Overall safety
Laos is generally the safest country in SE Asia for foreign residents by most crime metrics [1,2]. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. Petty crime exists but at lower rates than in neighbouring countries. The main safety concerns are road traffic accidents and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in rural areas.
Crime
- Petty theft: lower than Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia. Bag snatching occurs occasionally in Vientiane and Luang Prabang but is less common. Phone theft happens but is not as concentrated as in Phnom Penh or HCMC. Keep basic caution: cross-body bags, phones in pockets near roads.
- Residential theft: break-ins are uncommon. Expats in Vientiane generally feel safe leaving doors unlocked during the day. Standard precautions (locks, security lights) are sufficient.
- Drugs: Laos has severe penalties for drug offences. Possession of marijuana, methamphetamine, or heroin carries heavy prison sentences. The country is a transit point for drug trafficking; enforcement is active.
- Violent crime: rare. When it occurs, it is typically between locals over land disputes or debt. Foreigners are rarely targeted.
Scams
- Alcohol poisoning: counterfeit whisky and vodka containing methanol have poisoned travellers in Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. Only drink from sealed bottles at licensed bars. Avoid "local whisky" (lao lao / lao hai) from unknown sources. The traditional drink is less of a risk from reputable producers, but bootleg versions have caused deaths.
- Tuk-tuk overcharge: in Vientiane, drivers may quote 2-3x the standard fare. Use LOCA for a metered price. Negotiate firmly. Say "LOCA shows this fare" to get the correct price.
- Visa overstay fine scam: at the border, officials may demand an excessive overstay fine. Check the official rate against the current immigration regulation. Ask for a receipt.
- Motorbike rental scam: similar to Cambodia and Thailand. Pre-existing damage claimed on return. Photo-document everything before taking the bike.
- Fake tour guides: in Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, unlicensed guides may offer tours. Use licensed guides for trekking and cycling tours, especially in areas with UXO risk.
Traffic safety
- Road quality outside major routes is poor. Mountain roads (Vientiane-Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng-Phonsavan) are winding and poorly lit.
- Laos has a high road fatality rate relative to the number of registered vehicles. Accidents on mountain roads involving minivans are a leading cause of death for foreign visitors.
- If you drive a motorbike, wear a helmet. Most Lao motorbike riders do not.
- The main road from Vientiane to Vang Vieng has significant truck traffic and many blind corners. Exercise extreme caution.
- Drink-driving is common and enforcement is limited. The legal limit is 50 mg/dL but enforcement is sporadic.
- In Vientiane, traffic is lighter than in Bangkok or HCMC but still requires defensive driving. The main hazard is unexpected turns by vehicles ahead.
Unexploded ordnance (UXO)
Laos is the most heavily bombed country per capita in the world. During the Vietnam War (1964-1973), over 2 million tonnes of ordnance were dropped on Laos, particularly on the Ho Chi Minh Trail corridor. An estimated 30% did not detonate and remains in the ground.
- UXO contamination is concentrated in the eastern provinces: Xieng Khouang, Savannakhet, Saravane, Attapeu, and Sekong.
- If you live in or travel to these provinces, stick to paved roads and marked paths. Do not walk through tall grass, forest, or off-trail areas.
- UXO Lao and other clearance organisations continue demining but progress is slow.
- The Plain of Jars (Xieng Khouang) is a popular tourist destination and most marked tourist areas are cleared. Check with local guides.
- UXO Lao visitor centre in Vientiane provides up-to-date information on cleared areas.
Areas with elevated risk
- Remote eastern provinces (Xieng Khouang, Attapeu, Saravane): UXO contamination. Use cleared trails only.
- Mountain roads: landslides during the rainy season (June-October). Road closures are common. Check local conditions before driving mountain routes.
- Vang Vieng: the river tubing and adventure tourism area. Drownings occur on the Nam Song River, particularly during the rainy season when currents are strong. Life jackets are mandatory but not always available in good condition.
Scams targeting expats
- Visa overstay fine: as above. Check the official rate.
- Business registration scam: services offering to register a business or NGO quickly at inflated prices. Use only licensed Lao lawyers.
- Land purchase scam: selling land the vendor does not own clear title. Due diligence through a registered notaire is essential.
Emergency contacts
- Police: 191
- Ambulance: 195
- Fire: 190
- Tourist police (Vientiane): +856 21 251 128
- UXO Lao hotline: +856 21 710 019
- Embassies: register with your home-country embassy.
This page provides general safety information and does not cover all risks. Always verify specific concerns with local authorities.