Before travelling to Laos, or indeed any destination, it
is good practise to check the travel advice pages of your own government’s website
for up to the minute advice on travel and especially for specific threats to
your safety based on your nationality, gender, race, religion or sexual
persuasion.
It is important to carry your passport upon your person
at all times. Checks by the authorities are common and Inability to show
identification will result in a hefty fine.
Terrorism risks in Laos are low, with no domestically
organised attacks.
Earthquakes are uncommon in Laos and occur largely along
the borders with Myanmar, Thailand and China, usually of low magnitude, though
the potential for a major event does exist. Flooding his periodically problem,
particularly along the Mekong River during the monsoon from May to
November.
Unexploded mines dating back to the Vietnam War era are
still a serious problem away from regular trails.
Tourist crime is unfortunately fairly common in Laos and
consists primarily of theft of portable technology, handbags and luggage,
purses, wallets and passports especially at busy tourist sites and markets. However
there have also been a few violent muggings. To further compound the issue,
police investigation of these crimes is often unsatisfactory.
Special attention is required with drinks, which should
never be left unattended, as several instances of drugging foreigners as a
prelude to robbery and rape have occurred. For the same reason, drinks offered
by strangers should be regarded with suspicion and not accepted. In Vang Vieng,
visitors should be particularly wary of ‘happy’ or ‘special’ meals, which are
offered to the many backpackers drawn to the area, which contain unspecified
drugs.
From the legal standpoint, drug use and trafficking are
very serious offences, for which penalties are severe, and include the use of
the death penalty.
Be careful where you point your camera. Never photograph
the police, military personnel and installations, or demonstrations, which you
should in any case avoid and particularly never participate.
When engaging in adventure pursuits, always use the
services of a proper tour company, such as ourselves. Serious injuries and even
death are commonplace among the unregulated operators providing these activities.
Visitors to Laos should be aware that it is illegal for a
foreigner to have sexual relations with a Laotian citizen.
Homosexuality is legal in Laos, but it is nevertheless
recommended to be very discreet and respectful of local traditional views for
your own security.