Is Laos Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Laos is generally safe for solo female travelers as the locals are friendly and respectful. However, it is advised to avoid remote areas alone, especially at night. It's also recommended to dress modestly, respecting the local culture. Petty crimes like bag-snatching or pickpocketing can occur in touristy places, so it's important to always keep an eye on your belongings.

Safety rating

4.3 /5

Based on 9 experiences from female travelers

3.8 /5

Based on our research and crime data

Laos is currently ranked #72 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.3 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Laos?

Safety at night:Moderate

Laos in general is considered to be safer than many other countries. That being said, it's not advised for solo female travelers to walk alone at night especially in secluded areas or smaller towns due to the potential risk of petty crime. Urban areas are relatively safe, but preventative measures like not taking unlicensed cabs and not carrying valuable items in public at night are recommended. You should be alert and cautious at all times.

Public transportation:Moderate

In Laos, public transportation includes buses, share taxis, and the popularly used tuk-tuks. Most of these options, especially long-distance buses, maintain fair safety standards. Buses are generally safer, although they can be overcrowded and comfort can be a major concern. Tuk-tuks are quite safe for short distance travel during day time. However, at night, precautions should be taken. It's not uncommon for buses and tuk-tuks to be operated by drivers who may speed or drive recklessly. Moreover, the road conditions and traffic can be unpredictable. Solo female travelers should always remain alert, avoid traveling alone at night, and might feel more comfortable hiring a trusted private taxi or driver for long distances.

Street harassment:Low

Laos is known for its relatively safe environment when it comes to street harassment. Since the locals are generally respectful, instances of unpleasant encounters or unsolicited attention on the streets are infrequent. However, like any other place, it is always necessary to practice caution, particularly when out at night or in more isolated areas. Make sure you always respect local customs and dress modestly, which may also reduce the likelihood of any unwanted attention.

Petty crimes:Low

Petty crimes in Laos, such as pickpocketing and snatch thefts, are present but not very rampant. Generally, Laos is considered a safe country to travel in. However, being vigilant and taking basic precautions such as not flaunting valuable items in public, securing personal belongings, and avoiding less crowded areas during night time can help avoid such occurrences.

Is Laos worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 9 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

4/5

Nikol

Australia

Laos, Solo travel

Laos is super cheap and a great contrast from the boom boom party in Thailand. Has the greater authentic feel out of all the countries in mainland SE Asia. I felt very safe as a female solo traveller. Male sure to go to Don det and try one of the bike loops down south (thakek or pakse)

Posted: June 22, 2024Experienced: February, 2020

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Laura

Uzbekistan

Luang Prabang, Solo travel

I was there for three days. The atmosphere was chill, with a lot of tourists. The sunset on the Mekong River was amazing. I highly recommend this place if you're looking for a place to rest. The food is really cheap and there's plenty of room for creative activities.

Posted: March 5, 2024Experienced: February, 2023

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Savannakhet, Solo travel

I felt very save (just be careful about dogs and drunk drivers at night). Great cafés all around town with local coffee Walk through the old town and find the newly painted murals all around. Visit the night market LaoChaLeun, walk along the Mekong River side, enjoy the sunset and amazing food and coffee at Pilgrim's Kitchen & Inn. Book a tour or rent a (motor)bike with MarvelLaos.

Posted: November 19, 2023Experienced: March, 2023

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Laos, Solo travel

I was there alone a few months ago and felt safe as a solo traveler. I went to Luang Prabang (I caught a free boat from Thailand). There are plenty of charming cafes and French restaurants in the area, as well as many temples, very zen. It's very similar to Cambodia.

Posted: July 10, 2023

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Laos, Solo travel

I traveled solo through Southeast Asia in February and March and I must say that Laos was my favorite country among them all. Luang Prabang is amazing in terms of culture, Vang Vieng is great for partying and bathing in lagoons, and Don Det was a nice place to spend some quiet time lazing in a hammock.

Posted: July 9, 2023

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Yogini_C

France

Laos, Solo travel

I not only traveled but actually ended up living in Laos for nearly 2 years during the Covid pandemic. I came there for 2 months as a yoga teacher volunteer in a 4-star hotel and ended up living there from March 2020 to October 2021. I enjoyed the very chill and kind people, the food, the ziplines, blue lagoons and motorbike loops !

Posted: May 22, 2023Experienced: February, 2020

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Laos, Solo travel

I loved Laos. There were many backpackers there, but fewer than in other places. There were high speed trains and lots of buses. I stayed in Huay Xai, Pak Beng, Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw and Vang Vieng.

Posted: April 2, 2023

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Laos, Solo travel

Apart from the beautiful nature, people are so smiling and kind, and the whole energy of this land is so peaceful. Luang Prabang, but also Muang Ngoi, an amazing small relaxed village, which can only be reached from the water side, I loved this place.

Posted: March 29, 2023

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Laos, Solo travel

I spent a month in Laos and absolutely loved it. The Kuang Si waterfalls in Luang Prabang are astonishing, as is the city itself. The Thakhek motorcycle loop (4 days) is also beautiful and was one of the highlights of my trip. Also, Nong Khiaw, to the north of LP, is really worth visiting. It is one of my favorite Asian countries, but strangely unknown to many people.

Posted: March 25, 2023

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Is Laos safe for women?

Vientiane

Normally everyone drives motorcycles here. But in the city center everything is available on foot anyways. Normally ppl aren't aggressive. I'd say I can't really recon anything like that. I've heard a few cases of bags being stolen but overall I feel very safe here. Sometimes I'm forgetting my phone and find it at the same place.

Posted: July 27, 2024

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Meet locals in Laos

Lena

About Me

I have a very active lifestyle, normally u will gladly spend my day somewhere in nature

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sandrine

About Me

I am a highly motivated and energetic individual currently My role involves juggling various projects simultaneously, which has honed my multitasking and time management skills. I thrive in dynamic environments and am always eager to collaborate and share ideas with others to achieve common goals. My social nature and strong family values drive me to build meaningful connections both personally and professionally.

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