Is Luang Prabang Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Luang Prabang is generally safe for solo female travelers. Locals are friendly and respectful, and crime rate is relatively low. However, like any other places in the world, it's important to stay cautious and aware of your surroundings especially when traveling alone. Make sure to avoid isolated areas at night, ensure your belongings are always secure, and try to blend in with the local crowd as much as possible to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.

Safety rating

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How safe is Luang Prabang?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

Luang Prabang generally has a low crime rate and is considered quite safe for solo female travelers, even during nighttime. However, as with any place, it’s always advisable to exercise standard precautions and be mindful of your surroundings, especially during the night. The city is small and locals are typically friendly and helpful. However, isolated areas should be avoided at night.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Luang Prabang is generally considered quite safe, especially during daylight hours. Most locals and travelers use tuk-tuks and minibuses for commuting. However, one should always be cautious about their belongings as petty thefts can occur. Additionally, it's important to negotiate prices beforehand to avoid being overcharged, which is a common tourist scam. Overall, several solo female travelers have reported feeling secure while using public transportation in Luang Prabang.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Luang Prabang in Laos is generally regarded as a safe city for female solo travelers. Its residents are typically friendly and welcoming, maintaining a respectful attitude towards tourists. Street harassment is not a common issue in this city. However, being aware of your surroundings and exhibiting usual travel safety precautions is advised, just like in any other place.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Luang Prabang is known for its relatively safer environment compared to other Southeast Asian cities. Petty crimes like pickpocketing or bag snatching are relatively rare but can occasionally happen, especially in crowded areas or tourist spots. Most locals are warm and welcoming to travelers. Always exercising general caution and vigilance is advised.
Tap water:

Tap water:Unsafe

The tap water in Luang Prabang is generally not considered drinkable. Even though it is treated, it's not maintained to the standards that travelers may be accustomed to. Hence, it's advisable to stick with bottled water for drinking and avoid ice in drinks whenever possible. If you're staying for a longer period, consider purchasing water purifying tablets or a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter to lessen plastic waste.

Is Luang Prabang safe to travel?

Is Luang Prabang safe right now?

Before your visit to Luang Prabang, 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. These concerns include issues related to banditry, crime, spiked food and drinks, and unexploded munitions. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: May 6, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian Government advises to exercise normal safety precautions overall in Laos. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: May 3, 2024

Is Luang Prabang worth visiting?

Laura

Laura (21)

Uzbekistan

Solo travel experience

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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Safety in Laos