How safe is Laos for tourists?
Laos is one of the safest tourist destinations in Southeast Asia – locals are often helpful and polite to foreigners. You may encounter low-level crimes, such as scams and pickpockets in touristy spots, which are annoying rather than dangerous.
How many people have died in Vang Vieng?
Party-hungry backpackers flocked to this tiny town in central Laos to drink, take drugs and float down the Nam Song river on inflatable tubes — the region’s signature outdoor activity. Then the death toll started. In 2011, Vang Vieng’s hospital recorded 27 tourist deaths.
What should I avoid in Laos?
11 Things You Should Never Do in Laos
- Don’t touch a monk.
- Don’t trek without a guide.
- Don’t argue with police.
- Don’t touch anyone with your feet.
- Don’t wear your shoes inside a home or temple.
- Don’t shout, argue or rush.
- Don’t make public displays of affection.
- Don’t buy antiques or wildlife products.
Is Vang Vieng worth visiting?
Vang Vieng is absolutely beautiful. The striking scenery and backdrop is worth the visit alone. The Nam Song River runs along breathtaking, karst, jagged mountains that the clouds magically float right through. Grab a bungalow along the river or a guesthouse with a view, it’s definitely worth it.
Is Laos safe for female Travellers?
Laos is considered to be one of the safest Asian countries for women. Solo female travelers in Laos should follow standard safety protocol by avoiding walking in unlit areas at night and staying aware of their surroundings.
What happened Vang Vieng?
As more and more Millennials arrived in Vang Vieng, more bars materialized along the river. Backpackers would fall off their tires in a drunken or drugged stupor, get tangled in the swings hanging in the river or simply not have the coordination to swim, and… The problem was, this apparently happened all the time.
How much is the bus from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng?
A one-way ticket starts at $17 and this includes pick-up from your accommodation in Luang Prabang. Travel to Vang Vieng by minivan is about 2-hours shorter than travel by bus. Expect the journey to last between 5-6 hours.
How do you get to Vang Vieng?
How to Get to Vang Vieng. Although there is an airstrip in Vang Vieng, it’s in a state of disrepair and is no longer used by any airlines or charter operators. The only way in and out of Vang Vieng is by road, with most travellers arriving by bus or private car/motorcycle.
Can a foreigner buy property in Laos?
Under Article 132 of the law, foreigners can now purchase and own condominiums in Laos. Under the revised law, foreigners can also own land use rights under land lease and concession agreements with Lao citizens and the government. However, land ownership rights are limited to 30 years and 50 years respectively.
Is it safe to live in Laos?
Crime levels in Laos are generally quite low, though the usual crimes that affect expats and tourists, such as bag snatching and theft, do take place, especially in the country’s larger towns and cities.