Recommended Vaccinations
All Southeast Asia:
- Hepatitis A (food/water transmission — recommended for all)
- Typhoid (food/water — recommended for street food eaters)
- Hepatitis B (blood/bodily fluids — recommended for longer stays)
Rural Southeast Asia or 1+ month:
- Japanese Encephalitis (mosquito-borne, rice field areas)
- Rabies (dog bites are common — simplifies post-bite treatment)
Nepal/trekking:
- All above plus altitude sickness medication (Diamox — prescription required)
Food and Water Safety
Never drink tap water in SE Asia, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka. Bottled or filtered only.
Street food is generally safe if hot and freshly cooked in front of you. Avoid dishes sitting out.
Dengue Prevention
Dengue mosquitoes bite during the DAY (not just night). Use DEET repellent throughout the day in tropical countries.
Travel Insurance
Non-negotiable. Medical evacuation from remote Asia: $50,000–100,000+ without insurance.
If your flight to/from Asia is significantly delayed, you may be entitled to compensation.