Destination:
Laos

Overview

Laos has been known since ancient times as Lan Xang, or Land of the Million Elephants, and offers visitors a glimpse of old Indochina. It is less developed than its neighbours China, Thailand and Vietnam, and traditionally the most reserved, but offers natural beauty and shy hospitality combined with a mix of original Buddhist culture and French influences. It also shares its borders with Burma and Cambodia.

A mountainous, landlocked country, situated at the heart of South East Asia, Laos' lifeline is the Mekong River that flows the length of the country, providing water for agricultural lands and a major means of transportation. Vientiane, the unassuming capital, is situated on its banks, and the city provides a comfortable introduction to the charms of the country. Tourists to Laos will find its most enticing destination is the town of Luang Prabang, the former royal kingdom, with a legacy of splendid golden temples and whitewashed houses. While it might be true that sights and attractions in Laos are few, they are nonetheless extremely special.

A troubled history of French colonisation, internal conflicts and assertive communism chased much of Laos' population away in the 1970s, and isolated the country from the outside world. Today, though, the doors stand open, and services for travellers are gradually being instituted so that visitors can enjoy an unrivalled look at the old-fashioned way of life predominating in a country still largely unscathed by the harsh effects of mass tourism. Tourists willing to brave the lack of infrastructure will discover charming towns and rural villages, smiling, endearing people, splendid scenery, and a slow, relaxed pace of life.

Basics

Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are used, including the European-style two-pin, the UK-style three-pin and the flat two-pin type.

Language
Lao is the official language, but some English and French are spoken.

Health
Those planning to travel to Laos should seek medical advice about vaccinations and endemic diseases at least three weeks prior to departure. There have been bird flu outbreaks in northern Laos provinces. Malaria exists throughout the country except in Vientiane, and typhoid and cholera occur in some areas. A typhoid vaccine is recommended for all travellers, except short-term business travellers who will restrict their meals to major restaurants and hotels. Other risks include Hepatitis E, plague, dengue fever, and Schistosomiasis if swimming in the Mekong River. Travellers' diarrhoea is a problem for many visitors; only drink bottled water and avoid dairy products, uncooked meat and fish, salads and unpeeled fruit. Medical care in Vientiane is extremely basic and outside the capital there are no reliable facilities to deal with medical emergencies. Medical evacuation is difficult to organise and very expensive. Travellers are advised to take out comprehensive medical insurance, and those who have an unstable medical condition should consider avoiding Laos. A yellow fever certificate is required by all entering from an infected area. Bird flu has been detected in poultry and wild birds, and the first case of human infection was confirmed in February 2007; however the risk is still low for travellers, but contact with domestic, caged and wild birds should be avoided and poultry and egg dishes well cooked.

Tipping
Tipping is becoming more widely practiced in tourist hotels and restaurants where 10% is expected; elsewhere, there is no need to tip. Many of the more up-market restaurants tend to include a 10 to 15% service charge in their bill.

Safety
Most visits to Laos are trouble-free, but violent crimes such as robbery are on the increase. Foreigners have been assaulted after having their drinks or food drugged. You should be careful about taking drinks from strangers, and do not leave food or drinks unattended. Theft of passports is a problem and travellers are advised to take care, avoid carrying large sums of money and keep valuables and documents in a safe place. Travel in some rural parts of Laos is dangerous because of banditry and unexploded ordnance, and visitors should never stray from well-worn footpaths. Visitors should also note that an ID document or passport should be carried at all times and should be presented on demand or else a heavy fine could be imposed. Visitors to Vang Vieng are advised to be particularly vigilant of their belongings, and aware of their personal security as there have been reports of petty theft in the area. Staying at a trustworthy and secure hotel or guesthouse while in Vang Vieng is recommended.

Customs
Skimpy or revealing clothes are generally not acceptable. Public displays of affection are taboo in Lao society. Avoid touching anyone on the head or using your feet to point at anything. Appropriate dress and behaviour when entering places of worship is essential. The Laos government prohibits any sexual contact or relationships between Lao nationals and foreigners, unless married under Lao law; penalties may involve heavy fines or imprisonment. It is illegal not to carry an identity document. Photographing military sites is prohibited.

