Joanna James
While Laos is one of the safest travel destinations in Southeast Asia, it's always a good idea to subscribe to a few key safety tips to ensure your trip is hassle-free and memorable in all the right ways.
Prior to travelling to Laos, do make sure you have received medical vaccinations for the following diseases including Japanese encephalitis, tuberculosis, Hepatitis E, Hepatitis B, and dengue fever. Do keep in mind that dengue fever is a very common affliction in this part of the world, so it's best to be aware of the symptoms, so early treatment is a possibility. Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease, and symptoms include, muscle and joint ache, high fever, severe headaches, and vomiting. Stay safe by opting to wear long-sleeved cotton shirts and t-shirts, and spraying insect repellent on yourself liberally every time you step outdoors.
Generally, the locals are very trustworthy and honest, however, to avoid any opportunist thefts can be avoided by simply being more aware of their surroundings. Many a hotel in Luang Prabang including the likes of Avani+ Luang Prabang have in-room safes where you can store your valuables for safekeeping. If you are planning on taking public transportation, remember to avoid keeping your phone and wallet in your pocket. Stow them in your backpack safely and keep a close eye on them.
In Laos, it's best to avoid drinking tap water directly unless you have the option of boiling prior to drinking. The good thing is you can get water bottles from convenience stores and supermarkets with ease. When it comes to other things like milk, it's a good idea to opt for tinned or powdered milk. If you have a sensitive stomach, eating out especially street food can be tricky. As a rule of thumb, make sure that the food items you consume especially fish and meat are fully cooked.
Good personal hygiene is an absolute must. Do make sure to wash your hands before eating, especially given the fact that traditionally Lao cuisine is consumed using your hands. Scrapes and cuts, no matter how seemingly minor can get infected very fast, and should be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and bandaged to keep the dirt and bacteria away.
The hottest season in Laos is usually from March to May, and it can be brutal, especially if you are coming from a cold country. The heat can be unbearable especially in the lowlands, so to prevent sunburn, visitors should opt to wear a sunblock with a high SPF factor and opt for a good quality sun hat. UV protective sunglasses can come in handy in cutting the sun's glares especially if you are spending time down by the river. One can easily get dehydrated here especially if there is a lot of hiking and trekking, so do make sure to drink plenty of water, and stay well hydrated.
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