GENERAL INFORMATION OF LAO TRAVEL GUIDE
- Capital: Vientiane
- Population: 6.858 million (2017)
- Area: 236,800 km² (91,429 mi²)Spoken Language: Lao
- Location: Southeast Asia
Consisting of glittering gilded temples, saffron-clad monks, verdant rice fields and extremely friendly people, Laos retains a tranquil and mysterious corner of an ever-changing world. Most people visit Laos as part of a longer Indochina tour, often entering Luang Prabang from Thailand or Vietnam. However, Laos itself does deserve a further exploration, once getting here, travelers will unconsciously slow down to match the peaceful tone and slow pace unique to this pristine land. After a few of days here, you’ll find every part of the country from history, culture, people to landscape just too intoxicating to leave them behind.
Our Lao travel guide has compiled a collection of practical information & travel tips about visa, weather, hotels, tourist attractions, food, shopping etc. in the hope to help you better prepare your upcoming Laos tour. To have a totally carefree travel experience and make the most out of your stay there, why not let us be your personal travel guide to Laos and make your trip a lifetime journey.
POPULAR ATTRACTIVE DESTINATIONS
For Lao travel guide, One magic about Laos is that you can find quite a lot of things to do & see in this small land. Luang Prabang is the No.1 must go for any tour to Laos – the entire town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the perfect manifestation of Lao history and culture. Other than it, you can also savor the seamless blend of kaleidoscopic temples and colonial architecture in Vientiane, enjoy the stunning sunset and pure simplicity of island life on the Si Phan Don or just throw yourself into the exciting adventure and ubiquitous music and Beer Lao in Vang Vieng… Just make sure you set aside enough days and energy for your exploration in Laos.
Sorted by cities, you can easily find more about things to do & see in Laos, or just spare all the troubles and let your travel consultant tailor-make a Laos itinerary exactly according to your interest.
GENERAL INTRODUCTION OF FOOD IN LAO
Lao cuisine is different from other cuisines in the Southeast Asian region. Originally coming from somewhere in the north part of China, Lao cuisine experienced many changes as Lao people immigrated into neighboring areas where Thailand and Vietnam were located.
The staple food of Lao cuisine is sticky rice, which Lao people consume every meal on daily basis. Fresh vegetables and herbs are common garnishes topped on the food. Freshwater fish is one of the favorite foods in Laos since it’s a landlocked country. Spicy, sour and salty are the appropriate words to describe the savor of Lao foods. Visitors doing Laos tours are usually pleased with the meals and would leave with a new idea about Lao cuisine.
POPULAR DISHES
Lao travel guide would liked you to try these:
Laap: As a traditional Lao food, Laap is a meat-based salad made from minced meat like chicken or fish with raw vegetables, spice, fish sauce, and sticky rice. It’s said that Laap is the national dish in Laos that every visitor to the country should try it.
Pho: Pho is the variation of the famous Vietnam noodle soup that can be found everywhere in Laos. It’s featured with mellow soup incorporating greens slices of variation of meat, such as beef, chicken.
Local Beer: It is a good brew that gives you best refreshment on a summer day. The country’s award-winning brand Beer Lao is a highly favored beverage for both expatriates and residents.
Papaya Salad: This salad is made from sliced raw papaya, spice, sugar, fermented fish sauce and shrimp paste with tomatoes, lime juice, etc.. It’s among the best food of Laos, a super spicy dish that not all would dare a try. Note: the salad is uncooked.
Baguette Sandwich: Since Laos was influenced greatly by French during the colonial time, its cuisine contains a bit of French taste. Baguette Sandwich is the evident legacy that mostly sold in the capital Vientiane. The baguette is cut in half and stuffed with tomatoes, cheese, onion, pork and chopped ham with chili sauce.
Sai Oua: It is pork sausage marinated with herbs, such as shallots, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal and seasoned with Lao fish sauce. The locals usually have this food along with raw greens and sticky rice.
SHOPPING IN LAO
For Lao travel guide, you should buy some of these:
Lao Silk: One thing that is most worth buying in Laos is handmade Lao silk, which can be tailor-made into traditional Lao dresses. Silk products like the table runner, bedspread and scarf are also popular souvenirs with visitors. They are cheap to get with a price from only some dollars.
Handicrafts: Most hill-tribe people living in Laos make a living by creating outstanding handicrafts that sold for local and foreign markets. That’s why you should buy their work to support their family. Famous handicrafts include textiles, baskets, handmade incense, wood and stone sculptures, natural papers, all of which can be found either in local markets or the remote villages you visit.
Silver: You might notice the silver belt, silver earrings, bracelets worn by Lao women, including school students and government officers. Accessories made of silver are common to see in Laos, where produces genuine silver as Thailand does. Figures and animal images are hammered into large silver bowels, which were once used for religious ceremonies. Now for visitors, they are delicate gifts for relatives and friends.
Arts: Paintings made by local artists are worth buying when you are doing Laos tours. They are easy to pick up at night markets and often sold by the river. If you wish to meet something of higher quality, go to the local galleries, where works by better-known painters are on display. Exhibition held at the Art School of the National University is also a good place to find talent’s paintings.
