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Laos Travel Guide

Laos is the least populated of the Indochinese countries, and perhaps the most beautiful. For years a little visited destination, Laos is one of the most scenically and culturally rewarding holiday experiences in Asia.

Mountains, jungles and the Mekong River dominate the

 

landscape. Devoutly Buddhist and largely undeveloped, Laos offers travellers an opportunity to experience rich traditions, natural beauty and a sense of Asia as it once was.

Our journeys to this intriguing country include time in Luang Prabang – a perfectly preserved blend of rustic colonial architecture and gilded monasteries – and in the laid back waterside capital city, Vientiane.

 

Discover the “Land of a Million Elephants” with Vietnam Royal Tourism.

 

 

 

Visa requirements & departure tax:

Travellers on all of Vietnam Royal Tourism’s small group journeys can easily obtain 15 day tourist visas on arrival in Laos, subject to the furnishing of 30USD and one passport photo per person. Laos visas can be obtained on arrival at the following border crossings:

* The Friendship Bridge crossing (near Vientiane, bordering Thailand)

* The Vientiane International Airport (Wattay Airport)
* The Luang Prabang International Airport
* Pakse International Airport
* Nam Kan/Noeng Haet (Xieng Khuang province, bordering Vietnam, since March 2003)
* Lak Sao (Bolikhamsao Province, bordering Vietnam, since March 2003)
* Lao Bao (Savannakhet Province, bordering Vietnam, since March 2003)
* Thakek (Savannakhet Province, bordering Thailand, since March 2003)
* Chong Mek (Champasak Province, bordering Thailand, since March 2003)
* Huay Xai (Bokeo Province, since March 2003)
* Boten (Luang Namtha Province, bordering Thailand, since March 2003)
Please allow 12USD for departure taxes.

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Arrival instructions:

If you have arranged an arrival transfer you will find a representative from Vietnam Royal Tourism waiting to meet you outside the airport. Please look carefully for a Vietnam Royal Tourism sign with your name on it (not a hotel sign). If you cannot find a sign with your name please call our local office contact number (on your detailed itinerary) and our duty officer will advise you what to do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Insurance:

You must be comprehensively insured as a condition of travelling with

Vietnam Royal Tourism. Insurance should include coverage for personal accident, medical expenses, baggage loss, and cancellation or curtailment of your holiday. We will ask you to confirm your insurance details as part of our travel registration process at the start of your journey. If you do not have appropriate insurance we will insist you obtain insurance. We reserve the right not to provide the services booked with us until insurance is purchased. Note that travel insurance may be ‘attached’ to your credit card, although usually such cover is effective only if your travel arrangements have been purchased with the card. Insurance cover from credit cards often does not include payment of medical expenses. Please check your policy carefully. You must have adequate insurance to cover you in the event you suffer a medical problem while travelling.

 

 

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Money:

The official currency of Laos is the kip, however United States dollar cash is accepted almost everywhere. Thai baht is readily acceptable, although at less favourable rates. As you will accumulate kip as change from payments you make in USD, we recommend you change either nothing or very little (eg. 30USD) into kip upon your arrival in Laos. We advise you to carry a mix of USD cash and travellers cheques. Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) can be used in only a limited number of shops and restaurants in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Travellers crossing from Thailand at Chiang Khong/ Huay Xai can change money at fair rates next to the Huay Xai (Laos) visa post.

As your time in Laos will be limited, please bring enough money for the duration of your trip. We suggest you allow approximately 5USD per person for a main course meal at a nice restaurant.

 

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Climate:

Laos is affected by the annual Southeast Asian monsoon cycle. The ‘wet’ season is from May to October. During this time, the tropical lowlands average 30 degrees celsius, while the mountains remain cooler. The first half of the ‘dry’ season is from November to February; temperatures during this time range from 10 to 25 degrees celsius. Mornings and evenings in the north of Laos around Luang Prabang can be quite cool at this time of the year. People travelling between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang on the Mekong should bring at last one layer of warm clothes. During the second half of the ‘dry’ season - from March to June - the temperature can rise to up to 35 degrees celsius. Many travellers prefer Laos outside the dry season; there are fewer tourists, and rainfall is often limited to brief afternoon showers which lend a different atmosphere to the country and towns.

 

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Baggage & clothing:

Your baggage should be clearly labelled and kept to a reasonable minimum. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not always available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. Comfortable casual clothes made of cotton are best in tropical and semi-tropical climates. Packing one set of smart casual clothes is advisable. Laundry services are available throughout the country, although hotel laundry costs can be expensive. Make sure you bring:
* Flat walking shoes and sandals
* Hat & sunglasses
* Bathers
* Money belt
* Raincoat or umbrella
* Basic first aid kit
* Insect repellent
* Alarm clock
* Small torch
* Swiss Army pocketknife
* Power adapter
* Women’s sanitary products
* Slide or any specialised film if used (print film is widely available in Laos)
* Eye patch for the train (if undertaking the Bangkok to Hanoi journey)
* Effective, airline type ear plugs (if undertaking the Bangkok to Hanoi or Inside Laos journeys)
* One layer of warm clothes (for travelling on the Mekong between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang from November to March)

Please note that airlines insist all sharp items (knives, scissors, nail clippers etc.) are packed in your ‘check-in’ luggage!