Business
Laos has a hot, tropical climate and therefore when it comes to business, lightweight suits are common, worn with a tie. Visitors should bear in mind that the country is generally rather conservative and to act accordingly. Business cards should be given and received using both hands and should be treated with respect. Handshakes are common, but a traditional greeting is the ' phanom'or ' wai', similar to the Indian ' namaste'where palms are placed together as if in prayer, and held in front of the chest or face. Surnames usually come before first names, which can be confusing for visitors. French is more widely spoken and understood than English, though translators are available. Business hours are usually from 8am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Communications
The international access code for Laos is +856. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)21 for Vientiane and (0)71 for Luang Prabang. International Direct Dial is available in the major towns, but the service is expensive and inefficient. Hotels sometimes add a hefty surcharge to their telephone bills: check before making long-distance calls. Mobile phones will only work in the major cities; it is advisable to check the coverage with your service provider before leaving as the local mobile phone companies have few active roaming agreements with other network operators. Internet cafes are widely available in tourist areas.

Duty Free
Travellers to Laos do not have to pay duty on 500 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco; 2 bottles wine; 1 bottle of other alcohol; and jewellery up to 500g, provided they are from countries not bordering Laos.

Currency

The Lao Kip (LAK) is the legal currency unit, currently available in denominations of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 kip. US Dollars, Euros and Thai Baht are also accepted in many places and are more convenient to carry than large stacks of the local currency. Banks, hotels, and jewellery shops all offer currency exchange services. For everyday expenses, carry a mix of US dollars and kip. For larger items, or when the exchange rate works in your favour, use US dollars. For local transport, street food stalls and minor purchases, it is best to use kip. When in rural areas, ensure you carry a supply of small notes as change can be hard to come by. Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are accepted at most international hotels, many shops and restaurants, and a few tourist-orientated establishments in Luang Prabang and Vientiane - but in other parts of the country assume that only cash is accepted. Travellers cheques can be cashed at most banks in Vientiane and other major towns. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 12pm, and then again from 2pm to 3pm. In Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse and other major towns, ATMs are available from which money can be withdrawn. Note that ATMs distribute only Lao kip, with a maximum of around 1,000,000 kip per transaction.

LAK 1 =

US$ 0.01

£ 0.01

C$ 0.01

A$ 0.01

R 0.10

EUR 0.01

NZ$ 0.02

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Health

Health Overview
Those planning to travel to Laos should seek medical advice about vaccinations and endemic diseases at least three weeks prior to departure. There have been bird flu outbreaks in northern Laos provinces. Malaria exists throughout the country except in Vientiane, and typhoid and cholera occur in some areas. A typhoid vaccine is recommended for all travellers, except short-term business travellers who will restrict their meals to major restaurants and hotels. Other risks include Hepatitis E, plague, dengue fever, and Schistosomiasis if swimming in the Mekong River. Travellers' diarrhoea is a problem for many visitors; only drink bottled water and avoid dairy products, uncooked meat and fish, salads and unpeeled fruit. Medical care in Vientiane is extremely basic and outside the capital there are no reliable facilities to deal with medical emergencies. Medical evacuation is difficult to organise and very expensive. Travellers are advised to take out comprehensive medical insurance, and those who have an unstable medical condition should consider avoiding Laos. A yellow fever certificate is required by all entering from an infected area. Bird flu has been detected in poultry and wild birds, and the first case of human infection was confirmed in February 2007; however the risk is still low for travellers, but contact with domestic, caged and wild birds should be avoided and poultry and egg dishes well cooked.

Visa

Americans


UK nationals


Canadians


Australians


South Africans


Irish nationals


New Zealanders

Passport/Visa Note
Most foreign passengers to Laos can obtain a visa on arrival, provided that: (i) they are arriving at one of the following airports: Vientiane International, Luang Prabang, Pakse,Warray; (ii) they are holding a return/onward ticket, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination; (iii) they have a confirmed hotel reservation in Laos; and (iv) they are in possession of one photograph, size 3 x 4 cm. These tourist visas are valid for 30 days (with one extension possible), and cost USD 30. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Laos, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Contacts

Laos Tourism
National Tourism Authority of Laos, Vientiane: +856 (0)21 222 971 or www.visit-laos.com

Foreign Embassies in Laos

Laos Embassies

Regions and Cities

Vang Vieng

The small, laid back town of Vang Vieng is spectacularly situated on a bend of the Nam Song River, surrounded by green agricultural fields, friendly Hmong and Yao villages, and mountains that hold fascinating limestone caves. Once no more than a bus change on the long journey between the capital Vientiane in the south to the world heritage city of Luang Prabang in the north, Vang Vieng has become a destination in its own right, especially appealing to backpackers and younger travellers.

