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Laos Travel Guide

The latest travel Information on Laos, includes ideas on Things to See and Do, Local Events, Consulate & Embassy Contact Addresses and much more, all from a first-time visitors point of view.

Laos Information

Overview

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 recognised 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.

Top Things To See

Check out the old French colonial architecture and numerous Buddhist wats and stupas in Vientiane, one of Asia’s most relaxed and quiet capital cities, suitably nestled in fertile plains on the banks of the Mekong River.

Visit Laos’ cultural and religious centre, Luang Prabang. This ancient royal city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Located between the Mekong and Khan River, it boasts 33 large temple complexes and around 1,000 resident monks.

Marvel at the mysterious Plain of Jars, near Phonsavan. Hundreds of stone jars, some weighing up to 6 tonnes, are scattered over the landscape. Legend says they were used to ferment rice wine in the sixth century to celebrate a victory in battle.

Be awed by Wat Xieng Thong, one of Laos’ most impressive temples. Decorated with coloured glass and gold, it is testament to the fact that Luang Prabang had been the royal capital until 1975. The royal palace itself contains fine artwork and gifts made for former kings.

Drop in on a traditional community in Ban Phanom. The village is famous for its weavings and offers the opportunity to purchase bargain-priced silk and embroideries.

Do not miss the fascinating Pak Ou Caves. The two caves, Tham Ting and Tham Phun, are full of Buddha images that have been left there over hundreds of years by worshippers. They are easily reached by speedboat from Luang Prabang.

Admire the breathtaking views across the Mekong Valley from the Wat Phu temple, constructed on a mountain top near fresh spring water by the Khmer Hindus, who went on to settle their empire at its former capital - Angkor Wat (Cambodia).

Head south to the supremely laid-back Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands), an archipelago on the Mekong river, to see the spectacular Khone Phapheng (the largest waterfall in South-East Asia (by volume)) and the endangered irriwaddy dolphins.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Top Things To Do

Ascend Mount Phousi for a panoramic view of Luang Prabang and surrounding rivers and hills.

Swim in the lower pools of the Kuang Si Waterfalls, situated 30km (19 miles) from Luang Prabang and bathe in the two hot springs some 52km (32 miles) north of Phonsavan: Bo Noi and Bo Yai.

Spot the wildlife: Laos’s pristine landscape hosts a variety of flora and fauna, including rare primates, mammals and birds. Take official advice about which areas to avoid as there is still some unexploded ordnance.

Head to the hills and trek independently or as part of a locally organised tour. A number of guest houses offer hiking trips starting from Muang Xing, a small town on the river plains in the mountainous Luang Namtha province in the far northwest.

Follow the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a clandestine route used by the North Vietnamese Army. It was bombed by the USA during the Vietnam War and parts of this devastation can still be seen. Take a guide as parts of the route still contain unexploded bombs.

Lazily float along the Nam Song river in a rubber tube in Vang Vieng. The scenery is stunning and enterprising locals will tow the thirsty in to riverside bars for Beer Lao. Many of the bars have zip lines and water slides.

Head to the Bolaven Plateau in Champassak province for elephant riding and trekking. Pakse, home to many ethnic minority groups, is the region’s capital and the ideal base from which to explore the plateau.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Going Out

Food and Drink

Dishes are Indo-Chinese in flavour and presentation. The cheapest and easiest way to sample Lao food is from the stalls in the markets. Traditionally, Lao food is very spicy but this kick is often tempered for the western palate. There are several fairly good French restaurants in Vientiane, catering mainly for the diplomatic community, and Luang Prabang, which has recently seen something of a culinary revival.

National specialities:
• Sticky rice (best eaten with fingers).
• Pho (white rice noodle soup, usually served with beef and/or pork although vegetarian versions are available).
• Laap (minced meat, fish or vegetables tossed in lime juice, garlic, powdered rice and chillies, accompanied by sticky rice).
• Tam maal hung (Lao-style papaya salad).
• Khai phaan (weed from the Mekong river - a Luang Prabang speciality).

National drinks:
• Rice whisky, lao lao, is popular and there are two brands available.
• Beer Lao.

Tipping: Not customary, however a modest tip in return for good service is appreciated.

Nightlife

There are several discos in Vientiane that tend to have live Lao bands. Most large hotels have their own nightclubs. Generally, however, the Lao nightlife is quiet and laid-back, usually involving a Beer Lao, a stunning sunset, firefly display and an early night.

Shopping

The markets in Vientiane and Luang Prabang are worth visiting. Silk, silver jewellery and handmade shirts are good buys. Although the majority of shops have fixed prices, bartering is still advisable for antiques and other art objects.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600; Mon-Sat 0900-2100 (private shops).

Climate

Throughout most of the country, the climate is hot and tropical, with the rainy season between May and October when temperatures are at their highest. The dry season runs from November to April.

Required Clothing

Lightweights and rainwear, with warmer layers from October to March and upland areas.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
6 Jan Pathet Lao Day.
20 Jan Army Day.
7 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.
20 May Buddha Day (Vesak).
1 Jun Children’s Day.
18 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.

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
6 Jan Pathet Lao Day.
20 Jan Army Day.
26 Jan 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).
Sep** Bouk Ok Pansa (Buddhist Fast ends).
12 Oct Day of Liberation.
2 Dec National Day.

*Variations may occur.
** Dates to be confirmed.

Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: Yes

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Yes

Malaria

Special Precaution: Yes*

Rabies

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: Yes

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: No**

Health Care

Any treatment must generally be paid for in cash. Health insurance is essential and should include cover for air evacuation.

Note

* Not required for Vientiane.

** A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from infected areas.

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

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.

Currency Exchange

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.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

Major credit cards are accepted in the more upmarket hotels and restaurants only.

Traveller's Cheques

Limited acceptance. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Thai Baht.

Currency Restrictions

Restrictions apply.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0830-1600. Some banks remain open during lunch.

Passport/Visa

British