Laos Travel Information
Best time to go
The best time to travel is November to early March when it is the cool, dry season. From March onwards, it gets fairly hot before the rainy season that stretches from May to October. Please note that it is still possible to travel during the rainy season, as it generally only rains for a period of time during the day (usually in the afternoon) and this has the positive effect of cooling down an otherwise hot and oppressive climate. Note it can get quiet cool in the north and Luang Prabang over the months of December and January.
Visa Information
At the time of writing Visas are issued upon arrival in Laos to foreign tourists and business persons at most border crossings. Passport must have at least six months validity remaining, and one blank visa page in order for the visa to be issued. A Laos TOURIST visa is usually issued for a SINGLE entry within three months from the date of issue for a period of stay not to exceed 30 days. The visa may be extended in Laos for a further 15 days.
Australian citizens will need two passport size photographs and $30 at Wattay Airport, Vientiane; Friendship Bridge, Vientiane; and Luang Prabang Airport. Visas on Arrival are not available at the Chong Mek border crossing.
Foreign tourists are generally admitted to Laos for 15 days with a visa on arrival or for 30 days with a visa issued at a Lao embassy. Foreigners who overstay in Laos risk arrest, and they will be fined $5 for each day upon departure. Travellers should make sure that they complete immigration and customs formalities when they enter Laos. Travellers who enter Laos without completing these formalities may be subject to fine, detention, imprisonment, and/or deportation.
We strongly recommend that you check directly with the embassy prior to travel to check on up to date Visa information.
Laos Embassy in Australia:http://www.laosembassy.net/index.html
Flights
Both Vientiane and Luang Prabang have international airports. Both have ATM's and currency exchange (dispensing Lao Kip). Flights from Australia and most other international destinations outside of Asia will mean you need to fly through one of the major South East Asian airport hubs such as Singapore, Bangkok, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur to get to Vientiane. There is a host of other small airports flying the various domestic routes in Laos. International flights in and out of Lunag Prabang are limited to Hanoi, Siem Reap and Bangkok at this time.
Climate
There are three main seasons: hot in March to May, rainy between May and November, and dry and relatively cool from November to March. The annual monsoon cycle gives Laos two distinct seasons: May to October is wet and November to April is dry. Southern Laos gets the most rain overall. In the some of the mountain areas December/January nights can easily fall to OºC. In mountainous provinces of lesser elevation, temperatures may be a few degrees higher. During most of the rainy season, daytime averages are about 29ºC in the lowlands and around 25ºC in mountain valleys.
Food
Rice is the foundation for all Lao meals, and almost all dishes are cooked with fresh ingredients such as vegetables, freshwater fish, poultry, duck, pork, beef or water buffalo. Lime juice, lemon grass and fresh coriander give the food its characteristic tang, and various fermented fish concoctions are used to salt the food. Hot chillies, garlic, mint, ground peanuts, tamarind juice, ginger and coconut milk are other seasonings. Dishes are often served with an accompanying plate of lettuce, mint, coriander, mung-bean sprouts, lime wedges or basil. French Baguettes are found in the larger towns, served for breakfast, filled as a sandwich with pate, vegetables, and chili sauce.
Money
Lao Kip (LAK; symbol ₭) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of ₭50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Thai Baht and US Dollars are the easiest currencies to exchange. They are also widely accepted in shops, markets and hotels in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Major credit cards are accepted in the more upmarket hotels and restaurants only. Although USD are widely accepted in the larger towns, the local KIP currency is the best in out of the way destinations. There are now a number of ATM's in Vientiane and Luang Prabang dispensing Lao KIP. Be aware that some denominations of KIP look vary similar so its a good idea to check your change and take the time to get to know your notes!
Phones, the Internet and Wifi
The international access code for Laos is +856. 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.
The mobile phone network around Laos is relatively good and is not as expensive as Cambodia however 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. Beware that internet speeds are VERY slow in Luang Prabang so patience is needed. It is relatively easy these days to buy a local SIM card which will save you on incountry and international calls. These can be bought from local shopkeepers around town. Wifi hotspots are now widely available in all the major tourist sites with most hotels providing free wifi access either in their rooms or in the reception areas of the property.
Geography
Laos is a land-locked country, bordering China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Burma. It is largely mountainous. The most fertile land is found in the valley of the Mekong, which flows from the north of Laos to the south and which forms the frontier with Thailand for over 60% of its length.
History and politics
The Mekong valley has been fought over for thousands of years. But modern Laos started coming into shape with the arrival of Buddhism in 1356. The country was under Japanese occupation from 1941–45 and then occupied by the French until 1953 when it gained its independence. Laos then found itself embroiled in regional conflicts resulting from the struggle for control of South Vietnam. The North Vietnamese supported the Pathet Lao, a nationalist front organisation controlled by the communist Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP). The Thais and the Americans supported right-wing groups. Prince Souvanna Phouma, Prime Minister for most of the period from 1951 to 1975, attempted to follow a neutral course.
