Destination Guides - Laos

Laos

Laos is a country in Southeast Asia which consists mostly of rugged mountains with some plains and plateaus. The Country shares its border with Thailand and Vietnam. Last Modified On: Wednesday, 06/August/2008 22:04:51pm Back to Previous

Destination Guides Thailand Myanmar Laos Cambodia Vietnam

Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma (Myanmar) and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, and Thailand to the west. Laos traces its history to the Kingdom of Lan Xang or Land of a Million Elephants, which existed from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century. Laos is still ranked among the lowest countries in terms of economic and political freedom.

Visitors to Laos can obtain a 15 days tourist visa from the Lao Embassy or consulate office abroad and upon arrival at the Vientiane Wattay Airport, Luang Prabang Airport, Pakse Airport and at the following international border check points:

1. China-Laos: Yunan-Luang Namtha via Boten
2. Vietnam-Laos: Vinh-Lak Xao, via Nam Phao
3. kuangchi-Dansavanh at Lao Bao Nge An to Xiegkhouang at Nam Kane.
4. Thailand-Laos: Chiangkhong(Thailand) -Bokeo province at Houeisay Nong Khai-Vientiane at Friendship Bridge Nakhonphanom-Thakhek
5. Mukdahane-Savannakhet
6. Ubon Ratchathani-Champassak via Chongmek & Vang Tao

A valid passport must be presented along with payment of US$ 30 fee (in USD cash only) and 2 passport size color photos. Visitors who wish to cross Cambodia-Laos border ( Steung Treng-Vernkham ), will need to have visa ready prior to arrival at the border.

Lao currency is the Kip. The exchange rate as of May 2006 was approximately 10,000 Kip to one US dollar. Thai Baht and US dollars are widely accepted, especially for the purchase of more expensive goods. Credit card such as VISA, American Express and Master card are accepted in major hotels and more up-market establishments only. Traveler’s checks are only accepted by major banks, which charge a commission of 3% per check.

Laos has a hot humid tropical climate. Hot season: March and April, with the temperature often exceeding 35c. Rainy season: May to September, with the temperature around 30c. Cool season: October to February, with the temperature varying from 10c to 20c. The northern region of Laos is mostly mountainous, where the temperature at night can drop as low as the freezing point. It is advisable to bring a jacket along if visiting Xiang Khuang, Luang Prabang, Sam Neua, Phonsaly, Udomxai, Luang Namtha and Houei Xay during these months. The cool season is recommended as the best time to visit Laos.

Direct flights to Vientiane are available from Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Kunming, Chiang Mai, and Hanoi. Airlines currently operating to and from Vientiane are: Lao Airlines, Vietnam Airlines and Thai Airways International. Bangkok Airways operates direct flight daily between Luang Prabang and Bangkok and PB Air one flight per week. Thai Airways operates 3 flights per week from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang. There are also direct flights between Pakse and Siem Reap operated by Lao Airlines.

Postal service in Laos is generally reliable and inexpensive, but there is no guarantee of speedy delivery to destination. Most hotels in the main cities have an IDD line but calls are expensive. Internet service is available only in major cities, such as Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse.