Tour & Activity Scams in Vientiane, Laos
Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping. Below are the tour & activities scams reported in Vientiane — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Lombok, Palawan, and Mandalay.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Tour & Activities Scams
10
Total in Vientiane
How it works
Boat operators along the Mekong waterfront advertise a low sunset cruise price, then add hidden fees for fuel, "island landing," guide service, or refreshments once you are on the water and cannot easily refuse.
How it works
Unofficial vendors and fake guides at the Patuxay Victory Monument demand extra fees for "maintenance" or for photographs on top of the official entry ticket. They position themselves near the entrance to appear official.
See all scams in Vientiane
10 total warnings across all categories