risk for all travellers but especially for those spending time in rural areas, volunteering, cycling or trekking. Animal bites and scratches are common, and so rabies remains a constant risk in both countries.
- Japanese Encephalitis: A relatively rare but important mosquito-borne viral infection found mainly in rural and agricultural regions, particularly during and after rainy seasons.
TMB doctors will discuss your travel dates, destinations, and planned activities to build a personalised vaccination schedule for your specific travel plans and medical history — ensuring optimal timing and protection before departure.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Mosquitoes are the primary health risk for many travellers to Thailand and Vietnam. While malaria risk is relatively low in main cities and popular resorts, it can be present in rural or forested regions, especially along borders. Preventive medication may be advised depending on your route.
Dengue fever and Chikungunya are far more widespread and can occur even in urban areas. Because there’s no specific medication or vaccine routinely available for travellers, prevention is key:
- Use repellent with DEET (20–50%) or picaridin.
- Sleep under mosquito nets, especially in rural locations.
- Wear long, light-coloured clothing in the evenings.
Travellers to any of these South East Asian countries need to be aware that mosquitoes can also spread Zika virus and so if planning a pregnancy this is something which needs to be considered.
TMB doctors are highly familiar with current high-risk hotspots and seasonal trends, helping you determine what level of protection you’ll need.
Food, Water & General Health Precautions
Thailand and Vietnam are renowned for their street food — but travellers should be cautious. Stick to freshly cooked dishes, avoid unwashed fruit or salads, and drink bottled (double check if it is sealed) or use treated water only. Traveller’s diarrhoea remains one of the most common issues for visitors.
Additional health tips include:
- Sun and heat exposure: Carry rehydration salts and apply SPF regularly.
- Animal contact: Avoid petting stray dogs or monkeys; rabies remains a concern.
- Medical facilities: Urban areas offer good private clinics, but remote regions may lack immediate access to care — another reason to prepare before you go.
When to Book Your Travel Consultation
Ideally, you should visit a TMB Clinic 4–6 weeks before departure to allow time for multi-dose vaccines. However, even if your trip is imminent, it’s still worth visiting at short notice as our doctors can prioritise essential vaccinations and give practical advice for last-minute travellers.
At TMB – The Travel Health Experts, our doctors stay up to date with the latest WHO, CDC and HSE travel health alerts. Each consultation provides:
- Personalised vaccine and medication recommendations
- Country-specific malaria advice
- Guidance on food, water and mosquito protection
- Practical health tips for your itinerary
Final Word
Thailand and Vietnam are among the most rewarding destinations in the world — but enjoying them safely means taking the right precautions. With expert advice and up-to-date vaccines, you can travel confidently, knowing your health is protected.
Book your travel health consultation today and start your Southeast Asia adventure the safe way.
Credit feature image:
Robin Noguier via Unsplash