Hi, I am a female from Singapore and I am intending to travel up ALONE to Vientiane and Luang Prabang soon for a backpacking trip. This is my first time travelling on my own and I would like to know-

1) if the 10-hr bus ride from vientiane to Luang Prabang is safe and how often do they stop for a break?

2) Is it generally safe in Laos?

3) What are the things I should be wary of over there?

Thank you!

Yes, I did this trip recently. It's safe but the roads are windy and the trip is long. If you want to break it up you can stop at Vang Viang (spelling?) which is about halfway and quite pretty. There are so many guesthouses there as well as internet cafes etc. There are many tourists traveling this particular route so you won't be alone.

The bus might stop every few hours for a toilet break but this involves running behind some trees or for guys just peeing on the side of the road…it's quite an adventure.