Neighbor: Myanmar and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, and Thailand to the west.
Area: 236 800 km²
Population: 7,275,560 people (January 2023)
Ethnic groups: 55% Lao, 11% Kamu, 8% Hmong, 26 % Others
Official Religion: Buddhism (67%)
Capital: Vientiane
Spoken Language: Lao or Laotian is a tonal language of the Tai–Kadai language family. It is the official language of Laos and is also spoken in northeast Thailand, where it is usually referred to as the Isan language.
Currency: Kip 1$ = 17,000kip – February 2023
Electric Plug Used: 230V and 50 Hz. Laos uses 5 types of electrical outlets: A, B, C, E, and F. The primary electrical outlet type in Laos is type F

Visa On Arrival & E-visa

Getting a Laos visa has just become even more accessible. As well as getting a permit for PDR of Laos through usual channels at embassies or consulates, travelers of most nations can obtain their Laos visa upon Arrival at the international airports of Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savannakhet, as well as at various border crossing points with neighboring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China.

Travellers holding passports from the following countries are not eligible for a Laos E-visa or visa on Arrival: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Jordan, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Mozambique, Nauru, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Syria, Swaziland (Eswatini), Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Passport holders from these countries must apply for a Laos visa before visiting the embassies.
Passport holders from ASEAN Countries, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Russia, Luxembourg, and Switzerland can enter Laos with a visa exemption.

There are three options to choose from to obtain a visa for Laos:

1. Laos eVisa via the Internet

The processing time for the visa is three working days, and it can be used to enter five international ports (https://laoevisa.gov.la/):

• Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital)
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane Capital)
• Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang Province)
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet Province)
• Pakse International Airport (Champasak Province)
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV (Bokeo Province)
• Boten International Checkpoint (Luang Namtha Province)
• Boten Railway Station (Luang Namtha Province)

The Laos visa fee is non-refundable.

Visa on Arrival at significant entry points.

The visa is valid for 30 days and may be extended for 15 days at the immigration office.

Required documents:

• The visa request form, available before Arrival
• One passport photo was taken within the last six months
• 40 USD (all nationalities)

Time for delivery: between 10 and 40 minutes, depending on the number of people requesting it.
Please note that there is sometimes a service charge of 2-3$ so we recommend carrying so small notes

3. Directly from a Lao embassy abroad before departure
   The visa is valid for 30 days – 40 USD (all nationalities)

Required documents:

• The visa request form, available before departure
• One passport photo was taken within the last six months

Notes:

• A passport must be valid for six months beyond the intended stay in Laos, with at least one empty page for the visa stamp.

TRAVELING WITHIN LAOS
International Airport-Laos has 4 international airports.

• Wattay International Airport in Vientiane’s Capital has flights to/from  Chiang Mai, Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Seoul, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur.
  It is located 5 km outside of the city center. The transfer from the city center to the airport takes around 15 minutes.
• Luang Prabang International Airport in Luang Prabang has flights to/from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ha Noi, Siem Reap.
  Located 3 km from the city center. The transfer from the city center to the airport takes around 10 minutes
• Pakse International Airport in Champassak has flights from Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Siem Reap.
  Located around 4 km from the city center. The transfer from the city center to the airport takes around 15 minutes transfer
  The airport is small and equipped.

Domestic airport: there are some popular airports for domestic routes such as  Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, and Xieng Khouang where regular flights from Vientiane Capital are operating.

• Airport service: There are few services at the airport terminal, with small restaurants/cafes for food and beverage but with a limited selection.
• Air Company:
  • Lao Airlines is the flag carrier of Laos. It has domestic as well as international flights to countries such as Cambodia, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Korea.
  • Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airway, Bangkok Airways, Air Asia, and China Eastern Airlines have some international routes from/to Vientiane and Luang Prabang to/from big cities in Asia, e.g. Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Busan, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap.

There is no direct route from Europe to Laos.

BAGGAGE REGULATIONS
Baggage allowance on domestic flights with Lao Airlines is limited to 20 kg. Each passenger can carry onboard a free baggage allowance (one piece for Economy class passengers). Each piece has a maximum weight of 7kg, and the three dimensions shall not exceed 115 cm (30 cm x 60 cm x 18 cm) or (12 x 24 x 7 inches). Airlines companies may refuse to carry unchecked baggage and may require the passenger to check their baggage if it exceeds the quantity, weight, and dimensions specified above.
AIRPORT TAXES
The domestic and international airport taxes are included in the air ticket and don’t need to be paid at the airport when checking in.

TRANSPORT & TRANSFER IN LAOS

Because of its mountainous topography and the lack of development, the infrastructure in Laos is generally less developed than in neighboring countries, but it has some reliable transportation routes which link Northern Laos with Central and Southern Laos.

The Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers are the famous natural channels suitable for large-draft boat transportation. Laotians in lowland villages located on the banks of smaller rivers have traditionally traveled in pirogues for fishing, trading, and visiting up and down the river.

As a result of ongoing improvements in the road system which started during the early 1990s, more and more roads are being constructed or renovated to reach the country’s development requests and the need of local people.

Some local methods of transportation are the tuk-tuk, Songthaew, or Samlor (3-wheel motorbike) but there are also many places to rent a bicycle or motorbike. Taxi services are not widespread and relatively expensive in Laos.

Other modes of travel, such as a minivan, bus, air, and cruise trips, are available for long journeys.

Since Laos has been attracting more and more tourists in recent years, new and better transfer methods have increased significantly. Besides traveling by air, Easia Travel can arrange further kinds of transfers as detailed below:

BUSES

• Bus 45s: The Hyundai Aero Space is very reliable with all modern comforts and high standards. The 45-seater is the most extensive version used for up to 36 passengers to ensure maximum comfort. The bus has a high-tech air conditioner, and the seats are suitable for Western clients.
• Bus 35s: This type of bus offers excellent comfort. It can accommodate up to 20 travelers. Most of the buses have electronic devices such as CD players and microphones.
• Bus 25s: The two brands of 25-seater buses in Laos are Hyundai and Toyota. The 25-seater bus is a good choice for short and long transfers with a group of maximum of 12 people. The bus offers enough space for luggage.

CARS

• Minivans of 09s are primarily produced in South Korea; the Hyundai Starex is the most popular car for individual guests in Laos. This 9-seater van is suitable for 01 to 04 people with a guide and driver.
• Minivan of 15s: This 15-seater Toyota Hiace mini-van is very common in Laos. It is suitable for 05 to 07 travelers with luggage (maximum 9 pax. without luggage). It can be used for either short unpaved tours or long-distance tours with good roads.

DAILY BOAT

A cruise trip on the Mekong River from Houai Xay to Luang Prabang via Pakbeng (02D/01N) (03D/02N upon request) is a popular route for travelers. There are different choices for your budget, from local cruises to luxury ones.

Other short trips by local boat are boat on Nam Ou river (from Muang Khua to Muang Ngoi or Nongkhiaw), boat on Nam Song river (in Vang Vieng), boat from Don Khong to Don Khone (in 4000 island area)… These are also very popular and highly appreciated.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE

Some suppliers provide overnight cruises on the Mekong River

• Mekong Sun: operates cruise trips in the northern part of the Mekong River from the Golden Triangle to Luang Prabang town
• Mekong Pearl: operates cruise trips from Vientiane to the Golden Triangle, passing through Luang Prabang town.
• Pandaw Cruise
• Heritage Line’s Anouvong

You can contact our Sales in your markets to get further information on departure times and tour details.

Tuktuk: TukTuk is one of the most popular means of transportation in Laos. This is also a tourist’s favorite way to discover the city or for a short transfer.

RAILWAY

Due to the mountainous geography of Laos, the country has not had a substantial railway infrastructure; thus, traditionally rail transport has not played a significant part in Laos’s transport sector. This was changed with the opening of the Boten–Vientiane railway, a 414-kilometer (km) electrified high-speed railway that runs between the capital of Vientiane and the town of Boten on the Laos-China border. The Laos-Vietnam railway is a proposed railway project aimed to boost Laos’ ambitions further to become a regional logistics hub.

Read our dedicated brochure: Easia Travel – From Land Locked To Land Linked The Railway In Laos for more information.

When visiting Laos, there are some customs and beliefs that travellers should be aware of before coming to the country to avoid offending any locals. Here are some helpful hints to keep in mind while visiting:

