Climate
Tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The rainy season from May to September and dry season from October to April. The best season to travel in Laos is from October to March (18c--.25c).

Language
The official language is Lao. The Lao language is monosyllabic and tonal. The polysyllabic words are occasionally meets particularly in literary writing are of Sanskrit of Pali origins. English and French are widely spoken, but it is very helpful, it one develops some knowledge to the Lao language.

Religion and Culture
Most of Lao people are Buddhism. Buddhism was introduced since 14th century. Laos has a great variety of well preserved architecture and culture monuments.

Laos

Getting to & away Laos
. By flight Bangkok, Hanoi, Saigon, Phnom Penh, Kun Ming and Chiang Mai.
. By land at the borders: Boten, Houixay, Vientiane / the bridge, Thakhek, Savannakhet, Lao Bao, Lak Sao and ChongMeck.

Visa
Visa can be obtained at LAO EMBASSY with the assistance of Discovery Indochina Co.,Ltd  tour or up on arrival. Visa up on arrival USD 30 per person

 Main Attractions
The tourism in Laos is basically the culture, the nature, the history and archeological sites.

The Central
VIENTIANE is the capital with colonial houses,  interesting Museums and beautiful temples: Wat PraKeo, Wat Sisaket, ThatLuang and the other important temples. We also highly recommend the visit to the provinces like VANG VIENG, KAMMOUANE, LAXSAO AND SAVANNAKHET.

The Northern
. LUANG PRABANG: the former Royal capital of Laos Lanexang. This city is totally registered as the world heritage by UNESCO in 1995. Visit the Royal Palace, boat trip to Pak OU caves, visit Kuangsi water fall and the traditional villages surrounding.
. XIENG KHOUANG: PLAIN OF JARS 2500.3000 years olds remains a mystery:
. LUANG NAMTHA, OUDOMXAY, PHONGSALI, HOUIXAY:
Beautiful places, mountainous, many minority groups. Preferable for Trekking and overnight in the villages.

The Southern
. PAKSE, CHAMPASSACK: Share the border with Cambodia and Thailand. Visit the Khmer temple of WAT PHOU. Visit the 4000 islands area the big water fall in Asia KHONPAPENG and see the Dolphins of the Mekong.

. SARAVANH . SEKONG. ATTOPEU: The area good for Agriculture, visit the plantation of coffee, Tea, visit the Minority, Boat trip, elephants riding.

TRAVEL NOTES

Climate and Clothing
Light-weight washable cotton or cotton-blunt clothes are suitable. A sweater or coat is needed for the winter and in upland areas.

Customs and Immigration
A valid transit, tourist visit, business, diplomatic, or service visa is required. All foreigners may enter and depart Laos via Wattay Airport, or Mittaphab Bridge, the Mekong border crossing with Nong Khai, Thailand. A visa can now be obtained upon arrival at the airport and other official entry points. To depart elsewhere, arrangements must be made before your arrival by Inter-Lao Tourism. Joint tours are welcome and can also be organized by Inter-Lao Tourism.

Health
Medical and dental facilities are mostly operated by the government. Private clinics and pharmacies are available in the major cities. The international clinic is operated under the supervision of the Ministry of Health, to accommodate foreigners and diplomats. Medicines from France, the U.S., Russia, Thailand and China are widely available in most pharmacies.

Telecommunications
International telephone, fax, telegraph and telex services are available at post offices hotels and business centers. Mobile phones are widely used.
Several radio stations broadcast in Lao. The Lao National Radio carries news in English, French and Thai. There are daily TV broadcasts, with two local channels, Thai television and satellite reception.

Transportation
Public transportation is by bus, taxi and samlo. There are both metered and unmetered taxi. There are no railroads. Lao Aviation, Thai Airways International, Cambodia and Vietnam Airlines connect Wattay Airport to Bangkok, Yanngon
( Rangoon ), Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Kunming, China. Domestic flights shuttle daily between Lao cities. Mittaphab bridge across the Mekong to Thailand opened in early 1994 .

Currency  
Kip one US$ is worth approximately 7600 kip ( 1999-2000). Money can be exchanged at banks, authorized shops, or hotels. Exchanged at fluctuate daily, though fluctuations are tiny.

Banks
Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao, Lane Xang Bank and Lao Mai Bank Joint Development Bank, and Thai branch banks. Traveler's Checks and credit cards can be used at major banks, some hotels, restaurants and shops. INTER-LAO TOURISM accepts VISA cards and American Express and Master cards.

Electricity
220 volts at 50 hz.

Major Events and Traditional festivals :

January 1 : New Year
April 13-15 : Lao New Year
May 1 : international Labor Day.
End of May : Rocket Festival
October End of Buddhism Lent & Boat Races
November That Luang Festival.
December 2 : National Day