HOw far in advance do you have to book accomodations to Bangkok and Chaing Mi and Luang Prabang in Laos?

Also what safety measures would you recommend to a 57 year old woman traveling alone?
Thanks.
Vivi

If you are going during peak or high season, you should book as soon as you are set on dates to avoid disappointment.

Safety measures...same as anywhere. Common sense should prevail. Don't leave bags unattended, walk along dark, deserted alleyways at 3:00 am, count large amounts of cash in full view of anyone.... My family and I all feel very safe in Thailand, and I'm sure would feel the same in Luang Prabang, and to be honest we are more guarded when in the US.

My spouse is a 58 year woman who travels by herself often to China, including to the sticks. She will be traveling to Chiang Mai to meet me, and we go on to Laos. She would have no problems going to Thailand or Laos by herself. Although there is a bad part of town in any city, she shares the other posters view that she feels safer in SEA than in most big US cities (where she also travels alone). She would also avoid isolated parks and trails in SEA.

I've been traveling alone....25 countries...since I was 17...for 30-plus years. I just take the same precautions as I would take at home here in L.A. I've been fine. Happy Travels!

If you provide your budgetary constraints, we will be glad to make recommendations about accomodations. Some methods require some advance payment when booking on the internet, but the savings can be substantial.