Laos

 LAOS GENERAL INFORMATION & TRAVEL TIPS

AIRPORT TAX  
International airport tax: US $ 10 per outgoing international passenger at Vientiane Wattay airport, at Luang Prabang and Pakse airports.
Domestic airport tax: US $ 0.5 per outgoing domestic passenger at all domestic airports.
 

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Laos – 3rd edition 2003 – Asia Horizons – Pat Parisot and Vincent Marchand
Laos – 4th edition 2002 – Lonely Planet – Joe Cummings
Luang Prabang – 2001 – SEAMEO Regional Center for Archeology and Fine Arts – Barbara Pavlic
Treasures of Luang Prabang – 2000 - Editions Routes de la Soie – H. Rattanavong, B. Siripaphanh, M. Derepas and P. Gay
Petit Fute Laos - 1999 - Nouvelles Editions de l'Universite – Collectif
Laos – 1999 – Hirmer – Ann Helen and Walter Unger
Laos Handbook – 1998 – Footprint Handbook, Joshua Eliot and Jane Bickersteth
Treasures of Laos – 1997 - Editions Routes de la Soie – H. Rattanavong, B. Siripaphanh, M. Derepas and P. Gay
Lao Textiles and Traditions – 1995 – Oxford University Press – Mary F. Connors       

CLIMATE
Laos can be visited throughout the year. However those planning to travel extensively by road in the Northern part of the country and/or in the south of the Boloven Plateau should avoid the last two months of the rainy season when some countryside roads may be impassable.
Laos enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons. The dry or cool season begins end of October and lasts until end of February (average 20-25° C). Take along a pullover or jacket during the cool season, as nights can be cold, especially in the mountainous areas such as Luang Prabang, the Plain of Jars, Saravane and Houeixai (0-5° C).  The hot season lasts from March to June, light cotton clothes and hats are recommended (average 35° C). From June to early October is the rainy season (average 25-30° C). Most precipitations come in the afternoon and in the evening. Rainfall varies considerably from area to area with the highlands in the Phou Louang range along Lao / Vietnam border receiving the more precipitation (300+ mms per year). Vientiane average 150/200 mms per year and Luang Prabang 100/150 mms per year.
Visitors traveling between end of March and beginning of April should be aware that in the mountainous areas, slash and burn cultivation causes smoke that alters the weather. Domestic flights may also be delayed or cancelled. 

CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE
The local currency is the KIP. Notes come in denominations of 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10.000 and 20.000 Kips.
The rate of exchange as per the time of printing is approximately 10,450 Kip to one US Dollar and 13,340 Kip to one Euro. In Vientiane, notes of most international currencies can be exchanged either at banks or at licensed moneychangers.  Outside Vientiane, most provincial banks and licensed moneychangers accept only US Dollars, Thai Bahts and sometimes Euros. Only major banks accept traveler’s cheques. It is best to carry U.S Dollar bills in small denominations. Credit cards are accepted only at major hotels and up-market shops and restaurants in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

CUSTOMS AND FORMALITIES
Arrivals at Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse International airport are generally rather casual events. Carry-on bags are usually not inspected if that is all you have brought. For checked-in baggage, when claimed at counter, passengers are sometimes required to declare if they have brought antiques and silver items with them. Simple formalities should be observed also when entering the country overland.
Passengers have to complete immigration and customs declaration forms during the arrival flight or upon arrival and must submit these documents on arrival.  Discovery Indochina representative or guide will meet travelers at the exit point in the arrival hall after immigration and customs clearance. Our representative or guide will display a Discovery Indochina signboard with the name of guests or group for easy recognition.

ELECTRICITY
The electric current is 220 volts AC, 50 cycles.

FLIGHTS
Starting from July 2005, Lao Airlines operates domestic flights from Vientiane Wattay airport on Turboprop ATR 72 for main domestic destinations such as Luang Prabang, Houei Xay, Xiengkhouang, Oudomxay, and Pakse, and Y 12 Chinese aircrafts for other domestic destinations such as Luang Namtha and Samneua.  From province to province, domestic flights are operated on Y 12. International flights are operated either   on Turboprop ATR 72.

Vientiane:
Lao Airlines & Thai Airways International  operate daily flights from / to Bangkok.

