Laos Travel Information, Guide

VIETNAM l CAMBODIA l LAOS l MYANMAR l THAILAND l MULTI-COUNTRY

Laos Travel Guide

Laos is one of the few Communist countries left in the world. Until 1988 tourists were not allowed access to Laos, but the country has now opened up and it is perfectly feasible to travel all over the country, preferably with a recognized tour company, although plenty of backpackers do it independently. The number of tourists is expected to continue increasing over the next few years as more and more people discover the delights of this laid-back country of mountains and rivers.

For now, Laos remains relatively isolated and undeveloped. Its capital, Vientiane, is more like a big village than a crowded Asian hub and life throughout the country is slow-paced. Most people come to Laos and make a brief tour of Vientiane and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Luang Prabang with perhaps a brief detour to the mysterious Plain of Jars. But those who make the effort to explore further afield will be well rewarded with luscious landscapes, friendly people and unique glimpses of a country hardly changed for over a century.

Population

6,521,998 (July 2007. Around 85% of the population are farmers and live in rural areas. There are 3 main ethnic categories: Lao Loum (low landers), Lao Thueng (lower mountain dwellers), and Lao Soong (high landers). The great majority of Lao are Buddhist.

Climate

Laos has a warm and tropical climate with two seasons: the rainy season from the beginning of May to the end of September and the dry season from October to April. The average temperature 29 degree centigrade. Maximum temperature can reach up to 40 degree centigrade. Temperatures can drop to as low as 15 degrees or even lower in mountains. Generally, tourists are recommended to visit Laos during the months of November to March because these are cool months and rainfall is lower than other periods.

Language

The official language used in Laos is Lao language. However, the usage of the language can differ from north and south. English, French and Russian are spoken in business or by some senior government officials. Many shopkeepers can understand basic English and French.

Electricity & Water

Laos uses 220 volt (50 Hz) electricity for use with either two-pronged round or flat plugs. It is not recommended to drink directly from taps since it is not very clean. However, purified water is available throughout the country.

Currency

Lao national currency is Kip. There has been some devaluation of Lao Kip in the past few years. There are exchange booths available throughout town. Major credit cards are also accepted in large shops. You can also withdraw cash by using your credit cards, but it has to be done at a bank, since there is no automatic teller machine in Laos just yet.

Communication Facilities

Public phones are available in Vientiane and other major cities. You can also go to Lao Telecom office to call and fax overseas. Phone cards are widely available in most convenient stores. There are a number of Internet cafes in Vientiane and major cities. So you can be sure that you can always keep in touch with your family and friends.

Travel Tips
There are a few things that you need to know and seriously take into account prior to your visit to Laos. This will make your travel experience much more enjoyable and you will have to best time of your life in Laos.

Visa Matters
Visitors traveling to Laos for the purpose of tourism need a visa. An easy way is to book a tour to Laos with an authorized travel agency abroad who has a formal contact with one of local tour operators. This agency will provide you with the necessary form, enabling you to apply for the visa at your nearest Laos embassy or consulate or you can make contact directly with local tour operators.

If you book a tour to Laos and you are resident of a country that dose not have a Laos embassy or in case of urgency, you can obtain the visa upon arrival only Vattay airport and Friendship Bridge which both are the international border checkpoint in Vientiane. To do so you will need to meet at least some of the following conditions:
- Pay a fee
- Have a return air ticket or a valid visa from a third country.
- Have a confirmation of Hotel in Laos PDR.
- Certificate of a bank statement or a life insurance

Custom - Antique items for example Buddha images and other old artifacts are prohibited to be taken out of Laos. If you have already traveled from neighboring countries, you are advised to declare you belongings to the customs to avoid any problems when leaving Laos.

Health - There are no requirements for immunization before entering Laos. Like other tropical countries, Malaria is a problem in Laos. It is a good idea to prepare some kind of mosquito repellant so that you can use it especially at night.

Dos & Donts
How respect and use your head; Eyes and common sense will guide you well in navigating Laos's culture safely. When in Laos, try and do as the Laos do and remember: don't touch heads, don't lose cool with people, and don't flash your flesh. The rest about manners: Shoes left outside, accepting host's greeting; not upsetting religious feeling. The Laos are friendly and hospitable. A minimum of effort will make your trip smooth and memorable.

Getting Around
The most convenient way of traveling from a province to another is by air with Lao Aviation. It has daily flights from Vientiane to almost all of the cities in Laos. There are also regular buses linking cities in the north to the south. However, some parts of the road are still under construction, this makes it difficult especially when traveling in rainy season.

For short trips within town tuk tuk (motorized tricycle) and taxi can be used. There are a number of places that you can rent bicycles so that you can cruise through the city at your convenience.