Lao Coffee: It goes a little different from the one you find in Vietnam. The truth that Laos is the best place to grow coffee among Southeast Asian countries proves the excellent quality of its coffee products. In streets and duty-free shops, they sell Lao coffee like hot cakes. So why not try it and bring the flavor home?
Replica of Antiques: Since Laos is an ancient country with a long history, antiques are inevitably hot articles that collectors are chasing after. For visitors, Lao antiques and Buddhist artifacts are prohibited brought out of the country or they’ll be fined ruthlessly. Our suggestion is to buy a replica of antiques, such as clothes, carvings, potteries, and coins.
LAO VISA
- What kind of visa do I need to travel Laos? – To travel Laos, visitors need a tourist visa issued by a Lao consulate or embassy abroad. – Visa on Arrival is also available at international airports in Vientiane and Luang Prabang for most people except for some countries’ citizens as listed here. – Aliens enter Laos without a visa must be citizens of Russia, Japan, Swiss, Korea, and ASEAN nationals. – It’s suggested apply for a Visa on Arrival due to quick process and for your convenience
- What are the validity of a LaoVisa and the duration of my Laos stay? – A Lao Visa is valid for 60 days from the issuing date. The duration of your Laos stay is normally 30 days for one entry from the date of entry.
- What materials do I need to apply for a Lao Visa? – One application form, one or two passport photos, a passport for at least 6 months with at least one-page blank.
- What is the price of applying for a Lao Visa? 30 – 42 usd
THE WEATHER AND CLIMATE
The altitude that Laos is in affects much of the country’s weather by reducing its average temperatures. Due to the monsoon cycles, there are two seasons in lao weather: the dry season and wet season.
The dry season begins in November to April when the sun is shining brightly with an average not-too-hot temperature of 17~29°C. Sometimes between February and April, it can reach above 32 °C with cool air.
Thanks to the monsoon, the wet season runs from May to October with a temperature of 23~30°C. As with many other Southeast Asian countries (Cambodia, Thailand, etc.), Laos in this season is embraced with a rainfall or downpour for a few hours each day. It is humid and hot, especially areas in the Mekong River valley.
BEST TIME TO VISIT LAO
For Lao travel guide, The optimal time to visit Laos is between November and February, which is within the dry season. Rainfall is the lowest of the year and the sky is clear to take pictures. Major national and regional festivals take place during the period, so you may catch up with some fun. Side note: this is also the favorite time for other visitors both from at home and abroad swamp to Laos’ attractions.
As to what clothes to pack, if you are going to have mountain experience, warmer clothes would be helpful. Loose cotton fabrics are for all year round, while a jumper or fleece is needed in the evening. Temple-hopping in Luang Prabang requires a pair of comfortable sneakers. A raincoat or umbrella is what you hope you should have brought when you are in town during the monsoons.
GETTING TO LAO
By Flight: There are a few airlines that handle international flights in Laos. In Vientiane and Luang Prabang they are Lao Airlines, Thai Airways and Vietnam Airlines while the Bangkok Airways only serves in Vientiane. The third international airport launched in Paske, offering flights to and from Siem Reap (Cambodia) and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) by Lao Airlines. Therefore, with direct flights, it’s easy for visitors to take short travel to neighboring countries by air.
By Train: There is an overnight sleeping train which departs from Thailand at 8pm every night and arrivals at the frontier of Laos the next morning. Visa on arrival is available. It’s cheap to afford, but not many people opt to take due to the rare known location of the station and the poor service on train.
TRAVEL AROUND LAO
By Flight: Major tourist cities are well connected by moderate-priced flights. The Lao Airlines is the only carrier that serves domestic flights and offers routes like Vientiane – Luang Prabang, Vientiane – Pakse, and Vientiane – Savannkhet. The trip is shorter than you can imagine. In high seasons the ticket is hard to book so please contact us to make your booking at an early stage.
By Boat: River is a shortcut for those who have put up with the horrible road condition of Laos. The main Mekong route linking Houayxai to Luang Prabang is the tour we can do if you like.
GOOD TIPS BEFORE YOU COME
1.Telephone & Mobile Phone
For Lao travel guide, You can make international calls at Laos Telecom offices in most provincial capitals or post offices. Calls to most countries usually cost between 0.75USD and 1.80USD per minutes. Still, cyber cafes are a cheaper way to go. If you want to use your mobile phone in Laos, the simplest and cheapest way is to buy a prepaid phone card from most mini-marts or phone shops for around US$10. The major phone providers are Tango and Laotel. Or check if your phone company has international roaming coverage in Laos.
2. Internet
You will find plenty of internet cafes in larger towns and cities, and in many guesthouse and hotels as well. Wi-fi is available in some upscale hotel.
3. Voltage
The usual voltage is 220V. Power supplies can be erratic, so be prepared to be flexible. Plugs with two round pins are more popular than the three-pin. If you have any devices needing a special outlet, please bring its adapter kit. The best investment is the universal AC adapter, which will enable you to plug it in anywhere.
