Safest cities in Laos
2 cities with 100k+ population · data updated 2026-09-04
US 2/4 Exercise increased cautionUK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of this country
Areas the UK FCDO advises against visiting
- Xaisomboun Province
In full or in part — the official advisory lists exact boundaries and exceptions.
What official travel advice warns about
Terrorism
- Terrorism in LaosAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in Laos, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Political situation
- Specific events or political disputes may trigger violent protests. You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. Keep yourself informed of local developments.
Crime
- Protecting yourself and your belongingsPetty crime can occur in tourist areas and around ATMs. Try to have someone with you and do not carry your bank cards and cash in the same bag. Keep a copy of your passport somewhere safe.
- Sexual assaultThere is a risk of harassment when travelling alone. We recommend you use a known taxi service; one booked by your accommodation or one of the local taxi apps. You should:
- Motorcycle scamsDo not leave your passport as a deposit or guarantee when hiring motorcycles. There have been reports of rental companies arranging for their motorcycles to be deliberately stolen or damaged, then keeping passports and demanding high fees. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical and other costs that arise from motorcycle accidents.
- Reporting a crimeCall the Tourist Police in Vientiane on 021 251 128.
- Drink and food spikingBoth male and female tourists have reported having their drink or food spiked with drugs and in some cases been assaulted. Never leave food or drink unattended. Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers at bars, clubs, restaurants and parties.
- Methanol poisoningThere have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Laos.
Laws and cultural differences
- Legal systemThe Lao legal system operates differently from the UK, and the standard of prisons is very poor.
- Illegal drugs and the death penaltyPossession, trafficking and manufacture of any illegal drugs are serious offences in Laos. This includes cannabis. British nationals have been caught carrying cannabis while transiting through Laos.
- Using cameras and binoculars in secure areasPhotographing or entering any military site without an official invitation is prohibited and you may be arrested or detained. Avoid photographing bridges or airfields.
- Getting permission for special travel projectsYou should get permission from the local district authorities for any travel seen as out of the ordinary, such as extensive photography, or scientific research of any kind.
- Relationships with Lao nationalsThe Lao government prohibits sexual relationships between foreign and Lao nationals, except when the parties have been married in accordance with Lao family law. You must ask permission for marriage or engagement to a Lao national in a formal application to the Lao authorities.
- Smoking and e-cigarette bansWhile cigarettes are common, the use of e-cigarettes (vapes), heated tobacco and shisha (water-pipe tobacco) are illegal. You could be fined or imprisoned for possessing, using them, importing, selling, purchasing or exporting them.
- Dress codesWhen you visit any temples and religious sites, your shoulders and knees should be covered, whether you are male or female.
- LGBT+ travellersThere are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations in Laos. Proud To Be Us Laos raises awareness about LGBT+ rights and HIV/AIDS among the LGBT+ community. More information can be found on the Proud To Be Us Laos Facebook page.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
- River rafting and other water activitiesActivities such as white-water rafting, kayaking, tubing and swimming, particularly in the Mekong River, can carry significant risks, including strong currents and hidden obstacles. There have been incidents of drowning and serious injuries involving tourists.
- Extreme or adventure sports, including paragliding/motoring, climbing, off-road driving and hot air ballooningBe aware equipment may not meet UK safety and insurance standards.
Travelling within Laos
- Road travelIf you are planning to drive in Laos, see information on driving abroad.
- Driving conditionsRoads in Laos are often in poor condition and vehicles may not be maintained to UK standards. Travel after dark significantly increases the risk of an accident, as vehicles often do not have lights. Livestock, including water buffalo, also stray onto roads, creating hazards for motorists.
- Road accidents and safetyIf you’re involved in a road accident, you will have to pay compensation for third-party property damage and injury, even if you’re not at fault. Generally, the Lao authorities will find in favour of Lao citizens, regardless of the situation. Lao insurers typically only cover a small proportion of accident costs and do not provide broader…
- China-Laos ExpresswayThe Vientiane to Vang Vieng section of the China-Laos Expressway is the first contained high-speed road in Laos, with posted speed limits between 80 and 120km/h. Take care when using this road, as some local users will be unfamiliar with this type of carriageway.
