Southeast Asia Health and Safety
First time visitors to Southeast Asia may find it tough to stay totally healthy when on the road as a combination of the hot climate, humidity, spicy food and non-potable tap water usually gets some people. Travelers should therefore spend time preparing for their trip and have any inoculations.
The capital cities of Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Thailand have the best healthcare facilities in Southeast Asia although, with the exception of Singapore, rural areas of these places often only have limited health-care facilities available. Other developing countries such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Burma and most of Indonesia have the poorest healthcare facilities in the region. Most countries have non-prescription drugs available over the counter although you should check the generic name of any medication you are on.
You should also consult your doctor at least six weeks before traveling to Southeast Asia and look at having jabs for diphtheria, typhoid, hepatitis A, and tetanus and polio boosters. In addition HIV/AIDs is prevalent in much of the region due to the high prostitution rate and, short of abstinence, one should never fail to use protection during sex.
Food in the region is generally cooked hot and fast and even at street vendors they get through their meats quickly and generally use fresh ingredients. That said, scoping out a restaurant before ordering, checking whether it is busy with customers, and the hygiene in general, is recommended. With the exception of Singapore, the tap water in Southeast Asia is not safe to drink and you should get into the habit of buying bottled water. Brushing one’s teeth with tap water is generally fine, however.
Southeast Asia is one of the safest regions for travel in the world and even lone women need not feel threatened when on the road. Terrorism is a global threat nowadays, however, and the Bali bombings and recent Islamic upset in the south of Thailand is testament to this. It is worth remaining vigilant in remote areas of any country and keeping abreast of local and international news of where you are traveling is also advised.
Crime and safety: Violent crime against foreigners is rare in Southeast Asia although it is definitely on the up and vigilance is required when out and about after dark and when trekking in remote areas. Pickpockets and scam artists are the biggest crime threat for foreigners, with Bangkok and Manila having the worst reputations on this front. Thieves do tend to target tourist areas more. In the Philippines you need to be more alert to crime.
Regional Conflicts and terrorism: is a particular problem in the far southern reaches of Thailand and parts of Southern Philippines due to Islamic insurgency and should be avoided until the situation improves. There are no significant cross border conflicts in the region alhough East Timor remains unstable and Western looking tourists might be targeted in parts of Indonesia. Political uprisings and (and suppressions) remain a threat in Burma.
Diseases: hygiene remains a problem in many parts of Southeast Asia, with water borne diseases prevalent in the wet season, resulting in mild dysentery, a burgeoning problem with dengue fever and malaria in selected areas. HIV is also a risk among the sex trade in Thailand and the Philippines. Due to the prevalence of stray dogs in some countries a rabie injection is recommended should you get bitten. Poor sanitary conditions might also lead to the less lethal Hepatitis A.
Adverse weather: monsoons during the wet season can see high winds and lots of rain and it is always wise to keep abreast of weather warnings. Although typhoons don’t normally track across the Southeast Asian region, on occasion during the May to November wet season, the Philippines and Vietnam may be struck by a typhoon and Burma (Myanmar) is also prone.
Women travelers: women travelers usually experience very little in the way of annoyances when traveling in South East Asia, with the region being one of the safest in the world for female visitors. Women are however recommended to dress conservatively when traveling in rural areas where revealing flesh may be considered offensive, and are advised not to travel alone at night.