It is possible to fly daily from / to Hanoi, four times a week from / to Ho-Chi-Minh City and six times a week from / to Phnom Penh with Lao Airlines or Vietnam Airlines. Lao Airlines operates three times a week from / to Siem Reap and Chiang Mai and twice a week from / to Kunming ( Yunnan, China ) , China Eastern flies once a week from / to Kunming.
Eva Air  flies   from Taipei  to Vientiane    twice a week  .

Luang Prabang:
Direct flights from / to Bangkok are operated daily by Bangkok Airways which flies also five times a week to Danang. Lao Airlines operates three times a week from / to Chiang Mai .
Thai Airways  International  flies  twice a week  Chiangmai to /from  Luang Prabang .

Pakse:
Lao Airlines operates directs flights  three  flights  a week from / to Siem Reap .

Baggage allowance on international flights and between Vientiane and Luang Prabang is limited to 20 kg per person and 15 kg on other routes. Baggage can be stored at hotels until return.

Domestic flights in  Laos  are prone to last minute schedule changes and cancellation without ANY advance notice, especially during the peak travel season of October through March.  It is not uncommon for flights to be delayed or even canceled once passengers have checked-in at the airport. Discovery Indochina Laos  makes every effort to keep clients informed about flight timings, however, travelers must be reminded of the vagaries of air travel due to local weather conditions, etc. Our offices will advise you of any change affecting your itinerary and if required will book alternative travel plans. These may be at a reduced or increased cost. Should there be an increase in cost. Should there be a reduction in cost   and a  refund  will  be considered if  any.
 

FOOD
Laos has abundant food supplies and their cuisine is simple and fresh.  Sticky rice is the staple of the Lao diet and food is enhanced by such spices as lemongrass, hot chilly , peanuts, coconut milk and ginger.  In addition to Lao cuisine, the larger hotels also serve a wide variety of Continental, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine. In the smaller cities, when the hotels only have one restaurant, ordering a-la-carte may involve a slight wait, consequently it is advised that you take advantage of the large and diverse buffets available at these hotels to minimize any delay.

Never drink (or brush your teeth with) water from the hotel tap, no matter what category of hotel you are staying in. Bottled mineral water is available at all hotels throughout Laos.  Do not have any ice in your drinks as this is often made from water that has not been purified.  The most popular beverage in Laos is the domestically produced Beer Lao.  Lao coffee, grown in the fertile south of the country, is some of the best in the world.

All Discovery Indochina tours are based on full board arrangements with Continental or American breakfast, lunch and dinner. For full day excursions or overland journeys, picnic lunch can be provided if no adequate restaurants are available.

GENERAL ADVICE ON TRAVELING IN LAOS
Use an insect repellant against mosquitoes, especially when traveling up-country and in forested areas.
Since Laos has a hot and humid tropical climate, casual and light clothing is best all year round, preferably made from natural fibers. A sweater or jacket may be useful in hill areas, particularly during winter months, when evenings can be quite cold. A windproof jacket is essential when touring along Mekong River during November to February. An umbrella or raincoat is recommended if visiting the country during the monsoon months (June-September). A hat and a high-factor sun block cream are advisable a protection against the hot tropical sun when sightseeing outdoors. Shoes are generally removed at the entrance to temples.

Color standard films (such as Kodak, Konica or Fuji) are available in the main cities. But slide films, B/W films, video films and camera batteries as well as any specialized photo or video equipment should be brought with you. Photography and video in airports and near any military installations and government offices are forbidden and discretion should be observed when photographing people especially monks and hill tribes.

Useful, too, is a flashlight, for exploring caves or details of temples interiors, which are often not properly illuminated.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
An adequate supply of any essential medication should be brought along, as certain medicines may not be available locally. A spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses is also advisable. Extra personal insurance is recommended in case of illness, or situations where medical evacuation by air is required, as Laos hospitals are generally not up to international standards.

HOW TO GET TO LAOS
By air: Presently, Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse are the three international airports where arrival / departure of international passengers is allowed.

