Areas to Avoid in Vientiane
Laos
|🛡️ SafeHonest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Vientiane. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.
Last updated: March 2026
Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Vientiane is generally Safe
1 area to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Old Quarter, Riverside (South of Setthathirath Road), Sikhai Area (East of City Center)
Travel Insurance for Vientiane
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Vientiane are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.
Areas That Need Extra Caution
These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware
Very far outskirts, especially unlit industrial zones
Lack of tourist infrastructure, poor lighting at night, and potential for petty crime; not relevant for typical tourist activities.
🛡️ Stay here instead: Old Quarter
A charming, historic area with French colonial architecture and a relaxed riverside atmosphere.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Vientiane
Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.
Vientiane Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Vientiane on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Vientiane Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Vientiane with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
View Tour Details
Best of Vientiane: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Vientiane's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
View Tour Details
Day Trip from Vientiane: Scenic Excursion
Escape Vientiane for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Vientiane Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Vientiane's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
View Tour DetailsWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Stay Safe, Explore Confidently
Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Vientiane
Stay in a safe neighbourhood
Compare hotels in Vientiane on Expedia
Book a guided tour
Explore Vientiane safely with a local guide
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood
These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers
Old Quarter
A charming, historic area with French colonial architecture and a relaxed riverside atmosphere.
Generally safe during the day with moderate caution needed for traffic; at night, stick to well-lit main streets and be aware of your surroundings.
Riverside (South of Setthathirath Road)
The bustling heart of Vientiane, offering a mix of tourist amenities and local life along the Mekong.
Generally safe due to high foot traffic, but exercise caution with pickpockets around the market and busy areas, especially at night.
General Safety Tips for Vientiane
At Night
Stick to well-lit, populated areas, particularly along the riverside and main boulevards. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in dark or deserted streets.
Solo Female Travel
Vientiane is considered very safe for solo female travelers. Exercise standard precautions, especially at night in less populated areas, but violent crime is rare.
Emergency Number
191
Stay Connected
Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.
Common Scams to Watch For in Vientiane
- 1Overpriced tuk-tuk fares (always negotiate)
- 2Fake temple donation requests
- 3Minor pickpocketing in crowded markets
Travel Insurance for Vientiane
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead
These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety
Old Quarter
A charming, historic area with French colonial architecture and a relaxed riverside atmosphere.
Generally safe during the day with moderate caution needed for traffic; at night, stick to well-lit main streets and be aware of your surroundings.
Riverside (South of Setthathirath Road)
The bustling heart of Vientiane, offering a mix of tourist amenities and local life along the Mekong.
Generally safe due to high foot traffic, but exercise caution with pickpockets around the market and busy areas, especially at night.
Sikhai Area (East of City Center)
A more residential and developing area with a local feel, offering a quieter escape.
Generally safe for residents and visitors, but be mindful of traffic and ensure your accommodation is in a well-lit area at night.
Safety in Vientiane
SafeSolo Female Travel
Vientiane is considered very safe for solo female travelers. Exercise standard precautions, especially at night in less populated areas, but violent crime is rare.
At Night
Stick to well-lit, populated areas, particularly along the riverside and main boulevards. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in dark or deserted streets.
Emergency
191
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overpriced tuk-tuk fares (always negotiate)
- 2Fake temple donation requests
- 3Minor pickpocketing in crowded markets
Found your hotel in Vientiane?
We search 30+ sites including members-only platforms like Secret Escapes and Voyage Privé. Most people save 14-23%.
Areas to Avoid in Other Popular Cities
Safety guides for other destinations travellers are researching
Areas to Avoid in London
Safety guide & neighbourhood tips
Areas to Avoid in Paris
Safety guide & neighbourhood tips
Areas to Avoid in Barcelona
Safety guide & neighbourhood tips
Areas to Avoid in Rome
Safety guide & neighbourhood tips
Areas to Avoid in Tokyo
Safety guide & neighbourhood tips
Areas to Avoid in Amsterdam
Safety guide & neighbourhood tips
Plan Your Perfect Vientiane Trip
Tell us what you love and we'll build a personalised day-by-day itinerary with the best spots, tours, and hotels. Completely free.