Skip to content
Occasional in Laos

Scam in LaosAirport and border

Border helper selling unmade boat and hotel bookings in Laos

Huay Xai border crossing, including an office presented as 'Customs'

How it works

An agent offers help with forms, a slow-boat ticket and a hotel in Pak Beng. He overcharges and does not make the promised reservations. A premium room payment may lead to a room without windows or water.

Warning signs

  • An unsolicited helper bundles paperwork, transport and accommodation.
  • An official-looking office is used to sell travel packages.
  • There is no clear confirmation from the boat operator or hotel.

How to avoid it

  1. Arrange transport and rooms separately.
  2. Confirm bookings directly with the provider.
  3. Inspect your room before committing.
  4. Keep control of your luggage when leaving the wharf.

If it happens to you

Check directly whether the booking exists. Keep receipts and messages, request a refund, and arrange a room you can inspect.

  1. Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who threatens you.
  2. If you are injured or feel unwell after suspect alcohol, seek urgent medical help.
  3. Freeze stolen or affected cards. Contact your card issuer about unauthorised charges or an ATM debit without cash.
  4. Save receipts, tickets, messages and screenshots. Write down the time, location, amount and what happened.
  5. Report the incident to police when safe. Ask for a written report, especially if you need an insurance claim. Your accommodation may help with language.
  6. Contact your insurer and, for a stolen passport, detention or serious trouble, your embassy or consulate. Ask the seller or booking provider for a refund where appropriate.
What it can costThe agent asks 1,100 baht for the boat alone.
Where it happensHuay Xai border crossing, including an office presented as 'Customs'Huay Xai
More scams in LaosMoney-exchange rate switch: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the border helper selling unmade boat and hotel bookings scam in Laos?

An agent offers help with forms, a slow-boat ticket and a hotel in Pak Beng. He overcharges and does not make the promised reservations. A premium room payment may lead to a room without windows or water.

How can I spot it early?

An unsolicited helper bundles paperwork, transport and accommodation. An official-looking office is used to sell travel packages. There is no clear confirmation from the boat operator or hotel.

How do I avoid border helper selling unmade boat and hotel bookings in Laos?

Arrange transport and rooms separately. Confirm bookings directly with the provider. Inspect your room before committing. Keep control of your luggage when leaving the wharf.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Check directly whether the booking exists. Keep receipts and messages, request a refund, and arrange a room you can inspect.

Where in Laos does this happen?

Huay Xai border crossing, including an office presented as 'Customs' It has been reported in Huay Xai.

How much can it cost me?

The agent asks 1,100 baht for the boat alone.

How common is this scam in Laos?

Occasional. Laos is generally a low-crime country, but petty theft and tourist overcharging remain concerns. Watch for inflated transport fares, misleading ticket sellers, money-exchange tricks and counterfeit goods. Prices below are examples from different years, so check the full amount before paying.

Are there similar scams in Laos?

Yes: airport taxi overcharging and false pickup claims.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report theft, threats or fraud in person when safe. Ask for a written record. Assistance may be limited, and language barriers can make reporting harder. Nearby police boxes in Vientiane: after a bag snatch, shout immediately to attract attention and alert nearby police. Card issuer and ATM bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact channel to freeze a card or dispute a transaction. For missing ATM cash, provide the location, time, amount and receipt. Hotel, transport operator or booking provider: present the receipt and booking details. Explain the difference between what was promised and delivered, and request a correction or refund. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's official consular service for a stolen passport, detention or serious difficulties. Use contact details from its official website. Travel insurer: report the loss promptly through its claims or assistance service. Keep receipts, evidence of ownership and any police report.

What number do I call in an emergency in Laos?

Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital, open 24/7: +85671254027.

Reviewed by