Skip to content
Some scams

South-Eastern Asia

Tourist scams in Laos

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.
  1. 1 TaxisCommonInflated tuk-tuk fares and fare cardsDrivers quote high tourist prices. Some show a fare card with inflated prices to make the charge look fixed. Drivers waiting outside busy riverside restaurants may refuse a lower fare.Vientiane 1Read
  2. 2 Airport and borderCommonAirport taxi overcharging and false pickup claimsTaxi touts push an expensive prepaid ride. They also claim that rideshare drivers cannot collect passengers at the airport.Vientiane 1Read
  3. 3 Buses and trainsCommonHigh bus-ticket markupsTickets bought through hotels or agents can cost much more than tickets bought directly. The extra service may be little more than a tuk-tuk transfer. A markup is not automatically fraud, but it can be poor value if the fee is unclear.Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha 2Read
  4. 4 ShoppingCommonCounterfeit electronics and branded goodsElectronics and branded products may be counterfeit. A familiar logo does not mean the item is genuine.Vientiane 2Read
  5. 5 TheftCommonBag snatching at cafes and from bicycle basketsThieves grab bags left within easy reach. Bags in bicycle or moped baskets can be taken even while the rider is moving.Vientiane 2Read
  6. 6 Fake officialsCommonDrug offers followed by a police shakedownA tuk-tuk driver offers drugs, then works with police or police impersonators to demand money from the tourist. Drug penalties can also be severe.Vientiane 2Read
  7. 7 Fake officialsOccasionalCash demands for alleged scooter offencesTraffic police stop tourists on scooters and demand cash for road rules they say were broken. A stop alone does not prove a scam, but an unexplained cash demand deserves care.Roads where tourists ride scooters 1Read
  8. 8 Buses and trainsOccasionalThe 'sold out' VIP bus pitchTouts ask where you are going. If you say Luang Prabang, they claim the bus is sold out and pressure you to reserve through them. The price can be almost double the real fare, even with the station transfer included.Huay XaiRead
  9. 9 Airport and borderOccasionalBorder helper selling unmade boat and hotel bookingsAn 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.Huay XaiRead
  10. 10 Changing moneyOccasionalMoney-exchange rate switchThe changer uses a cash-advance rate rather than the advertised exchange rate. The final US-dollar charge is higher than expected. Complaints may not allow you to cancel the transaction.Luang PrabangRead
  11. 11 Changing moneyCommonPoor exchange rates and baht payment overchargingA seller accepts foreign currency but uses an unfavourable rate. Convenience exchanges can also give much less kip than a bank. A poor disclosed rate is not necessarily fraud, but it can add a large hidden cost if you do not check.Huay Xai, Luang Prabang 3Read
  12. 12 Buses and trainsOccasionalExtra bus-station fee demandSomeone at the station tells a traveller to pay an additional fee.Vientiane 1Read
  13. 13 Buses and trainsOccasionalDenying that city buses existPeople with an interest in selling transport may insist that city buses do not exist. This can steer you towards a more expensive ride.Vientiane 1Read
  14. 14 Buses and trainsOccasionalRoadside drop-off that leaves you with the last seatsA ticket includes transport to the terminal, but the songthaew leaves you beside the road instead. The driver says the terminal is too crowded. The bus collects you after departure, leaving you the last available seats.VientianeRead
  15. 15 Buses and trainsOccasionalFalse airline or bus-station franchise claimsLocal companies claim to be franchises of airlines or the bus station. Stickers and promotional banners make the claim look convincing.Luang Namtha 1Read
  16. 16 Buses and trainsOccasionalA 'Hanoi' ticket that ends at the borderA cheap ticket is described as going to Hanoi, but it only gets you to the border. You are then left needing local transport, where drivers can demand a high price.Luang PrabangRead
  17. 17 Buses and trainsOccasionalTuk-tuk drivers pushing an early minivan exitTuk-tuk drivers try to make passengers leave the minivan at the bus station, even though it continues into the centre to unload local passengers. This creates an unnecessary paid transfer.Luang PrabangRead
  18. 18 Buses and trainsOccasionalUnderstated bus journey timesSellers advertise shorter journey times than the trip normally takes. This can make a service seem more convenient and leave you missing later plans.Luang Prabang 1Read
  19. 19 ShoppingCommonTourist prices at Talat Sao MallSome vendors expect tourists to accept inflated prices. Sellers may also expect payment in baht despite signs encouraging payment in kip.Vientiane 3Read
  20. 20 ShoppingCommonOverpriced airport gift shopsGift shops beyond passport control charge very high prices, where travellers have fewer shopping choices. This is overpricing rather than a described fraud.Vientiane 1Read
  21. 21 Food and drinkOccasionalInstant coffee sold at an inflated priceYou may receive overpriced Nescafé instead of the Lao coffee you expected.Lower-end cafes and other places serving coffeeRead
  22. 22 On the streetOccasionalPersistent street selling and drug offersSome craft sellers also offer opium or cannabis and may follow travellers around town. This is persistent selling; the account does not establish that every craft sale is fraudulent.Luang Namtha 1Read
  23. 23 NightlifeOccasionalPressure to take a late-night tuk-tukWhen the bar closes, guests are pushed towards tuk-tuks going to a bowling alley outside town. The described concern is pressure to join an onward ride; no specific fare fraud is established.Luang PrabangRead
  24. 24 TheftOccasionalTheft by someone invited to your roomA person met in a bar may steal from you after being invited to your room. Local restrictions on sexual relationships can also complicate attempts to obtain police help.VientianeRead
  25. 25 Cards and ATMsOccasionalATM cancellation and missing-cash problemsThere are reports of an ATM continuing after cancellation in Huay Xai and failing to dispense cash in Luang Namtha. These are reported transaction problems, not established evidence of card skimming or deliberate fraud.Huay Xai, Luang Namtha 3Read
  26. 26 Food and drinkOccasionalUnsafe or contaminated spiritsRice-spirit quality and distilling standards vary widely. Six backpackers died from methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng in 2024. This is a serious drink-safety risk; deliberate fraud is not established.Places serving spirits of uncertain origin; fatal methanol poisoning occurred in Vang Vieng 3Read

