[TIPS] LAOS TRAVEL GUIDE – BEFORE YOU GO 

With Thailand on one side and Vietnam on the other, Laos may give you an idea of a bustle and hustle country like its neighbors.  However, Laos is a total charming backwater, where life moves as slowly with vastly untapped travel potential, deep cultural heritage and friendly people. Laos is also known as a “ Land of Millions Elephants” - what would make any animal lovers’ visit to Laos an outstanding experience.
 
Visiting a developing country isn’t easy, you would normally have to do lots of researches before going, but don’t worry, your time is all saved because we have got all the useful information here.
 

1. LAOS WEATHER 

The weather in Laos is dictated by two distinct seasons - the dry season from October to April and wet season from May to September. 

Laos dry season (October to April ) 

Laos' dry season can be sub-categorized into two sub-sections - the cool dry season from November to February and the hot dry one (from March to Apri) with the former is one of the most popular times to visit Laos due to lower daytime temperatures and cool breezes that blow across the land and the rivers are high enough to make river travel a breeze. Not surprisingly, this period in Laos is the peak season for travellers.

The hot dry season is quite short but, what lacks in length it makes up for in ferociousness, the average temperature in April can hit around 33-35 Celsius Degree. What makes the hot season even more awful is the smoke factor.  From March to May farmers set fire to rice stubble to improve soil fertility in preparation for a new rice crop. This results in a smoke layer cover most of Laos and can become really irritating to the eyes.

Laos wet/rainy season (May to September )

Laos’ wet/rainy season is also known as the green season as the wetter weather brings lovely green landscapes all over the country. It will be hot across the country, and in particular humid in the south. As the rain won't last all day every day, there will still be clear skies at times and it's still a great time to travel.

 

2. LAOS VISA 

To enter Laos, you must possess valid passports with at least 6 months prior to you date of arrival.Visas can be obtained from Lao Embassies and Consulates abroad or on arrival at the international checkpoint. At the border/airport when entering Laos you must ensure they receive an entry stamp in their passport as fines for not having one are high. All visitors' passports should be valid for at least six months. For those wishing to extend their stay, it is possible to extend your visa at the Immigration Office in Vientiane, through travel agencies. It is also possible to obtain a Visa-on-Arrival at international checkpoints.

Validity starts from day of entry into Laos. Tourist/Business: 30 days (can be extended twice in Vientiane for 30 days). Visas must be used within three months of being issued.
 

3. LAO CURRENCY/ CASH/ ATMs 

The official national currency in Laos is the Lao Kip. Although only Kip is legally negotiable in everyday transactions, in reality Thai baht and US Dollar are used for commerce. Check out currency exchange rate at: xe.com

Tipping is not customary in Laos except in tourist-oriented restaurants, where 10% of the bill is appreciated, but only if a service charge hasn't already been added.

If you can try bring sufficient amounts of cash with you upon entry. Laos now has ATM machines, but they are only sparsely located in Huay Xai, Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Vang Vieng. And even these can sometimes be problematic to use and have expensive fees on a percentage basis due to the small amounts you may only be allowed to take out at a time. 

 

4. INTERNET/PHONE 

Laos uses GSM system, make sure you got one that unlocked and work with GSM. You can by a local SIM card from any cellphones shop or street kiosk, register for a 3G/4G package so you can use internet on the go. Internet and Wi-Fi access is available in most major tourist places such as hotels, restaurants and cafes. The prices are moderate and connection speeds are generally adequate for checking emails and surfing the Internet.

 

5. ADVICE AND WARNING 

Avoid any Desmonstration

Specific events or political disputes may trigger violent protests. You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. Keep yourself informed of local situation.

Stay on the beaten track

Unexploded mines and ordinances are a hazard throughout Laos, and kill about 300 people each year. The risk is particularly high in Xieng Khouang Province (Plain of Jars), Luang Prabang Province and areas of the Lao-Vietnamese border, formerly the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Mined areas are often unmarked. Don’t stray off main routes in rural areas, and don’t pick up metal objects.

 

6. LAO EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES 

AUSTRALIA

1, Dalman Crescent Omalley, A.C.T. 2606, Canberra, AUSTRALIA

Phone: (612) 6286 4595, 6286 6933.
Fax: (612) 6290 1910.
E-mail: lao.embassy@interact.net.au 
Website: http://www.laosembassy.net/

 

BELGIUM

Brabanconne Avenue, 19-12, B-1000 Bruxelles, BELGIUM

Tel: (322) 740 0950.
Fax: (322) 734 1666.
Website: http://www.ambalao.be/

 

FRANCE

74, Avenue Raymond Poincare, 75116 Paris, FRANCE.

Tel: (33-1) 4553 0298, 4554 7047, 4553 1624 (Cultural sector).
Fax: (33-1) 4727 5789.
E-mail: Ambalaoparis@wanadoo.fr

 

USA, NEW YORK

317 EAST/51 ST Street, NEW YORK, NY 10022, USA.

Tel: (1212) 832 2734.
Fax: (1212) 750 0039.

 

USA, WASHINGTON

2222 S Street N.W, WASHINGTON D.C 20008, USA.

Tel: (1202) 332 6416, 265 0403.
E-mail: laoemb@erols.com 
Website: http://www.laoembassy.com/