LAOS TRAVEL TIPS

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING TO LAOS

laos Travel Tips: Comprehensive guide to travel laos


The least developed destination in Indochina. This readers Laos travel tips & Guide to travel to Laos introduce you with a timeless quality and a refreshingly unhurried pace of life, bucolic country scenes and a languid charm. Traveling in Laos, open you with a life-style that has changed little in centuries and Western influence is minimal, even in its diminutive capital, Vientiane. The French colonialists have left their mark of course, but apart from their elaborate villas in the country’s few small cities and the street-side cafes serving excellent coffee, little remains of the years under colonial rule. The country’s magnificent gilded temples, saffron-robed monks, colorful hill tribes and small-scale farms have survived unchanged, however. The former royal capital, Luang Prabang, with its ancient temples and silent processions of monks is a romantic remnant of an Asia long lost in other parts of the region. Around it, spectacular mountain scenery gives way to the upper reaches of the Mekong River. To the east, you will find the enigmatic Plain of Jars, a megalithic site scattered with hundreds of massive stone jars, while in the far south, the mighty Mekong fans out into the 4,000 Islands, an area of quiet backwaters and resilient communities.

Laos is Southeast Asia’s most pristine destination to travel, intact cultures and quite possibly the most chilled-out people on earth mean destination Laos is fast earning cult status among travellers. It is developing quickly but still has much of the tradition that has sadly disappeared elsewhere in South-east of Asia. Village life is refreshingly simple and even in Vientiane it’s hard to believe this sort of languid riverfront life exists in a national capital. Then, of course, there is the historic royal city of Luang Prabang, where watching as hundreds of saffron-robed monks move silently among centuries-old monasteries is as romantic a scene as you’ll experience anywhere in Asia.

wat x'en thong

Laos Travel facts and quick Information


Money

The official national currency in Laos is the Lao kip (LAK). Although only kip is legally negotiable in everyday transactions, in reality three currencies are used for commerce: kip, Thai baht (B) and US dollars (US$). In larger cities and towns, baht and US dollars are readily acceptable at most businesses, including hotels, restaurants and shops. In smaller towns and villages, kip is usually preferred. The rule of thumb is that for everyday small purchases, prices are quoted in kip. More expensive goods and services (eg long-distance boat hire) may be quoted in baht or dollars, while anything costing US$100 or more (eg tours, long-term car hire) is quoted in US dollars. The Lao kip is not convertible to any currency outside of the Lao PDR. Because of this, the only reliable sources of foreign exchange information are those inside the country. Read more about Laos Currency and money

Visa and border crossings

Comparing to Vietnam and Thailand, Laos has relatively easier visa Bureaucracy. Citizens of almost all countries, except middle-eastern and the north african will be granted a 30-day tourist visa at the international check-points. There are four international airports, the Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Luang Prabang International Airport, Savannakhet International Airport and Pakse International Airport. Read more on how to get Laos Visa on arrival.

Landlocked Laos has a number of open borders making journeys into or from Thailand, Vietnam or Cambodia extremely straightforward. From northern Thailand you can reach Luang Prabang by road via Luang Nam Tha or by boat via Pakbeng. If heading towards Hanoi, a route taking in the Plain of Jars, the Vieng Xai Caves and the Nam Nern Night Safari is possible. From Vientiane
it is a short hop to Nong Khai in Thailand’s northeast, while in the south, follow the Mekong into Cambodia and an adventure in Mondulkiri awaits. Alternatively, drive from Wat Phou in Champasak to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand for an overland route through southern Isaan to Bangkok. Our specialists will be delighted to discuss the many possible border crossings with you.

Safety

Very safe, no danger against tourist, but, while Lao are generally trustworthy people and theft is much less common than elsewhere in Southeast Asia, it has risen in recent years. Most of the reports we’ve heard involve opportunistic acts that, if you are aware of them, are fairly easily avoided.

