Safety in Laos: Peaceful and Tourist-Friendly
Laos is consistently ranked among the safest countries in Southeast Asia thanks to:
- ✅ Stable government
- ✅ No major political unrest
- ✅ Very low violent crime rates in tourist hubs
📊 In 2023, approximately 3.4 million tourists visited Laos (source: Lao Ministry of Tourism), reflecting strong traveler confidence.
🇫🇷 The French Embassy in Vientiane confirms that serious incidents involving foreigners are rare.
🔍 The main risks are minor:
- Pickpocketing in crowded areas like Luang Prabang Night Market
- Tuk-tuk fare scams—always agree on the price before departure
Risk Areas in Laos: Awareness in Remote Zones
Most tourist destinations—including Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Vang Vieng—are safe and well-policed.
⚠ Areas to be more cautious in:
- Xaysomboun Province & border regions with Myanmar/Vietnam – occasional illegal activities (mainly drug trafficking)
- The 2016 incidents in Xaysomboun were isolated and did not target tourists
💣 UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) Risk
- Legacy of the Vietnam War (1964–1973): around 30% of bombs dropped failed to explode (source: UXO Lao)
- Tourist sites are cleared, but rural areas like Xieng Khouang still have contamination
✅ Safety Tips:
- Stay on marked trails
- Hire licensed guides when trekking
Crime in Laos: Scams Are More Common Than Danger
Violent crime is extremely rare. Issues travelers may encounter include:
| Risk | Example |
| Pickpocketing | Crowded markets or temple entrances |
| Overcharging | Tuk-tuks without fixed fares |
| Fake guides | Unlicensed individuals offering tours |
| Rental scams | Motorbikes with hidden fees or pre-existing damages |
🏡 In villages, life is peaceful, and locals are welcoming. Organized crime does not target tourists.
Practical Safety Tips for Travelers
- 👜 Secure valuables – Closed bag in public, hotel safe for passport & cash
- 💰 Agree on prices first – For tuk-tuks, souvenirs, and rentals
- 🛵 Road safety – Wear a helmet, check scooter condition before payment
- 💧 Health precautions – Drink bottled water, eat at busy spots, consider Hep A & Typhoid vaccines
- 🙏 Cultural respect – Cover shoulders/knees in temples, remove shoes, greet with “Sabaidee”
Why Visit Laos in 2025?
Laos offers peace, authenticity, and breathtaking landscapes:
- 🌊 Kuang Si Waterfalls – Turquoise pools in lush jungle
- 🛕 UNESCO temples in Luang Prabang
- 🚤 Mekong River cruises at sunset
- 🏯 Plain of Jars – Mysterious ancient stone sites
🚧 Infrastructure is improving:
- Better roads
- More hotel options
- Active tourist police presence
Most visitors leave with memorable, positive experiences and a sense of calm.
Emergency Contacts in Laos (2025 Update)
🚨 Police
- Emergency: 191
- Vientiane Police: +856 21 21 27 06
- Tourist Police: +856 21 24 36 47
📞 From France: 00 + 856 + city code + number
📞 From Laos to France: 00 + 33 + number (drop initial 0)
🏥 Medical
- Bangkok Hospital – Luang Prabang: +856 20 28 64 12 40
- Alliance International Medical Centre – Vientiane: +856 21 51 30 95
- French Embassy Medical Centre – Vientiane: +856 21 21 41 50
- Aek Hospital – Udon Thani (Thailand): +66 42 34 25 55
- Lao West Coast (Repatriation): +856 20 51 41 84
🏛 Embassies & Consulates
- 🇫🇷 France – Rue Setthathirath, Vientiane | +856 21 26 74 00 | Emergency: +856 20 55 51 47 51
- 🇧🇪 Belgium – Rue Setthathirath, Vientiane | +856 21 21 41 50 | Emergency (via Bangkok): +66 81 83 39 987
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland – 10/2 Manthaturath Rd, Vientiane | +856 21 26 41 60
Consulate – Luang Prabang | Belle Rive Hotel | +856 20 55 18 55 05 - 🇨🇦 Canada – KM4, Thadeua Rd, Vientiane | +856 21 35 38 34
Final Word
Laos is not a dangerous country—it’s one of the most serene destinations in Southeast Asia.
With basic precautions and cultural respect, you’ll enjoy safe travels and unforgettable moments in the Land of a Million Elephants.
