Laos Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Laos.
Healthcare System
Public hospitals are under-funded; private clinics inVientianeand Luang Prabang offer better care but still limited trauma services. Serious emergencies are medevaced to Thailand.
Hospitals
Mahosot Hospital (Vientiane) and Lao-China Friendship Hospital are preferred by foreigners. Verify opening hours and cash payment policy.
Pharmacies
Common medications available in town centers, though counterfeits exist. Check expiry dates and packaging.
Insurance
Travel insurance with evacuation cover is strongly recommended; proof rarely checked at border but essential for treatment.
Healthcare Tips
- Pack a small medical kit: rehydration salts, antibiotics for stomach bugs and altitude meds if heading north.
- Drink only bottled or properly treated water; laos food from street stalls is delicious but choose busy, freshly cooked options.
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Bag-snatching on scooters and pick-pocketing in night markets or crowded buses.
Poor lighting, livestock on roads and drink-driving, after tubing or laos nightlife.
Dengue, hepatitis A and diarrhoea from contaminated water or ice.
Vietnam-war-era bombs remain in Xieng Khouang, Hua Phan and border areas.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unofficial ‘helpers’ at land borders demand extra fees for visa or health checks not required.
Driver offers cheap city tour but insists on gem shop or tailor stops to earn commission.
Rental agency claims pre-existing scratches when you return the bike, withholding passport.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation
- Book VIP or government buses for long routes; minibuses are faster but riskier on curves.
- If tubing in Vang Vieng, go in a group and keep waterproof bag for phone/money.
Outdoor Activities
- Register trekking route with guesthouse and guide; carry whistle and charged SIM.
- Swim below waterfalls only in designated pools—strong currents and hidden rocks.
Local Laws
- Drug possession carries heavy penalties; ignore river-bar offers in Vang Vieng.
- Respect Buddhist customs: cover shoulders/knees in temples, remove shoes, never point feet at Buddha.
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Solo female travel is common and generally safe; harassment is low-level compared with regional averages.
- Sit near other women or families on overnight buses; trust your instincts in shared taxis.
- Avoid excessive alcohol in riverside bars; watch your drink always.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relations legal since 1950s; no anti-discrimination protections.
- Public displays of affection uncommon for all couples; keep affection private.
- Many laos hotels in Vientianeand Luang Prabang market themselves as LGBTQ-friendly—check reviews.
Travel Insurance
Laos travel insurance with evacuation to Bangkok can save tens of thousands in medical bills given limited facilities.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries
Frequently Asked Questions
is cambodia safe
This is a travel guide about Laos, not Cambodia, so we can't provide detailed safety information for Cambodia. If you're planning to visit both countries during your Southeast Asia trip, we recommend checking the latest travel advisories from your government's foreign office. Many travelers do visit both Laos and Cambodia on the same trip, crossing at land borders like Stung Treng or the 4000 Islands area.
is indonesia safe
This guide focuses on Laos rather than Indonesia, so we can't provide specific safety advice for Indonesian destinations. If you're comparing Southeast Asian countries for your trip, we recommend consulting your government's travel advisories for up-to-date information on Indonesia. Laos and Indonesia are quite different destinations with minimal direct travel connections between them.
is myanmar safe
This is a Laos travel guide, so we don't cover Myanmar safety conditions. We recommend checking current travel advisories from your government before planning any Myanmar travel, as the situation there has changed significantly in recent years. The Laos-Myanmar border is not commonly used by tourists, with most visitors to Laos arriving from Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia instead.
is laos safe
Laos is generally safe for travelers, with low rates of violent crime and friendly locals who are welcoming to tourists. The main safety concerns are traffic accidents (roads can be poorly maintained and driving standards vary), unexploded ordnance (UXO) in rural areas from past conflicts, and occasional petty theft in tourist areas. Stick to marked paths when trekking, avoid renting motorcycles unless you're experienced, and take standard precautions with your belongings in busy places like night markets and bus stations.
laos travel warnings
Current travel warnings for Laos typically focus on unexploded ordnance in rural provinces like Xieng Khouang and the Plain of Jars, where you should never stray from marked paths. Some governments also advise caution regarding road safety, on Route 13 and mountain roads during the rainy season (May-October). We recommend checking your government's travel advisory website before departure for the most current warnings, and registering your trip with your embassy if that service is available.
laos safety
Safety in Laos is generally good compared to many destinations, though you should be aware of specific risks like unexploded bombs in certain provinces, variable road conditions, and the Mekong River's strong currents. Petty crime exists in tourist hubs like Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, so keep valuables secure, and be cautious with drinks in bars to avoid drink spiking. Healthcare facilities are limited outside major cities, so complete travel insurance and a well-stocked first aid kit are essential.