 

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Electricity:

The electric current in Laos operates on 220 volts. Electrical plugs of the two rounded pin type are the most commonly required. You may want to bring a small hair dryer – many hotels do not provide one.

 

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Health:

Some of the diseases known to exist in Laos include malaria, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tuberculosis, Japanese encephalitis, dengue fever, diphtheria, tetanus, and HIV/ AIDS. We recommend you take adequate preventative measures to minimise your risk of exposure to these health risks. We are a travel company and we are not qualified to provide detailed medical information appropriate to your individual needs. We recommend you consult with your local doctor or a specialist travel medical centre for up to date health information on vaccinations and medicine for your trip, at least one month prior to departure. Medical facilities are limited throughout the country (even in the capital Vientiane) compared to western standards. We suggest you bring a simple medical kit. Your doctor should advise you what to include, however as a minimum we suggest you bring:

• Aspirin or paracetamol (for pain or fever)
• Antihistamines (for allergies and itches)
• Cold and flu tablets
• Something to stop diarrhea
• Something appropriate for nausea and vomiting
• Rehydration mixture (to prevent dehydration)
• Insect repellant
• Antiseptic and bandages
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Antibiotics (discuss with your doctor)

As part of our travel registration process at the start of any journey with Vietnam Royal Tourism, you will be asked to declare any serious pre-existing medical conditions or allergies.

 

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Safety & security:

Laos is a safe country by world standards, but the usual commonsense safety precautions should be adhered to. Cities are small, and even at night you will feel quite safe walking outside. Most Laotians go to bed fairly early so streets will usually be very quiet after 9 pm. When outside your hotel, spending money should be kept in a secure place, close to your body. Wear as little jewellery as possible. You should leave valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes at all times and make sure you have photocopies of your passport, airline tickets, and a detailed record of your encashed travellers cheques and credit card numbers.

 

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Food & water:

Lao cuisine is somewhat similar to Thai food and can be quite spicy. Ingredients include vegetables, freshwater fish, beef, duck, pork and chicken. Food is generally flavoured with fermented fish sauce, coconut milk, peanuts and chillies. Vegetarians are well catered for. Breakfast is included each day on our tours and is usually a mix of buffet and continental style. You should only drink bottled water - available everywhere for purchase.

Post & communication:

International post generally takes ten to fourteen days to reach its destination and prices are similar to western postal prices. Reverse charge (collect) calls are not currently available and IDD telephone calls and faxes are very expensive.

 

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Photography:

Print film, such as Kodak, Konika or Fuji is widely available and costs approximately 4USD per roll. Vientiane has good and fast processing facilities. A roll of 24 exposures can be developed for approximately 4USD. Slide film and Hi8/V8 video cassettes is not widely available in Laos. The x-ray machines at all airports are film safe.

 

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Hotels:

Most hotels we use have private western style bathrooms, hot water, air-conditioning, IDD telephones, laundry and other facilities. Where possible we endeavour at passenger request to accommodate couples in double rooms. Please note however that on occasions during your journey, this may not be possible and a twin room will be provided. Our Bangkok to Hanoi, and Inside Laos journeys involve at least one overnight stop at a town. The standards at some hotels will not always match western standards, as Lao tourism infrastructure is still developing.

Check in and check out times can vary but most hotels in Vietnam require guests to check out by 12 noon and do not allow check in until 2pm. Many hotels may allow an earlier check in or later check out subject to availability on the day. However, if you are arriving early in the morning to a destination or leaving late in the evening you should consider pre-booking a guaranteed early check in/late check out. The additional cost varies from hotel to hotel but is usually between 50-100% of the nightly rate.

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Massage Services:

Many countries in Asia are deservedly renowned for their massage techniques and the quality and value for money of these services. Unfortunately, many massage parlours including some in otherwise 'reputable' hotels are also linked to the paid sex industry. We advise you to check carefully before using massage services in Asia.

Transport:

There is only 2000 kilometres of sealed road in Laos. When travelling by road we generally use late model air-conditioned minibuses. Larger vehicles are used for bigger group sizes. Modern sedan cars are used when there are only one or two people in the group. Some tours involve at least one domestic flight. Lao Airlines operates a relatively modern fleet, however schedules frequently change which can result in alterations to your tour programme. Some tours also involve boat journeys along the Mekong River. This is a great opportunity to view the way of life for most families living along the banks of the river and will provide you with terrific photo opportunities. Toilets on the boats, where available, are generally of the Asian squat style. There is no train network in Laos.

