Laos Health and Safety

Over the last 15 years or so Laos has earned a reputation among visitors as a remarkably safe place to travel, with little crime reported and few of the scams so often found in more touristed places such as Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. While the vast majority of Laotians remain honest and welcoming, things aren't quite as idyllic as they once were. The main change has been the rise of petty crime, such as theft and low-level scams, which are generally more annoying than actually dangerous.

Most of the reports we've heard involve opportunistic acts that, if you are aware of them, are fairly easily avoided. Money or goods going missing from hotel rooms is becoming more common, so don't leave cash or other tempting items (such as women's cosmetics) out on show. If you ride a crowded bus, watch your luggage and don't keep money in your trouser pockets. If you ride a bicycle or motorcycle in Vientiane, don't place anything of value in the basket - thieving duos on motorbikes have been known to ride by and snatch bags from baskets. Also in Vientiane, we've had several reports of (usually) women having daypacks stolen after they've changed money near the BCEL bank on the riverfront - be especially careful around here.