There was recently (at the time of writing) a spate of methanol poisonings in Vang Vieng. This problem isn't limited to Laos but has impacted many tourists over the years in Bali, India, and across over popular hotspots for backpackers.
Not surprisingly, many tourists have decided to cross Vang Vieng off of their itineraries. This is a shame because Vang Vieng is a beautiful part of the world that offers much more than just parties and free shots.
With this in mind, we thought it was about time to post a new article on staying safe in Vang Vieng. You can read our other blog post on whether it's safe to drink in Vang Vieng here. But, this article is designed to cover a whole range of issues that tourists may have, or concerns.
Read on, dispel a few myths, learn how to swerve problems, and understand a little of the local culture and how foreigners are expected to behave in Buddhist Laos.
We previously published an article on where to drink in Vang Vieng. And, as mentioned above, we also recently published an article asking the question; is it safe to drink in Vang Vieng.
Despite these two previous articles, it would be remiss not to at least give some coverage to this topic in this blog considering it’s about staying safe while travelling through Vang Vieng.
Perhaps the simplest way to stay safe is to avoid alcohol. But, there are ways to drink without any concern about tainted alcohol.
All bars sell beer and cider, and many also sell the increasingly popular Soju in various brands. All of these drinks come in sealed bottles or cans straight from the distributor. There should be absolutely no issue with Beerlao or imported beers like this.
By this, we mean avoid Lao Lao or Lao Khao. These are homemade spirits (effectively moonshine) and there is little regulation or quality control. Lao Lao is often given out for free shots as it costs so little to produce.
Other local spirits include the Tiger branded whisky and vodka. These are often used to make cheaper cocktails as they are distilled in Laos and there is no import tax on them. Right now, Tiger Vodka (also known as Lao Vodka) is getting a bad rep because of the methanol poisonings.
It would be irresponsible of us to say that Tiger Vodka is perfectly safe until the investigation is concluded but the company has been trading for many years without a problem, and it is looking quite likely that empty vodka bottles were reused and filled with moonshine.
Perhaps the biggest danger in Southeast Asian travel is motorbike rentals. A combination of inexperience, bad roads, no protection, no insurance, and over-confidence, can add up to a costly and often painful experience.
If you have no clue how to ride a scooter then find a rental shop such as Two Wheels where the owner is happy to give guidance before you go out on the road. Or rent a bicycle.
The roads in Vang Vieng, and especially the old bridges, are terrible. Potholes, mud, flooding, dust, and drivers with poor road skills lead to regular accidents, and worse.
Always take a helmet when you hire a scooter, and preferably take gloves and other protection when it’s available. Also, be aware of the one-way road between Amari and the hospital. If you come the wrong way you will be fined 100,000 kip, and your rental shop may fine you also to cover their police costs.
Obviously, Discover Vang Vieng cannot condone purchasing or taking illegal drugs in Vang Vieng. However, we know that many people will partake, so here’s what you should know.
There are drugs available here just as there in towns and cities across the world. Tourists who partake will usually aim for weed, mushrooms, and nitrous oxide balloons. There are stronger chemicals available too plus kratom.
Unlike Thailand, marijuana is illegal in Laos. If you are caught smoking or possessing weed you will face a fine. This is likely to be around 5 million kip per person. If someone is sitting next to you and smoking (for example at your guesthouse pool at night) and the police come in, don’t be surprised to find yourself being arrested too.
It is very common for a group of people to be made to pay fines due to one other person smoking weed. Call it guilt by association. The police at night are normally in plain clothes and they will walk into common areas in guest houses such as gardens and swimming pools.
When I first came to Vang Vieng many years ago, it was quite common to hear about rooms being broken into and possessions stolen. Thankfully, this seems to have become a thing of the past.
With CCTV commonplace now, and better and newer accommodation, these stories seem to have vanished. However, Laos is a poor country, and with that always comes an element of crime.
Use hotel safes and security boxes where possible and be aware of your bag or electronic devices when in public spaces such as bars or nightclubs.
Although for many this law is antiquated, it still exists. Lao nationals are not allowed to stay overnight in the same room as a foreigner. Foreigners are expected to marry their Lao partner before any physical contact is permitted by law.
The punishment for being caught sleeping with a Lao national ranges from a fine, imprisonment, to deportation. The Lao woman or man will also be punished.
Nevertheless, many foreigners have short term and long term relationships with Lao men and women. We can’t advise you to break any law in Laos but you are unlikely to have any problems if you spend one evening with a local girl, or boy.
Certain adrenaline fuelled activities such as bungee jumping and parachuting come with an element of risk. For many, this is what makes them exciting. But, you can reduce the risks involved with many activities in Vang Vieng.
Choose an organised tubing tour that has a guide and provides life jackets. Avoid drinking excessively. And, choose the right day and season to go. The Nam Song gets very high and fast during the rainy season, and even strong swimmers can struggle with the undercurrents if you come off your tube.
We only use reputable companies for our hot air balloon tours and paramotor flights. That’s not to say others are bad by any means but check out what’s included in your flight. Is there a safety briefing? Does the pilot speak your language? And, how long have they been flying and is the company licensed?
Flying over Vang Vieng is probably the costliest activity in town. However, safety is paramount. Use a professional company such as Above Laos or Vang Vieng Paramotor Centre. You get what you pay for, and we can take bookings for both operators.
You’re unlikely to have any particular safety issues if you cause a faux pas, yet respecting local culture will be appreciated, and you won’t upset anyone unecessarily.
Things to consider are excessive public drunkenness, excessive swearing, walking around town in bikinis or going into restaurants shirtless, overly public displays of affection, showing the soles of your feet (for example, by putting your feet on a bar stool or table - yes, it happens). Touching the top of a Lao person’s head is taboo (unless you are on very close terms). And, when visiting temples, wear appropriate clothes.
Like any tropical country there is a risk of certain diseases. And, also there can be incidents of occasional food poisoning when trying unusual local dishes. Raw duck’s blood salad anyone?
Dengue fever is rife in parts of Laos, and I and many of my friends have had it. It’s difficult to avoid and there is no vaccine for dengue fever. If you think you may have contracted it and are showing the symptoms of dengue fever, then head to the local hospital.
You can get a blood test for dengue fever in Vang Vieng Hospital and the results will be delivered then and there. Treatment involves lots of rest, water, electrolytes, and paracetamol.
Do not drink tap water in Vang Vieng. Unless you have one of those super clever water filter bottles, just stick to bottled water from any convenience store around town. Some places such as Two Wheels lets anyone refill their water bottle for half the cost of buying a new one. Reduce plastic waste, save money.
There are plenty of options for street food in Vang Vieng. You can try local dishes such as stuffed bamboo, grilled sticky rice, or go for the more exotic such as grilled chicken hearts.
Be adventurous, we encourage you to try the lesser known Lao dishes as well as the staples. Yet, many western stomachs might not be ready for some of the food here. There are dishes that contain raw duck’s blood mixed with herbs which might not sit well with everyone. And fermented pork known as Som Moo is delicious but can cause stomach problems in some people.
If you’re having problems with local food on your travels then choose restaurants that are well established and have a high turnover. In general though, you should find little issue with finding good food in Vang Vieng.
Over the years there have been serious accidents and deaths in Vang Vieng due to drownings, alcohol and drug overdose, bike collisions, and more than a few cuts and bruises from lubricated tourists falling over after tubing.
Yet, Vang Vieng can be a perfectly safe place when you make thoughtful decisions, avoid dodgy situations with drugs, and take responsibility for your possessions and your health.
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