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.gif) Before You Go |
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 General Information |
When to Visit |
What to Bring |
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| Health |
Money |
Visas |
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| Dos and Don'ts |
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| General Information |
You have decided to come to Laos - we look forward to seeing you! Before you leave, there are a few things that you should bear in mind and organise. Take your time planning your trip and it will be that much more enjoyable.
We suggest that you buy a good guide book - most guide books contain a lot more background and detailed information
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| When to Visit |
Laos has three distinct seasons, all with their advantages and disadvantages. The best time to visit overall is the cool season, between November and February. By November, the rains are usually over, all rivers are navigable and roads are pasable.
The hot season, from March to May is very dry, but in some places, around Lao New Year, 14th - 16th April, accomodation of your choice may be harder to find. During this time, some rivers are harder to navigate, and boat journeys in remote places may not be possible.
The rainy season, from June to October, whilst the country at its most beautiful and lush, can be difficult to get around in remote places by road. Rivers are
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| What to Bring |
Light clothing made from natural fibres is the best clothing for Laos. You will find that all hotels offer a laundry service, in many cases, this is carried out by hotel chambermaids free of charge. All towns have laundry services and will usually return your clothes to you within 24 hours. Please remember that you should normally wash your own undergarments. In the rainy season, clothes may take longer to dry. For the months of December and January, a light jacket is often necessary in the lowlands - more warm clothing may be needed if travelling in the highlands.
Lao people dress modestly, traditionally, Lao women wear a 'phaa sin', a beautiful wrap around woven skirt made of silk or cotton. Women visitors are not expected to wear skirts, but miniskirts and revealing shorts, may often be viewed as 'not polite'. The best plan is to dress modestly like the locals.
Footwear - bring sandals or slip ons to take off easily when entering temples.
An umbrella is sensible for the rainy season
A flashlight is a good idea, in case of power cuts.
Electrical multi adaptor if you plan on brining electrical appliances - there are many different types of plug sockets used in Laos. Laos uses 220V AC.
Video tapes and camera film can be found in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, but specialist products are often hard to come by. We advise you to bring plenty of film and video tape.
Toiletries can be found in all Lao towns, but outside Vientiane, they are limited in supply. We suggest you bring your own.
Insect repellant can be found in towns, but many visitors have their own favorite brands, not normally found in Laos.
A first aid kit is a very good idea - medical resources are very limited in Laos.
Mobile phones - There are a number of GSM roaming agreements in place - please check with your mobile 'phone service provider.
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| Health |
There are no requirements for immunisation other than the usual requirements if having recently travelled in a yellow fever affected area.
The following immunisations are normally recommended for all travellers to Laos, and other countries in southeast Asia. Please check with your local doctor before travelling.
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Diptheria and Tetanus
- Hepatitis B
- Polio
In addition to the above, the following vaccinations are suggested for visitors spending some time in southeast Asia, especially in remote areas.
- Tuberculosis
- Japanese B Encephalitis
Malaria and Dengue fever are a problem in Laos. However, with caution, they can easily be avoided. Please consult your doctor for anti malarial medication. There is no protection against dengue fever. We suggest that you take the following precautions in addition to taking anti malarial prophylactics. In any case, the best prevention is not to get bitten by mosquitoes.
- Sleep with a mosquito net outside towns
- Wear long sleeves and trousers around dusk
- Use plenty of strong insect repellant - some brands can be applied directly on clothing.
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| Money |
The unit of currency in Laos is the Kip which is available in 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 100 and 50 kip notes. In major towns, Thai Baht and US Dollars are readily accepted in markets, hotels and restaurants. Many hotels will only accept US dollars.
Currency can be changed in most major towns, but we suggest you keep a ready supply of smaller US dollar bills. If you have arrived in Laos from Thailand, you may bring Thai Baht too.
Travellers cheques can be changed in major banks in Vientiane but are difficult to negotiate outside the capital city. If bringing travellers cheques, they should be US$ denomination, from a well known bank, eg American Express or VISA.
Credit cards can be used in major hotels in Vientiane, but are of little use elsewhere.
The best option is, despite the risk of losing it, to bring cash. Visitors arriving via Thailand can change travellers cheques in Bangkok for Thai Baht. Alternatively, bring US dollars. Change Dollars or Baht into Kip as needed.
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| Visas |
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
A passport and visa are required. Visas are issued upon arrival in Laos to foreign tourists and business persons at most border crossings.
You will need two passport size photographs and $30 at Wattay Airport, Vientiane; Friendship Bridge,
Vientiane; and Luang Prabang Airport. Visas on Arrival are not available at the Chong Mek border crossing.
Foreign tourists are generally admitted to Laos for 15 days with a visa on arrival or for 30 days with a visa issued at a Lao
embassy. The Department of Immigration in Vientiane will only extend tourist visas for one day. It is sometimes possible
to get an extension for an additional 15 days by submitting an application through a tour agency. Foreigners who
overstay in Laos risk arrest, and they will be fined $5 for each day upon departure.
