Laos

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Overview

Laos is one of the few Communist countries left in the world. Until 1988 tourists were not allowed access to Laos, but the country has now opened up and it is perfectly feasible to travel all over the country, preferably with a recognised tour company, although plenty of backpackers do it independently. The number of tourists is expected to continue increasing over the next few years as more and more people discover the delights of this laid-back country of mountains and rivers.

For now, Laos remains relatively isolated and undeveloped. Its capital, Vientiane, is more like a big village than a crowded Asian hub and life throughout the country is slow-paced. Most people come to Laos and make a brief tour of Vientiane and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Luang Prabang with perhaps a brief detour to the mysterious Plain of Jars. But those who make the effort to explore further afield will be well rewarded with luscious landscapes, friendly people and unique glimpses of a country hardly changed for over a century.

Area
236,800 sq km (91,400 sq miles).

Population
6.3 million (2006).

Population Density
26.6 per sq km.

Capital
Vientiane. Population: 700,000 (2005 estimate).

Government
People's Republic since 1975. Gained independence from France in 1953.

Language
The official language is Lao, however, many tribal languages are also spoken. French, Vietnamese and some English are spoken.

Religion
The majority of the Lao people are Buddhists. The Laos-Lum (Valley Laos) people follow the Hinayana (Theravada) form of Buddhism. The religions of the Laos-Theung (Laos of the mountain tops) range from traditional Confucianism to animism and Christianity.

Time
GMT + 7.

Social Conventions
Religious beliefs should be respected. Lao people should not be touched on the head. Handshaking is not that usual; Lao people greet each other with their palms together and a slight bowing of the head. Take care when discussing politics and related subjects in conversation so as not to cause offence. Shorts or revealing clothes are not always acceptable. It is a legal requirment to carry an ID document or a passport, and fines for not having one for presentation on demand can be high. The Lao government prohibits sexual relationships, including sexual contact between foreign citizens and Lao nationals, except when the two parties have been married in accordance with Lao family law. Penalties for failing to register a relationship range from fines to imprisonment.

Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz.

Head of Government
Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh since June 2006.

Head of State
Choummaly Sayasone since June 2006.

Culture

Food and Drink
Dishes are Indo-Chinese in flavour and presentation. The cheapest and easiest way to sample Lao food is from the stalls in the markets. Traditionally, Lao food is very spicy but this kick is often tempered for the western palate. There are several fairly good French restaurants in Vientiane, catering mainly for the diplomatic community, and Luang Prabang, which has recently seen something of a culinary revival.

National specialities:
o Sticky rice (best eaten with fingers).
o Pho (white rice noodle soup, usually served with beef and/or pork although vegetarian versions are available).
o Laap (minced meat, fish or vegetables tossed in lime juice, garlic, powdered rice and chillies, accompanied by sticky rice).
o Tam maal hung (Lao-style papaya salad).
o Khai phaan (weed from the Mekong river - a Luang Prabang speciality).

National drinks:
o Rice whisky, lao lao, is popular and there are two brands available.
o Beer Lao.

Tipping: Not customary, however a modest tip in return for good service is appreciated.

Nightlife
There are several discos in Vientiane that tend to have live Lao bands. Most large hotels have their own nightclubs. Generally, however, the Lao nightlife is quiet and laid-back, usually involving a Beer Lao, a stunning sunset, firefly display and an early night.

Shopping
The markets in Vientiane and Luang Prabang are worth visiting. Silk, silver jewellery and handmade shirts are good buys. Although the majority of shops have fixed prices, bartering is still advisable for antiques and other art objects.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600; Mon-Sat 0900-2100 (private shops).

Environment

Climate
Throughout most of the country, the climate is hot and tropical, with the rainy season between May and October when temperatures are at their highest. The dry season runs from November to April.
Required Clothing
Lightweights and rainwear, with warmer layers from October to March and upland areas.
Laos is a landlocked country bordered to the north by China, to the east by Vietnam, to the south by Cambodia, and to the west by Thailand and Myanmar. Apart from the Mekong River plains, along the border of Thailand the country is mountainous, particularly in the north, and in places is densely forested.

Money

Currency
Lao Kip (LAK; symbol ?) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of ?50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1.

Currency Exchange
Thai Baht and US Dollars are the easiest currencies to exchange. They are also widely accepted in shops, markets and hotels in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Major credit cards are accepted in the more upmarket hotels and restaurants only.

Traveller's Cheques
Limited acceptance. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Thai Baht.

Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 0830-1600. Some banks remain open during lunch.

Duty Free

The following goods may be imported into Laos, from countries not bordering Laos, without incurring customs duty:

o 500 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco.
o One bottle of alcoholic beverage and two bottles of wine.
o Personal jewellery up to 500g.

Note: The export of antiques such as Buddha images and other artefacts is prohibited. Any antique items purchased in other countries must be declared to customs on arrival in Laos.

Traveller's Guide

Passports
Passport with at least six months remaining validity required.

Visas
Required.

Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business: Eur;50 (including service and document fees). Families may only be charged Eur;50 per family if all living at the same address, and same surname is indicated on passports.

Validity
Validity starts from day of entry into Laos. Tourist/Business: 30 days (can be extended twice in Vientiane for 30 days ). Visas must be used within three months of being issued.

Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy) or an officially recognised tour operator. A visa valid for Laos can also be obtained from travel agencies in Bangkok (Thailand) or on arrival (at most points of entry, but it is recommended that one is obtained before arrival). Visas are issued on arrival at 14 international checkpoints throughout Laos, including Luang Prabang Airport, Pakse Airport and (Wattay) Vientiane International Airport for stays of 15 days and costs US$30. For further details, contact the nearest embassy (see Contact Addresses).

Working Days Required
Three.

Contact Addresses

Lao National Tourism Administration (LNTA)
PO Box 3556, Lane Xang Avenue, Hadsady, Chanthaboury, Vientiane, Laos
Tel: (21) 212 251/248.
Website: www.tourismlaos.gov.la or www.ecotourismlaos.com

Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in France
74 Avenue Raymond Poincaré, 75116 Paris, France
Tel: (01) 4553 0298.
Opening hours for visa enquires and applications: Mon-Fri 0900-1200.
Website: www.laoparis.com

Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in the USA
2222 S Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 332 6416.
Website: www.laoembassy.com

Health Care
Any treatment must generally be paid for in cash. Health insurance is essential and should include cover for air evacuation.
Note * Not required for Vientiane.

** A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from infected areas.

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