LAOS  – General Information

Weather : Laos can be visited throughout the year. The dry or cool season begins at the end of October and lasts until the end of February.  It is necessary to take along a pullover or jacket during the cool season, as nights can be very cool, especially in the mountainous areas such as Luang Prabang, the Plain of Jars, Saravane and Houei Xai. 

Laos enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons: Hot Season: March to May ; Rainy season: June to October ; Cool Season: November to February

For visitors traveling between the end of March and the beginning of April, please take note in mountainous areas where slash and burn cultivation remains, the air may be smoky and domestic flights might 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 writing  is approximately 8,500 Kip to one US Dollar, 10,800 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 Baths and sometimes Euros. Only major banks accept traveller's cheques. It is best to carry US Dollar bills in small denominations. Credit cards are accepted only at major hotels and up-market shops and restaurants in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

Laos, like Thailand, is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Languages: The official language of Laos PDR is Lao. It is spoken in different parts of the country. The Vientiane dialect is understood throughout the country. In spite of the colonial past, French remains the second official language. English is commonly used among business sectors and young generations.

How to get to Laos ?

By air: Presently, Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse are the only legal points of disembarkation in Laos for air passengers. At the present time, Bangkok is the most common gateway for entry to Vientiane, although it is possible to come from Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Kunming (China), Chiang Mai.

Overland: The following authorized points are open daily from 08:30 am to 5:00 pm.

From Nongkhai (Thailand) by Friendship Bridge crossing the Mekong River by shuttle bus

From Chiang Khong (Thailand) by crossing the Mekong River by ferry to Houei Xay in the northwest.

From South China (Yunnan) to Luang Namtha province via Boten checkpoint.

From Mukdahan (Thailand) and from Quangtri (Vietnam) to Savannakhet.

From Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) to Pakse in the south.

From Vinh (Vietnam) via Keo Neua checkpoint to Khamkeuth district Borikhamxay province, then to Vientiane by bus.

From Nakhon Phanom (Thailand) to Thakek in the center.

N.B. Entries & exits can be done vice versa

General Advice on traveling in Laos

Never drink tap water. Purified, bottled water is available everywhere. Use an insect repellant against mosquitoes, especially in upcountry and forested areas. A hat and high factor block cream is advisable as protection against the hot tropical sun when sightseeing.

Casual and light clothing, preferably natural fibers, is recommended year-round. A sweater or jacket may be useful in hill areas, particularly during winter months when evenings can be quite cool.  A windproof jacket is essential when touring along the Mekong River area from November to February.  An umbrella or raincoat is essential if visiting during the monsoon months (May-September).

Travelers should take adequate supplies of any prescription medicine they may need, as supplies may not be available locally.  A spare pair of eyeglasses, if worn, is also advisable. Also useful is a flashlight for exploring caves or details of temple interiors that are often not properly illuminated. Extra personal insurance is recommended in case of illness or situations where medical evacuation by air is required, as hospitals are generally not up to Western standards.

UPDATED September 2008

ALL INFORMATION ABOVE IS GIVEN FOR YOUR REFERENCE.

IT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

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