Foreign tourists planning on entering Laos at any international checkpoint where Visas on Arrival are not available must
obtain a visa in advance. Check with your nearest Lao Embassy as these are subject to change at short notice.
Immigration offices at some of the less used border-crossing points are net well marked. Travelers should make sure that
they complete immigration and customs formalities when they enter Laos. Travelers who enter Laos without completing
these formalities may be subject to fine, detention, imprisonment, and/or deportation.
VISA NOTES
A Laos TOURIST visa is usually issued for a SINGLE entry within
three months from the date of issue for a period of stay not to exceed 30 days. The visa may be extended in Laos for a further 15 days.
A Laos BUSINESS visa is usually issued for a SINGLE entry within
three months from the date of issue for a period of stay not to exceed 30 days. The visa may be extended in Laos for a further 30 days.
A multi-entry business visa can only be issued after a business joint- venture has been established. Higher consular fees apply.
Passport must have at least six months validity remaining, and one
blank visa page in order for the visa to be issued. TDS can assist
with expediting U.S. Passports whether new issue, renewal, and
adding visa pages.
Frequently asked questions:
Q. Do I need to get a visa before visiting Laos?
A. Not if you enter via the Wattay (Vientiane) International Airport or Luang Prabang International Airport. You can also get a visa at Ban Muang Kao / Chong Mek
Q. I have heard that it is cheaper to get a Lao visa in Bangkok - how do I do this?
A. The cost of a visa in Bangkok is about $10 cheaper in Bangkok - but by the time you get to our embassy (which is situated right out of town) and back, and then return to pick up your visa, you will have wasted a lot of time and money. The cheapest, fastest and easiest option is to get a visa on arrival at Vientiane Airport, Luang Prabang Airport or at the Friendship bridge.
Q. I heard that you can get Visa on Arrival at the border with Thailand at Chong Mek - is this true.
A. There was a time when you could do this, but this is no longer the case.
Q. How long is a tourist visa valid for?
A. 14 days, but you may extend it for $US3 a day, at any travel agent in in Vientiane.
Lao Embassies can be found in the following countries:
| Australia |
Indonesia |
Russia |
Embassy of Lao PDR
1 Dalman Crescent
O'Malley
Canberra, ACT |
Embassy of Lao PDR
Jalan Kintamani Raya
c15 No 33
Kuningan Timur, Jakarta |
Embassy of Lao PDR
Moscow 121069
UL
Katchalova 18 |
laos |
Japan |
Singapore |
Embassy of Lao PDR
15-17 Mao TseTung Blvd
PO Box 19
Phnom Penh, laos |
Embassy of Lao PDR
3-3-22 Nishi-Azabu
Minato-Ku
Tokyo |
Embassy of Lao PDR
179-B Goldhill Centre
Thomson Road
Singapore |
China |
Malaysia |
Sweden |
Embassy of Lao PDR
Sanlitum Dongsie jie
Beijing 100600 |
Embassy of Lao PDR
1 Loront Damai Tiga
Kuala Lumpur 55000 |
Embassy of Lao PDR
Badstrandvagen 11
11265 Stockholm |
Cuba |
Mongolia |
Thailand |
Embassy of Lao PDR
7 Are calle 36A
505 Miramar
Havana, CUBA |
Embassy of Lao PDR
Ikh Toiruu
PO Box 1030
Ulan Bator |
Embassy of Lao PDR
520.502/1-3
Soiramkhamhaeng 39
Bangkapi, Bangkok |
France |
Myanmar |
USA |
Embassy of Lao PDR
74, Av. Raymond Poincare
75011 Paris |
Embassy of Lao PDR
Na 1 Diplomatic
Quarters
France Road, Yangon |
Permanent Mission of Lao PDR
317 East 51 Street
New York |
Germany |
Philippines |
USA |
Embassy of Lao PDR
Am Lessing 6
53639 Koenigswinter 1
Bonn |
Embassy of Lao PDR
34 Lapu-Lapu Street
Magallaness Village
Manila |
Embassy of Lao PDR
2222 S Street NW
Washington DC |
India |
Poland |
Vietnam |
Embassy of Lao PDR
E53 Panchsheel Park
New Delhi - 17 |
Embassy of Lao PDR
UL Rejtana 15/26
02-516 Warsaw |
Embassy of Lao PDR
22 Rue Tran Binh Trong
Hanoi
SR of Vietnam |
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| Dos and Don'ts |
General Advice - show respect and use your head and eyes and common sense will guide you well in navigating Lao culture safely.
When in Laos, try and do as the as the Lao do and remember; don't touch heads, don't loose your cool with people and don't flash your flesh. The rest is about manners, shoes left outside, accepting hosts' greetings and not upsetting religious feelings.
The Lao are very friendly and hospitable and a minimum effort will make your trip smooth and memorable.
Respect the culture and you will earn its respect in turn.
Welcome - a kiss or embrace from a stranger is insulting and humiliating. Traditionally, Lao people use the 'NOP' on meeting and using it will win you instant friends if performed sincerely.
How to use the 'NOP'?
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