Asia

Laos

Location

South-eastern Asia, north-east of Thailand, west of Vietnam.

Violent crimes such as robbery, rape and other sexual offences are on the increase. Tourists should avoid travelling outside the capital. Bandits are active. Be aware of unexploded ordnance and mined areas near Lao-Vietnamese border. These areas are often unmarked. Avoid all topics relating to politics. Vehicle security, personal security, general travel, navigation, off road driving, building/office security, hot weather injuries, personal hygiene, terrain, sanitation/sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, cultures/customs, communications, emergency shelters. Buddha objects are religious so do not pose in front of them or sit on them. Common sense precautions should be followed with regard to personal safety.

Use bottled water only.

Mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus.

Tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April).

Floods, droughts.

Avian influenza, dengue fever, hepatitis A, HIV/AIDS, malaria, polio, rabies, typhoid, yellow fever.
Hospital: International Clinic, Fangum Road, Vientiane. Tel: 21 214022

Unexploded ordnance; deforestation; soil erosion; most of the population does not have access to potable water.

The number of road accidents and fatalities in Laos has risen sharply in recent years. Road conditions are poor, as are driving standards. If involved in a road traffic accident, you will generally be required to pay compensation for third party, even if you are judged to be not at fault. Laos insurers will generally meet only a small proportion of costs.

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