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

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How safe is Laos?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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 safe to travel?

4.3 /5

Based on 7 experiences

Nikol

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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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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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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Is Laos safe right now?

Before your visit to Laos, it's essential to check travel advisories for Laos, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States Government advises exercising increased caution when traveling to Laos, due to civil unrest. Please note, certain areas may pose an increased risk. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 24, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Laos due to ongoing security concerns related to banditry, crime, spiked food and drinks, and unexploded munitions. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: August 26, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

**The Australian government advises to exercise normal safety precautions in Laos overall.** Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 30, 2024

Is Laos worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 7 experiences

Laura

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
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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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
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Meet locals in Laos

Meet local women in Laos who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Sofia

Sofia

About Me

Hello! I’m a traveler currently going through Asia 😌 I’m a ceramic artist and an expert laugh-er 😂🏳️‍🌈 Always down for amazing company over everything else

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Lena

Lena

About Me

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

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Stay with locals in Laos

Stay with local women in Laos who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Hospitality exchange is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Paulina

Paulina

Vientiane

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi I‘m Paulina, a European living in Laos and travelling through Asia as much as possible. I love learning about new cultures and experiencing local food. I enjoy hikes in nature, museums, book stores and coffee… lots of coffee.

Speaking

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Safety in Laos