- Travel by Boat or FerryTravel on the Mekong River can be dangerous due to changing water levels, strong currents, and hidden obstacles. There have been incidents of boating and ferry accidents. Vessel safety standards vary widely and operators may not provide adequate safety advice. Stay alert, ensure boats are equipped with life jackets and avoid boarding overcrowded…
Landmines and unexploded weapons
- Landmines and other unexploded weapons are a hazard throughout Laos and kill a number of people each year. Keep to main routes in rural areas, and do not pick up metal objects. This risk is higher after flash floods or landslides during the monsoon season.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
- MonsoonThe rainy season in Laos normally runs from May to October, at the same time as the typhoon season in south-east Asia. During this period river levels can can increase dramatically within hours and heavy rainstorms may cause unexpected and serious flooding. Be aware of local advice, social media coverage and follow the advice of the local…
Headings and opening lines from the UK FCDO “Safety and security” travel advice for Laos, updated 2026-08-13 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Read the full advice on gov.uk →
Country figures
- Homicide rate
- no data
- Income inequality
- Gini 34.72024
- Human development
- HDI 0.6172023
- Income
- $9,800/yrGNI per capita PPP
- Road deaths
- 17.9 /100kWHO, 2019
- Political stability
- 75/100WGI, 2024 · higher = more stable
- Rule of law
- 44/100WGI, 2024
- Corruption perceptions
- 34/100Transparency Intl, 2025 · higher = cleaner
- Natural-hazard risk
- 3.7/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Women, Peace & Security
- 0.70GIWPS, 2025 · 0-1, higher = better
- Air quality
- 26.0 µg/m³PM2.5, 2023 · WHO guideline is 5
- Safe drinking water
- 35%of population, 2024 · WHO/UNICEF JMP
- Healthcare capacity
- 0.3 doctors /1k1.7 hospital beds per 1,000
- Malaria
- 0 /1k at riskWHO, 2024 · endemic countries only
Natural hazards
- Flood
- 8.2/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Earthquake
- 2.8/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Cyclone
- 1.4/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Drought
- 1.1/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Hazard types scoring under 1 out of 10 are not listed.
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Laos (as of 2025).
How Laos compares
| Measure | Laos | World median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | no data | 2.4 /100k | — |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 34.7 | 35.2 | −0.5 — better for Laos |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.617 | 0.763 | −0.146 — better for World median |
| Road deaths | 17.9 /100k | 15.4 /100k | +2.5 /100k — better for World median |
| Rule of law | 44/100 | 52/100 | −8/100 — better for World median |
| Corruption perceptions | 34/100 | 39/100 | −5/100 — better for World median |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 26.0 µg/m³ | 19.7 µg/m³ | +6.3 µg/m³ — better for World median |
| Natural-hazard risk | 3.7/10 | 3.8/10 | −0.1/10 — better for Laos |
| Measure | Laos | Asia median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | no data | 1.6 /100k | — |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 34.7 | 33.4 | +1.3 — better for Asia median |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.617 | 0.771 | −0.154 — better for Asia median |
| Road deaths | 17.9 /100k | 14.9 /100k | +3.0 /100k — better for Asia median |
| Rule of law | 44/100 | 52/100 | −8/100 — better for Asia median |
| Corruption perceptions | 34/100 | 37/100 | −3/100 — better for Asia median |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 26.0 µg/m³ | 28.6 µg/m³ | −2.6 µg/m³ — better for Laos |
| Natural-hazard risk | 3.7/10 | 3.6/10 | +0.1/10 — better for Asia median |
Medians, not means, so one extreme country cannot drag the reference value. Each row compares only the countries that have a published figure for that measure, and differences are plain arithmetic between stored values.