 

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Local time:

Laos is:
* 7 hrs ahead of GMT
* 3 hrs behind Australian Eastern Standard Time
* 5 hrs behind New Zealand
* 12 hrs ahead of Canada Eastern Time
* 15 hrs ahead of Canada Pacific Time
* 12 hrs ahead of US Eastern Time
* 15 hrs ahead of US Pacific Time

Local Guides:

All our local guides have an in-depth knowledge of Laos and a love for their country. Your local guide will try to ensure the smooth running of your trip and will also try – wherever practicable - to cater to your individual interests. Generally you will have a different local guide for each city or region you visit.

 

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Language:

The Lao language is written in a Thai-Khmer script. Because the language is tonal the same written word can have several different meanings. This makes it fairly difficult to learn, but any attempt to speak the language will be well received by local people. Many Laotians recognise the importance of learning English for business and tourism purposes and for this reason English is becoming more widely spoken throughout the country. The Lonely Planet Lao phrasebook is recommended for those wanting to learn more about the language.

 

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Group dynamics:

Our small group journeys provide you with a good balance of group activity and personal discovery. Travellers need to be aware of certain personal responsibilities when travelling with a group. Simple things like being ready at agreed times and keeping to schedule will ensure the smooth running of the programme. Furthermore, the traditions and culture of the country you are visiting should be respected. Correct behaviour includes wearing the appropriate dress when visiting religious sites and refraining from making comments or acting in a manner that would be viewed as unacceptable by your fellow group members or by the local people in the country you are visiting. Please ask your tour leader for further clarification of the issues mentioned above.

 

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Important dates affecting touring, and compulsory meals:

 

01 Jan 2005 - International New Year's Day:
Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.
20 Jan 2005 - Military Day:
Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.
08 Mar 2005 - Women's day:
Public holiday. Banks will however be open. Some public offices only will be closed.
13 - 16 Apr 2005 - Lao New Year:
Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses. Wats and museums in Vientiane and Luang Prabang will also be closed for at least one day during this period. Hotels in Luang Prabang are very heavily booked.
01 May 2005 - International Labour Day:
Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses. Boat races in Luang Prabang, and maybe in Vientiane (TBA).
14 Sept 2005 (approx date only):
Public holiday. Banks and public officesVientiance and Luang Prabang will be closed, as will some businesses. Some streets blocked along the Mekong. Hotel heavily booked.
29 - 30 Oct 2005 (approx date only) - Boat Race Festival:
Public holiday. Banks and public offices in Vientiane and Luang Prabang will be closed, as will some businesses. Some streets blocked along the Mekong. Hotels heavily booked.
Nov 2005 - Wat That Luang Festival:
There will be some crowds around Wat That Luang in Vientiane, although these will not significantly affect touring.
02 Dec 2005 - National Day:
Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses. Wats and museums in Vientiane and Luang Prabang will also be closed.
24 Dec 2005 - Christmas Eve:
Mouang Luang Hotel, Luang Prabang. Price details for 2003 are not yet available.
22 Dec 2005 - 02 Jan 2006 - International New Year period:
Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

 

Recommended reading

Mobile libraries are carried in the minibus when the group is at least seven people in size. Books include guide books, books about local history, and often some fiction written by local authors. Feel free to use these books at any time during the tour. Books worth reading include:

 

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Guide Books

* ‘The Rough Guide to Laos’, by Rough Guide Publications - This guidebook provides detail and (generally) accuracy where others are lacking. Great maps, and the best of the English language guidebooks on the 'land of a million elephants.'
General
* ‘Stalking the Elephant Kings’, by Christopher Kremmer - The first edition of this light read recounts the author's intrepid investigation into the fate of the last King in Laos, his wife, and son. 'Bamboo Palace' by the same author has just been published, shedding new light on the mystery of the Royal family disappearance.
* ‘A Dragon Apparent’, by Norman Lewis - A wonderful book by the doyen of English travel writing, perceptive, and full of detail based on the author's travels in Indochina in 1950.
* ‘Mekong’ by Milton Osborne - A book with a focus on history which entertains as if a novel of fiction. This is a great read about a great river and the French explorers who tried to navigate it from Saigon to China in an effort to create a trade conduit through Indochina.
* ‘The Ravens’ by Christopher Robbins - A thriller read about America's 'secret war', the daring pilots who fought it, and the tragic fate of the Hmong people who sided with the CIA.
* ‘Air America’: The story of the CIA’s Secret Airlines’, by Christopher Robbins.
* ‘Laos: Politics, Economics and Society’, by Martin Stuart-Fox.
* ‘Culture Shock: Laos’, by Stephen Mansfield
History
* ‘A Brief History of Southeast Asia’, by Mekong Osborne - Provides very good context to the empires of Angkor, Lane Xang, Sukhothai and Ayuthaya, by also referring to highly influential empires in Indonesia and the role the Arabs, Europeans, and Japanese.
* ‘A History of Laos’, by Martin Stuart Fox

 

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