Laos is Southeast Asia's hidden gem, offering ancient Buddhist temples, pristine waterfalls, and serene riverside towns. From the UNESCO-listed streets of Luang Prabang to the adventure hub of Vang Vieng and the mysterious Plain of Jars, Laos rewards travelers seeking authenticity and natural beauty.
Laos is generally one of Southeast Asia's safest destinations for tourists, with low violent crime rates and a welcoming population. The primary safety concerns are unexploded ordnance in rural areas, road safety on mountain routes, and specific health risks including food-borne illness and mosquito-borne diseases. Vang Vieng's party scene carries specific risks around alcohol and drug-laced drinks.
Current safety advisory
Low
Exercise normal safety precautions. Avoid Xaisomboun Province and remote border areas near Myanmar. Do not stray from marked paths in rural and forested areas due to active unexploded ordnance (UXO). Exercise increased caution in Vang Vieng party areas after midnight.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
Laos is generally safe. UXO remains a hazard in rural areas. Avoid Xaisomboun Province. Be alert to drink spiking in Vang Vieng party venues.
Standard Travel Advice
Exercise normal safety precautions. Take care on mountain roads, avoid unlit paths at night, and be aware of UXO risk in rural areas. Medical facilities outside Vientiane are very limited.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Avoid Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky brands — methanol-laced bootleg alcohol has caused deaths; buy sealed branded bottles from reputable shops only.
Do not stray from marked paths in rural areas due to unexploded ordnance (UXO) — Laos is the most heavily bombed country per capita in history.
Avoid Xaisomboun Province and remote border areas near Myanmar, as they can be unsafe for tourists.
Use reputable transportation providers on winding mountain roads; overnight buses on mountain routes have a poor safety record.
Drink only sealed bottled water and be cautious with ice outside major hotels and restaurants.
Keep valuables secure in tourist areas; bag snatching by motorbike thieves occurs in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
Register your trip with your home embassy upon arrival if travelling to remote areas; the US Embassy is on Thadeua Road in Vientiane.
Respect Buddhist customs — remove shoes before entering temples, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), and women must not hand objects directly to monks.
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation — hospitals outside Vientiane have very limited facilities.
Carry a copy of your passport and e-visa approval at all times; police checkpoints in rural areas are common.
Avoid buying or handling wildlife products, animal parts, or endangered species items — penalties are severe and it harms conservation efforts.
Drug penalties in Laos are extremely harsh including for marijuana; possession can result in lengthy prison sentences.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Tuk-tuk overcharging
Tuk-tuk drivers in tourist areas frequently quote inflated prices to new arrivals unfamiliar with local rates. Common routes have a standard price that locals pay. Drivers may also offer detours to commission-based shops.
How to avoid: Ask your guesthouse for current going rates before hailing a tuk-tuk. Agree on fare firmly before boarding. Use Grab in Vientiane to avoid negotiation.
Laced alcohol (Tiger Vodka/Whisky)
Methanol-contaminated bootleg alcohol sold under fake Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky labels has caused deaths and permanent disability in Vang Vieng. Sold cheaply at party venues and some guesthouses.
How to avoid: Only drink sealed branded bottles from reputable shops. Avoid suspiciously cheap alcohol at party venues. Refuse drinks you did not personally open or see poured.
Drug-spiked drinks
Vang Vieng in particular has reported incidents of drinks being spiked at bars and clubs, leading to robbery or worse. Free drinks from strangers are highest risk.
How to avoid: Never leave your drink unattended. Refuse drinks from strangers. Stay with friends in party venues. Use the buddy system.
Gem and investment scams
Rare in Laos compared to neighbours but occasionally reported — strangers invite tourists to 'exclusive' deals on gemstones or investments that are worthless.
How to avoid: Decline all unsolicited investment or shopping invitations from strangers who approach you with special offers.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis (rural areas), Rabies (adventure travelers). Required: Yellow Fever (if arriving from infected area). Routine: MMR, Tetanus, Polio up to date. Consult doctor 6-8 weeks before travel.
- Water
- Unsafe to drink. Always drink bottled or purified water. Avoid ice in rural areas. Most restaurants/hotels in tourist areas use safe ice. Brush teeth with bottled water.
- Food
- Facilities
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Laos is very safe for solo travellers with a welcoming local culture and low violent crime. Main risks are road safety and UXO in rural areas. Luang Prabang and Vientiane are exceptionally safe for solo exploration day and night. Always inform your guesthouse of trekking plans. Avoid Vang Vieng party areas alone late at night.
Female travellers
Laos is generally safe for solo female travellers with conservative local customs actually providing a protective social environment. Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention — cover shoulders and knees in rural areas. Vang Vieng party scene has had incidents; use the buddy system after midnight. Stay in well-reviewed guesthouses with secure locks. Trust instincts and decline pushy tuk-tuk drivers.
Families
Laos is excellent for family travel with safe streets, welcoming locals, and family-friendly attractions. Main concerns are food hygiene — stick to bottled water, cook own food, and be selective with street food for young children. Life jackets are essential for boat trips. Check they fit children before departure. Medical facilities are limited outside Vientiane so comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are not criminalised in Laos but there is no legal recognition or protection. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may attract negative attention in conservative areas and rural communities. LGBTQ+ travellers generally experience no problems in tourist areas of Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Discretion is advised in conservative settings. No gay venues or scene exists openly.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 191
- Medical
- 195
- Embassy
- Tourist Police