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Vientiane
Vientiane, Laos
The Laotian capital of Vientiane, located on the Mekong River, was a French colony at one time, so visitors can expect to see traces of French influence, including street signs in French. The most popular tourist attraction in this city, also known as “the city of sandalwood,” is a Buddhist stupa, Pha That Luang, which dates back to 1586. The stupa stands 49 meters (147 feet) tall and is believed to contain relics of Buddha. Wat Si Muang, another popular site, is built on the ruins of a Khymer Hindu shrine. The city is a good place to buy silk.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, Laos
The most popular place to visit in Laos, Luang Prabang is an historic city that once served as the capital of the Kingdom of Laos. Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, the city has numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries, with monks walking through the city collecting alms in the morning. There are several waterfalls nearby, some of which offer elephant rides to visitors. A night market at the end of the town’s main street is a good place to buy souvenirs. Adventuresome eaters might want to try fried Mekong River moss, which is a local delicacy.
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng, Лаос
Vang Vieng is a tourist city about a four-hour drive from Vientiane. Originally settled in the 14th century when it was known as Mouang Song, it was given its present name when Laos was a French colony. It is best known for its limestone karst hills. Because it is located on the Nam Song River, many tourist activities, including kayaking and tubing, revolve around the river. Vang Vieng is popular with backpackers who enjoy the relaxed atmosphere as well as hiking in the hills and exploring caves. Ethnic villages, including Hmong, are located close by.
Luang Namtha
Luang Namtha, Laos
The provincial capital of Luang Namtha is the largest city in northwest Laos. It is a destination popular with backpackers, many of whom stop here while hiking from China to Laos. It is a good place to start treks into the hills to visit ethnic hill tribes. Renting a mountain bike or motorcycle is a good way to travel to nearby villages and waterfalls. After a day’s ride, visitors can relax with an herbal sauna. Night markets offer an opportunity to sample a wide variety of local foods cheaply.
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Location
Laos is a socialist state and the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. Located at the heart of the Indochinese peninsula, Laos is bordered by Myanmar (Burma) and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the southeast, and Thailand to the west and southwest.
Transportation
You will find that your feet or a hired bicycle will serve you the best to get around most towns. Even the capital Vientiane is easy to walk around as it is quite compact. Peaceful LuangPrabangis one of the nicest walking and biking destinations in Asia. Alternatively, tuk-tuksprovide the main form of transportation in many towns. These noisy three-wheeled machines will get you to your destination in no time and at little cost. Regular taxis can only be found in Vientiane. To explore the countryside in depth, it is best to hire a car and driver.
Languages Spoken
The national language is Lao, which is closely related to Thai. Although there are five major dialects, they are all mutuallyintelligible and Lao people believe they all speak variations of one language. In LuangPrabangand Vientiane, English is widely spoken and French –the language of the former colonial occupiers –is still spoken by many government officials and educated members of the older generation.
Currency
The kip is the currency of Laos and notes are distributed in denominations of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 kip and 100,000 Kip. US dollars, Euros and Thai baht are also accepted in many places in the more popular tourist areas and these currencies are more convenient to carry than large wads of kip. Banks, hotels, and jewelry shops all offer currency exchange services.
Visas
Prior approval is no longer required for visas to Laos. Foreign tourists are generally admitted into the country for 30 days with an evisa, visa on arrival (obtained at most border check points) without prior authorization, and also for 30 days with a visa issuedata Laotian embassy overseas. Please contact your nearest embassy or consulate of Laos to get specific information. Applicants need to fill in an application form and provide two passport-sized photographs when applying in person.
Electricity
Lao uses 220V. Power outlets usually vary between two-pronged round or flat sockets; however, there is no set standard. It is recommended travelers bring a universal plug adaptor. Power outages happen occasionally but some higher-end hotels have their own generators to provide an emergency power source.
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are coming from an area where the disease is present. However visitors should be inoculated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A and B, tetanus and polio. Malaria and Dengue Fever are present in Laos and it is advisable to take precautions, especially if travelling off the established tourist trail.
Emergency Calls
Police dial 191, or 21 27 03/06 (in Vientiane);
Emergency Medical Services, dial 190;
Fire service dial 190.
When to visit
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FAQs about Laos
Is it safe in Laos?
Laos is generally a safe country and crime directed against foreigners is rare. Nevertheless, as a global rule, never leave belongings unattended and always maintain a firm grip on cameras and shoulder bags. In some tourist sites you may encounter some insistent souvenir sellers. A polite “No, thank you” usually will suffice. Leave your expensive jewelry at home and always use hotel safety deposits boxes or in-room safes for valuables.
Should I tip in Laos?
Tipping for good service is not expected but is always appreciated. Tipping the guide on your tours is optional and should depend on how satisfied you are with the excursion. Hotel porters should be tipped for carrying bags to the room. In other cases, it is totally up to the individual when and how much they tip.
Is the water safe to drink in Laos?
It is not advisable to drink tap water but bottled mineral water is safe and available everywhere. All hotels provide a complimentary bottle of local mineral water, per person, in the room. Ice cubes in drinks are generally okay in good standardhotels and restaurants but it is best to avoid them on street stalls or in country areas. Some minor stomach problems are alwayspossible when travelling in exotic countries so bring the appropriate medication.
How is the access to Wi-fi and/or 3G/4G networks?
Even though Laos is a quiet and rural nation, the Wi-Fi connection is super fast and readily available in most cafes, restaurants, and accommodation properties, from luxury hotels to little bed and breakfasts.
SIM cards cost as little as USD5 with phone-calls running between USD0.25 – 0.50 a minute. To call for help, dial 1191 for police, 1192 for the tourist police, 1190 in case of fire, 1195 for an ambulance, and 1199 for electricity issues.
What to wear?
When visiting temples, men should avoid wearing shorts and slippers while women should not wear short skirts, see-through outfits, sleeveless shirts, skinny jeans or heavy make-up. It’s important to remember that visitors will be not allowed inside if violating these rules. Remove your shoes whenever you enter a temple, pagoda, house, or business.
