Asia and Oceania

Terrorism/Security

There is a low threat from terrorism in Laos, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

In February 2007, there were reports of armed clashes between Lao government forces and unidentified groups north of Vang Vien. There continue to be small-scale skirmishes between anti-government groups and government troops in isolated areas along the Lao-Thai border. There is a danger you may inadvertently get caught up in unpredictable acts of violence.

You should be particularly vigilant when travelling by road on Route 13 from Vang Vien north through Phou Khoun, to south of Luang Prabang, on Route 7 from Phou Khoun to Phonsavan and on Route 6. Armed bandits have carried out attacks on this route and two foreign nationals were killed in 2003.

Local law enforcement agencies in Laos have limited capability to counter these threats.

For further information see terrorism abroad.

Crime

There have been a number of incidents where tourists have had their drinks or food drugged. Some restaurants in popular tourist destinations offer drug-laced food and drink which has led to the victim being assaulted. These products can contain harmful substances and consuming them can result in serious injury or even death. You should never leave food or drink unattended.

We have had 2 incidents of drug rape reported to us during 2009. You should be careful about taking drinks from strangers and be wary at bars, clubs, restaurants and parties.

 

For more information see rape and sexual assault abroad.

 

The theft of passports is a particular problem. You should have insurance cover for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights, stolen cash, cards, passports or luggage. There are reports of a visa scam affecting travellers to Laos.

 

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

 

Local Travel

 

There is a risk of banditry in rural areas as well as the risk of further bombings and attacks (see terrorism/security section).

 

You should be aware of the dangers of unexploded ordnance, particularly in Xieng Khouang Province (Plain of Jars), increasingly in Luang Prabang Province (as a result of scrap metal collection) and areas of the Lao-Vietnamese border, which were formerly traversed by the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Mined areas are frequently unmarked. You should therefore not stray off main routes in rural areas.

 

There is no curfew in Vientiane but you should be aware that people travelling in the city and elsewhere in Laos might be stopped by the police at any time, particularly in the evening. You may be asked to show identification papers before being allowed to travel on. You should comply with requests to stop at checkpoints and roadblocks.

 

Road Travel

 

The majority of roads in Laos are in a poor condition. Travel should only be undertaken during daylight hours. Travel after dark significantly increases the risk of an accident and vehicles often do not have lights. Livestock often stray on to the roads causing accidents.

 

The numbers of road accidents and fatalities in Laos have risen sharply in recent years along with the increase in the number of motor vehicles, especially motorbikes. If you are involved in a road accident you will generally be required to pay compensation for third party property damage and injury, even if you are not judged to be at fault. Lao insurers will generally only meet a small proportion of the costs of an accident and will not cover this compensation, which can be the largest part of the expense.

 

If you are planning to travel by road or river you should check with a travel company on arrival for an update on local conditions.

 

For further information see driving abroad.

 

River Travel

 

Travel on the Mekong River by speedboat is dangerous, particularly in the dry season, November to April. Life-vests and crash helmets should be provided and worn. White water rafting and kayaking are also dangerous. Incidents of drowning have been reported.

 

For more general information see river and sea safety

 

Air Travel