Vientiane Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Vientiane.
Healthcare System
Vientiane's healthcare system is developing but still limited compared to Western standards. The city has several hospitals and clinics, but facilities for serious medical conditions are basic. Many expatriates and travelers seek treatment in Thailand for major medical issues.
Hospitals
Main facilities include Mahosot Hospital (largest public hospital), Setthathirath Hospital, and the French Medical Centre (Alliance Internationale). International clinics like the Australian Embassy Clinic and AEK Udon International Hospital Vientiane Branch cater to expatriates and tourists with better English-speaking staff.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout the city, with many located along major streets like Samsenthai Road. Many medications available by prescription-only in Western countries can be purchased over-the-counter, but counterfeit medications are a concern. Stick to reputable pharmacies and bring necessary medications from home.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and medical evacuation is strongly recommended and essentially mandatory for responsible travel. Ensure your policy covers evacuation to Thailand, as this is often necessary for serious conditions.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's letter
- Carry contact details for your travel insurance's 24-hour emergency line
- For serious medical issues, consider immediate evacuation to Udon Thani (90km) or Bangkok rather than treatment in Vientiane
- Ensure tetanus, hepatitis A and B, and typhoid vaccinations are current before travel
- The French Medical Centre and international clinics are preferred for tourist care despite higher costs
- Always verify medication authenticity and check expiration dates when purchasing from pharmacies
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Traffic safety is the primary risk in Vientiane. Roads are chaotic with minimal traffic law enforcement, poor road conditions, and a mix of motorcycles, tuk-tuks, cars, and pedestrians. Drunk driving is common, especially at night and on weekends.
Bag snatching, pickpocketing, and theft from motorcycles/bicycles occur, particularly targeting tourists. Thieves often work on motorcycles, grabbing bags from pedestrians or other riders.
Traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A can result from contaminated food or water. Street food hygiene standards vary considerably.
Dengue fever is present year-round in Vientiane, with cases increasing during rainy season. Malaria risk is very low in the capital itself but present in rural areas outside the city.
Rental scams, inadequate insurance, passport retention, and inflated damage claims are common. Police may stop foreigners on motorcycles for document checks and fines.
While not a concern in Vientiane city proper, Laos is the most heavily bombed country per capita in history, and unexploded ordnance remains in rural and remote areas.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Drivers quote inflated prices to tourists or claim the meter is broken. Some take unnecessarily long routes or add extra charges at the destination.
Friendly locals strike up conversations and recommend 'special' jewelry shops offering 'investment opportunities' in gems that can be resold for profit. The gems are worthless or severely overpriced.
Individuals approach tourists claiming to collect for temples, orphanages, or schools, often showing laminated photos or documents. The money rarely reaches legitimate causes.
Rental shops claim pre-existing damage was caused by the renter or inflate repair costs dramatically, threatening to keep the passport deposit or call police.
ATMs and card readers may be fitted with skimming devices that capture card information for fraudulent use.
Tuk-tuk drivers or touts claim your intended destination is closed for a holiday, ceremony, or renovation and offer to take you to alternative shops or attractions (where they receive commission).
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for emergency notifications
- Keep copies of passport and important documents separately from originals
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Learn basic Lao phrases for emergencies ('Help' = 'suay duay', 'Police' = 'tamruat')
- Keep emergency cash in USD or Thai baht hidden separately from main wallet
- Be respectful of Buddhist customs and dress modestly when visiting temples
- Avoid political discussions and demonstrations
- Don't photograph military installations or personnel
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Carry only necessary cash and one credit card when out
- Keep money in front pockets or money belts, not backpacks
- Exchange money at banks or official exchange booths, not on the street
- ATM withdrawal limits are low (often 2,000,000 kip/$100); plan accordingly
- Notify your bank of travel dates to prevent card blocks
- Keep small denominations for tuk-tuks and small purchases
Transportation Safety
- Use reputable taxi companies or ride-hailing apps (Loca, LOCA Bike)
- Always wear seatbelts in cars and helmets on motorcycles
- Avoid overloaded vehicles or boats
- Be extremely cautious crossing streets; traffic rarely stops for pedestrians
- Don't accept rides from strangers or unlicensed drivers
- If renting a vehicle, ensure you have proper licensing and insurance
- Avoid night travel outside the city due to poor road conditions and wildlife
Health Precautions
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit including anti-diarrheal medication
- Apply sunscreen regularly (SPF 30+) and reapply after swimming
- Avoid contact with animals, especially dogs and monkeys (rabies risk)
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer before eating
- Consider bringing oral rehydration salts for treating dehydration
- Avoid swimming in the Mekong River due to pollution and parasites
- Get travel vaccinations at least 4-6 weeks before departure
Accommodation Safety
- Choose accommodations with good security and reviews
- Check that windows and doors lock securely
- Keep ground-floor windows closed and locked when absent
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify identity through hotel staff
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Keep room number private; don't announce it in public areas
- Report any suspicious activity to hotel management immediately
Night Safety
- Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas after dark
- Stay in well-populated, tourist-friendly areas at night
- Keep phone charged and have emergency numbers readily available
- Limit alcohol consumption and never leave drinks unattended
- Travel in groups when possible, especially when bar-hopping
- Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps rather than walking at night
- Be aware that some bars and clubs may have drug activity; avoid involvement
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Vientiane is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Laos culture is relatively conservative and respectful, and harassment is less common than in many other Southeast Asian destinations. However, standard precautions should still be taken, particularly at night and in isolated areas.
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially when visiting temples
- Avoid walking alone late at night; use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps
- Book accommodations with good reviews from other solo female travelers
- Be cautious when accepting invitations from strangers, particularly men
- Trust your instincts; remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
- Consider joining group tours or activities to meet other travelers
- Keep phone charged and share location with trusted contacts
- Be aware that unwanted attention, while rare, can occur in tourist bars
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, especially when alone
- Learn to say 'no' firmly in Lao ('baw' - pronounced 'bow')
- Carry a whistle or personal alarm for emergencies
- Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or tours
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Laos with no specific laws criminalizing same-sex relationships. However, there are no legal protections against discrimination, and same-sex marriage is not recognized.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection regardless of orientation
- LGBTQ+-specific venues are very limited in Vientiane; research online before visiting
- Be aware that hotel staff may question same-sex couples sharing rooms, though usually without issue
- Connect with LGBTQ+ travel communities online for current advice and recommendations
- Understand that while generally safe, overt LGBTQ+ expression may attract unwanted attention
- Rural areas and religious sites are more conservative; exercise additional discretion
- International hotels and tourist-oriented businesses are typically more understanding
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for Vientiane due to limited local medical facilities and the high likelihood of needing medical evacuation to Thailand for serious conditions. The cost of evacuation alone can exceed $10,000, making comprehensive insurance a critical investment rather than an optional extra.
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