Laos Travel Guide

Full Name

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Former Name

None

Capital City

Vientiane

Government Type

Communist state

Area Size

total: 236,800 sq km

Time Zone

UTC/GMT +7 hours

Climate

The climate is tropical and characterised by monsoons. There is a distinct rainy season from May to November, followed by a dry season from December to April.

Geography

Laos is about two thirds the size of Germany. In the West the country borders on Thailand and Burma, in the North on China and Vietnam, in the East on Vietnam and in the South on Cambodia. Laos is the only Southeast Asian country without direct access to the sea. Most of the country is mountainous, and where there are no mountains one meets with highland plateaus.

Languages

Lao (official), French, English, and various ethnic languages

Culture

Theravada Buddhism is a dominant influence in Lao culture. It is reflected throughout the country from language to the temple and in art, literature, performing arts, etc. Many elements of Lao culture predate Buddhism, however. For example, Laotian music is dominated by its national instrument, the khaen, a type of bamboo pipe that has prehistoric origins. The khaen traditionally accompanied the singer in lam, the dominant style of folk music. Among the various lam styles, the lam saravane is probably the most popular. The country has two World Heritage Sites: Luang Prabang and Wat Phou. The government is seeking the same status for the Plain of Jars.

History

Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, established in the 14th Century under King FA NGUM. For three hundred years Lan Xang included large parts of present-day Cambodia and Thailand, as well as all of what is now Laos. After centuries of gradual decline, Laos came under the control of Siam (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century when it became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand. In 1975, the Communist Pathet Lao took control of the government ending a six-century-old monarchy and instituting a strict socialist regime closly aligned to Vietnam. A gradual return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in 1986. Laos became a member of ASEAN in 1997.

Travel Information

The national airline of Laos is Laos Airlines. There are no direct flights from the USA or Europe; flights are mainly via Bangkok, China or Cambodia. Vientiane Airport (VTE) (Wattay) is 3km from the city (journey time – 20 minutes). Taxis are available. Airport facilities are Bank/bureaux de change, bars, post office, restaurants and car hire. Departure Tax US$10; children under two years of age and transit passengers are exempt. It is possible to travel from Chiang Mai (Thailand) to Luang Prabang by speedboat, slow boat or by a deluxe one-day boat. The slow boat takes about two days and usually involves an overnight stay in Pak Beng. The speedboat goes from Houei Xay on the Laos border to Luang Prabang in around six hours. It may also possible to travel the Cambodian part of the Laos-Cambodia crossing by slow boat or speed boat, instead of by bus or taxi. It is possible to enter Laos from Thailand at Nong Khai over the Friendship Bridge. It is possible to enter Laos by road from Vietnam either at Quangtri or at the border post of Lak Xao near Vinh. Laos can also be entered from China, from Mengla in Yunnan province to Luang Nam Tha.

Accommodation

There are good hotels and guest houses in Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane, but facilities are basic elsewhere. Local village hostels are available, but with few amenities. Prices are generally lower than other popular Southeast Asian destinations. For more details of prices and location, contact a tour company with experience in Laos.

Visa Requirements

Visas required by all nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA. Passport with at least six months remaining validity required by all nationals of countries referred to above. Nationals not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Validity starts from day of entry into Laos. Tourist/Business: 30 days (can be extended twice in Vientiane for 30 days ). Visas must be used within three months of being issued. Apply to Consulate or consular section at embassy or an officially recognised tour operator. A visa valid for Laos can also be obtained from travel agencies in Bangkok (Thailand) or on arrival. Visas are issued on arrival at 14 international checkpoints throughout Laos for stays of 15 days and costs US$30. For further details, contact the nearest embassy.

Getting Around

Laos Airlines runs domestic air services from Vientiane to Houayxai, Luang Nmatha, Luang Prabang, Oudomxai, Sam Neua and Sayabouti in the north and Pakse and Savanakhet in the south. Private charter flights are also available through Westcoast Helicopters. The Mekong and other rivers are a vital part of the country’s transport system. The choice is between irregular (and very basic) slow ferries and exciting but noisy and hazardous speedboats. Both services run from Vientiane to Luang Prabang and Luang Prabang to Huay Xai. Ferries often depart early in the mornings and can take several days, whilst speedboats run more regularly and take approximately eight hours for each leg of the journey. Times and prices alter according to demand. Traffic drives on the right. Many of the roads have been paved in recent years, including the main highway from the Thai border at Savannakhet to the Vietnamese border. However, few main roads are suitable for all-weather driving. In the north of the country, there is a road link between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and from Vientiane to Nam Dong and Tran Ninh. Bus services link all major towns and cities. Buses can vary from air-conditioned to the more traditional type to the converted pickup truck.It is not recommended to hire cars in Laos as driving standards are low. However, it is possible to hire cars with a driver through hotels or tourist agencies. International Driving Permit recommended, although it is not legally required. There is a mixture of old and metered taxis in Vientiane that can usually be located at Wattay Airport, the Friendship Bridge and the Morning market. Taxis can also be hired for approximately US$20 per day. Converted motorcycles, known as tuk-tuks or jumbos, are available in all major towns and cities and are perfect for shorter journeys around town. Bargaining is expected. Motorcycles and bicycles can be hired for the day in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and other places frequented by backpackers.

Health & Safety

Malaria exists throughout the country except in Vientiane, and typhoid and cholera occur in some areas. Other risks include HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis A, B and E and dengue fever. Only drink bottled water and avoid dairy products, uncooked meat and fish, salads and unpeeled fruit. Medical care in Vientiane is extremely basic. Travellers are advised to take out comprehensive medical insurance, and those who have an unstable medical condition should consider not travelling to Laos. A yellow fever certificate is required by all entering from an infected area. Most visits to Laos are trouble free, but there have been bombing incidents and attacks on buses mainly in Vientiane in recent years, resulting in injury and death. These appear to have been linked to domestic disputes rather than international terrorism. Theft of passports is a problem, avoid carrying large sums of money and keep valuables in a safe place. ID document or passport should be carried at all times and should be presented on demand or a heavy fine could be imposed.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year's Day. 6 Jan - Pathet Lao Day. 20 Jan - Army Day. 18 Feb - Chinese New Year. 8 Mar - International Women's Day. 22 Mar - Day of the People's Party. 13-15 Apr - Lao New Year (Pi Mai). 1 May - Labour Day. 2 May - Buddha Day (Vesak). 1 Jun - Children's Day. 30 Jul - Khao Pansa (Buddhist Fast begins). 13 Aug - Lao Issara (Day of the Free Laos). 22 Sep - Bouk Ok Pansa (Buddhist Fast ends). 12 Oct - Day of Liberation. 2 Dec - National Day.

Currency

Lao Kip (LAK)

Electricity

230v AC

Working Hours

Office hours: Mon-Fri 8.00am-12.00 noon and 1.00pm-4.00pm.