Following the American withdrawal from Vietnam the Lao Communists consolidated their control of Laos, which culminated in the abolition of the monarchy and establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in December 1975. As the LPRP instituted a one-party state and introduced tough socialist reforms of the economy it continued its hard line policies until economic difficulties in the late 1980s forced it to bring in more liberal measures in line with those being adopted in Vietnam, with which Laos has been closely aligned since 1975. Since the late eighties, Lao PDR has introduced market-based principles to an economy previously organized under a centrally planned socialist model.
Major centres
Vientiane: Vientiane, capital of Laos is busy and hectic in comparison to the rest of the country, it is quiet compared with any other city in Asia. Vientiane, as all of Lao's major cities, is situated on the Mekong river which forms the lifeline of the country. Vientiane is the hub for all travel in the country. The city has a population of around 760,000.Old French colonial houses are being restored as offices, restaurants and hotels. There are only a handful of modern buildings which sometimes look remarkably out of place in this quiet capital. The two must-see landmarks are the Patouxay (or Victory Monument) and That Luang temple with amazing golden spires and stupas. Other temples of note include Pha That Luang, Wat Sisaket and Wat Simuang.
Luang Prabang: Lao's second biggest city, Luang Prabang was the royal capital of Laos until the 1975 revolution, this World Heritage site remains a charming curiosity of ancient temples and French colonial architecture. Today, Luang Prabang is a sleepy town of 24,000 inhabitants with a handful of historic temples and old French mansions in a beautiful mountain setting. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 new buildings have been limited and development must be in keeping with this exquisite place. The town sits at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. A large hill called Phu Si dominates the town skyline. Most of the historic temples are between Phu Si and the Mekong. The whole town can easily be covered, on foot, in a day or two.
Language
The official language of Laos is Lao, as spoken and written in Vientiane. There are five main dialects in the country, each of which can be divided into further sub-dialects. All Lao dialects are closely related to the languages spoken in Thailand, northern Myanmar and pockets of China's Yunnan Province.
Religion
About 60% of the Lao people are Buddhists. The Laos-Lum (Valley Laos) people follow the Hinayana (Theravada) form of Buddhism. The religions of the Laos-Theung (Laos of the mountain tops) range from traditional Confucianism to animism and Christianity. Every Lao Buddhist male is expected to become a monk for a short period of his life, usually between school and starting a career or getting married.
Customs
Traditional culture in Laos has been heavily influenced by various strains of Khmer, Vietnamese and Thai cultures. Though westernization is creeping in, the Lao people still hang on to their slower, more peaceful way of life. About seventy percent of the locals are practicing Theravada Buddhists, so an emphasis on compassion pervades daily living. The best way to ensure you avoid offense is to be aware of the actions of the local people around you and follow their lead. There are, however a couple of points, which are worth noting:
- Short and revealing clothes are generally not acceptable.
- Public displays of affection are taboo in Lao society.
Public holidays and festivals
The traditional Lao calendar, like the calendars of China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, is a solar-lunar mix. Festivals in Laos are mostly linked to agricultural seasons or historical Buddhist holidays. The dates may change from year to year but the main holidays celebrated include:
Bun Pha Wet: January. This is a temple-centred festival, and one of the times when Lao males are ordained into the monk-hood.
Magha Puja: February. This festival commemorates the speech given by Buddha to 1,250 enlightened monks.
Boun Pimai: April. Lao New Year, celebrated over three days. This festival is most fervently observed in Luang Prabang. Statues of Buddha are given a ceremonial dousing of water.
Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival): May. This is a Buddhist rain-making festival, and celebrated by blasting large bamboo rockets into the sky.
Haw Khao Padap Din: Full moon in August. This is a sombre festival to pay respect to the dead.
Boun Ok Phansaa: September. This marks the end of the Buddhist Lent, when devotees bring offerings to the Wat's. It also marks the end of the rainy season. Boat races take place on the Mekong river.
Awk Phansaa: Full moon in October. This festival marks the end of the 3-month rain retreat. Monks are given new robes, alms bowl and other items. People float banana-leaf boats called Lai Hua Fai, with candles down the river and lakes.
Boun Nam (Water Festival): October. is a festival held in waterways, characterised by boat races in major towns.
Lao National Day: December - commemorates the 1975 abolishment of the monarchy.
- Avoid touching anyone on the head or using the feet to point at anything.
- Appropriate dress and behavior when entering places of worship is essential.
- It is illegal not to carry an identity document.
- Handshaking is not that usual; Lao people greet each other with their palms together and a slight bowing of the head.
- Take care when discussing politics and related subjects in conversation so as not to cause offense.
