Laos Travel Service
Many visitors to South East Asia miss Laos out in favor of the more popular destinations of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.
It may be true that traveling to Laos is nothing less than an endurance test – but a beautiful, unspoiled wildlife and a sprinkling of exquisite temples should make the trip worth it. With its exciting terrain, well preserved natural ecosystems and numerous waterways, Laos is now emerging as a premier outdoor adventure destination in this part of Asia.
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Geography
Laos is a landlocked country covering 236,800 square kilometers, approximately the same size as Ecuador or Great Britain. It comprises mostly mountains and plateaus. The Mekong River flows through western and southern regions and forms a natural border with Thailand and Myanmar. On its banks nestle most of Laos' important cities, such as the capital Vientiane and the former royal capital, Luang Prabang.
Rugged mountains cover more than 75 percent of the country. The vegetation is diverse and rich comprising tropical and subtropical species, from mango and palms to Hardwoods. About half the country is still covered with primary forests. |
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Climate
Two monsoons set the rhythm of rural life in Laos. The cool, dry, north-eastern monsoon blows from about November to March and brings little rain. From May to early October, the south-western monsoon picks up moist air from over the Indian Ocean, bringing strong winds, high humidity, and heavy rains throughout the country. The weather is transitional between the seasons, but even during the wet season it rarely rains in the morning. Most of the rain comes in afternoon downpours. Visitors should be warned that roads in the northeastern regions in particular can become flooded during the rains. Travel in these areas should be avoided during the peak of the wet seasons. |
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History
The first recorded history of the Lao begins with King Fa Ngum, by legend the 23rd successor of Khoun Lo, who first united Laos in 1353. He established his capital at Luang Prabang and ruled a kingdom called Lan Xang (literally, ‘million elephants’) that covered much of present-day Thailand and Laos. He also established Buddhism as the state religion.
In the 17th century Lan Xang entered a period of decline caused by dynastic struggles and conflicts with Burma, Siam (now Thailand), Vietnam, and the Khmer Kingdom. By the 18th century, the Siamese and Vietnamese kingdoms were competing for control of Laos. In the 19th century, the Siamese dominated much of what is now Laos and divided it into principalities centered on Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Champasak. Late in the century, the French, who already controlled present-day Vietnam, supplanted them. In 1899 France established protectorates and direct rule over all of the principalities, and Laos became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese treaty of 1907 defined the present Lao boundary with Thailand.
During World War II the Japanese occupied Indochina. A Lao resistance group, Lao Issara, was formed to prevent the return of the French. Independence was achieved in 1953 but conflict persisted between royalist, neutralist and communist fractions. The US began bombing North Vietnamese troops on the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Eastern Laos in 1964, escalating the conflict between the royalist Vientiane government and the communist Pathet Lao who fought alongside the North Vietnamese.
By the time a ceasefire was negotiated in 1973, Laos had the dubious reputation of being the most heavily bombed country on a per capita basis in the history of warfare. A coalition government was formed but when Saigon fell in 1975 most of the royalists left for France. On 2 December 1975 the monarchy was abolished and the communist Lao People’s Democratic Republic was established, and the Pathet Lao peacefully took control of the country. Lao remained closely allied with the Vietnamese communists during the 1980s. Laos cemented ties with its neighbors when it was welcomed into ASEAN in July 1997. There is no political pluralism in Laos; the only party allowed being the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP).
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Cultural Information
Religion
The predominant religion is Theravada Buddhism. Animism is common particularly among the mountain tribes. Buddhism and spirit worship coexist easily, even though phi worship is officially banned. The clearest example of this is the baci ceremony which all Buddhist lowland Lao practice regularly at every major life event such as birth, marriage and death. The ceremony calls all the good spirits together to ward off the evil spirits and to get strength for these important moments in life. Most Christians, (primarily Roman Catholic) have left since 1975.
People
Laos' ethnically diverse population is usually divided by topographical zones into three groups:
1. The wet rice cultivating, Buddhist Lao Loum of the lowlands, who are politically and numerically dominant, constituting over half of the total population.
2. The Lao Theung who occupy the mountain slopes and make up about a quarter of the population.
3. The Lao Soung, or upland Lao, who live in the high mountains and practice shifting cultivation, and who make up less than a fifth of Laos' total population.
These subdivisions are simplistic and in practice the lines between ethnic groups are increasingly blurred as communication and migration increase across the country. The largest non-Lao groups in Laos are the Chinese and Vietnamese communities in the main cities. The population of Laos is 5.5 million people. However, most of the population is concentrated in Vientiane, which has over half a million inhabitants.
