Internationally, Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, China Eastern Airlines, Jin Air, Thai Airways and Vietnam Airlines are operating flights to the four international airports in Laos: Wattay in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet and Pakse selectively.
Domestically, the national carrier Laos Airlines connects the capital city Vientiane to major destinations of the country.
There is a departure tax on all international flights that already inclusive in the airfare.
There are a few ATMs available in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse.
Credit cards are becoming more widely acceptable in Laos especially in the main cities.
Travellers’ Cheques are exchangeable in a few banks in the main cities of Laos. Outside of Vientiane they are exchangeable into Kip only. Also non-USD denominated Cheques are not accepted.
The electricity is 220V – 50Hz and most plugs are two-pinned round or flat.
Bringing a universal travel adaptor with you is always recommended.
No vaccination is required except for yellow fever in case visitors are from affected areas. Visitors are advised to be inoculated against Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus and Polio but this is not compulsory.
Malaria is not a problem in cities but care must be taken in rural areas. Please consult with a tropical medicine doctor before travelling.
Offices are usually open from Monday to Friday from 08:00 until 17:00 and often close for lunch between 12:00 and 14:00.
Shops are open subjectively and close any time before 23:00. Banker is however close at 15:00.
The internet is available in most of the bigger towns and cities.
Laos is GMT+7 and does not operate daylight saving system.
The Laotian currency is called the Kip.
Please note that it is only possible to convert your currency into Lao Kip in Laos. It is available in 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000.
The USD is also widely accepted as is the Thai Baht in most of the main tourist destinations. Bring USD notes as these are good to change and also can be used to buy items. As a general rule you can buy most items in USD but expect to receive change in Kip.
In the more remote areas of the country only Kip is recognized as the legal tender.
January 1st New Year’s Day
May 1st International Labour Day
December 2nd Laos National Day
There are festivals monthly based on the Lunar calendar. The dates of the festivals as such fluctuate with the Lunar calendar so will change yearly. Most of the festivals are temple based but there a few that are celebrated nationally.
Buddhism is the dominant religion in Laos with up to 67% of the population being Buddhist.
Laotian folk religion is practiced by at least 48 distinct ethnic minority groups, about 30% of the population.
Christianity and others are the religions of less than 2% of the Laos people.
Laos is a relatively safe country as the vast majority of the Laotians are devout Buddhists and pacifists. However there are the annoying pick pockets mainly in Vientiane and to a lesser degree the other main tourist centers. Violent crimes against foreigners are rare.
As Laos still has a large amount of unexploded ordinance (shells, land mines etc) please remember to stick to the marked paths.
Laos is renowned for its sculptures, wood carvings, silver, precious stones, silk and textiles.
Laos dialing code is +856
The larger up market hotels will levy a 10% service charge on your bill.
It is not compulsory but welcomed especially by the driver, tour guide and service staff.
A small donation when visiting temple, pagoda or church is a polite gesture.
Apart from citizens of several ASEAN member countries everyone needs a valid visa to enter the country. Visa is easily get on arrival at almost all of the main entry points into Laos.
It is not advisable to drink tap water. Bottled water is safe and available everywhere at an easy cost. Hotels usually provide a complimentary bottle of water per person in the room.
Ice cubes are generally accepted but it is best to avoid having it on street stalls or in remote country areas. Some minor stomach problems are possible when travelling in exotic countries thus it’s smart to bring a supply of your usual anti-diarrhea medicine.
Laos, as in the rest of South East Asia has two main season the monsoon season June-October and the dry season November-May.
In the lower areas the temperatures range from 15-38 degrees Celsius. In the mountains especially Luang Prabang, it can get as cold as zero degrees Celsius and reaches 30 degrees Celsius in the hot summer months.
Laos is sunny year-round and it is strongly recommended to bring sun protection from your home country. Wearing sun screen and wide brim hat are the best ways to avoid heatstroke and sunburn. As such please remember to drink plenty of water.