• A formal greeting for most Lao people is the “Nop” (joining one’s hands together in a praying gesture at chin level). Handshakes are also commonly used among male friends and foreign visitors.
• The Lao word for “hello” is “Sabai dee” say it with a smile, and you will be well received. The head is considered high. It is unacceptable to touch Lao people’s heads, so bear that in mind.
• Dress neatly, keep quiet and take photos without flash and not too close when you observe the monks’ almsgiving in the early morning.
• Dress neatly when visiting religious shrines or temples.
• It is ok to wear shoes if you walk around a temple compound, but don’t forget to remove them before entering the chapel.
• At some temples, women in shorts or short skirts must wear a Lao dress (Sinh) as another layer before entering. Lao skirts are usually provided or available for rent on the spot (if this is required).
• Don’t hesitate to take photos of local people, but you should ask them for permission or smile at them before doing it.
• Feet are low. Placing them on furniture or pointing at things or people with your feet is unacceptable.
• Despite the heat, Lao/Laotians dress conservatively. If you don’t want to be a “black sheep”, dress neatly and moderately (don’t show too much skin), and you’ll get strange looks from the locals.
• Personal cleanliness is valued highly in Laos. Anyone who has a strong body odour tends to get disgusting looks.
• Before entering a Lao person’s home, take your shoes off and leave them outside the house or on the stairs.
• It is polite to crouch down gently when walking past someone seated, especially older adults.
• Lao people usually serve water to guests arriving at their homes; it is polite to accept it even if you don’t want to drink it (you don’t have to).
• In offices, never place your feet on a desk while sitting on a chair; that’s very impolite. Some foreign specialists/advisers have been thrown out for doing this, so be especially careful if you come to work here.
• In a Lao gathering, keep a low profile, and you will maximize your chances of social success in Laos.
• Most Lao people swim in rivers or waterfalls with at least shorts and a T-shirt. It is more polite to do this rather than walking around in swimsuits or bikinis. Also, if you are in the country and have to bathe in the river in the evening, women should wear a sarong.
• You might find it hard to communicate with locals if you don’t speak Lao, especially in the countryside, where people sometimes say in their Ethnic language and do not often speak English. If things don’t quite work the way you expect, remember to keep calm, and don’t lose your temper or raise your voice. It won’t help you; it will only make you look bad.
• Learn some basic Lao phrases and practice them with the locals you meet, they will be impressed, and you will be well received.
• Follow ChildSafe Policy here.

At ANNAM DMC Travel in Laos, we offer a range of wildlife encounters, from those deep in the jungle where the animals can be observed in their natural habitat to others where the animals are captive but well cared for, such as at the elephant camps and conservation centres that we work with. Here are some dos and don’ts you should be aware of when it comes to wildlife tourism:

• When in the wild, do not disturb the animals. Maintain a respectful distance from wild animals, and create minimal noise.
• Animals are generally shy and tend to hide when they see a human being. Please do not attempt to lure them out by throwing stones or other objects.
• Never touch, feed or harass wild animals. Remember, they are fantastic and can bite or scratch.
• Do not collect any plants or animals. They belong to nature, and removing them can be seen as a crime.
• Do not try to help wildlife that is injured. Inform the relevant authorities.
• Do not litter. This not only spoils the natural beauty but also harms the animals. Take your litter with you to be disposed of properly.
• Take strict precautions to guard against accidental fires caused by carelessness.
• It would be best if you did not deviate from the routes and trails, as this can cause damage to the natural environment and necessary erosion.
• If you visit a place where you witness practices that negatively impact wild or captive animals, be a voice for those who can’t speak and report it.

Laos’ currency is called KIP, pronounced “kip”. Bills that represent Kip are broken down into 500, 1000; 2000; 5000; 10 000; 20 000; 50 000, and 100 000 KIP denominations. Please be aware that the KIP is a non-convertible currency and cannot officially be exchanged abroad. The official exchange rate in Laos is around 17,000kip (November 2022)
Foreign currencies such as US Dollars, Euros, Thai Baht, and Australia Dollars are popularly accepted in Laos to be exchanged into KIP, and tourists are entitled to exchange money easily at the current market rate at the banks, airports, or at any licensed money changer. The presentation of your passport is sometimes requested. Please ask your tour guide for assistance in case you need it.
It is advised to bring new and undamaged bills. Exchange places and banks recently started to charge 15-30% to deal with damaged/old/stamped bills. Also, exchange rates can vary depending on your denomination.

CREDIT CARDS AND ATMS

The network of ATM machines covers the most visited cities in Laos by tourists and business travelers. The maximum amount per withdrawal is 1,500,000/per time, and the maximum of 7,000,000/per day. The ATMs can charge a fee of 25 000 KIP (subject to change) or the equivalent for each transaction. Some visa cards are restricted by the issuing bank for overseas use, and therefore, customers may require seeking the approval of the issuing bank in order to do so.

Credit cards are widely accepted by local suppliers in big cities (such as Luang Prabang and Vientiane), usually high-end hotels or shops; however, they usually entail a 2.5-3% surcharge. In others, the use of cash is more popular and recommended.

TRAVELLER CHECKS

Traveler checks are rarely accepted by local suppliers, so we do not recommend you use them in Laos.

BARGAINING

In Laos, you are expected to bargain. Do so freely but respectfully. Keep a smile on your face, be realistic about the expected discount, and if the vendor does not reach your final price, do not push him or her too hard.

