Is Laos a safe country to travel in 2024?

So, is Laos safe? The answer is : Yes, absolutely !

This is a crucial question when you're planning to visit a country. Safety is even more important when traveling with family or friends.  Of course, like anywhere else in the world, there are certain precautions to be taken, and if they are followed, the chances of encountering a problem are slim. But prejudices die hard, and many travellers wonder whether it's a good idea to go to Laos. In this article, we break down preconceived ideas and alarmist rumours that have no basis in fact. Whether you're travelling with family, friends or as a couple, Laos is waiting for you. Enjoy your reading!

Travel to Laos with peace of mind, because it's a safe country

Laotians are very calm and serene by nature. They never raise their voice, lose their temper or get angry in public. This stems from their attachment to Buddhist culture. So, you'll always have a courteous and friendly relationship with the locals.

There's no problem of insecurity

Pickpocketing and muggings are relatively rare. But as in any country, there are a few basic rules you need to follow to avoid any worries. Mostly, it's a matter of common sense. For example, don't ostentatiously display valuables. As Laos is a fairly poor country, there's no point in arousing covetousness. As in many places, if you forget your bag in a restaurant or during a visit, you're likely to find it missing (or with a few things missing). That's why we recommend that you carry your passports and credit cards with you at all times.

There are still some remote areas of the country that are sensitive, notably with the presence of mines and bombs left over from the Vietnam War. But rest assured, you have nothing to worry about. During your treks organized by our agency, you'll be walking on trails that are at least used by local farmers, but also spotted by our ORLA Tours team. So, there's no risk. Danger exists only if you stray off the beaten track, and mainly in the south of the country if you wander along the Ho Chi Minh Trail unaccompanied.

There's nothing to worry about for women traveling alone either. The locals are very respectful.

Few animal hazards to report

You'll find that in cities, dogs and cats roam freely, but very few are true strays. They're never on a leash and are more fearful than aggressive, so it's best not to pet them, not knowing how they might react.

In the countryside, you'll come across mostly free-ranging chickens, pigs, cows and buffalo. All these animals are peaceful, but don't try to make pets of them, they're still farm animals.

As for snakes, scolopendras and scorpions, you'll certainly never see them in town, and even when hiking they're extremely rare. For those who have a phobia of snakes, rest assured they are mostly harmless and often afraid of Laotian man, who is their first direct predator. While immersed, your guides will be delighted to hunt them and make a tasty meal of them.

Vaccines and malaria

There are no compulsory vaccinations apart from the “standard” ones. However, some are recommended (rabies, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis). We therefore advise you to consult the Institut Pasteur website, your doctor or a public health center for more information.

The risk of contracting dengue fever is very low, and malaria even lower. They increase in the wet season (August to early October). But malaria-carrying mosquitoes are mainly found in the countryside, in a particular environment that combines the presence of pigs with wetlands, such as rice paddies. It is in this environment that these malaria-carrying mosquitoes reproduce easily. To travel with peace of mind, make sure you have a good DEET50 mosquito repellent and wear pants and socks in the evening, as mosquitoes bite under tables due to the oppressive heat.

Hygiene precautions on site

River water is not drinkable. When brushing your teeth, use bottled water. Don't worry about ice cubes in the cities, as long as they're cylindrical with a tube-shaped hole in the middle. They are industrially produced and consumed throughout the country, along with Lao beer, on a daily basis. Just think, Laotians wouldn't eat ice cubes made from river water either.

As for food, it's generally fresh in town, but be careful in the tourist markets. Dishes can sit outside all day waiting to be bought, and if not all sold, then put back on the shelf the next day. To be avoided. In the worst case, you'll end up with a good case of tourista! In the countryside, the food is fresh! Simply because villagers don't necessarily have refrigerators, so they only prepare what they need for the meal.

Avoid driving by yourself

Car : if possible, we advise against driving yourself. The roads are in a very unpredictable state, so you need to be very vigilant. What happens in the event of an accident with a local? Whether you're responsible or not, you'll have to stump up for the repairs needed. Foreigners always lose out in the event of a dispute.

Scooters : only rent one if you know how to drive it. It may sound simple, but we've seen a lot of tourists who thought it was a good idea to try out driving a two-wheeler for the first time in Laos. Sound silly? Well, it is. And it often ends up in hospital, with scooter repairs to pay for.

On foot : you don't have the right of way, even if you're crossing the road on a clearly marked crosswalk. Always look left and right before crossing (even if it's a one-way street) and avoid forcing your way across, as this could surprise a driver who wasn't planning to stop. Traffic in Laos is far from heavy, so it's no big deal to wait a while.

Respect local habits and customs

We end this article on a lighter note concerning local habits and customs. The only danger in not respecting them is to offend a local. First of all, don't lose your temper in public. Laotians are friendly and calm, and will be very embarrassed if you lose your temper. Secondly, don't use your feet to point or indicate anything. And finally, take off your shoes before entering a temple or someone's home.

What to wear ?

Both men and women are modest, so avoid wearing provocative clothes. Cover your shoulders, neckline, stomach and legs to below the knee... Nor should you walk barefoot in the street. A little anecdote : our offices are in the town of Luang Prabang, and it often happens that from our window we see barefoot tourists without T-shirts, thinking it looks "Lao".

I'm sure this is without having paid attention to the fact that Laotians are well-dressed from head to toe.

As you can see, Laos is a country where you can travel in complete safety. If you follow the advice in this article, you'll have a trouble-free stay. Above all, common sense is the first recommendation. What's more, the local population is very welcoming, friendly and calm. Be open and smile, and the Laotians will repay your kindness a hundredfold.

If we've convinced you to come and visit this authentic little country, don't hesitate to contact us. Vasanath, Phasouk or Charly will be happy to help you organize your trip. Our ORLA Tours team will put together a unique, tailor-made program for you. We hope to see you soon!

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