Laos textiles information
The best time to travel is November to early March when it is the cool, dry season. From March onwards, it gets fairly hot before the rainy season that stretches from May to October. Please note that it is still possible to travel during the rainy season, as it generally only rains for a period of time during the day (usually in the afternoon) and this has the positive effect of cooling down an otherwise hot and oppressive climate. Note it can get quiet cool in the north and Luang Prabang over the months of December and January.
Visa Information
At the time of writing Visas are issued upon arrival in Laos to foreign tourists and business persons at most border crossings. Passport must have at least six months validity remaining, and one blank visa page in order for the visa to be issued. A Laos TOURIST visa is usually issued for a SINGLE entry within three months from the date of issue for a period of stay not to exceed 30 days. The visa may be extended in Laos for a further 15 days.
Australian citizens will need two passport size photographs and $30 at Wattay Airport, Vientiane; Friendship Bridge, Vientiane; and Luang Prabang Airport. Visas on Arrival are not available at the Chong Mek border crossing.
Foreign tourists are generally admitted to Laos for 15 days with a visa on arrival or for 30 days with a visa issued at a Lao embassy. Foreigners who overstay in Laos risk arrest, and they will be fined $5 for each day upon departure. Travellers should make sure that they complete immigration and customs formalities when they enter Laos. Travellers who enter Laos without completing these formalities may be subject to fine, detention, imprisonment, and/or deportation.
We strongly recommend that you check directly with the embassy prior to travel to check on up to date Visa information.
Laos Embassy in Australia:http://www.laosembassy.net/index.html
Flights
Both Vientiane and Luang Prabang have international airports. Both have ATM's and currency exchange (dispensing Lao Kip). Flights from Australia and most other international destinations outside of Asia will mean you need to fly through one of the major South East Asian airport hubs such as Singapore, Bangkok, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur to get to Vientiane. There is a host of other small airports flying the various domestic routes in Laos. International flights in and out of Lunag Prabang are limited to Hanoi, Siem Reap and Bangkok at this time.
Climate
There are three main seasons: hot in March to May, rainy between May and November, and dry and relatively cool from November to March. The annual monsoon cycle gives Laos two distinct seasons: May to October is wet and November to April is dry. Southern Laos gets the most rain overall. In the some of the mountain areas December/January nights can easily fall to OºC. In mountainous provinces of lesser elevation, temperatures may be a few degrees higher. During most of the rainy season, daytime averages are about 29ºC in the lowlands and around 25ºC in mountain valleys.
Food
Rice is the foundation for all Lao meals, and almost all dishes are cooked with fresh ingredients such as vegetables, freshwater fish, poultry, duck, pork, beef or water buffalo. Lime juice, lemon grass and fresh coriander give the food its characteristic tang, and various fermented fish concoctions are used to salt the food. Hot chillies, garlic, mint, ground peanuts, tamarind juice, ginger and coconut milk are other seasonings. Dishes are often served with an accompanying plate of lettuce, mint, coriander, mung-bean sprouts, lime wedges or basil. French Baguettes are found in the larger towns, served for breakfast, filled as a sandwich with pate, vegetables, and chili sauce.
Money
Lao Kip (LAK; symbol ₭) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of ₭50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Thai Baht and US Dollars are the easiest currencies to exchange. They are also widely accepted in shops, markets and hotels in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Major credit cards are accepted in the more upmarket hotels and restaurants only. Although USD are widely accepted in the larger towns, the local KIP currency is the best in out of the way destinations. There are now a number of ATM's in Vientiane and Luang Prabang dispensing Lao KIP. Be aware that some denominations of KIP look vary similar so its a good idea to check your change and take the time to get to know your notes!
Phones, the Internet and Wifi
The international access code for Laos is +856. 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.
The mobile phone network around Laos is relatively good and is not as expensive as Cambodia however 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. Beware that internet speeds are VERY slow in Luang Prabang so patience is needed. It is relatively easy these days to buy a local SIM card which will save you on incountry and international calls. These can be bought from local shopkeepers around town. Wifi hotspots are now widely available in all the major tourist sites with most hotels providing free wifi access either in their rooms or in the reception areas of the property.
Geography
Laos is a land-locked country, bordering China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Burma. It is largely mountainous. The most fertile land is found in the valley of the Mekong, which flows from the north of Laos to the south and which forms the frontier with Thailand for over 60% of its length.
History and politics
The Mekong valley has been fought over for thousands of years. But modern Laos started coming into shape with the arrival of Buddhism in 1356. The country was under Japanese occupation from 1941–45 and then occupied by the French until 1953 when it gained its independence. Laos then found itself embroiled in regional conflicts resulting from the struggle for control of South Vietnam. The North Vietnamese supported the Pathet Lao, a nationalist front organisation controlled by the communist Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP). The Thais and the Americans supported right-wing groups. Prince Souvanna Phouma, Prime Minister for most of the period from 1951 to 1975, attempted to follow a neutral course.