TIPPING

Tipping was unknown in Laos until tourists started coming to the shores. These days, people such as boatmen, drivers, and hotel-restaurant staff have grown accustomed to getting a tip from tourists. The same goes for tour guides.

Sometimes, when visiting pagodas and monasteries, you might be asked to make a donation. It is up to you whether to do it or not. The people of Laos are usually generous to the extent their finances allow. The amount depends on you, but it might be around 10,000 – 20,000 KIP.

Here is a general rule of thumb for tipping:

Guides:

• About $5-$7 per day per person for a national guide
• About $3-$5 per day per person for a local guide
• Drivers (car and boat): $2 per person per day is average
• Porters: 10,000 KIP per person/per day is sufficient

Imports:
If you bring any expensive electronics or other equipment, it is best to declare these items when you enter the country just in case they are lost or stolen (very rare) during your trip. You may bring up to two bottles of liquor, a perfume bottle, 2 cartons of cigarettes, and 100 cigars.

Exports:
The export of playing cards or other gambling equipment, antiques, and anything to do with archaeology or pornography, is prohibited. Furthermore, Laos does not allow the export of any of its currency when leaving the country. You may enter and exit with as much foreign currency as you like, but you must declare it (if over 10,000 USD). Be sure to keep track of all your expenses with receipts wherever possible to avoid being accused of black market activities when you return home.

You are not allowed to export ANY of the following items: old coins, fossils, jewelry or precious stones (unless through a certified purchase), bronze or brass, antiques, wooden art over 24 inches tall or wide, frescoes or inscribed stones, any national paraphernalia. It is also forbidden to purchase elephant and rhino ivory, tiger bones, bear paws, pangolin scales, and other souvenirs or products from protected animal parts.

If you travel to Laos, ensure that all of your vaccinations are up to date and that you are vaccinated for Tetanus, Polio and Diphtheria. Other vaccines recommended include Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B (if you are in-country for over three months), Typhus and Tuberculosis, and vaccinations against rabies and Japanese encephalitis are also advised. Officially there are no vaccinations required to enter Laos.

HEALTH ADVICE

• Drink a lot of water during the day (2 litres).
• Do not drink tap water in Laos. Only bottled water is drinkable. The most popular brands are Tiger Head and Dao.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Most important: Trust your gut feeling. If you don’t like your food, stop eating and do a double take when eating from street vendors.

Your home embassy may be able to assist with advice during emergencies or serious problems. You might want to register if possible before you arrive so that the embassy staff will know where to reach you in case of emergency at home. If calling a Lao emergency number you may have to ask the aid of a Laotian speaker because there might not be an English-speaking operator on the line:
Ambulance: 192
Fire department: 191
Police: 199
Red Cross: (01) 392029 / 30

Pre-departure Tasks

• Make sure your passport is valid with at least 6 months before the expiry date and that you have the correct visas. Have a look at the visa requirements for more information.
• Consider medical, baggage and trip cancellation insurances.
• Check with your doctor regarding re-vaccinations and medicines needed.
  Clothes
• Clothing should be lightweight and of the drip dry variety. You will be in the sun a lot so long sleeves and a wide hat would be more suitable.
• Underwear should be synthetic and easily washable.
• Sleepwear.
• Shirts should be long sleeved and light-weight with lots of closed pockets.
• T-shirts, short sleeved and again with pockets.
• Cool evenings during November – February, so pullovers or a light-weight jacket are recommended.
• A light weight vest with lots of pockets will be handy for carrying your film camera and binoculars.
• Long trousers made from a light-weight, quick drying fabric should have multi pockets for day trips. Long trousers that turn into shorts are ideal.
• For trekking, light-weight long shorts (for modesty purposes) are acceptable.
• Bathing suit should be modest so it does not offend the locals.
• Hat for sun protection. Should have a wide brim and a strap.
• A sturdy poncho or parka will help to keep you gear dry in case of rain or waterfall spray.
• Footwear: You will need some sturdy comfortable boots for trekking or just walking around. They will need to support your ankle as well as having a non-slip sole.
• Waterproof sandals for those short trips and boating.
• Some smart casual clothes for the evenings and restaurants.
• From December to January or in the hill stations, Bolaven Highlands or on a boat trip from Houai Xay to Luang Prabang, the temperature can be quite chilly so bring a sweater or other warm clothes. Visitors should not wear shorts, short skirts or other skimpy clothing when visiting pagodas and monasteries.

Pharmacy

• Insect repellent with the percentage of DEET recommended by your travel medicine physician. It’s important that you bring an ample supply of good quality repellent.
• Antiseptic wipes for hand washing and emergency toilet paper.
• Personal First Aid Kit (bring in small amounts and in small containers)
• Aspirin/ibuprofen, etc.