Introduction
Laos is a landlocked country located in the centre of Indochina in Southeast Asia between latitude 14-23 degrees North and longtitude 100-108 degrees East. It has common borders with China 416km, Myanmar 230km, Thailand 1730km, Cambodia 492km and Vietnam 1957km.
Laos is 236,800sq.km in land area, the major part being mountainous and forested. Geographically, the country is divided into three areas: the North, the Central and the Southern parts.
The Mekong flows through 1865 km of Laos territory and forms the major portion of the border with Thailand (1500 km). 60% of the water entering this major river system originates in Laos. The three highest mountains are all located in Xiengkouang province: Phu Bia 2.820m, Phu Xao 2.690m, Phu Xamxum 2.620m,(Phu is the Lao word for mountain).
Lao .P.D.R. has a population of above 4.7 million inhabitants (1996) comprising 68 ethnic groups, such as Hmong, Khmu, Yao, Akha, Ikor, Lu, etc... Each tribe with its own distinctive customs. The 68 minority groups in Laos are classified into three groups:
Lao Theung (uplander) 34% of the population who live along the foot hill less than 3500 feet above the sea level.
Lao Soung (hilltribes) 9% of the population who live in mountainous areas about 3500 feet above the sea level.
Lao Lum (lowland Lao) 57% of the population who live in the flat areas and along the Mekong valleys and its tributaries, mostly in the big cities.
The population density of Laos is 19 people per square km, making the country one of the most sparsely populated country in Asia and quite different from its neighbouring countries: Thailand 120 people per square km, China 200 people per square km and Vietnam 230 people per square km.
Geographically, its position lies at the crossroads of Commerce and Communication with Westside North-East Thailand (I-SAN) that in the future the 2nd Mekong bridge will link MUKDAHANIT and SAVANNAKHET, connecting the road n.g to Central Vietnam' (HUE - DANANG).
The interesting places to visit are: That Inghanh, the stupa which, during the fullmoon of 3rd month, hold a Mecial Festival. The Umer ruin of a stone house (Heuan-Hin) is located 60 kms south of town. Upon request, the Dinausore museum can also be visited.
Currency and Exchange The local currency is the KIP. The rate of exchange is approximately 1800Kip to one US Dollar. Credit cards are only accepted at very few places. Traveller cheques and other currencies than U.S.Dollars are only accepted by major banks. It is best to carry U.S.Dollar bills in small denominations. Travellers are strictly required to make the exchange at official licensed exchange shops or at the state bank while paying in Laos
Climate Laos can be visited throughout the year. The dry or cool season begins end of October and lasts untill 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 Houeixai. The hot season lasts from March to June and light cotton and hats are recommended. The rainy season starts in June and ends in October.
Health Requirements No vaccinations are presently required. But malaria prophylaxis is recommended. And if travelling to remote or border areas, travelers should check with their doctor or a travel immunization clinic regarding the advisability of innoculation against Typhoid, Hepatitis, Tetanus and Japanese encephalitis.
Food All tours are based on a full pension with continental or American breakfast, lunch and dinner. For full day excursion, only picnic lunch can be provided, as no adequate restaurants are available. Western food is also provided in the main cities and Lao or Asian food can be served on request.
Shopping Laos is not a big country for shopping, but many handicrafts and arts items can be found at the common market.
Tipping Tipping is not customary in Laos, not even in the tourist hotels. But visitor who likes to show his appreciation for good service should follow the European or American standards for tipping.
Passport and Visas Visas are required by all nationalities. Travel must obtain visa from Loas Embassy in Washington DC Visas are usually delivered to the Laotian Embassy who normally requires the original passport for 02 (two) full working days in order to stamp the visa. Visas can also be obtained upon arrival at the entry points to Laos and stamping fee will be quoted separately. No need of photos and formalities to fill up for the getting of visa upon arrival. Whatever passport detailed as above are also required to be sent to us for visa approval. However, the procedure of getting of visa will be changed temporary soon. So, for actual information please do not hesitate to contact us.
Hotels First class hotels are available only in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and in the other main cities.
In Vientiane
NOVOTEL, LAO HOTEL PLAZA, ROYAL DOKMAIDENG, VANSANA, LANEXANG or other similar hotels.
In Luangprabang
PHOUVAO, MUANG LUANG, VILLA SANTI or other similar hotels.
In the Plain of jars, Pakse, Houay Xai and other destinations is provided in standard hotels, bungalow or guest houses with adequate facilities.
AIRPORT TAX - US$5-per person is levied on passengers leaving Laos on the international fllights.
Transportation Visits are provided with bus, minibus or car, most of the time, with air-conditioning for the excursions depending on the road conditions of each province.
Actually, transportation of tourists to provinces must be arranged by air on Turboprop ATR 72 (72 seats), Y7 (52 seats), and Y 12 (16 seats) aircraft respectively. There are daily flights to Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, Pakse and Phonesavanh (Xiengkhouang).
Weaving Fabric Silk and cotton are woven in different style according to technicality of the weaver of each province.
The best place to buy is in the villages themselves, where you can watch how it's made and get wholesale prices. Failing this, a good selection can be found in open markets in provincial towns and handicraft stores including in Vientiane.
Carving Laos produce well-crafted carvings in wood, bone and stone. Subjects can be everything from Hindu and Buddhist mythology to theme 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.
Jewelry Gold and silver jewelry are good buys in Laos although you must search for well-made pieces. Some of the best silver-work is done by the hilltribes and Luang Prabang people. Gems are also sometimes available. Xoueixay is very famous for sapphire. Antique items such as: old Buddha images and other old cultural pieces are prohibited to take out of Laos. Also, if you travelled in from our neighboring countries, when you arrive at the airport or any entry check-in point and you have bought any antique or silver pieces in those countries, you are recommended to declare to customs, the valuable items brought in with. That will make you easier to bring these items out from Laos. Clients buying silver and copper items in Laos are also required to pay tax, depending on weights to airport customs according to the regulations reinforced by Laos government.
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