Arts and Architecture
Lao art is well known for its wealth of ornamentation. As in other neighboring Buddhist countries the focus is primarily religious in nature. Temple murals and bas-reliefs usually tell the story of the Buddha's lives, the Jataka tales. There is not as wide a range of art in Laos as in Thailand, as the country has been constantly dominated by foreign powers that tended to suppress indigenous culture.
Much of Lao history and culture has been destroyed over the centuries, as plundering neighbors such as Siamese/Thais, Chinese and Vietnamese ransacked the towns and cities. Also, wood has always been the primary building material, resulting in a limited life span for ancient monuments.
The Ramayana, the famous Indian epic, has become a part of the Lao cultural heritage, and is known as the Phra Lak Pralam. Many of the doors and windows of temples are engraved with scenes from this story, depicting for example the struggle between good and evil. Prime examples are the huge teak shutters at Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang.
Sculpture in Laos is more distinctive in style, the best pieces originating from the 16th to 18th centuries. Characteristic of Lao Buddha images is a nose like an eagle's beak, extended earlobes, and tightly curled hair. The best examples are in Wat Phra Kaeo and Wat Sisaket in Vientiane. In addition, there are certain mudras (gestures) that are found only in Lao Buddhist sculpture. These include the ‘Calling for Rain’, (the Buddha standing, both arms held stiffly at the side of the body, fingers pointing downwards) and the ‘Contemplating the Tree of Enlightenment’.
Manners
As with all cultures everywhere in the world, there are some general rules of conduct that a traveler in Laos should follow. It is best to avoid the time round 11 a.m. when visiting a wat as this is when monks usually take their morning meal. Women should not attempt to shake the hand of a monk, hand anything to him, or sit beside him since monks are not allowed to touch women. When talking to a monk, try to keep your head lower than his.
When sitting down, feet should point away from the altar and main image. Arms and legs should be fully covered when visiting wats and shoes should be taken off before entering. A small donation is advisable, and it is appropriate to kneel down when giving it. In general pointing with the index finger is considered rude. Patting children on the head should be avoided, as it is the most sacred part of the body. The traditional form of greeting is with hands together, prayer-like, and with head bowed, as in most parts of Asia, but handshaking is done more frequently today.
Laos’s people are modest in their dress, so shorts or revealing clothing should be avoided. In conversation, political topics should be discussed with sensitivity to avoid offence.
Sensitivity also pays when taking photographs. Be very wary in areas that have (or could have) military importance such as airports, where all photography is prohibited. Also be careful when photographing official functions and parades without permission. Always ask permission before photographing a person or in a temple.
Tipping is practiced in hotels and restaurants, though not extravagantly.
Dance and Theatre
Lao music and dance have much in common with those of Thailand. Popular instruments include bamboo flutes, drums, gongs, cymbals and pinched or bowed string instruments shaped like banjos. The national instrument is the kaen, a hand-held pipe organ. It is made from bamboo and is similar in appearance to the South American panpipes.
Apart from the classical theatre, there is the traditional folk theatre. It is called moo lam and might be best compared with the European tradition of roving minstrels. Moo lam is a very special Lao form of theatre and it has survived all kinds of censorship without change. Classical Lao theatre and dance have Indian origins and were probably imported from the Cambodian royal courts in the 14th century. Thai influence has also crept in over the years.
The national folk dance is the lamvong Lao, a circle dance in which people dance in a big circle, the men on one side facing the women, so that in fact two circles within each other exist.
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Places to Visit
Vientiane
In 1563 King Setthathirat made the riverside city of Vientiane the capital of Laos. In those days it was a small, fortified city on the banks of the Mekong with a palace and two wats, That Luang and Wat Phra Kaeo. The city became prosperous from the surrounding fertile plains and taxes levied on trade going upriver. Today, Vientiane is a spacious and charming city. It is South-East Asia's smallest capital and has only about 500,000 citizens - which makes it the most tranquil and laid-back capital of Asia. It lacks the usual hustle and bustle and amazes the traveler with its serene temples and gracious colonial villas.
Countless temples and pagodas with important Thai and Khmer shrines and relics are a mirror of the countries chequered past. There are numerous good restaurants and excellent shopping opportunities for Lao handicrafts at the Morning Market and a variety of specialist shops.
Luang Prabang
The ancient capital of Laos, Luang Prabang, is a city of golden temple spires, faded French colonial architecture and diverse hill tribes. Situated on the Mekong river, the city is nestled in a stunning river valley surrounded by dramatic mountains.
