Laos Travel Safety

General safety

Travellers are subject to search, detention and the possibility of fines by authorities if suitable identification is not presented. Security authorities may place foreigners under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, fax machines and email messages may be monitored. Personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. Tourist facilities outside Vientiane and Luang Prabang are limited. International telephone and email facilities are available in Vientiane but are extremely limited elsewhere. Even where available, these services are often unreliable and expensive. Comply with requests to stop at checkpoints and roadblocks.

Precautions

Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Do not show signs of affluence and avoid travelling late at night. Break-ins at hotels and guesthouses occur. Armed robberies occur occasionally. Sexual assaults occur, particularly in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Vang Vieng. Be particularly vigilant along hiking trails.

Road safety

Drivers have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe driving practices. Livestock often stray onto the roads, causing accidents. Road travel in Laos can be hazardous, as vehicles are often poorly maintained and road conditions are poor, especially during the rainy season. Travel should be undertaken only during daylight hours. Travellers involved in traffic accidents have been required to pay compensation for property damage or injury, regardless of who the police judge to be at fault. Laotian insurers will generally only meet a small proportion of the costs of an accident and refuse to cover compensation, which can be the largest expense.

Adventure tourism

Only undertake adventure sports, such as zip-lining and rock climbing, with a well-established and reputable company that has insurance. Tour operators may not adhere to international standards. If you have any doubt concerning the safety of the installation or equipment, refrain from using them. Ensure that the recreational activities you choose are covered by your travel insurance. Travellers have died or been seriously injured while taking part in river-based activities such as tubing or jumping/diving into the river. River levels can fluctuate considerably and debris can make river-based activities dangerous.

Landmines

Landmines and unexploded ordnance constitute a risk across the country, particularly in the Plain of Jars, in the province of Xieng Khouang, as well as in the Laotian-Vietnamese border areas, including those formerly traversed by the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Marine transportation

River travel is common in Laos. However, travel by boat on the Mekong River from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is unreliable. Safety standards are minimal. Speedboat travel is especially dangerous during the dry season (November to May). Lifejackets and helmets should be provided to and worn by passengers. Do not travel on or across the Mekong River after dark. In some areas, the Laotian military has been known to shoot at boats after dark.

Public transportation

Public transportation is unreliable and limited after dark.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Laos, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel.

Scams

Be wary of money counting scams (currency exchange). Don't exchange large sums of money in one transaction and get local currency from the bank or an ATM instead of a currency exchange kiosk. Report any incident of crime or scams to the local tourist police in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred, before you leave the country.

Crime

Bag theft occurs frequently. Thieves on motorcycles grab bags and other valuables from pedestrians, other motorcycle drivers and their passengers. Street crime is prevalent in cities and towns including Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, and occasionally involves violence.

Spiked food and drinks

Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Some food and drinks, such as "happy pizzas" and "special shakes," may contain unspecified amounts of opium and other unknown substances. These items are sold in areas frequented by tourists, particularly in Vang Vieng. While these items may be easily accessible, taking any amount of opiates can be dangerous. Foreigners, have died as a result of drug overdoses. Never leave your food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers.

Culture

Public displays of affection, such as kissing, whether between opposite or same-sex couples, are not considered proper or polite.

LGBT

Although the laws of Laos do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organisation of LGBT events in Laos. LGBT Pride was held by "Proud To Be Us Laos" in 2012 and 2013. However, progress was stopped after their partner organisations became concerned about the reaction from government. Proud To Be Us Laos continue to raise awareness about LGBT rights and HIV/AIDS among the LGBT community. More local information can be found on their Facebook page.

Identification

You will receive a heavy fine if you don't present ID on request.

Illegal or restricted activities

Photographing or visiting military sites is prohibited and can result in arrest or detention.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is recommended.