Money or goods going missing from hotel rooms is becoming more common, so don’t leave cash or other tempting items (such as women’s cosmetics) out on show. If you ride a crowded bus, watch your luggage and don’t keep money in your trouser pockets. If you ride a bicycle or motorcycle in Vientiane, don’t place anything of value in the basket – thieving duos on motorbikes have been known to ride by and snatch bags from baskets. Also in Vientiane, we’ve had several reports of (usually) women having daypacks stolen after they’ve changed money near the BCEL bank on the riverfront – be especially careful around here.

Other reports involve theft on buses between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and on the slow boat between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang. Simple locks on your bags are usually enough to discourage the light-fingered.

Language

Lao, or Laotian is the official language of the country and it belongs to the Thai language, which includes Thailand, Shan (Tai Yai), spoken in Myanmar (Burma); Phuan, spoken in Laos and parts of Thailand, and Leu Tai, spoken by the Dai minority in the southern Chinese province of Yunnan. English is spoken more less in bigger cities and by young generation as well as in the tourist attractions restaurants and hotels.

Festivals, events and Celebrations

Festivals in Laos are generally linked to agricultural seasons or historical Buddhist holidays. The lunar new year begins in mid-April and the entire country comes to a halt and celebrates. Houses are cleaned, offerings are made in wats and everyone gets dowsed by water. Bun Bang Fai (the rocket festival) takes place in May. It’s an irreverent pre-Buddhist celebration with plenty of processions, music and dancing, accompanied by the firing of bamboo rockets to prompt the heavens to send rain. The week-long That Luang Festival in Vientiane in November has the whole repertoire of fireworks, candlelit processions and music.

laos festivals and events

Laos guide and travel planning


Weather

The annual monsoon cycles that affect all of mainland Southeast Asia produce a ‘dry and wet monsoon climate’ with three basic seasons for most of Laos. The southwest monsoon arrives in Laos between May and July and lasts into November.  The monsoon is followed by a dry period (from November to May), beginning with lower relative temperatures and cool breezes created by Asia’s northeast monsoon (which bypasses most of Laos), lasting until mid-February. Exceptions to this general pattern include Xieng Khuang, Hua Phan and Phongsali Provinces, which may receive rainfall coming from Vietnam and China during the months of April and May. Rainfall varies substantially according to latitude and altitude, with the highlands of Vientiane, Bolikhamsai, Khammuan and eastern Champasak Provinces receiving the most.  Temperatures also vary according to altitude. In the humid, low-lying Mekong River valley, temperatures range from 15°C to 38°C, while the mountains of Xieng Khuang it can drop to 0°C at night.

laos travel tips

When to go

The best time for visiting most of Laos is between November and February, when it rains the least and is not too hot. It’s also Laos’s main season for both national and regional bun (festivals). If you plan to focus on the mountainous northern provinces, the hot season (from March to May) and early rainy season (around June) is not bad either, as temperatures are moderate at higher elevations. Southern Laos, on the other hand, is best avoided from March to May, when day-time temperatures break into the 40s and nights aren’t much cooler.

The rainy season is not as bad as you might think. While it will rain – very heavily – the downpours are often fairly brief and can be bracketed by long periods of sunshine. The rains also clear dust from the skies and land, making everything clearer and brighter. Of course, there are downsides; unsealed roads can become quagmires and extensive travel in remote areas like Salavan, Phongsali and Sainyabuli might be impossible. River travel can be a good alternative during these months. If you intend to travel extensively by river, November is the best; flooding has usually subsided yet river levels are still high enough for maximum navigability.

Between January and June, low water can make navigating some rivers difficult. December to February and August are the peak tourist times. January, in particular, is very busy and booking ahead is advisable.

Costs & budget

Laos is an inexpensive country to visit by almost any standards. Not including transport, a budget of US$ 35 a day brings with it decent food and comfortable, but basic, accommodation sweet traveling on a shoestring style. When you add air-con, hot water and falang (Western) food, costs are around US$30 to per day if you economise, and around US$100 for top-end resorts and luxury stay and fine meal and wine. Of course, you can spend even more if you stay in the best hotels and eat at the most expensive restaurants, although such a scenario exists only in Vientianeand Luang Prabang. All these costs are paid in a mix of US dollars, Thai baht and or Lao kip. Credit cards and other bank cards aren’t widely accepted, so pack cash only.

Accommodation

There is a surprising range of accommodation in Laos, much of it locally- run and full of character. In Luang Prabang and Vientiane, French colonial villas have been converted into small, stylish hotels with a warm welcome and all the requisite comforts. Several of these offer the luxury of swimming pools and spas. In the mountains of the north, rustic but comfortable lodges have opened for those who wish to stay in remote locations to explore the natural wonders of this region, while simple yet welcoming resorts in the south are perfect bases for exploring one of the most stunning areas of the country.

What to Pack for Traveling Laos


Not much to bring expect for a proper clothing, remember to cover your legs and arms when entering to Wat and temples. Pack medications in their original, clearly labelled, containers. A signed and dated letter from your physician describing your medical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a good idea. If carrying syringes or needles, be sure to have a physician’s letter documenting their medical necessity. If you have a heart condition bring a copy of your ECG taken just prior to travelling. If you happen to take any regular medication, bring double your needs in case of loss or theft. In Laos it can be difficult to find some of the newer drugs, particularly the latest antidepressant drugs, blood pressure medications and contraceptive pills.

Vaccinations

The only vaccine required by international regulations is yellow fever. Proof of vaccination will only be required if you have visited a country in the yellow-fever zone within the six days prior to entering Southeast Asia. If you are travelling to Southeast Asia from Africa or South America you should check to see if you require proof of vaccination.  Specialised travel-medicine clinics are your best source of information; they stock all available vaccines and will be able to give specific recommendations for you and your trip. The doctors will take into account factors such as past vaccination history, the length of your trip, activities you may be undertaking, and underlying medical conditions, such as pregnancy.

Most vaccines don’t produce immunity until at least two weeks after they’re given, so visit a doctor four to eight weeks before departure. Ask your doctor for an International Certificate of Vaccination (otherwise known as the yellow booklet), which will list all the vaccinations you’ve received. In the US, the yellow booklet is no longer issued, but it is highly unlikely the Lao authorities will ask for proof of vaccinations (unless you have recently been in a yellow-fever affected country).

laos ravel tips

BEST THINGS TO DO IN LAOS


Luang prabang

Once the ancient capital of northern Laos and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang has retained much of its majesty and tranquillity. The town has more than 30 beautifully gilded temples and is a spiritual centre for the entire country. At dawn saffron-robed monks stream from the temples down narrow streets and alleys between buildings dating back to the French colonial era, collecting alms from their neighbours in the early morning light. The temple of Wat Xieng Thong is a highlight with its intricate mosaics, while the hilltop Wat Phu Si affords wonderful views over the town, the Mekong River and surrounding mountains. After the sun sets over the Mekong the town comes to life with a night market offering a huge range of goods. Luang Prabang’s spectacular scenery offers opportunities for enjoyable trekking, river trips or elephant experiences. Here are a few of our favourite activities around the town.

Kuang Si Waterfalls

The picturesque Kuang Si Waterfalls are 30 kilometres from Luang Prabang and are best seen in the early morning before the crowds arrive. Enjoy an al fresco breakfast by the falls before climbing to the top for a swim in the natural pools. You can also visit a nearby sanctuary to see the endangered Asiatic ‘moon’ bear.

Meditation with monks

In keeping with Laos’ spiritual side, it is possible to spend time at the hillside temple of Wat Phou Kouey, on the outskirts of Luang Prabang, with a resident monk who can guide you on the principles of meditation. This is a peaceful temple, which few visit, making it all the more special.

Ock Pop Tok

Ock Pop Tok is a non-profit organisation working to preserve, revitalise and promote textile making. Focusing on the strikingly colourful and intricate designs of the Tai ethnic minorities which reflect their animist, shamanic and Buddhist influences, the organisation runs a couple of galleries in Luang Prabang and a weaving centre just outside the town. Learn to weave or prepare mulberry leaves for the silkworms in a wonderfully hands-on experience offering a deeper insight into the traditions and skills behind the beautiful textiles that are sold throughout Laos.

Living Land Organic Farm

The Living Land Organic Farm is a wonderful opportunity to experience the life of a Laotian farmer and try your hand at working with a water buffalo in knee-deep muddy rice paddies. Enjoyable and very educational, you will learn about the 13 steps and various methods involved in planting, growing, harvesting and cooking rice.

travel to laos

The Far North

Traveling northern part of Laos in a remote region where a craggy and mountainous landscape has kept the modern world at bay, protecting isolated minority villages perched on sheer hillsides and huddled in protected valleys. Heading north from the Thai border towards China, the town of Luang Nam Tha is the gateway to the Nam Ha National Protected Area and provides countless opportunities to explore on foot, by kayak and on mountain bikes. A little further south you will stumble upon the picturesque area of Muang La and the dramatic valley of Nong Khiaw. Improved road conditions mean it is now at least possible to travel through this previously remote area, although landslides are not uncommon during the rainy season.

Nong Khiaw

Situated just two to three hours’ drive north of Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw is a quiet backwater that sees relatively few travellers. The town itself is small and rustic but the setting is exceptional. Poised between the Nam Ou River and the mountainous interior, it has some of the most spectacular scenery in northern Laos. This peaceful and tranquil location really is a total escape from everyday life.

Plain of Jars, Phonsavan

More than 300 enormous stone jars, their origins long forgotten and their original use and significance still unclear, lie scattered on a high grassy plain near the town of Phonsavan. Legend says these vast containers, weighing up to six tonnes each, were left over from a victory party after a 6th century war, but the truth is no-one knows who made the jars or how they got here, an enigma that grows steadily more eerie as the sun begins to set. You can either fly here from Vientiane or take the longer road journey through hill tribe villages and rural scenery.

Vieng Xai Caves

Cut deep inside one of the most picturesque natural valleys in Southeast Asia lies a network of caves that, until 2009, were out of bounds and off the map. Used by the Pathet Lao Army and local villagers to shelter from bombs during the Vietnam War, they have now been opened up and offer inquisitive travellers a rare opportunity to glimpse a part of Lao’s hidden past. Spend a couple of days exploring the area including the caves, the ancient standing stones at Hin Tang, natural hot springs and the beautiful surrounding countryside. Whilst getting here from Luang Prabang is a fair journey, it serves as a great stopover for those en route overland into Vietnam. The border crossing at Nam Xoi is a short drive from nearby Sam Neua town and gives access to the scenic northwestern region
of Vietnam.

Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park

This remote national park is only accessible in certain parts but where it is you will be rewarded with trekking routes taking in remote jungle, cloudforest and salt licks where wildlife visit to replenish vital minerals. Nature activities include birdwatching, wildlife tracking and medicinal plant discovery. The night safari is very much a highlight which gives you an opportunity to cruise through the jungle in pitch darkness. Guided solely by torchlight you may be lucky enough to sight one of the area’s rare inhabitants including Sambar deer, numerous civet species, sun bears, pythons and macaques. The initiative was set up by the Wildlife Conservation Society, in cooperation with local communities, to create incentives for wildlife conservation. The proceeds help fund forest patrols, conservation lessons, schools and village-based economic development programmes. As the area grows in popularity more locals view conservation as an active and profitable partnership as well as providing villagers with work as guides, boatmen, cooks and handicraft producers.

Vang Vieng

This small town is set in some of the most striking scenery in Indochina and for years was
a backpackers’ mecca. However, with a government initiative in place to clean up the town, Vang Vieng is now appealing more to the discerning traveller and the stunning mountain backdrop makes it a worthwhile stop on the long drive between Luang Prabang and the capital, Vientiane. Vang Vieng offers a range of outdoor activities including boating, trekking and cycling.

things to do in laos

Vientiane

Vientiane is the capital of Laos, and although the largest city in the country, it is a pleasant place to explore on foot or by bicycle. Tree-lined boulevards and elegant architecture testify to its years under French occupation, in particular the Patuxai, which is reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. This colonial past mingles with even older temples such as Wat Si Saket and That Luang, which represent the country’s historic, spiritual and national heritage. Many of the handicraft centres and restaurants in the city work with the local community to ensure traditional values are not lost and we encourage our clients to visit such projects whilst in Vientiane. We particularly recommend the COPE Visitor Centre. This is an excellent initiative which highlights the much overlooked plight of victims of unexploded ordnance from the heavy bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War.

Vientiane by bicycle

Vientiane is often overlooked as a destination but offers a fascinating insight into urban life in this mostly agrarian country. One of the best ways to truly get under the surface of Vientiane is to explore by bicycle. A full day cycle ride allows you to understand the different ways of life here and discover some surprises along the way. In addition to seeing some of the city’s main sites, highlights include local markets and the narrow lanes of local villages which are tucked away in the peripheries of the capital.

Hin Boun & Kong Lor Cave

Travellers to Laos rarely visit the central region and so miss out on an area of outstanding natural beauty. The Hin Boun National Protected Area is a little-known gem. Skirted on one side by the Mekong River and on the other by the mountain range that divides Laos and Vietnam, this area is home to small minority villages, towering limestone karst cliffs, primary forest, rice paddies and twisting rivers. The village of Ban Kong Lor is a good base for a boat trip exploring the incredible Kong Lor Cave, which is over seven kilometres in length and up to 100 metres high
in places.

Thakhek & Tham Pha Pa (Buddha Cave)

A little further south, the town of Thakhek, with its sleepy charm and many fine examples of French colonial architecture, lies on the banks of the Mekong River and is a handy starting point for exploring Tham Pha Pa or Buddha Cave which was discovered in 2004 by a local man out hunting for bats. Climbing a cliff to locate the bats, he found a hidden cave housing hundreds of old Buddha relics and decaying parchments with Pali and Sanskrit writings. You can also board a boat to visit one of many tribal communities that still practise animist rites and worship the forest spirits. For those willing to stray from the beaten track and who are prepared for a few nights in simple but comfortable accommodation, a visit to this region is immensely rewarding. From Thakhek it is possible to travel overland to the 4,000 Islands and Wat Phou, stopping off at the somnolent town of Savannakhet en route.

travel tips laos

Southern Laos

In contrast with the mountains of northern Laos, the south is flat and fertile, with a verdant landscape sheltering small villages with distinctive customs and a fascinating tribal diversity. To explore the south you will usually take a flight from Luang Prabang or Vientiane to Pakse, the only major town of the region. This wonderfully laid-back place, a former administrative outpost of the French, is set on the confluence of the Mekong and Don rivers, with some interesting colonial architecture and a selection of busy markets. From Pakse you can venture down the river to Voeung Kham on the Cambodian border, to spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins. It is always worth spending a night in Si Phan Don, known as the ‘4,000 Islands’, where the largest island, Don Khong, has some simple accommodation and is a great base for exploring this riverine archipelago. Along with a number of cascading waterfalls, the region’s major sight is Wat Phou, the ruins of a temple complex close to the small town of Champasak, which was thought to be the blueprint for Angkor Wat. Built originally by the Cham people and then renovated by the Khmer kings, it pre-dates Cambodia’s legendary temples of Angkor.

Bolaven Plateau

Although most of southern Laos revolves around the Mekong River, the region is also home to one of the world’s most fertile areas, the impressive Bolaven Plateau. An hour’s drive from Pakse, this is home to a number of diverse minority villages, coffee, tea and cashew nut plantations as well as the twin waterfalls of Tad Fan, and the more remote falls of Tad Lo. It is possible to stay in the heart of the Bolaven Plateau or in Pakse and access the region as a day trip.