Luang Prabang was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 because of its well-preserved remnants of the ancient Lane Xang Kingdom, many of which date from the 13th to the 15th centuries. However, it is the peaceful charm and relaxed atmosphere of the town, with its thriving hill tribe population, which never fails to enchant. Luang Prabang's surroundings have much to offer as well; excursions include the Pak Ou Caves, reached via a pleasant boat trip up the Mekong River. These ancient caves contain thousands of Buddha images. Other interesting excursions include visits to Ban Phanom, a nearby weaving village, and the Kuang Si waterfalls.
Phonsavanh
One of the last mysteries of Asia lies here, in the form of over 300 giant stone jars, apparently carved out of solid rock and scattered around a nearby plateau, aptly named the "Plain of Jars." The jars vary in size from 1 to 3.25 meters high and weigh up to six tons each.There are several different theories as to the purpose of the jars, which are estimated to be 2,500 to 3,000 years old. Local legend relates that King Khoon Chuong and his troops from South China had a huge party after their victory over the wicked Chao Angka and had the jars made to brew enormous quantities of Lao rice whisky (lau-lao). A trip to this area is still worthwhile and is enhanced by visits to the local ethnic minority villages of the Hmong. A trip to the Tham Piew caves and the hot springs nearby are worth an extra day.
Pakse and the South
Pakse is synonymous with Wat Phou just as Siem Reap is with Angkor in Cambodia. The founder of the first Khmer Empire, Jayavarman II, who built Angkor, also built Wat Phou. It is much smaller than Angkor, but about 30 years older and at times was the Khmer capital. After Angkor, Wat Phou is one of the cultural highlights of Laos and South-East Asia. Pakse is a busy commercial town built by the French early this century as an administrative center for the South. The many colonial buildings lend an air of old world charm.
Excursions from Pakse include the Bolaven plateau, with its many ethnic miniorities and coffee plantations. In addition, four thousand islands on the Cambodian border area can also be reached from Pakse. The Mekong River at this point is about 8.5 miles wide and encompasses about 4,000 islands during the dry season and about half of that during the rainy season. This unique landscape forms one of the most impressive sights of this region. One of the highlights is South-East Asia's largest waterfall, Khon Phapheng.
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Visa Procedures for Laos
Overview
Who Needs a Visa. Most nationalities require a visa to enter Laos. Exceptions are listed below:
- Citizens of the following countries may enter Laos for 30 days without a visa: Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
- Citizens of Brunei may enter Laos for 14 days without a visa.
Types of Tourist Visa
- Single-Entry Visas. Visas issued from the embassy are valid for 30 days and must be used within 3 months of being issued; visas issued on arrival are valid 30 days.
- Multiple-Entry Visas. To get a multiple entry visa, visitors must apply for a business visa, after entering the country on a normal visa. Business visas are valid from 3 months up to 1 year. Additional surcharges may apply.
Methods of Applying for a Visa. There are two methods of applying for a visa from Laos: applying through an Embassy of Laos and applying for visa on arrival.
Visa Extensions. Available for 30 days, but must be applied for in Vientiane or Luang Prabang, through a travel agency. The fee for an extension is USD 2/day (can be more depending on Travel Agency). Overstays fines is USD 10/day.
International Entry Points - visa on arrival available
International Airports
1. Wattay International Airport in Vientiane
2. Luang Prabang Intentional Airport in Luang Prabang
3. Pakse International Airport in Pakse
Overland Border Crossings
Laos:
1. Friendship Bridge, Vientiane – Nong Khai – Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
2. Pakse/Vangtao, Champasak Province – Chongmek, Ubon Ratchatani
3. Nam Heuang Bridge – Kaenthao (Sainyabuli) – Nakaxeng, Loei
4. Friendship Bridge Savannakhet, Savanna - Mukdahan (7 km from boat border crossing)
Vietnam:
1. Nam Phao (Lak Xao), Bolikhamxai Province - Cau Treo, Hatinh
2. Dan Savanh, Savannakhet Province - Lao Bao, Quang Tri
China:
1. Boten, Luang Nam Tha Province - Mohan, Yunan
By Boat Border Crossing
Laos:
1. Huay Xai, Bokeo Province - Chiang Khong, Chiang Rai
2. Tha Khaek, Khammouane Province - Nakorn Phanom
3. Savannakhet, Savannakhet Province - Mukdahan
International Entry Points - NO visa on arrival
Thailand:
1. Pakxan, Bolikhamxai Province - Bungkan, Nong Khai
Vietnam:
1. Na Phao, Khammouane Province - Chalo, Quang Binh
2. Banleui, Houa Phan Province - Nameo, Thanh Hoa
3. Nong Het, Xieng Khuang Province - Nam Kanh, Nghe An
4. Phou Keua, Attapeu - Kontum
Cambodia:
1. Veun Kham, Champasak Province (by boat) - Steung Treng
2. Dongkalaw, Champasak Province (by land) - Steung Treng
China:
1. Xiangkok river port on Mekong River in Luang Nam Tha Province
Applying For A Visa On Arrival
Available Entry Points. Visa on arrival is available at all entry points except for Nam Heuang Bridge and Veun Kham.