Following the American withdrawal from Vietnam the Lao Communists consolidated their control of Laos, which culminated in the abolition of the monarchy and establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in December 1975. As the LPRP instituted a one-party state and introduced tough socialist reforms of the economy it continued its hard line policies until economic difficulties in the late 1980s forced it to bring in more liberal measures in line with those being adopted in Vietnam, with which Laos has been closely aligned since 1975. Since the late eighties, Lao PDR has introduced market-based principles to an economy previously organized under a centrally planned socialist model.
Major centres
Vientiane: Vientiane, capital of Laos is busy and hectic in comparison to the rest of the country, it is quiet compared with any other city in Asia. Vientiane, as all of Lao's major cities, is situated on the Mekong river which forms the lifeline of the country. Vientiane is the hub for all travel in the country. The city has a population of around 760,000.Old French colonial houses are being restored as offices, restaurants and hotels. There are only a handful of modern buildings which sometimes look remarkably out of place in this quiet capital. The two must-see landmarks are the Patouxay (or Victory Monument) and That Luang temple with amazing golden spires and stupas. Other temples of note include Pha That Luang, Wat Sisaket and Wat Simuang.
Luang Prabang: Lao's second biggest city, Luang Prabang was the royal capital of Laos until the 1975 revolution, this World Heritage site remains a charming curiosity of ancient temples and French colonial architecture. Today, Luang Prabang is a sleepy town of 24,000 inhabitants with a handful of historic temples and old French mansions in a beautiful mountain setting. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 new buildings have been limited and development must be in keeping with this exquisite place. The town sits at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. A large hill called Phu Si dominates the town skyline. Most of the historic temples are between Phu Si and the Mekong. The whole town can easily be covered, on foot, in a day or two.
Language
The official language of Laos is Lao, as spoken and written in Vientiane. There are five main dialects in the country, each of which can be divided into further sub-dialects. All Lao dialects are closely related to the languages spoken in Thailand, northern Myanmar and pockets of China's Yunnan Province.
Religion
About 60% of the Lao people are Buddhists. The Laos-Lum (Valley Laos) people follow the Hinayana (Theravada) form of Buddhism. The religions of the Laos-Theung (Laos of the mountain tops) range from traditional Confucianism to animism and Christianity. Every Lao Buddhist male is expected to become a monk for a short period of his life, usually between school and starting a career or getting married.
Customs
Traditional culture in Laos has been heavily influenced by various strains of Khmer, Vietnamese and Thai cultures. Though westernization is creeping in, the Lao people still hang on to their slower, more peaceful way of life. About seventy percent of the locals are practicing Theravada Buddhists, so an emphasis on compassion pervades daily living. The best way to ensure you avoid offense is to be aware of the actions of the local people around you and follow their lead. There are, however a couple of points, which are worth noting:
- Short and revealing clothes are generally not acceptable.
- Public displays of affection are taboo in Lao society.
Public holidays and festivals
The traditional Lao calendar, like the calendars of China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, is a solar-lunar mix. Festivals in Laos are mostly linked to agricultural seasons or historical Buddhist holidays. The dates may change from year to year but the main holidays celebrated include:
Bun Pha Wet: January. This is a temple-centred festival, and one of the times when Lao males are ordained into the monk-hood.
Magha Puja: February. This festival commemorates the speech given by Buddha to 1,250 enlightened monks.
Boun Pimai: April. Lao New Year, celebrated over three days. This festival is most fervently observed in Luang Prabang. Statues of Buddha are given a ceremonial dousing of water.
Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival): May. This is a Buddhist rain-making festival, and celebrated by blasting large bamboo rockets into the sky.
Haw Khao Padap Din: Full moon in August. This is a sombre festival to pay respect to the dead.
Boun Ok Phansaa: September. This marks the end of the Buddhist Lent, when devotees bring offerings to the Wat's. It also marks the end of the rainy season. Boat races take place on the Mekong river.
Awk Phansaa: Full moon in October. This festival marks the end of the 3-month rain retreat. Monks are given new robes, alms bowl and other items. People float banana-leaf boats called Lai Hua Fai, with candles down the river and lakes.
Boun Nam (Water Festival): October. is a festival held in waterways, characterised by boat races in major towns.
Lao National Day: December - commemorates the 1975 abolishment of the monarchy.
- Avoid touching anyone on the head or using the feet to point at anything.
- Appropriate dress and behavior when entering places of worship is essential.
- It is illegal not to carry an identity document.
- Handshaking is not that usual; Lao people greet each other with their palms together and a slight bowing of the head.
- Take care when discussing politics and related subjects in conversation so as not to cause offense.
Laos textiles information
