Since Vientiane is the capital of Laos, there are relatively many hospitals here. The situation is by no means as in rural areas. Lack of coverage is no problem. Unfortunately, that doesn’t change the fact that the medical situation is suboptimal. Especially the local hospitals are usually not well equipped. Still, for small to moderate ailments these hospitals are definitely enough. However, you may have trouble communicating. However, for more serious health issues, you should definitely visit a Thai or Western hospital. These are usually far better equipped and you should have less or no communication problems. If it’s really serious, you have no choice but to be treated in Thailand. Especially in Udon Thani there are quite a few good hospitals and the town isn’t far from the Nong Khai border. Many of those hospitals can also arrange an ambulance for serious emergencies. But now let’s take a closer look at some of the hospitals in Vientiane.
Name | Opening Hours | Languages | Facility Type | Location |
French Medical Centre | Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 08:30 - 12:00, 13:30 - 19:00 08:30 - 12:00, 13:30 - 17:00 Sun: 09:00 - 12:00 | English, French, Thai, Lao | private | |
Alliance International Medical Centre | 08:00 am - 08:00 pm daily | English, Thai, Lao | private | |
Mittaphab Friendship Hospital | 24 hours daily | English, Thai, Lao | public | |
Lao Asean Hospital | 24 hours daily | English, Thai, Lao, Vietnamese, French, Russian | private | |
Mahosot Hospital | 24 hours daily | English, Thai, Lao | public |
French Medical Centre
This hospital offers a variety of treatments. They are among others specialized in cardiology, dermatology and gynecology. The staff is able to speak French and English. Although a private facility, the prices are quite cheap. Definitely a good place for tourists but outside the regular hours you’ll need an appointment.
Allicance International Hospital
One of the newest and best hospitals in Vientiane. It’s a private Thai facility and an excellent choice for treating basic ailments. Visually, the medical center is very appealing. Everything is clean and looks well-groomed. Also, the staff is friendly. They have X-ray, ultrasound, and mammogram equipment. Plus a lab, where they can also check your blood.
Mittaphab Friendship Hospital
Foreigners who live in Laos usually know this hospital. It’s a cheap and good option. Probably even the best public hospital in Vientiane. The hospital is really well equipped. Even better than some private hospitals and medical centers. They have, for example, ECG and EKG as well as laboratory and even mental health facilities. Especially the latter is really not easy to find.
Lao Asean Hospital
One of the best choices for non-English speakers. They have English speaking staff but can also communicate in Russian, French and Vietnamese. The private hospital is very well equipped. Among others it also has a trauma facility. That’s something quite rare in Vientiane and makes the Lao Asean Hospital one of the best choices for various emergencies. They also provide, for example, endocrinology and obstetrics.
Mahosot Hospital
A good public hospital. They specialize in, among other things, internal medicine, X-ray and ECG. The hospital has its own International Clinic. You definitely don’t have to worry about English speaking staff. The staff is well trained for the treatment of foreigners. The picture you can see above is from the front of the Mahosot Hospital.