Photo by Chris Slupski on Unsplash
Backpacking through Asia offers an unforgettable mix of ancient cultures, bustling cities, tropical paradises, and epic street food. But it also comes with a unique set of health risks that can turn your dream trip into a disaster if you’re not prepared. From foodborne illness to tropical diseases, the key to a smooth journey is being proactive about your health.
Backpack through Asia and kayak Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, explore Angkor Wat in Cambodia, island-hop in Thailand, meditate in India, trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, surf in Indonesia, dive in the Philippines, eat street food in Malaysia, marvel at skyscrapers in Singapore, stroll through cherry blossoms in Japan, hike mountain trails in South Korea, and cruise the Mekong in Laos.
Here are the top 5 medical tips every backpacker should know before setting off through Asia:
Recommended Vaccinations
The vaccines you’ll need depend on where you’re going and what you’ll be doing. Commonly recommended vaccines for travellers in Asia include:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Japanese Encephalitis (for rural travel or long stays in Southeast Asia)
- Rabies (if you’ll be around animals or off the beaten path)
Book an appointment at our clinic ideally 6–8 weeks before departure for your vaccinations.
Pack a Smart Medical Kit
You might not always have easy access to pharmacies, especially in remote or rural areas. Pack a lightweight but comprehensive travel medical kit that includes:
- Antidiarrheal medication (like loperamide)
- Oral rehydration salts
- Painkillers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
- Antihistamines for allergies or insect bites
- Band-aids, antiseptic cream, and blister pads
- Motion sickness tablets
- Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
Watch What You Eat and Drink
Asia is a paradise for food lovers, but foodborne illnesses are a real risk. To stay healthy:
- Stick to food that is cooked fresh and served hot
- Avoid raw or undercooked meats, shellfish, and unpasteurized dairy
- Be careful with salads and peeled fruits unless you prepare them yourself
- Drink bottled or filtered water only — even for brushing teeth
- Say no to ice unless you know it’s made from treated water
Trust your gut, literally and figuratively — if a place doesn’t look clean, skip it.
Prevent Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
Dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis are all transmitted by mosquitoes in parts of Asia. Protect yourself by:
- Wearing long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk
- Sleeping under mosquito nets in high-risk areas
- Applying insect repellent consistently
- Taking anti-malarial tablets when recommended (consult your doctor)
Mosquito bites are more than just annoying — they can be dangerous, so prevention is key.
When to Get Vaccinated
Ideally, book your travel vaccines at least 4–6 weeks before your trip. But if you’re travelling soon — don’t worry. We can still help.
At Aqua Travel Clinic in West Hampstead, we offer:
- ✅ Same-day appointments
- ✅ No booking fee
- ✅ Expert travel health advice
- ✅ Convenient late opening hours (open till 7PM)
Backpacking Through Asia? Let’s Get You Protected.
Whether you’re going back to your ancestral village or exploring the rural lands for the first time, our team is here to make sure you stay protected.