Validity. 30 days after date of entry. Visa extensions are available for up to 15 days, but must be applied for in Vientiane through a travel agency.
Requirements
1. Passport (valid for at least 6 months with at least two pages available for the visa and the stamps)
2. Two recent passport photos
3. Cash in US dollars (the visa on arrival fee varies according to nationalities)
4. Visa application form (available upon arrival)
Procedures and Processing Time on Arrival in Laos
Submit the passport together with the photo, application and fee to the visa counter on arrival. Processing time may vary, but is approximately 10-40 minutes.
Applying For A Visa From A Laos Embassy
Requirements
1. Passport (valid for at least 6 months with at least two pages available for the visa stamp)
2. Two recent passport photos
3. Two visa application forms
4. Visa application fee (please contact your nearest Laos Embassy for current visa fees)
Procedure and Processing Time for Obtaining a Visa<br />
Please contact your nearest Laos Embassy for the exact procedures and processing times, as they may vary. Click here for a list of Embassies of Laos worldwide.
Procedure and Processing Time on Arrival in Laos
Processing time varies depending on the point of entry, but is on average about 30 minutes.
** All visa information subject to change
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Getting Around
Laos is a mountainous country with no railway and few good roads. With the Mekong River being such a prominent topographical feature it is not surprising that it plays a significant role in communications and life. There are slow boat services for tourists who want to experience life on the river between some towns. Speedboats are also an option for travelers with a tight schedule, though not always recommended.
Air
Lao Airlines has an extensive network throughout Laos. There are connecting flights between the tourist highlights such as Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse and Xieng Khouang.
Bus
Currently there are no longer travel restrictions for tourists who want to go to the provinces by bus. All areas are safe to travel. The most common long distance bus runs between Vientiane and Luang Prabang and it takes around 10 hours. Many tourists nowadays stop at Vang Vieng and spend a night there before continuing the last stretch of their journey.
Since Laos is mountainous and its road conditions poor, journeys can be long and exhausting, although the scenery is beautiful. During the rainy season, between June and September, roads are frequently impassable.
Tuk Tuk
The most popular means of transport within cities is the tuk tuk. These 3-wheeled vehicles with two benches placed sideways in the back can be found everywhere. Always negotiate before setting off.
Taxi
Taxis are not normally metered, so your fare is negotiable. Always negotiate before setting off.
Car Hire
Cars may be hired with a driver through hotels or tourist agencies. It is not advisable to hire a car on one’s own, since driving standards are low.
Rivers
There are a variety of options open to those who wish to travel by water, from the slow ferries to 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. Speedboats depart more regularly, taking about eight hours for each leg of the journey. Timetables and prices vary depending on season and demand. |
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Currency
The local currency is the kip. The US dollar and the Thai baht are very popular alternatives that are widely accepted, especially for bigger purchases. It is not unusual to be quoted a price in kip, pay in US dollars and receive Thai baht as change. US dollars and Thai baht can be changed at hotels, banks or any foreign exchange shop licensed by the Bank of Lao PDR. Credit cards are accepted at more and more shops and restaurants in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. All major banks, even in provincial towns, accept traveler’s cheques and currencies other than US dollars or Thai baht. It is best to carry US dollar bills in small denominations. The exchange rate at the time of writing is 7.900 kip to US$1, but it is advisable to check this rate before traveling, as inflation is high. The denominations are 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 Kip.
Travellers Cheque
All major banks throughout Laos, as well as the bigger hotels in Vientiane, will change traveler’s cheques for US dollars or kip.
Credit Cards
Visa, Master Card and American Express payment facilities are increasingly being set up throughout the country. A surcharge is usually added. It is possible to get cash US dollars at the bank, for which a surcharge applies.
Health
We strongly recommend having good health insurance and carrying a good first aid kit. In general there is a lack of international standard medical help and hospitals. For minor ailments, the Vientiane International Clinic offers good service. For any major health problems we recommend going to Thailand.
Vaccinations
The government of Laos does not require you to have any vaccinations except for cholera if you are coming from an infected area. Please consult your doctor for reccommended vaccinations.
Malaria
The best protection against malaria is to avoid being bitten in the first place: make sure to bring along mosquito repellent. Check with your physician about taking a course of anti-malarials. If it is considered necessary given your itinerary, you might need to begin before your trip and continue for a time after you return. The greatest risk of contracting malaria is between May and October at altitudes below 3,000 ft./ 1,000 m. There is no malaria in Vientiane or Luang Prabang.
Dengue fever, which is also transmitted by mosquitoes, is often mistaken for malaria. Its symptoms are severe pain in the joints, high fever, and extreme headache. Aside from avoiding being bitten altogether (this mosquito is active in daytime and is often a striped variety), there is no prevention available. Hospital treatment is urgently required.
Food & Water
Although towns have access to safe water, less than a third of the countryside can claim the same. Avoid all water that hasn't been thoroughly boiled or sterilized and drink only sterilized water or soft drinks. All water and ice-cubes that are served to you in restaurants in the cities are safe for consumption. You should not eat any uncooked vegetables and do not eat any fruit that you haven't peeled yourself. Make sure that fish and meat is well cooked. Do not swim in stagnant water as you run the risk of contracting bilharzias.
Security
Mines & Munitions
Xieng Khouang province (the Plain of Jars), the Bolaven Plateau and areas along the Ho Chi Minh Trail are strewn with anti-personnel mines and bomblets discharged from cluster bombs. Many large unexploded bombs have been left lying around all over Laos, mainly in the countryside. They are very dangerous so always keep to existing tracks and if you see any unknown objects, do not touch.
Communication
Telephone
International direct dialing is available, though limited.
Country code: +856, the city code for Vientiane is (0) 21, for Luang Prabang dial (0) 71 and for Pakse is (0) 631. When making international calls from Laos, dial 00 before dialing the desired country code and phone number.
Mobile Telephone
The network operators in this area are Laos Shinawatra (www.laotel.com). Coverage is still not widespread, although the Thai mobile telephone system may be accessed in Vientiane and border regions.
Internet
Most major towns have Internet cafes.
Post
Postal services can be slow, but outgoing mail is fairly reliable and inexpensive.
Time Zone
Standard time in Laos is 6 hours ahead of Central European Time (CET), 7 hours ahead of GMT, 12 hours ahead of time in New York, 3 hours behind time in Sydney, two hours behind of Tokyo and in the same time zone as Bangkok.
Electricity
Electricity: 220V
However, electricity supply can be unreliable in smaller towns. |
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Entertainment
Eating & Drinking
Lao food is spicy and delicious. There are many similarities between Lao and Thai food, although the former is slightly influenced by Chinese cuisine. Lao dishes are distinguished by the use of aromatic herbs and spices. Rice, especially sticky rice served in small bamboo containers, is the foundation for all Lao meals, and almost all dishes are cooked with fresh vegetables, freshwater fish, poultry, duck, pork, beef or water buffalo. Lime juice, lemon grass and fresh coriander give the food its characteristic taste, and various fermented fish condiments are used to salt the food.
A traditional Lao dish is laap (also meaning ‘luck’ in Lao), made from raw fish or meat crushed into a paste, marinated in lemon juice and mixed with chopped mint. It is called laap sin if it has a meat base and laap paa if it's fish based.
There is also a well-ingrained Vietnamese culinary tradition, and Chinese food is never hard to find. Laos has inherited a sophisticated and tasty colonial legacy. French cuisine is widely available, with street cafes serving delectable fresh croissants, baguettes, pain au chocolat and a selection of sticky pastries.
Shopping
Laos is an ideal place for buying handicrafts and souvenirs. Best buys from Laos are hill-tribe crafts and textiles. Antique textiles from north Laos are occasionally available. There are a wide variety of modern materials that are used to make the pha sin, the Lao sarong, and pha baeng, or shawl, worn by Lao women.
Making silverware is a traditional craft in Laos - most of it is in the form of jewellery and small silver pots. Chunky antique tribal jewellery, bangles, pendants, belts and earrings are often sold in markets in the main towns or antique shops in Vientiane. The tribal belts (sai ao) that are part of the traditional dress of Lao women are especially popular with tourists.
Craftsmen in Laos still produce carvings for temples and coffins. Designs are usually traditional, with a religious theme. Craftsmen produce carved panels and statues for tourists that are available in outlets in Vientiane. Elephant statues ranging in size from small to huge are also very popular. The export of antiques, Buddha statues and important cultural or historical items from Laos is prohibited. |
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