Laos Basics 1: Closing Times and Police

I'm going to write about some basic issues people are concerned about that aren't fully addressed elsewhere on the web. If you want information about popular tourist attractions or are curious about the population of Vientiane, this can be easily found elsewhere. Most of these are things people have heard about Laos or misconceptions they have.

Closing Time

Except for a few restaurants and of course the bars and clubs, most businesses are closed by 7 or 8. Don't make the same mistake I did and end up wandering around hungry at 9:00. Keep some food and water in your room for when you need it. Noodle shops are often open after midnight but not much later.

Bars and clubs are required to close at 11:30. In practice this is adhered to fairly closely and you'll usually have to leave by 12, 12:30 if you're very lucky. After this the one legit night spot is the disco at Don Chan Palace. If you're confused, this is the hotel that's the tallest building in the entire city. It will close any time between 1 and 4.

Police

In general the police will not harass you or shake you down for no reason. If you give them a reason, like openly smoking pot or blowing through a red light, they will be more than happy to supplement their income. It is advisable you have access to several hundred dollars in case you need to get out of a jam, even if you plan on doing nothing but sleeping and visiting temples.

When dealing with police, be pleasant and calm at all times. Absolutely do not pull any "I know my rights, give me your badge number" shit. This is not your country, you don't have rights, and people can make your life hell if they want.

If you've committed a crime (or "crime"), it's best to take care of it, ie pay money, at the scene. If you get taken to the police station, you'll have to pay off everyone on duty, and if you go to trial you'll have to pay off the whole damn government. That said, if you have money you would have to really fuck up in order to go to prison here. Nothing is guaranteed so I suggest you don't do anything stupid. Anything political should be avoided.

This applies only to Vientiane, I don't know what police are like in other areas.