No one wants to get sick during vacation, but it’s better to be prepared if it happens. Therefore it’s understandable that many tourists want to know about the hospitals in Luang Prabang. First of all, we want to say that the equipment of the hospitals is by no means comparable to western standards. If things get really serious you’ll have to get transferred over the border to Thailand. The hospitals there have the necessary equipment and know-how to solve any medical emergency.
What does a hospital visit in Luang Prabang cost?
Even if we don’t know about the actual cost, you won’t have to pay much if it’s not a severe health problem. They may even stitch you up for less than 20 USD. Most health issues are treatable. Things only get problematic, when we’re talking about severe emergencies. In such cases, you’ll be transferred to Thailand. That + the treatment will cost a lot of money. That’s why it’s a must to have travel insurance.
What hospital should I visit in Luang Prabang?
Over the last few years, the healthcare situation in Luang Prabang has improved, but there still aren’t many hospitals you can visit. We want to show you some of the few options available.
Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital
During the pandemic, this was one of the few hospitals and probably the only one in Luang Prabang where tourists could get covid tests. The nurses usually don’t speak English well, but the doctors do. A lot of patients got a fast diagnosis and proper treatment here. Since the hospital is open 24 hours, you can come here anytime. There were even tourists who had an accident and got their stitches here. The staff usually is friendly and ready to help. Sure the standards aren’t too high, but if you need a doctor this hospital is an option.
Lao-Chinese Hospital
This hospital is a potential alternative to the Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital. We can’t tell what to expect here, but we might check the hospital out one day. Until then, we can’t provide more information. It’s an interesting choice for Chinese tourists since there’s Chinese-speaking staff.
Lao Friends Hospital for Children
Laos is a poor country and many children have a hard time if they get sick. Luckily, there exist hospitals like the Lao Friends Hospital for Children that treat them for free. For this, the hospital depends on donations from foreign visitors. If you’re traveling with your children and they get sick, this hospital is a good choice.
Phakan's Clinic
Strictly speaking, this is not a hospital, but a doctor’s clinic. Nevertheless, we want to mention this medical facility because it is one of the best places to go in all of Luang Prabang. There are just a few doctors here, but they’re experienced and the equipment is very high for Lao standards. Not to mention all the positive reviews. We checked them and they seem to be trustworthy. The only downside is the opening times. This place is only open from 7 am to 5 pm.