Magnificent scenery, the mighty river and numerous caverns and caves in the surrounding limestone mountains are the main tourist attractions, and several guesthouses organise guides to explore them (or else visitors can hire bicycles and motorbikes and go adventuring on their own). The cave of Tham Phou Kham, set in a limestone cliff, contains a bronze Buddha inside the main cavern, and is one of the more interesting caves to visit. To get there is part of the enjoyment, with river crossings on precarious bamboo footbridges, past rural villages and between shimmering rice fields, surrounded by exquisite scenery of fresh and vivid colours. The cave of Tham Pha Thao is for the more adventurous, and involves wading through a deep subterranean stream past enormous stalactites and stalagmites. Another great attraction in Vang Vieng is floating down the river on inner tubes and enjoying the laid back pace of life.

Vang Vieng is an ideal stop-off point on the Vientiane to Luang Prabang route, combining shy but friendly people, a beautiful rural setting, and enjoyable activities.

Vientiane

Life in Vientiane, the modest capital of Laos, flows along as languidly as the Mekong River on the banks of which the city is situated. Resembling more a sprawling series of villages than an inter-connected urban metropolis, Vientiane is a sleepy place dotted with a mix of Laotian temples and French colonial buildings, most of them crumbling into decay. Paddy fields still dot the outlying suburbs and even intrude into the city centre in places. Downtown is characterised by narrow lanes that run off the main streets, where bakeries sell croissants alongside vendors touting noodle soup and sticky rice.

Most of the city's places of interest are concentrated in a small area in the commercial district, easy to explore on foot, between the bamboo-and-thatch beer gardens on the riverbank and Talaat Sao, the morning market. Tourists to Vientiane will find that there are some fine Wats (temples) to visit, like Wat Si Saket, one of the city's oldest, surrounded by a lush tranquil garden. Other grand buildings are the unfinished Patuxai Monument, resembling the Arc de Triomphe, and the new Chinese-financed Cultural Centre. The Lao Revolutionary Museum is worth a visit simply because it is a surviving example of a communist propaganda collection, while the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum is dedicated to Laos' famous post-war leader.

Luang Prabang

Encircled by mountains and charmingly situated at the meeting of the Mekong and Khan Rivers, Luang Prabang, the 'Jewel of the Mekong', conveys an atmosphere of remote serenity and informal splendour.

The heart of a thriving kingdom for more than a thousand years, today it is a sleepy mixture of ancient temples, cobbled lanes, interesting backstreets, French-Indochinese architecture and ochre-coloured colonial buildings. Trees line the streets above the banks of the river where children swim and play, while farmers carefully tend to their tiny, irregular riverside plots of agricultural land. In the mists of dawn, throngs of barefoot orange-robed monks silently make their way from the monasteries to the streets, where locals wait to gain spiritual merit by filling their wooden alms bowls with rice, before disappearing once again into their places of refuge and meditation. Unhurried people drift past stalls of spicy papaya salad, noodles, omelettes and fruit drinks. This is the real Laos, a town with a distinctly village-like feel, but endowed with a historical legacy so rich that it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tourists to Laos simply shouldn't miss this unique and fascinating city.

The main attractions in Luang Prabang are its historic temple complexes, with about half of the original wats, or temples, still standing. The most magnificent is Wat Xieng Thong (Golden City Temple). Nearby is the Royal Palace with its golden-spired stupa, now a museum, and Wat Wisunalat, the oldest continually-operating temple in the town. Across the river is Mount Phu Si with several temples on its slopes and a monastery on top, a popular spot for its dazzling sunset views of the gilded spires in the town below.

A popular excursion from Luang Prabang is a scenic boat trip past waterfront villages to the nearby Pak Ou caves, filled with images of the Buddha. Also worth visiting is the picturesque Kuang Si Falls, a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall tumbling over limestone formations with clear turquoise pools below.