Travel vaccines for Thailand and South East Asia
For Thailand and most of South East Asia, UK guidance advises hepatitis A and an up-to-date tetanus booster for most travellers. Typhoid, hepatitis B, rabies and Japanese encephalitis are advised for some trips, depending on how long you stay, where you go and what you do. Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas but higher in some forested border regions.
Vaccines at a glance
- Most travellers: hepatitis A and the diphtheria, tetanus and polio booster.
- Some travellers: typhoid (street food, rural areas, longer trips), hepatitis B, rabies (dogs and monkeys are common around temples and beaches) and Japanese encephalitis (rural stays of a month or more).
Malaria and dengue
Antimalarial tablets are not usually needed for Bangkok, the main islands and beach resorts, where bite prevention is enough. Some forested border areas carry more risk. Dengue is common across the region, so daytime bite prevention matters for everyone. See malaria tablets and advice and the dengue vaccine.
Before you go
Book around six to eight weeks ahead, especially if you need rabies or Japanese encephalitis, which take several weeks. You can arrange travel vaccinations at Brighton Hill Pharmacy. This is general guidance. Your pharmacist will confirm what you need using the latest NaTHNaC country information, your full itinerary and your health. You can also read the country pages on TravelHealthPro.
At a glance
South East Asia
With tropical beaches, ancient temples and bustling cities, Southeast Asia is a traveller's paradise that requires specific health precautions.
Popular Countries:
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Cambodia
- Myanmar
Frequently asked questions
What vaccines do I need for Thailand?
Hepatitis A and an up-to-date tetanus booster for most travellers. Typhoid, hepatitis B, rabies and Japanese encephalitis depend on your trip.
Do I need malaria tablets for Thailand?
Not usually for the main tourist areas, where bite prevention is enough. Some border and forest areas are different.
Do I need a rabies jab for Thailand?
It is worth considering if you will be far from medical care, stay for a long time or be around animals.