Can I use drugs in Laos?

Yes, you can, but you're tempting fate and breaking the law. You really do not want to be incarcerated in Laos.

Marijuana is most widely available in the cities, with opium in small country villages, where it is used legally as a pain reliever for very old people who have worked in the fields their whole lives. Other drugs are available, though none are legal. The Lao government requests that travellers do not engage in "drug tourism" for countless reasons, not least because it results in young Lao people getting addicted, and unable to contribute to a society that heavily depends on everyone's participation. And they don't have the same detox facilities if they become addicts as we do in the west, making it more likely they'll really stuff up their lives if they become regular users.

If you do try to tempt fate, be aware that although drugs are generally cheaper than in the west, quality and dosage vary tremendously. Methamphetamines are often passed off as ecstasy, speed and all types of other trash is passed off as cocaine, and so on. We have heard direct reports of sudden deaths of travellers after taking unidentified drugs.

More Travelfish FAQs

Please find below some of the more frequently asked questions (FAQ) people have about travelling to Laos. We've tried to answer all the most frequently asked questions, but if you have another query about Laos, please try our Travelfish messageboard.

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Accommodation

  Is it possible to rent rooms or dormitories for longer periods of time while travelling in Laos?
  Rooms: Is a fan room ok, or should I budget for air-on?
  Should I take my own padlock for the door of my room while travelling in Laos?
  What should I do if a bag is stolen from my room or dormitory while travelling in Laos?
  What standard of accommodation can I expect for US$5 in Laos?
  Why are there so few dormitories in Laos?
  Why are there so few hostels in Laos?

Bargaining

  Should I bargain for everything I want to buy in Laos?
  What is the best way to bargain in Laos?
  What shouldn't I do when bargaining in Laos?

Cost of travelling

  How much should I budget per day for a holiday in Laos?
  What is the bare minimum I could survive on in Laos?
  What is the best way to spend less money in Laos?

Food glorious food

  Can I drink the tap water in Laos?
  How can I avoid MSG in Laos?
  How do I avoid peanuts in Laos?
  I have a food allergy -- what should I do when travelling in Laos?
  Is there good vegetarian food in Laos?
  Is western food available in Laos?

Getting around

  How reliable is the public bus system?
  Is it easy to hitch-hike in Laos?
  Is it easy to rent a car or motorcycle in Laos?
  Should I get a tourist minibus in Laos?
  Which is better, speedboat or slow boat?

Getting there and away

  How do I get from Lao airports into nearby towns?
  Is it safe to fly with Lao Airlines?

Money madness

  Are credit cards accepted in Laos?
  Are there ATMs in Laos?
  Can I send money out of Laos?
  How can I have money sent to me in Laos?
  Should I bring travellers cheques, credit/debit cards or cash to Laos?
  Should I tip in Laos?

Packing purgatory

  What should I pack for a holiday in Laos?
  What shouldn't I pack a holiday in Laos?

Security

  Can I use drugs in Laos?
  Is Laos a safe place to travel alone to?
  Is Laos safe?

Technology

  Are there many internet cafes in Laos?
  Can I travel with a laptop in Laos?
  What is mobile phone coverage like in Laos?
  What is the voltage in Laos?

Things to learn

  Where can I learn Lao?

Vexed by visas?

  What are the Laos visa requirements?

Weather

  What is the weather like in Laos?