Australia’s alert did not offer details about specific threats, but just advised travellers who ventured into these areas to make they had a backup plan, in case of emergency, and adequate travel insurance. The Australian warning comes hot on the heels of a similar one from Canada.
The Global Affairs Canada advisory also said Highway 13 from Vang Viang to Luang Prabang, and Xaisomboun were unsafe. It noted that arbitrary shootings, hijackings and unexploded ordnance all posed risks to travellers in these regions of Laos.
Australia’s advisory recommends flying from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. 12GO ASIA concurs with this advice and says travellers should only go as far as Vang Viang by bus and then return to Vientiane for a flight to Luang Prabang.
Australia issues travel alert for highway north of Vang Vieng
News in Asia
The Australian government has issued a travel advisory for the popular Laos holiday town of Vang Viang. The alert states that travellers should avoid roads north to Luang Prabang and also heading east into Xaisomboun Province.