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

4.6 /5

Based on 6 experiences

3.8 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

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.

Tap water:Unsafe

While tap water in Laos may be fine for locals who have built up immunity, it can contain bacteria and parasites that are harmful to travelers. Therefore, it's recommended for visitors to only drink bottled, boiled, or purified water, and avoid ice in drinks when unsure if it's from a safe source. Also, brushing teeth with tap water can increase the risk of consuming contaminated water, making it potentially risky for tourists.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 6 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

4.6/5

Solo travel experience

I was there solo a few months ago and felt safe as a solo female traveler. I went to Luang Prabang (caught a slow boat from Thailand). There are cute cafes and French eateries all around and heaps of temples, very zen. It's very similar to Cambodia.

Posted: July 10, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I traveled solo across SEA back in Feb-Mar and I must say Laos was my favorite among the countries. Luang Prabang is culturally amazing, Vang Vieng is great for partying and dipping in the lagoons, and Don Det was nice to have a quiet time lazying on a hammock.

Posted: July 9, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Yogini_C

Yogini_C (31)

France

Solo travel experience

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
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I loved Laos. Lots of backpackers 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
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Apart from the beautiful nature, people are so smiling and kindhearted, and the whole energy of the land is so chilled. Luang Prabang, but also Muang Ngoi, an amazing small relaxed village that you can approach only from the water, loved it there.

Posted: March 29, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I stayed in Laos for a month and absolutely loved it. Kuang Si waterfalls in Luang Prabang are stunning, as is the town itself. The Thakhek motorbike loop (4 days) is also beautiful and a highlight of my trip. Also Nong Khiaw, North of LP is well worth it. One of my favorite Asian countries, but oddly unknown to many.

Posted: March 25, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Laos

Paulina

Paulina

Speaking

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.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇱🇦 Laos, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇲🇹 Malta, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇻🇦 Vatican City

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Miranda

Miranda

Speaking

About Me

Hey!, I'm Miranda and I'm interested in architecture, culture, events & social, food & cuisine, nightlife, sightseeing, solo travel, backpacking, business, photography and nature

Countries I’ve Visited

🇨🇳 China, 🇫🇷 France, 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇱🇦 Laos, 🇲🇴 Macao, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇶🇦 Qatar, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

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Stay with locals in Laos

Paulina

Paulina

Speaking

You can stay 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.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇱🇦 Laos, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇲🇹 Malta, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇻🇦 Vatican City

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Upcoming visitors to Laos

Rosalie

Rosalie

Speaking

About Me

Hi, I‘m Rosalie, born and raised in Berlin. I‘m traveling South East Asia and will be in North Vietnam / Laos from November 27th till December 19th. Let‘s connect :)

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇮🇳 India, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇭🇺 Hungary

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Rosalie

Rosalie

Speaking

About Me

Hi, I‘m Rosalie, born and raised in Berlin. I‘m traveling South East Asia and will be in North Vietnam / Laos from November 27th till December 19th. Let‘s connect :)

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇮🇳 India, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇭🇺 Hungary

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GuGu

GuGu

Speaking

About Me

I am a solo traveler who enjoys to meet new people and find out about their culture and mentality of people. I love nature, hiking and drinking coffee with friends 😁 I don’t have any borders, very friendly to LGBT 🏳️‍🌈

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇱 Albania, 🇦🇲 Armenia, 🇦🇹 Austria, 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇪 Georgia, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan, 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan, 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇲🇻 Maldives, 🇲🇨 Monaco, 🇲🇪 Montenegro, 🇲🇲 Myanmar [Burma], 🇳🇵 Nepal, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇴🇲 Oman, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇷🇸 Serbia, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇺🇦 Ukraine, 🇻🇦 Vatican City

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Safety in Laos