Overland: The country can be entered or exited overland at the following immigration checkpoints, which are open daily from 08.30 AM to 05.00 PM:

Thailand
*  Friendship Bridge from / to Nongkhai  (Thailand) crossing Mekong River by shuttle bus (from 06.00 AM to 10.00 PM)
*  Houei Xay by crossing Mekong River by ferry from / to Chiangkhong (Thailand) (from 08.00 AM to 06.00 PM)
* Thakek from / to Nakhon Phanom (Thailand) by ferry
* Vangtao from / to Chongmek and Ubon Ratchatani (Thailand)
* Savannakhet from / to Mukdahan (Thailand), actually by ferry. At the end  of 2006, the  bridge  crossing Mekong river will  be completely  finished

Vietnam
* Sam Neua ( Nameo) / Pa Hang  on route  N0  6  to Vietnam
*  Nonghet, Xiengkhouang Province, from / to Nam Kan (Vietnam)
*  Denesavanh from / to Lao Bao (Vietnam)
* Namphao, Borikhamxay province, from / to Lak Sao (Vietnam)
* Tong Kham /Chalo , route N0 12, which  link Thakek to Vinh or Dong Hoi (Vietnam)
* Attapeu/Kontum (Bo-Y border)

Cambodia
* Veunkham from / to Stung Treng (Cambodia) by boat

China
* Boten, Luang Namtha province, from / to Bohan and Mengla (Yunnan, China)

INTERNET
Laos is at the first stage for Internet global network. Following are the Internet addresses, which provide relevant information on Laos

LANGUAGES 
The official language of Lao PDR is Lao. It is spoken throughout the country as well as the Vientiane’s dialect. In spite of the colonial past, French remains the second language and English is in common use among business sectors and young generations, even though they are not widely spoken except in the capital and in major tourist sites such as Luang Prabang.

LOCAL TIME
Laos runs at GMT + 7 hours, it lies in the same time zone as its neighbors Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.
Working hours:  Government offices are generally open   Monday to Friday from 08.00 AM – 12.00 PM, and from 01.00 – 04.00 PM. Shop and private business offices open and close a bit later and usually stay open during lunchtime.
Discovery Indochina Laos opens from 08.00 – 12.00 PM, and from 01.30 – 05.30 PM from Monday to Friday. On Saturday, we open only in the morning from 08.00 – 12.00 PM.
NBCAs
The National Biodiversity Conservation Area (NBCA) system was established in Lao PDR in 1993. NBCAs are multi-purpose areas and not national parks in the conventional sense. This means people live inside the NBCA and harvest some animals and plants as rural livelihoods. There are 19 NBCAs in the whole country. Currently the NBCAs have very different levels of access to foreigners.
There are many unique animals still found in Laos, but they are hard to see, because they are still hunted. Several animal species are on the verge of extinction. To slow these declines, do not buy or eat wildlife in the restaurants and be very careful with fire especially during the dry season.
People living in the NBCAs often belong to minority ethnic groups. When traveling in these areas, please dress modestly and respect local traditions. Do not touch anything that may be of religious significance and always ask before taking close-up portraits. Also do not give anything to the children and do not give medicine but to a doctor or a nurse.

POST AND COMMUNICATION
The General Post Office  (GPO) is located next to the Morning Market in Vientiane.  Its branches are available in the main cities and almost in all the districts through the country. It offers postal services and public telephone for local, national and international calls. In the major cities, telephone card cabins are available for domestic and overseas calls. Phone cards can be purchased at the shops nearby or at Lao Telecom Company. Most hotels in the main cities have IDD lines but calls are expensive. Mobile phones are also largely used in the main cities but roaming works only with Thai operators and the coverage does not extend to the whole country. The normal mail service is inexpensive and generally reliable. For urgent or valuable mail  (either or to /from Laos), it is advisable to use EMS or other courier service.