Where to stay alert

  • Wattay International Airport arrivals, VientianeTaxi touts quote inflated prepaid fares and claim rideshare pickups are unavailable.
  • Wattay International Airport gift shops after passport control, VientianeGift shops are described as heavily overpriced.
  • Mekong riverside restaurants, VientianeWaiting tuk-tuks demand inflated prices for short rides.
  • Southern Bus Terminal, VientianeTravellers may face demands for additional fees.
  • Northern Bus Terminal, VientianeTuk-tuk drivers may quote inflated transfer fares.
  • Central Bus Terminal, VientianePeople with transport interests may deny that city buses exist.
  • Morning Market (Talat Sao), VientianeElectronics are described as largely counterfeit.
  • Talat Sao Mall, VientianeTourist overpricing and fake branded products are concerns.
  • Huay Xai border crossingA helper sells overpriced boat and hotel arrangements that may not be booked.
  • Sisavangvong Road, near the Night Market, Luang PrabangSome money changers offer poor rates, and exchange-rate switching is reported.
  • Permanent markets farther east of Sisavangvong Road, Luang PrabangMoney changers here are linked to poor rates and exchange concerns.
  • Northern Bus Station, Luang PrabangA ticket advertised for Hanoi may cover only the trip to the border.
  • Utopia, Luang PrabangGuests are pushed towards onward tuk-tuk rides at closing time.
  • Vang ViengFatal methanol poisoning in 2024 makes alcohol of uncertain origin a serious concern.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Agree on the total fare before boarding.
  • Confirm whether the price covers one person or the whole vehicle.
  • Compare app prices and other quotes.
  • Check bus availability yourself when a driver says there is no service.

Money

  • Confirm the currency and full amount before paying. In speech, '20' can mean 20,000 kip.
  • Check the Western numerals on banknotes if the value is unclear.
  • Compare exchange rates and confirm the exact amount you will receive.
  • Count cash and change before leaving the counter.
  • Treat old online kip prices as rough guides.

Cards and ATMs

  • Use a staffed bank's ATM when practical.
  • Read fee and conversion screens before accepting.
  • Check your account after a failed withdrawal before repeating it.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details available.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags close and secured at outdoor cafes.
  • Avoid leaving valuables in open bicycle or moped baskets.
  • Keep a separate copy of your identification and booking details.
  • Shout for attention if a bag is snatched, and avoid a dangerous chase.

Nights out

  • Choose commercially produced, sealed drinks.
  • Avoid spirits of uncertain origin.
  • Refuse all drug offers, including offers from drivers.
  • Plan your return before bars close.
  • Keep new acquaintances in public places and protect your valuables.

Where you stay

  • Confirm bookings directly with the property.
  • Inspect a room before committing when booking on arrival.
  • Follow the property's visitor policy.
  • Check late-entry arrangements before staying out.

Tours and guides

  • Compare agent packages with direct operator prices.
  • Ask for written details of destinations, transfers and included fees.
  • Verify claims that a service is sold out.
  • Allow extra time for road journeys and connections.

Police and officials

  • Carry identification; a copy of your passport or national identity card is described as acceptable.
  • Stay calm and respectful during official checks.
  • Ask what any payment is for and request a receipt.
  • Do not assume that a travel seller in an official-looking office is an official.

What travellers say about Laos

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Is Laos a high-scam destination?

Laos is generally a low-crime country. The main concerns described here are transport overcharging, misleading ticket sales, exchange tricks, fake goods and petty theft.

Can I use a rideshare from Vientiane airport?

Loca pickup at arrivals is described as available. Taxi touts may claim otherwise. Check the app yourself and compare the full fare.

Are tuk-tuk fare cards reliable?

In Vientiane, drivers may show cards with inflated fares. Agree on the total before boarding and confirm whether it is per person or per vehicle.

Should I buy bus tickets through my hotel?

It can be convenient, but compare the total with the terminal price plus your own transfer. Ask what is included and verify the final destination.

Can I trust a border helper to book my boat and hotel?

Be cautious at Huay Xai. A helper is described as charging high prices without making promised reservations. Confirm directly with the boat operator and hotel.

How do I avoid a money-exchange trick?

Confirm the exact amount you will pay and receive before proceeding. Compare rates, check the calculation and count the cash before leaving.

What if an ATM debits my account but gives no cash?

Record the ATM location, time and amount. Keep the receipt and contact both the ATM bank and your card issuer. Check the first debit before trying another withdrawal.

Where should I be most careful with my bag?

In Vientiane, keep bags secure at outdoor cafes and out of open bicycle or moped baskets. If someone snatches your bag, shout immediately and avoid a dangerous chase.

Are market electronics and branded goods genuine?

Do not assume so. Counterfeit electronics are a major concern at Vientiane's Morning Market, and branded goods at Talat Sao Mall may also be fake.

How can I reduce risks on a night out?

Choose sealed commercial drinks, avoid spirits of uncertain origin and refuse drug offers. Plan your return journey and keep new acquaintances away from your valuables.

Reviewed by