The U.S. Department of State reccommends that American citizens avoid travel by road between Vang Vieng and Luang Phrabang in light of recent attacks in the Vang Vieng-Kasi area.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of Wednesday, Aug 06, 08:51:49 GMT-0400 (Eastern Daylight Time) 2003.
August 5, 2003
This Public Announcement is being issued to update Americans to increased security concerns in Laos. This Public Announcement expires on February 5, 2004.
At least three bomb attacks over the past several weeks targeting buses and bus stations in Vientiane and southern Laos have resulted in death and injury to passengers.
We have also received reports of small-scale attacks by anti-government groups in isolated areas along the Lao-Thai border.
The Department of State cautions U.S. citizens that there have been renewed attacks on all forms of transportation in Laos, especially along Route 13, the main road from Vang Vieng to Luang Phrabang.
In light of these attacks in the Vang Vieng-Kasi area, we recommend that American citizens avoid travel by road between Vang Vieng and Luang Phrabang. We also recommend that travelers avoid travel or activities in the surrounding areas of Vang Vieng.
U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Laos are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane and enroll in the warden system (emergency alert network) to obtain updated information on travel and security in Laos.
The U.S. Embassy in Vientiane, Laos, is located at Ban That Dam, Rue Bartholonie. The U.S. mailing address is Box V, APO AP 96546. The Embassy telephone number is [856]-(21)-212-581, fax [856]-(21)-251-624, E-mail: consularvienti@state.gov.
For further information on travel to Laos, U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Laos and the Worldwide Caution, which are located at http://travel.state.gov.
American citizens may also contact the Department of State toll-free at 1-888-407-4747, or, if calling from overseas, 317-472-2328, for information.