Travel by air is the most convenient means transportation within Laos. Laos Aviation flies daily from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Pakse and Oudomsay. Furthermore, there are several flights a week to Laung Namtha,Sayabori, Houeixay, Sam Neua, Saravane, Lakxao, Muangkhong and attapue. The latest information aboat flight schedules and routes is avaible at the Laos viation Head office in 2 Phangkham road, Vientiane,Laos has 18,135 km national road, 2,55km of which are paved.
The most importance road is route No 13 linking, which runs north south from China to Cambodia. It links Pak Mong in north with Hlong in the south passing though major urban areas of Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Savannakhet, Champassack. Accept that, there are the road No.1 linked between Thailand and China, No.8 and No.9 lined between Thailand and Vietnam.The Mekong River flows though 1,865 km of Laos. Although not navigable in its entirety, it provides a natural means of transportation over long stretches. In addition many tributary rivers of the Mekong River such as the Nam ou, Nam Ngum, Se Don, and others river are used for water transportation.The kip is the official currency of Laos. The bank note are presently in denomination of 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 kip. All major currencies suck as the US Dollar, France Franc, DM, Yen, Bath and others can be exchanged at Banks that are located in all major towns. In Luang Prabang and Vientiane competitive rates are offered numerous authorized private exchange bureaus. One exchange facility is available at Wattay airport in Vientiane.Exchange bureaus and banks will cash traveler cheques in major currencies. Furthermore, most domestic and foreign bank in Vientiane allow cash withdrawals on visa credit cards can be used in many restaurants and hotels, too. In case of journey to remote areas it is, of cause, advisable to take a good supply of kip with you.
Tourist Information
Key Facts
Country: Laos
Capital: Vientiane
Area: 236,800 sq km
Population: 6.36 million
Religions: Buddhist 60%, animist and others 40%
Languages: Lao (official), some English and French in the tourist places
Time: GMT + 7 hours
Visa Formalities: UKcitizens require a visa. It can be obtained at the main internationalcheckpoints throughout Laos. A 15-day single entry visa costs US$30.
Currency: Kip
Electricity: 230V, 50Hz cycle
Local laws and customs
You should be aware of and respect local laws at all times. Do not get involved with illegal drugs. Possession, trafficking and manufacture of such drugs are serious offences in Laos. Those caught face lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty.
There have been several deaths as a result of drug abuse among foreigners visiting Laos.
The Lao Government prohibits sexual relationships between foreign citizens and Lao nationals, except when the two parties have been married in accordance with Lao Family Law. It is not unknown for Lao authorities to demand entry into hotel rooms or guesthouses where they suspect this regulation is being broken. Permission for marriage or engagement to a Lao citizen must be submitted in a formal application to the Lao authorities. Penalties for engaging in prohibited sexual contact or failing to register a relationship range from US$500 to US$5,000 and may also involve imprisonment.
It is illegal not to carry an ID document or a passport, and fines for not having documentation for presentation on demand can be high.
Photographing or visiting military sites is prohibited and can result in arrest or detention.
VISA Information
AMBASSADE DE LA REPUBLIC DEMOCRATIQUE POPULAIRE LAO
74 Avenue Raymond Poincar – 75116
PARIS
FRANCE
Tel : 033 7 30 97 31 53
Fax : 033 1 47 27 57 89
There is currently no Laos representation in the United Kingdom, visa and immigration enquiries should be directed to the above.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
All visitors to Laos require a passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival in Laos. In addition all visitors require a visa for the duration of their stay .Visas are stamped at the port of entry.
Note: The above is only for information purpose. Visa requirement might be changed by the concerned embassy, hence kindly visit the embassy website or speak to the concerned authority before applying for the visa.
Getting Around
Travel by AirTravel by air is the most convenient means transportation within Laos. Laos Aviation flies daily from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Pakse and Oudomsay. Furthermore, there are several flights a week to Laung Namtha,Sayabori, Houeixay, Sam Neua, Saravane, Lakxao, Muangkhong and attapue. The latest information aboat flight schedules and routes is avaible at the Laos viation Head office in 2 Phangkham road, Vientiane.
Travel by Road
Laos has 18,135 km national road, 2,55km of which are paved. The most importance road is route No 13 linking, which runs north south from China to Cambodia. It links Pak Mong in north with Hlong in the south passing though major urban areas of Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Savannakhet, Champassack. Accept that, there are the road No.1 linked between Thailand and China, No.8 and No.9 lined between Thailand and Vietnam.
Travel by Boat
The Mekong River flows though 1,865 km of Laos. Although not navigable in its entirety, it provides a natural means of transportation over long stretches. In addition many tributary rivers of the Mekong River such as the Nam ou, Nam Ngum, Se Don, and others river are used for water transportation.
Money Exchange
The kip is the official currency of Laos. The bank note are presently in denomination of 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 kip.
All major currencies suck as the US Dollar, France Franc, DM, Yen, Bath and others can be exchanged at Banks that are located in all major towns. In Luang Prabang and Vientiane competitive rates are offered numerous authorized private exchange bureaus. One exchange facility is available at Wattay airport in Vientiane.
Exchange bureaus and banks will cash traveler cheques in major currencies. Furthermore, most domestic and foreign bank in Vientiane allow cash withdrawals on visa credit cards can be used in many restaurants and hotels, too. In case of journey to remote areas it is, of cause, advisable to take a good supply of kip with you.
Dos and Don’t General Advice
How respect and use your head; Eyes and common sense will guide you well in navigating Laos’s culture safely. When in Laos, try and do as the Laos do and remember: don’t touch heads, don’t lose cool with people, and don’t flash your flesh. The rest about manners: Shoes left outside, accepting host’s greeting; not upsetting religious feeling. The Laos are friendly and hospitable. A minimum of effort will make your trip smooth and memorable.
Respect the culture and will earn its respect in turn. How to “nop”? Raise your hands in a playing gesture. The higher you go, the more respect you show, but don’t be over the top!
Welcome
A kiss or embrace from a stranger is insulting and humiliating. Traditionally, Laos’s people use the Nop on meeting and using it will win you instant friends if performed sincerely.
A handshake will suffice, but try to use the Laos greeting of “sabai dee”
Foot and Head
In Buddhism and general Asian society, the head is very important to the soul and is purity, while the feet walk the earth and all that posited on it. Biasing your feet to headlight, putting them on furniture or pointing with them is taken as a deliberate insult or sign of barbarism.
Don’t gesture with your feet on touch an Asian head. You be asking for trouble. Here, as in all things, check out what local people does with feet and shoes and try to follow suit.
Appearance
Bodily hygiene and cleanliness are of the highest standard in Laos and a visitor’s failure to meet these standard is nit well received. Wash your self and your clothes daily or prepare to the laughed at and avoided!
Religion
Religion is the major part of daily life and remains the practice of the massive majority.
Show respect in temples and shrines, watching how locals behave in such places.
The basic rules
- No shoes in temple buildings
Keep your head lower than Buddha and monks - Don’t touch the Buddha Don’t turn your back on the Buddha or touch him.
- And ladies… If touch a monk, he’ll have to spend days ritually cleansing the disgrace away…
