Luang Prabang Travel Forum

Hi,
In a few weeks I will travel for 5 days to Luang Prabang (by air from BKK)- in CDC-recommendations malaria-prophylaxis wit malarone is necessary for all parts of Laos - except Vientiane. Does anybody know if this is really necessary in LP or is exposition-prophylaxis with deet etc. enough?
There are other risks in LP? (criminality, aggressive begging youth and children?)
Thanks paediat

We don't take any medications - and we've been to Laos twice - no problems. However, you are best not to seek medical advice per se here.

Luang Prabang is much busier than it was a year ago, when I first visited. However, we find it a very safe place to visit. There are pesky little critters (kids) wandering around trying to peddle bits and pieces, and you will fall prey to them if you sit at outdoor tables at restaurants, and walk around. But, nothing is aggressive - persistent yes! A lot of tourists ignore them - and they hang around. We find it best to politely say no. If you buy from one, you will be targeted by their friends in a flash, such is the grapevine.

It is obviouslywise to take the usual precautions with your money and belongings. There are additional risks of theft from other travellers.

I've spent a lot of time in Luang Prabang, visiting annually (and sometimes 2-3 times per year) and I always use an insect repellant with at least 20% DEET to prevent mosquito and other insect bites. In over a decade and a half from Indonesia to Myanmar and encompassing over a year of living in SEA, I've never used any anti-malarial.

You'll also need to use an insect repellant during the daytime because dengue can also be contracted.

In all the time I've spent in LP [over a year], I've only heard of one incident of overt threat and this was a couple being robbed at gunpoint at night along the Mekong just south of the guesthouse district. Otherwise, it's the occasional theft from a guesthouse room.

Thank you for your answers - we will follow your advice and keep the malarone in the suitcase - just three more weeks working and then lets go Laos.
Paediat