Safety and security in Laos

Transport
Transport condition in Laos is generally limited and public transportation is not really reliable. Anyway, road travel in Laos is rewarding due to the great natural scenery and sense of rural life. In cities, the number of motorbikes is increasing and is the most convenient mean of transport for locals. Anyway, as a tourist, you can use an automobile taxi or tourist car which are available for rent in almost big cities. Additionally, the most popular public transportation is the 3-wheel taxi with opened sides called "tuk-tuks.” It is quite exciting to get on one of those these for wandering around.
In Laos, there is not any train connecting cities like other Asia countries. Therefore, in case you wish to travel for a long distance, you should take domestic flights which are operated by the only one airline named “Laos Airlines” with ATR and Y-12 aircraft. ATR planes are propeller planes with a capacity of 70 seats and are mainly operate. To neighboring countries, apart from Laos Airlines, you can go with Thai Airlines, Vietnam Airlines…The Laos air service quality thought has been improved quite well but flight delays or cancellations are sometimes understandable.
One of the best ways to get to know Laos is by boat cruises on the Mekong River and its tributaries. The boat is not big and luxurious but comfortable enough. Check safety equipment when you get aboard and make sure that you can get it if anything happens.
Travel Authentic Asia strictly request our service providing partners to provide safety equipment on all type of transport and service but elsewhere you take your own pace, please remember to check for those equipments. Seat belt is available on all of our tourist cars and buses and a life jacket is a must on the waterway as the same norm for other services according to national and international safety regulations. Our group leaders or tour guides are responsible to check these and to give you instructions but anywhere it does not go properly, please tell him or call directly to our Customer Care Center.

Properties safety
People remember Laos as an extremely safe country for traveling due to the small number of crime cases. Most but if not all of Laotians remain honest and welcoming. Anyway, as the saying goes “prevention better than cure” you should be aware of some dangers or annoyance you might suffer. For your big bag or suitcase, a padlock is the best to keep it safe when traveling around. When you check in the hotel, the first thing to do is to leave your valuables in the safety box with your own password or to deposit them at the hotel reception. If you leave your valuables at the hotel’s reception box, please remember to put them into a paper envelope and use adhesive tape to cover all the sides then put your signature across the paper and the tape as a seal. This is to make sure you get back what you leave with them and avoid confusion. Remember to get a receipt for your deposit and keep it with you.
Do not bring more than you need when you wander around. Passport, important papers, spare money, and valuables should be in the safety box. Just bring enough for day use. Depends on your need but around 100USD and a credit card is enough for you to party around. The bag should be worn in the front and do not put the whole junk shop in it. The camera should be held in hand with the strap worn around your wrist.

On Activities
During your trip, when you join in group activities, you are cared for by our group leader or tour guide but it is a must you have to inform us of your health status or pre-existing medical condition in order to help you to deal with the situation when it happens. The group leader or tour guide shall have the right to refuse the participation of any group member who he thinks unsuitable for an activity on the trip since it is for the safety of themselves, the rest of the group, and the tour guide.
Protect yourself and get away from any danger before you call for help from others.
As it is the regulation that you have to follow the group leader or tour guide’s advice and instructions on the matter of safety during the trip and before you take any activity.
You have to determine well before you book for any tour that demands a high physical fitting such as trekking, climbing, motorbiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking…It is your responsibility to prepare proper gear for that activities. Please read your trip dossier for more instruction on what is needed. During the activity, if the wrong thing happens or if local conditions become an issue then the ultimate decision on whether to continue is made by your group leader or tour guide.
For any high-risk activity that is not included in our itinerary but you want to take part when you have free time, please understand that you do so of your own choice and at your own risk and your group leader will require passengers opting to partake in high-risk optional activities to sign an ‘Optional activity form’ or a ‘Passenger release form.’

Local laws and customs
Obviously, when you travel to any country, you need to obey their laws and policies. The Laos legal system and laws can be vastly different from your own and if you do anything against local law then your foreign passport will not help. We strongly recommend you not to get involved in prostitution or drug-using since it is against local law and our responsible travel code. The penalties for all activities related to drugs such as keeping, distributing, or manufacturing are very serious and Laos still maintains the death penalty.
The Lao Government prohibits sexual relationships between foreign and Lao nationals, except when the two parties have been married following Lao Family Law. Penalties for engaging in prohibited sexual contact or failing to register a relationship may involve imprisonment.
You must hold a valid passport to enter Laos. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Laos.
When you enter Laos, make sure you get an entry stamp in your passport. Not having a legitimate entry stamp could lead to arrest or a large fine. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration, please check with us.

In general, to put aside some minor problems, Laos is a very peaceful and safe place for travelers. Open your mind, open your heart and enjoy every single minute.