Taking infant (under 2) to Laos

Has anyone done this? good idea? bad idea?

I haven't, and of course people manage having babies in Laos, they even live there! But just think of a few things: (1) are you breastfeeding (much more portable, clean, and convenient), or will you be needing to manage things like finding sterilized water you know is pure, formula and bottles? How will you manage diapers? (2) if you were to have an accident (say, a traffic accident or an allergic reaction), what would you do about medical care? On our last trip to Viet Nam, my six year old developed a sudden, high fever. That was really not fun. Fortunately she was able to tell me her throat hurt really bad, I was able to look in her throat and see the signs of strep throat, knew the appropriate antibiotics from memory, got to a pharmacy and pointed to the antibiotic behind the counter, paid double or triple price for it, and that knocked her fever out within 24 hours. But, trust me, I did not feel comfortable with being my own doctor and would have much preferred not having to deal with that (or the alternative of taking her to a local hospital without even having a translator). There are so many other places that are more conducive to travel with small children, why not see them now? Laos will still be there in five years. On the other hand, if you are B.F., babies are pretty portable and still small enough to carry in a backpack -- hopefully not yet at the age when you have to worry about them running into the road or a motorcycle running them over on the sidewalk? And a really little baby doesn't even need much entertainment, is happy to just be with you, and sleeps as well, so easier to travel with.

can;t advise on laos but would advise you go see your baby's doc and ask for a travel pack of meds. when i casually mentioned to our baby's doc last year just before a holiday, she sent me away with a mini-pack of paracetamol, cold/cough meds and something for upset tummies. it was great and because it had his name on it, i could put it into my carry on luggage - what with the tightened airport security these days, this is helpful.


you may wish to consider a decent travel insurance too.

You didn't mention your style of travelling in Laos so it is a little difficult to give suggestions, Tsuiwah. My husband has been to Laos and I have been to neighbouring Burma not long ago and although we are both avid travellers to third world countries and still raved about the beautiful sceneries there, we will not bring our young child to these countries at the risk that she may develop malaria (we had to take malaria pills daily), food poisioning, dengue fever etc. Very very common ailments to get whilst there, believe me. The medical facilities are extremely basic in Laos,and difficult to find too.


Having said that, I guess it would be ok if you intend to stay in a 5-star hotel, and venture only in the city and expensive western restaurants, and take extra precaution with insert repellents etc.


Are there no other choice of holiday destinations? Our opinion is to bring our child to these countries when they are much older and for now, stick to "safe" countries like Bangkok, Manila (where there are plenty of beautiful seaside resorts), Malaysia, Bali, Disneyland ...

I am back again. Just talked to my hubby who crossed over from Cambodia to the South of Laos travelled through the major cities and then crossed back to Thailand through the northern border six years ago and he said at that time, he saw no basic amenities that we are accustomed to in the developed world, not even in Vientienne. Of course it might have changed but he said he wouldn;t bring any kid under 3 there. He doesn't recall seeing any luxurious hotels/resorts either.

you have been use remedies ??

read this ; http://strepthroatsymptomss.com/sore-throat-remedies.html