Luang Prabang, Laos
Someone grabs your arm. A taxi goes off-route. A guy won't leave you alone. This free guide covers what to say and do.
Budget backpacker side with cheaper guesthouses, yoga at Utopia Bar, more local feel. Safe and relaxed during the day with riverside cafes and yoga. Quieter and darker at night than the main tourist area.
Nam Khan Riverside runs along the eastern and southern edges of the Old Town peninsula. Cheaper and quieter than the Mekong side. Backpackers and budget travelers come here for affordable guesthouses away from Old Town prices. You cross a wobbly bamboo footbridge (lit with fairy lights) to reach places like Dyen Sabai Restaurant, where locals and travelers eat riverside Laos fondue. Utopia Bar is here - riverside yoga deck, beach volleyball, cushioned platforms where people lounge and read all afternoon. Morning yoga at 7:30 AM for 40,000 kip, mats provided. More backpacker vibe than Mekong Riverfront - cheaper guesthouses, local food stalls, younger crowd. Small cafes like Silk Road Café get locals escaping the tourist center. Safe during the day and evening when people are out, but quieter and darker at night than the main town center. Good if you're on a budget, want yoga, want to meet backpackers, or want a more local feel.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
LowPublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
LowGetting By in English
GoodThings can happen when you're traveling solo — the pushy vendor, the guy who won't leave, the uneasy walk home at night. This free guide covers 10 of them and what to actually do.
"Liked the budget guesthouses and relaxed vibe, felt safe but quieter at night"
"Utopia was great - did yoga in the morning and hung out all afternoon"
"The bamboo bridge is wobbly but fun, Dyen Sabai's food is worth the crossing"
"Easy to meet other backpackers and swap travel tips"
"Felt more isolated late at night than the main Old Town area"
"Good value and still safe, just stick to well-lit areas after dark"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Upscale riverside dining and boutique hotels with river views. Safe and quiet. You'll pay more than other areas of town.
Old Town is the UNESCO heritage center with temples, colonial buildings, and the morning alms ceremony. Generally safe with respectful locals. Watch for pickpockets at the crowded night market. The 11:30 PM curfew means quiet evenings and good cafe culture during the day.
Help other women stay safe in Nam Khan Riverside
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.