PASSPORT AND VISAS 
Visas are required by all nationalities (subject to exceptions for local neighboring people and ASEAN  countries  )

Visas can be obtained either from Lao Embassies and Consulates abroad or upon arrival at following immigration checkpoints:
* Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse airports
* Friendship Bridge in Vientiane (opposite Nongkhai, Thailand)
* Houei Xay (opposite Chiangkhong, Thailand)
* Boten, Luang Namtha province (opposite Bohan, Yunnan, China)
* Nonghet, Xiengkhouang Province (opposite Nam Kan, Vietnam).
* Savannakhet (opposite Mukdahan, Thailand)
* Denesavanh (opposite Lao Bao, Vietnam)
* Vangtao (opposite Chongmek, Thailand)
* Namphao, Borikhamxay Province (opposite of Lak Sao, Vietnam)
* Thakek (opposite Nakhon Phanom, Thailand)

Important note: Travelers arriving from Cambodia overland at Veunkham immigration checkpoint must have their Lao visa arranged and stamped prior to arrival at the Laotian border. 

The visa fee is US$ 30 per person, 2 passport photos are required for each visa application.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2005 – 2006

FRI02 DEC      Lao National Day
MON02 JAN     International New year
THU08 MAR     International Women Day
THU12 APR     Lao New Year
FRI13 APR      Lao New Year
SAT14 APR     Lao New Year
TUE01 MAY    Labor Day
 

If any of the holidays listed above falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the pre or post working day might also be observed as a holiday.
SHOPPING
Many handicrafts can be found at the common markets. The Morning Market (Talaat Sao) in Vientiane is known for its superior silk weaving, metal work, and woodcarving. The Central Market in Luang Prabang also offers a great variety of souvenirs, from silk weaving, Sa paper handicraft, silver items, basketworks to hill tribes’ costumes and jewelry. In Luang Prabang, traditional Hmong embroideries are to be found at the ethnic market as well as at the night market. Up market handicraft stores are available in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
Travelers should avoid purchasing antiques and other cultural pieces, such as bronze drums or gongs and Buddha images. Since the export of antiques is subject to the approval of Ministry of Culture, souvenirs may thus be seized when leaving the country.  If you travel in from a neighboring country and have bought any antiques or silver pieces, when arriving in Laos, you are recommended to declare these items to customs.
Bargaining is essential for all souvenirs shopping  because  most of shops  do not  stick   selling  prices  on  the items  . Reduction may vary from 10-20%.

Silk and cotton are woven in different styles according to the techniques of each province.  The best place to buy is in the villages themselves, where you can watch the weaving process and get wholesale prices.

The artisans produce well-crafted carvings in wood, bone and stone. Subjects can be everything from Hindu and Buddhist mythology to themes from every day life. Pipes seem to be plentiful in Laos and sometimes have intricately carved bone or bamboo shafts, along with engraved ceramic bowls. To shop for carving, look in antique or handicraft stores.
Please be aware that what may be described as authentic or valuable items  such as gems, high value antiques or carpets are often fakes or highly overpriced. Several stores will offer you certificates of authenticity. In most Local shopping is ALWAYS at the discretion of the traveler.

The Northern hill tribes and Luang Prabang people do some of the best silverwork in Laos. Gems such sapphires and rubies are also sometimes available. However, jewelry is generally not up to international standards and buyers should use caution when purchasing gems.

Clients are NOT OBLIGED to visit any shops at the urging of the local guide or drivers. We make every effort to remind guides that clients are not to be pressured in any way regarding shopping.


Tipping
Tipping is at the discretion of the client and is not required and obligatory . For those clients traveling on a group tour your tipping for porterage and all specified sightseeing is included. All of your guides have been fully pre-paid and you are under no obligation to tip them.  However, if you feel that they have been particularly helpful and informative any tip you may wish to give is at your discretion and will be in addition to the tips paid to them on your behalf.

TRANSPORTATION
Depending on the road conditions of each province, visitors are provided with bus, minibus or car, most of the time with air-conditioning, for the excursions. In the remote areas as well as in the Northern part of Laos where the road condition is still poor, the transportation will be either by pick-up or   4x4 wheel drive and mostly non-air conditioned vehicles.

VACCINATION 
Yellow fever: Not obligatory if  the  travelers come from Europe
Japanese encephalitis: For long trips  in rural area  only
Hepatitis  A: Vaccination is recommended
Hepatitis  B:  Vaccination is recommended
Rabies: Advisable if on a long or adventures  trip
Tenatus – Poliomylitis: Check  if  your vaccination is  up-to-date
Typhoid: Vaccination  is recommended
Malaria:  The  country is classified as  a zone 3 countries: Consult your doctor before  your departure.