Hello,

Would be much obliged if any of you could show me places that should never be visited on Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Sorry if this hassles but I understand that everywhere has its own 'special areas' and I don't want to accidentally get into trouble.

Thanks

"places that should never be visited on Luang Prabang and Vientiane" ? I don't know of any. Both Luang Prabang and Vientiane are commonly visited and quite safe. And really, in all of Laos there are no truly "no go" areas. There are some areas in the far north that have landmines and unexploded ordnance and you should only go with a local guide (such as the area around the Plain of Jars.

Kathie, Judging by travelbloggers English here and in his/her other other post I rather suspect that travelblogger's English teacher has suggested posting on travel forums as homework. I vaguely remember this being suggested at a TEFL course I attended once. If I am wrong travelblogger then I apologise..

Thanks a lot Kathie for your constructive reply.

"And really, in all of Laos there are no truly "no go" areas."
This statement is incorrect.
Of course there are some areas that are off limits
Xaysomboune special zone was opened to tourists in 2000, however there are still some areas in the province that are off limits.

Thanks Vientianeboy. Could you please state any specific area names?

This information is a bit sketchy, but I recall a report from someone a year or so ago--perhaps two women--who ran into a potentially dangerous situation after having crossed the river from Luang Prabang. They were hiking on a trail to a temple, came across some armed men in the forest, and felt threatened. Nothing came of it, but the lesson would be to inquire locally about areas a tourist should beware of venturing alone.

Isn't that true for all major cities of the world?

You wouldn't want to have a laosy time there.

Thanks WillJame for your realistic post.

How about nightlife places should I beware of?

Like clubs you shouldn't go to? I don't know if you're on the right message board for that--I would try Thorntree. There aren't a lot of clubbers amongst us.

Travelblogger, no, it has nothing to do with personal safety. As far as that is concerned, you are probably safer in Laos than in most places. The Government has declared the area off limits. As you may or may not know, there have been problems in the past with the Hmong. Xaysomboune is a predominantly Hmong area, and you still need a special permit to go to certain areas. It is a pity that some of the other posters find it necessary to respond to your question in a facetious manner and to insult you.

V-Boy- Do you keep your thesaurus next to your keyboard?

Thanks all for helpful responses.

Note to Vientianeboy: Thanks for your wonderful replies so far. I haven't felt insulted honestly. Just keep a positive attitude and all will be fine.

Cheers