If you’re planning a Southeast Asia trip and typing “is Laos safe?” into Google, I get it. Laos has a bit of a mysterious reputation on the backpacking route. It’s less developed than Thailand, less chaotic than Vietnam, and far less talked about than Bali. And in 2024, tragic headlines about backpackers dying from methanol poisoning only heightened concerns.

I backpacked Laos just weeks before that incident happened.

So here’s my honest answer:

I didn’t feel unsafe in Laos — but I did feel aware.

And there’s a difference.

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Is Laos Safe for Backpackers?

Overall, yes — Laos is generally safe for backpackers.

Violent crime against tourists is rare, and thousands of travellers pass through each year without major issues. But Laos is poorer, less regulated, and less built up than neighbouring Thailand. That can feel confronting if you’re moving along the typical Banana Pancake Trail.

The most common safety concerns aren’t violent crime — they’re things like:

• Alcohol safety
• Road conditions
• Infrastructure limitations
• Limited emergency response
• Petty theft

Laos isn’t dangerous in an obvious way.

It just requires you to take more responsibility for yourself.

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I Wasn’t Travelling Solo — And I Still Felt More Aware

I wasn’t backpacking Laos alone. I was travelling with others. I didn’t feel threatened or in danger. But I did feel more switched on — particularly in Vang Vieng. Compared to Luang Prabang and Vientiane, Vang Vieng felt looser. More chaotic. Less structured. There was minimal visible police presence. Things felt less regulated. It’s not necessarily negative — but you’re aware that you’re not in hyper-developed Thailand anymore.

You feel it.

You double-check things.

You pay more attention.

You don’t operate on autopilot.

I wrote about some of my strange experiences in Backpacking Laos: The Strangest Week — and while none of it made me feel unsafe, it definitely made me realise Laos isn’t a place to switch your brain off.

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Alcohol Safety in Laos (Very Important)

This deserves its own section.

In 2024, several backpackers tragically died in Laos after methanol poisoning. I was only a couple of weeks ahead of them on the same route. That reality changed the way many travellers now view drinking in Laos.

Here’s my honest advice:

• Only drink from sealed, recognised branded bottles
• Avoid unlabelled or homemade spirits
• Be cautious of “free shots” handed out at hostels and bars
• Avoid suspiciously cheap buckets
• If something tastes off — stop drinking it immediately

Laos is a country with widespread poverty and limited regulation. Most bars operate responsibly — but not all environments are tightly controlled. In Vang Vieng in particular there are certain bars that will also have illegal offerings on the menu. Be wise.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about being smart.

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Road Safety in Laos (The Bigger Risk)

If you’re asking “is Laos safe?”, the biggest day-to-day risk isn’t crime.

It’s the roads.

While in Vang Vieng, I spoke to an Irish guy who owns Gary’s Irish Bar. He told me bluntly:

The roads can be dangerous because they’re poorly maintained. And you can see it yourself. Uneven surfaces. Potholes. Gravel. Mountain bends. His advice — and mine — is to avoid renting a moped unless you are very experienced and confident. Accidents in Laos are not uncommon, and outside major cities, medical facilities are limited.

If you want the safest way to travel between cities?

Use tuktuks or minivans to get around day to day. We rented a buggy in Vang Vieng rather than a moped which was a far safer way to explore. Between cities the safest way to travel is via the Laos-China Railway (LCR).

It’s modern, efficient, and by far the smoothest transport experience in the country. I wrote a full guide on using the LCR railway, but genuinely, it’s the best way to move between places like:

• Vientiane
• Vang Vieng
• Luang Prabang

It removes a huge amount of stress. If you’re planning your route for Southeast Asia, I’ve broken down everything I learned (including the chaos) in my full Newbie Backpacker guide.

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Travel Insurance I Always Recommend
Backpacking is full of surprises—sometimes the best adventures come with unexpected hiccups. That’s why I never travel without comprehensive travel insurance. On my trips across Southeast Asia, I relied on True Traveller for peace of mind, whether it was lost luggage, sudden illness, or unexpected flight changes. It’s easy to set up, and I love knowing I’m covered no matter where the journey takes me.

If you’re planning a trip, check out True Traveller here—it’s what I personally use and recommend for fellow backpackers.

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Is Laos Safe Compared to Thailand?

This is where context matters. Thailand feels unorganised but structured. There’s visible authority. Infrastructure is polished. Tourism is embedded into daily life. Laos is not like that yet. It is visibly poorer. Less westernised. Less built up. More raw. That can feel like a shock when you cross the border. But different doesn’t mean unsafe.

It just means you need to adjust your expectations.

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Where I Felt Safest (And Most Aware)

• Luang Prabang – Calm, relaxed, slow-paced.
• Vientiane – Quiet capital energy, almost sleepy.
• Vang Vieng – Fun but more chaotic. I felt most “aware” here.

None of these places made me feel in danger.

But Vang Vieng especially felt like somewhere you shouldn’t get overly drunk, reckless, or complacent.

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So… Is Laos Safe for Backpackers?

Yes — Laos is safe for backpackers.

But it’s not a country where you can operate carelessly.

You need to:

• Be cautious with alcohol
• Avoid risky road situations
• Stay in well-reviewed accommodation
• Keep your belongings secure
• Stay aware of your surroundings

I wouldn’t skip Laos if you’re backpacking Southeast Asia. In fact, it ended up being one of the most unique, confronting and memorable parts of my trip. It’s slower. Stranger. Less predictable.

And they are exactly the experiences that stay with you.

Enjoy your Travels!

Em x

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