4. Money
The official national currency in Laos is the Lao kip (LAK). Kip notes come in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10, 000, 20, 000 and the recently printed 50, 000 kip. There are Three currencies in Laos: Lao kips, US dollars, and Thai baht, the latter two are readily acceptable in large cities and towns at most business.
– Please note that only new crisp notes are accepted in Laos. US$100 notes receiving a better exchange rate; US$ notes of the series number before 1996 as well as US$100 notes with the series number CB, dirty and/or damaged notes, or notes with any writing on it are not accepted in Laos. Please bring some small changes with you for your convenience.
5. Credit card
A growing number of hotels, upmarket restaurants, and gift shops in Vientiane and Luang Prabang accept Visa and Master Card, and to a much lesser extent Amex and JCB. Outside of these three towns, credit cards are virtually useless and kip is more preferred. Major banks in Laos like Banque pour le Commerce Extérieur du Lao (BCEL) has branches in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng; Savannakhet and Pakse offer cash advances/withdrawals on Visa credit/debit cards at a 3% transaction fee, other banks may have slightly different charges. Advances/withdrawals can be made in Lao kip only when it’s not possible to withdraw US dollars or Thai baht.
6. ATMs
Travelers may get cheered to know that ATMs have made a tentative landing in Laos. But before you get overexcited, the ATMs are only available in Vientiane, Vang Vieng and there is a maximum of 700,000 kips (about US$70) a time, with each withdrawal incurring a US$2 fee from BCEL. Taking your plastic into the bank itself might be cheaper If you have to pay relatively high charges to your home bank on each overseas withdrawal. Please note that ATMs dispense cash in Lao kip to Visa and Master Card accounts only.
7. Travelers Cheques
Travelers Cheques can be cashed at most banks in Laos, but normally only in exchange for kip. Cheques in US dollars are the most readily acceptable, and in fact outside Vientiane the only cheques accepted. Very few merchants accept traveler’s cheques.
8. Clothing & Shoes
In Laos, remember to take off shoes before entering private houses and religious sites. You shouldn’t wear the sleeveless top and short pants in religious sites. Men should wear tops and women should avoid skimpy tops and tight shorts. In addition, you will gain more respect if you are well turned out and modest in your dress. Check out the Laos weather to prepare fitting clothes.
9. Drinking Water & Food
For Lao travel guide, Drink only purified bottled water. Many hotels provide complimentary bottled water in rooms, and if not, it is very convenient to buy in a local store; only eat well-done meat and fish. you should have cooked vegetable and peel your fruits
10. Immigration
Receipt of purchase and an export permit voucher for locally bought goods such as gems and jewelry may be required upon departure.
11. Time
Laos is 7 hours ahead Greenwich time.
12. Photos
Generally, the Lao do not have any objections against being photographed. However, being politely to obtain his/her approval. It is not a problem anymore to bring along video cameras. Many pagodas charge a minimal fee for cameras; video cameras might be a little expensive. Some museums restrict photography. Read the rules at the tourist attractions before you get in.
13. Tipping
For Lao travel guide, While tipping has now become an accepted practice in Asian countries, it should always be considered a gesture of appreciation for good service and not an obligation. It is an incentive to guides to maintain a high-level service, helpfulness, and friendliness and we strongly insist to allow our clients a choice in this matter. Therefore our tour price doesn’t include a fixed amount to cover all potential gratuities.
If you would like to know the proper amount for tipping, the following standard is for your reference:
1) If you are traveling in a small group between 2 and 5 members, We suggest approximately US $10 to US $15 /per guest per day as tips for tour guide and driver and about US $3 to US$ 2 for hotel bellboys as a gratitude for their service.
2) If you are coming in a group like 6 to 9 members, We suggest US $8 to US $10 /per guest per day as tips for the guide and driver and about US $2 to US $3 for hotel bellboys as a gratitude for their service.
3) If you are traveling in a group with more than 10 people, We suggest US $5 to US $7 /per guest per day as tips for the tour guide and driver and about US $3 to US $5 for hotel bellboys as a gratitude for their service. Above is for your reference only, again tipping is a personal matter, and you can always adjust the amount based on your satisfaction with the service you get from your tour guides, drivers, bellboys and so on.
14. Suggested Things to Bring
– Sun hat, sunglasses, sun lotion;
– Prescription medicines, antibiotic cream for minor cuts and scratches;
– Insect repellent; toothbrush, toothpaste or other toiletries;
– Umbrella, a small flashlight, sandals, international adaptor;
– Extra passport photos;
– Decaffeinated coffee (if you require).
15. Monks & Nuns
Respect: please show respect in certain manners to the monks and nuns; argument and criticism on their religions are taken insulting. Please ask for permits before photo shooting. Moreover, women don’t touch monks, also women should put the object within the monk’s reach while passing stuff.
16. Emergency Numbers
Police: 119
Ambulance: 195
OTHER TRAVEL GUIDES:
