Laos
Known since ancient times as Lan Xang (Land of the Million Elephants), Laos offers the modern world a glimpse of old Indochina. Visitors will encounter a country that is less developed than its neighbours China, Thailand and Vietnam, and perhaps more reserved than any other stop in the region. They will also find an intoxicating mix of natural beauty, original Buddhist culture and French influences.
Laos’ lifeline is the Mekong River, which flows the length of the mountainous, landlocked country and provides water for agricultural lands. It’s also a major means of transportation. The unassuming capital, Vientiane, sits on its banks, giving travellers a comfortable introduction to Laos’ charms. But most visitors would regard Luang Prabang as the destination’s highlight. Among other things, they delight in the district’s architectural blend of whitewashed houses and splendid golden temples.
Regarding its history, Laos has suffered French colonisation, internal conflicts and assertive communism, all of which isolated it from the outside world. Today, visitors can enjoy the country’s old-fashioned ways. Tourists willing to brave the lack of infrastructure will discover charming towns and rural villages, splendid scenery and a slow, relaxed pace of life.
Overview
Laos’ lush landscape and serene temples are a feast for the senses and a balm for restlessness. Visitors can expect to press pause, reset and dissolve their cares in the company of solemn monks and friendly lay-people.
Vientiane and Luang Prabang are the most popular stops for tourists, though the entire country has retained a gentle grace within Southeast Asia’s frenzy of development. Pristine waterfalls, caves of Buddhist statues and ornate stupas, along with a meadow full of ancient, mysterious stone jars are all part of the experience.
Climate in Laos
Laos has a tropical climate, with year-round high temperatures and two distinct seasons. The wet season runs from May to October, and the dry season lasts from November to April. During the wet season, the topography of mountainous Laos means there is the risk of landslides. Temperatures are lower during the wet season, averaging 73°F (23°C), with August being the wettest month. The dry season has two distinct periods: the cool dry period from November to February and the hot dry season from March to April. Dry season temperatures average at 82°F (28°C), and the hottest month is April. Between March and May, Laos experiences a very hot season, with day-time temperatures reaching 104°F (40°C).
The best time to visit Laos is between November and March, when it is dry and temperatures are pleasant. However, this is high tourist season and accommodation prices may be higher than they are at other times of the year. For visitors travelling on a budget, it may actually be better to brave the wet season.
Health Notes when travelling to Laos
Travellers planning to visit Laos should seek medical advice about vaccinations and endemic diseases at least three weeks prior to departure. With the exception of Vientiane, malaria exists throughout the country while typhoid and cholera occur in some areas. A typhoid vaccine is recommended for all travellers, except short-term visitors who will restrict their meals to hotels and major restaurants.
Other risks include hepatitis E, plague, dengue fever and Schistosomiasis if swimming in the Mekong River. Travellers’ diarrhoea is a problem for many visitors. The best policy would be to only drink bottled water and avoid dairy products, uncooked meat and fish, salads and unpeeled fruit.
Medical care in Vientiane is extremely basic, and even then there are no reliable facilities to deal with medical emergencies outside the capital. As medical evacuation is difficult to organise and very expensive, travellers are advised to take out comprehensive medical insurance. Visitors who have an unstable medical condition should consider avoiding Laos. A yellow fever certificate is required from anyone entering from an infected area.
Safety Notes when travelling to Laos
Most visits to Laos are trouble-free, though crimes such as robbery are on the increase. Passport theft is a problem and travellers are advised to take care, avoid carrying large sums of money and keep valuables and documents in a safe place.
Making copies of important travel documents is also a good idea. Travel in some rural parts of Laos is dangerous because of banditry and unexploded ordnance, and visitors should never stray from well-worn footpaths. Visitors should also note that an ID document or passport should be carried at all times and should be presented on demand or else a heavy fine could be imposed.
Visitors to Vang Vieng are advised to be particularly vigilant of their belongings, and aware of their personal security as there have been reports of petty theft in the area. Staying at a trustworthy and secure hotel or guesthouse while in Vang Vieng is recommended.
Although Laos is known for its laid-back and friendly atmosphere, the travel risk is somewhat increased by the lack of travel infrastructure and medical facilities.
Customs in Laos
Skimpy or revealing clothes are generally not acceptable, especially in places of worship. Public displays of affection are taboo in Lao society. The Laos government prohibits any sexual contact or relationships between Lao nationals and foreigners, unless married under Lao law; penalties may involve heavy fines or imprisonment. It’s illegal not to carry an identity document. Photographing military sites is prohibited.
Duty Free in Laos
Travellers to Laos do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 2 litres of wine and 1 litre of spirits; and 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.
Doing Business in Laos
Laos’ hot, tropical climate demands that business people typically wear lightweight suits, usually with a tie. Visitors should also bear in mind that the country is generally rather conservative and should act accordingly. Business cards should be given and received using both hands and should be treated with respect.
Handshakes are common, though the traditional greeting is the nop. It is similar to the Indian namaste, where palms are placed together as if in prayer and held in front of the chest or face. Surnames usually come before first names, which can be confusing for visitors. French is more widely spoken and understood than English, though translators are available. Business hours are usually from 8am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in Laos
The international access code for Laos is +856. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)21 for Vientiane and (0)71 for Luang Prabang. International Direct Dial is available in the major towns, but the service is expensive and inefficient. Hotels sometimes add a hefty surcharge to their telephone bills, so guests should check before making long-distance calls. As mobile phones will only work in the major cities, and local mobile phone companies have few active roaming agreements with other network operators, travellers are advised to check their coverage with their service provider before visiting Laos.
Tipping in Laos
Tipping is becoming more widely practiced in tourist hotels and restaurants, where 10 percent is expected. Elsewhere, there is no need to tip. Many of the more up-market restaurants tend to include a 10 to 15 percent service charge in their bill.
Passport/Visa Note
Most foreign passengers to Laos can obtain a visa on arrival, provided that: (i) they are arriving at one of the following airports: Vientiane International, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Warray; (ii) they are holding a return/onward ticket and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination; (iii) they have a confirmed hotel reservation in Laos; and (iv) they are in possession of one photograph, size 3 x 4 cm (however, it is always recommened to travel with more than one) (v) their passport contains at least two unused visa pages. These tourist visas are valid for 30 days. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Laos, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Laos. A visa is required, and can be obtained for a maximum stay of 30 days if possessing a confirmed hotel reservation in Laos, one passport photo, two unused visa pages, and all required documents for the next destination.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Laos. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days if holding a hotel reservation in Laos, one passport photo, two unused visa pages, and all required documents for the next destination.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Laos. A visa is required, and can be obtained for a maximum stay of 30 days on arrival if holding a confirmed hotel reservation in Laos, one passport photo, and all required documents for the next destination.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Laos. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days if holding an address in Laos, one passport photo, two unused visa pages, and all required documents for the next destination.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Laos. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of up to 30 days if holding a hotel reservation in Laos, one passport photo, and all required documents for the next destination.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Laos. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of up to 30 days if holding a hotel reservation in Laos, one passport photo, two unused visa pages, and all required documents for the next destination.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Laos. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of up to 30 days if holding a confirmed hotel reservation in Laos, one passport photo, and all required documents for the next destination.
Tourist Offices
National Tourism Authority of Laos: http://www.tourismlaos.org
Laos Embassies
- In the United States:
Laos Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 332 6416.
- In the United Kingdom:
Laos Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7402 3770.
- In Australia:
Laos Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 2 6286 4595.
Foreign Embassies in Laos
- American Embassy
American Embassy, Vientiane: +856 21 487 000.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Vientiane, Laos: +856 21 35 38 34.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Vientiane, Laos: +856 30 77 00 000.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Vientiane: +856 21 353 800.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Hanoi, Vietnam (also responsible for Laos): +84 24 3974 3291.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand (also responsible for Laos): +66 2 254 2530.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand (also responsible for Laos): +66 2 092 2900.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