Vat Phou Boat

Vat Phou lends its name to a converted rice barge which cruises along the Mekong from Pakse to the 4,000 Islands stopping en route to explore the region as well as the pre-Angkorian temples of Wat Phou and Oum Moung. With 12 cabins and an upper deck restaurant, which offers enchanting views as well as traditional cuisine, the two night cruise is arguably the most relaxing way to experience southern Laos.

Ho Chi Minh Trail: For those interested in war history, the Ho Chi Minh Trail is a network of dirt paths and gravel roads running parallel to the Laos-Vietnam border. The trail was used by the North Vietnamese in the Vietnam War and by the Viet Minh against the French in the 1950s. Although the North Vietnamese denied the existence of the trail, and the USA denied bombing it, 1.1 million tons of explosives were dropped on the area between 1965 and ’69, as well as massive quantities of herbicides. The trail is fairly remote, so there’s been little in the way of tidying up: you’ll see helicopters, fighter planes and a whole heap of other war junk. The closest town is Sepon, about 600km (370mi) south-east of Vientiane. Sepon was flattened during the war, and its now little more than a collection of shacks. You can get there by bus from Savan.

Traveling around Laos


Our unrivalled knowledge of Laos comes from our own extensive travels in the country as well as many years of organising travel here. The guides we use are personally chosen, some being former monks and many now close friends. In order to truly experience this peaceful nation, it is important to build in enough time to explore at a leisurely pace, to wander through the backstreets of serene Luang Prabang or relax by the water’s edge in the rural south. River travel fits naturally into this calm pace of life and we always try to incorporate a sedate boat journey into our Laos itineraries. The more remote regions of the country are gradually opening up and we recommend that you take some time to explore the less-visited areas to truly get to know the laid-back Laotian people, their way of life and wonderful country.

Away from the cities, there is so much more to see; the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khuang Province, the forested mountains of Northern Laos, the gothic limestone karsts around the backpacker-haven Vang Vieng and in the deep south, past the market town Pakse, is Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands), where the mighty Mekong spreads out and all the hammocks are taken.

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What to eat in Laos


chicken Mushroom Laap laos

Lao foods are all about herbs and vegetables, almost all of the foods include these ingredients, and in addition to some spices that give them a rather spicy touch. The essential ingredients including Ginger, lime, tamarind, bamboo, vegetables, beef and pork. Laotians almost always eat meals with sticky rice, which is eaten by hand and or chip-stick. The cuisine of Laos is especially enjoyed in the small local restaurants that you see them oretty. Much at every corner when you traveling in Laos, which when they are more local will allow us to know more about the flavors of traditional cuisine.

If your idea is to travel to Laos and you want to discover what its rich cuisine is like, we leave you with our top of the most famous Laos food dishes, dishes that of course we hope you enjoy. Recipe of how to make chicken mushroom leap

Further reading WHEN TRAVELING LAOS


  • Contemporary Laos: Studies in the Politics & Society of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic edited by Martin Stuart-Fox.
  • Laos: Beyond the Revolution edited by Joseph Zasloff & Leonard Unger.
  • History of Laos by Maha Sila Viravong.
  • The Ravens: Pilots of the Secret War of Laos, by Christopher Robbins, details US involvement in Laos during the Vietnam War.
  • Air America: The Story of the CIA’s Secret Airlines, also by Robbins, focuses on the infamous gun and drug-running activities of the CIA in Laos.
  • Tragic Mountains: The Hmong, the Americans and the Secret Wars for Laos, 1942-1992, by Jane Hamilton-Merritt, follows the Hmong’s successive struggles against the Japanese, the Viet Minh, the Pathet Lao and the North Vietnamese.
  • The Politics of Heroin in Southeast Asia, by Alfred W McCoy, covers the history, politics and economics of opium in Laos.

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