Is La Union safe?
Safe and relaxed. Surf and rip-current accidents, scooter crashes on the national highway and weekend drink-related incidents are the main risks.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-07.
- Homicide rate in Philippines: 4.3 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Philippines: 12.0 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: All emergencies 911.
Safety in La Union at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Occasional theft from beach bags and bikes, and drunken disputes at weekend parties; violent crime is rare. |
| At night | Urbiztondo is lively on weekends and generally safe. The highway is dangerous at night; take tricycles rather than walking. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women. Watch drinks at weekend parties; avoid isolated beaches and the highway at night. |
| Other risks | Rip currents and rocks at surf spots; Typhoons and storm surge, Jul–Oct; Highway traffic with buses and trucks |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Surf instructors quoting inflated lesson prices to arrivals
- Tricycle drivers asking tourist rates for short rides
- Weekend accommodation price hikes beyond the posted rate
Take care
- Urbiztondo surf break: crowds, rocks and strong currents
- MacArthur Highway at night: fast buses and trucks
- Swimming after drinking at weekend beach parties
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Smoking and vaping in public places are banned in many cities, with fines
- Drug laws are harsh; even small amounts can mean long detention
How La Union compares in Philippines
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Boracay | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Palawan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| El Nido | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Siargao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Coron | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bohol | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Panglao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Makati | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Moalboal | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Baguio | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| La Union | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Davao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Dumaguete | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Siquijor | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Galera | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Malapascua | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Port Barton | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Tagaytay | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Sagada | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Banaue | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Vigan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Iloilo | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| BGC | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bantayan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Manila | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cebu | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Angeles City | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is La Union safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women. Watch drinks at weekend parties; avoid isolated beaches and the highway at night.
Is La Union safe at night?
Urbiztondo is lively on weekends and generally safe. The highway is dangerous at night; take tricycles rather than walking.
What is the crime rate in La Union?
Occasional theft from beach bags and bikes, and drunken disputes at weekend parties; violent crime is rare. Nationally, Philippines records 4.3 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in La Union?
All emergencies 911.
More about La Union
Going to La Union solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in La Union meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- La Union Provincial Government
- Department of Tourism
- Victory Liner
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.