I've just returned from beautiful Luang Prabang & loved it.
However I met 2 girl backpackers who had been attacked (probably with rape in mind) whilst walking alone in secluded parts of the town at night. These were 2 different events and thankfully both girls fought of their (Laos male) attackers.
Don't let this deter you from visiting one of the nicewst places in southern Asia - just be careful
Girls be careful in Luang Prabang
Quoting Steve_ell
whilst walking alone in secluded parts of the town at night.
Im sure this warning is appriciated, but what I'm wondering is why a female foreigner would be walking alone in a secluded part of town at night? This just seems to defy common sense to me. Would they do this in their own city? Probably not. I think the warning should be "ladies, if you left your brain at home, then Luang Prabang can be dangerous".
Sorry to be critical.
men also beware!
always walk in company.
While tarvelling abroad, one should always (especially girls) should take normal precautions like not venturing out in the night ,more so in secluded areas or areas with poor lighting.
Quoting Degolasse
Im sure this warning is appriciated, but what I'm wondering is why a female foreigner would be walking alone in a secluded part of town at night? This just seems to defy common sense to me. Would they do this in their own city? Probably not. I think the warning should be "ladies, if you left your brain at home, then Luang Prabang can be dangerous".
Sorry to be critical.
Why can't a girl walk alone in any city? As long as you are aware of your surroundings (this means men as well as women) then walk where you like. It has less to do with women leaving their brains at home and more to do with men keeping their brains in their pants. Women are never responsibile for any attack on them, in any way.
[ Edit: Fixed quote ]
hi Emma, you've made things interesting on this thread by sayin' that..
I'm a male, and there have been times when I have been mugged at gunpoint/knifepoint.. and not even once have I been able to bring those muggers to book..
It is then that I realise that one needs to be aware of the risks one is putting oneself into, before heading out thinking that all would be well..
believe me, once 5 guys surround you and you're alone, you've got no choice but to give in to their demands..
and since women have more to lose.. it's harder for them..
hope you got my point here.
Quoting emma1979
Quoting Degolasse
Im sure this warning is appriciated, but what I'm wondering is why a female foreigner would be walking alone in a secluded part of town at night? This just seems to defy common sense to me. Would they do this in their own city? Probably not. I think the warning should be "ladies, if you left your brain at home, then Luang Prabang can be dangerous".
Sorry to be critical.Why can't a girl walk alone in any city? As long as you are aware of your surroundings (this means men as well as women) then walk where you like. It has less to do with women leaving their brains at home and more to do with men keeping their brains in their pants. Women are never responsibile for any attack on them, in any way.
I'm not at all saying that it's women's fault that they get assulted. In 100% of the cases it is the attackers fault. And as someone else just mentioned, men are at risk too. What I am saying is that since its a reality of life that this sort of thing happens in every city on earth, it is the woman's, or man's, responsiblity to limit their risk of getting into such a situation. As you pointed out, this means "As long as you are aware of your surroundings", then you are fine. In my opinion, walking at night in a town that you are not completely familiar with is not being aware of your surroundings.
Quoting emma1979
Women are never responsibile for any attack on them, in any way.
On the level of principles, you're right of course. Speaking more pragmatically, I'd say that one has to be rather naive (if not just plain stupid) to do as these girls have done.
Degolasse: being aware of your surroundings can also mean being aware of the people around you and the general atmosphere of any place. You're obviously a traveller and have gone out in new places quite safely and were still aware of your surroundings. Your statement on Luang Prabang being a dangerous place "if ladies left (their) brains at home" does suggest the responsibility lies largely with the victim. Of course bad things happen and of course you have to minimise your risks anywhere, but this should not deter anyone from venturing out to explore.
bentivogli: I'm sorry? Being naive and stupid as which girls have done? As has been pointed out the rule applies to both sexes. I wouldn't call Vikramdas naive or stupid - just unlucky.
Of course everyone should try to be as safe as possible and take precautions - but some things are beyond your control. And to call anyone stupid for unfortunate events occuring is, in my opinion, naive in itself.
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Thanks for reading
Happy Travels
Heather