Southeast Asia
Is Laos safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Laos safe?
Calm with low crime, but roads, rivers and unexploded bombs cause most harm. Police help is limited, and methanol-tainted spirits have killed visitors.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-07-27.
- Road deaths: 17.9 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 1191 · Ambulance 1195 · Fire 1190.
- Solo women: Generally safe, though women report being followed and harassed. Use app rides or hotel-booked taxis at night and watch drinks in Vang Vieng.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Unexploded ordnance across rural areas, especially the east
- Dangerous roads, especially after dark
- Tubing and boat accidents on fast rainy-season rivers
- Methanol-laced spirits and drink spiking
Common scams
- Scooter rentals holding passports and charging for staged 'damage'
- Fake ride-app drivers touting for passengers on the street
Laws visitors break by accident
- Sex with a Lao national outside a registered marriage is illegal; fines up to US$5,000.
- Vapes, e-cigarettes and heated tobacco are illegal to bring, buy or use.
- Drug offences carry long sentences, and trafficking can bring the death penalty.
Safety by place in Laos
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Luang Prabang | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Vientiane | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| 4000 Islands | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Pakse | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Nong Khiaw | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Thakhek | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Phonsavan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Vang Vieng | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Laos safe for tourists?
Calm with low crime, but roads, rivers and unexploded bombs cause most harm. Police help is limited, and methanol-tainted spirits have killed visitors.
Is Laos safe for solo female travelers?
Generally safe, though women report being followed and harassed. Use app rides or hotel-booked taxis at night and watch drinks in Vang Vieng.
What is the emergency number in Laos?
Police 1191 · Ambulance 1195 · Fire 1190.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Lao e-Visa (Department of Immigration)
- UK FCDO travel advice: Laos
- Speedtest Global Index: Laos
- Tourism Laos
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.