W have been planning to go up to Laos for 2 years. I have been several times before I re- married 10 years ago, but my current wife has never been. I am in my late 60s and fit-as, for my age, but I am a bit frightened of Dengue and thankfully never had malaria either. Neither Dengue or Malaria are a problem where we live so we are a bit spoiled. We were as going to fly to Luang Prabang & then by by road or river to Vientiane & then Savannakhet and back over at Mukdahan and minibus back to Chonburi.

Would we be better to go somewhere else here in the LOCs (Land of Crack-downs) right now & wait till late April? Theory being less water, less mosquitoes???

Less water is definitely better. But dengue is at epidemic levels even here.

I contracted Dengue in Vientienne a few years back.

I wouldn't even come here if I needed a visa.

Last year about this time motorbiked from Pakse all around for weeks and exited at the northern crossing nearest Chiang Rai.

Cool n dry.

No skeeters.

l have lived in Laos 11 years and never had a problem (touch wood) I'd say the possibilities of getting either is the same as Thailand.

Dengue is more of a problem in urban areas. Not such a big deal in Laos but you would be most likely to contract it in a city.

Dengue is equally possible throughout SE Asia.

And much more likely in the rainy season and about 2 months after it ends. You don't need to wait for April (when it will be intolerably hot, and of course there are the crowds at the April New year). The number of cases usually drops off sharply from in late January/early February.

Use of insect repellent will also greatly reduce risk.