Medical Information

Medical facilities and services in Laos are limited and do not meet Western standards. The U.S. Embassy in Vientiane generally advises U.S. citizens to seek medical care in Thailand. The Friendship Bridge linking Vientiane, Laos to Nong Khai, Thailand is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Lao immigration officials generally will allow travelers to cross after hours in case of medical emergency.

AEK International Hospital in Udorn Thani, Thailand, (telephone 00-66-42-342-555), has English-speaking staff who are well accustomed to dealing with foreign patients and offers a wide variety of services. Nong Khai Wattana Hospital in Nong Khai, Thailand (telephone 00-66-42-465-201) can handle most simple medical procedures. The Nong Khai Wattana Hospital ambulance has advance permission to cross the Friendship Bridge to collect patients from Vientiane and will transport paying passengers to AEK Udorn. In Vientiane, the Setthatirat Hospital ambulance (telephone 021-35-1156) has the documentation necessary to take patients to Thailand. The Department of State assumes no responsibility for the professional ability or reputation of these hospitals or ambulances.