General Information

Population ââ?¬â?? 6.4 million people
Total Area - 236,800 square kilometres
Capital ââ?¬â?? Vientiane (450,000 people)
Time Zone - Standard time zone: UTC/GMT +7 hours.

Location

Laos is a land-locked country that lies in South-East Asia. It shares extensive borders with Vietnam & Thailand (almost 4,000km combined); as well as shorter borders with China, Cambodia & Myanmar (Burma).

Weather

With regards to climate and weather, it should be noted that there is some variation as different parts of the country are at different altitudes. In general, however, Laos is a tropical country where there is a tropical monsoon wet/rainy season from July through October during which it is usually hot and humid and a dry season from November through June when the humidity is reduced. March to May is a period of very hot weather in the lowlands but moderate temperatures in the highlands.

The best time to go to Laos, weather-wise, is probably between November and February when it is not too hot or too rainy - although it is quite cold in the highlands in December and January. Roads may be flooded and inaccessible in remote areas during the rainy season but travel by river is possible during this time. November, however, is the best time to travel by river as flooding has subsided but water levels are still high enough for boats.

Communications

The international dialling code for Laos is +856, to call overseas from within Laos dial 14 followed by the relevant country code and phone number.

Emergency numbers for Laos are 190 (fire), 191 (police) and for 195 (ambulance).

International phone calls can be made from most internet cafes, and are often cheaper than payphones. Mobile telephone roaming agreements exist with many international carriers. It is advisable to check with your provider. Coverage can be ordinary in many locations throughout Laos, however is good in the major cities & towns.

Internet cafes are widespread throughout Vientiane, Vang Vieng & Luang Prabang with relatively quick connections. Outside of the major towns they are less frequent with much slower service.

The postal system is relatively reliable and cheap, however if you are sending mail to most western countries, be advised that it can take up to 2 weeks.

Currency/ Money

The official currency is the Lao Kip. No coins are in circulation, with notes available in denominations of 50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500; 100; 50; 10; 5 and 1. US dollars are accepted in most of the country, as well as Thai Baht in many locations, especially those regions close to the Thai border. Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at banks, and it is advisable to have these cheques in US or Thai currency. Bank hours are usually 8.30am-4pm.

Electricity

Laos runs off a 230V/50Hz system.

Language

The official language of Laos is Lao, however French and English are spoken in parts of the country, especially the more popular tourist areas.

Public Holidays

Laos Public Holidays in 2008 include:

1 January: International New Year's Day
6 February: Chinese Lunar New Year Day
8 March: Woman�s Day
22 March: People�s Party Day
13-15 April: Laotian New Year�s Days
1 May: Labour Day
20 May: Buddha Day
1 June: Children�s Day
18 Jul: Khao Pansa (Buddhist Fast Begins)
13 August: Laos Issara (Free Laos Day)
9 October: Bouk Khao Pansa (Buddhist Fast Ends)
12 Octorber: Liberation Day
2 December: National Day

Note: When a public holiday falls on Saturday and/or Sunday, then the Monday following the holiday is substituted.

Visas

All travellers to Laos require a visa.

Travellers should ensure they have 2 passport size photos, a valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining, and a blank passport page. Licensed Lao tour groups and Lao embassies and consulates can handle visas.

Visa extensions are available at the Immigration Office (021-212-520) in Vientiane for $2/day or through a tour company. You may contact your closest Lao Embassy or consulate regarding visa applications and prices which vary somewhat by country. The types of visas to Laos include:

Transit Visa - Maximum of 5 days stay/Proof of an entry visa and air ticket to another destination
Tourist Visa - 15 days stay. Available on arrival or through Lao Consulates abroad. Approximately US$15.
Visitor Visa - 1 month stay (can be extended for 2 additional months). Request can be processed either through a guarantor in Laos or the Lao Embassy.
Business Visa - 1month stay (can be extended until completion of your business term. Authorisation is arranged by sponsor in the Lao PDR or its Embassies abroad
Multiple Entry Visa - Available from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consular Department

Visa can be applied for on arrival at the following checkpoints:
1. Wattay International Airport (Vientiane).
2. Luang Prabang International Airport.
3. Friendship Bridge (Nongkhai (Thailand) - Vientiane).
4. Pakse International Airport (Champasak).
5. Huay Xai (border with Thailand near Chiang Rai).

It is recommended you confirm with your relevant embassy all information in relation to Cambodian visas, as well as entry and passport requirements for nationals of your country.

Food

Lao cuisine is similar to Thai food in its use of lime, chillies, garlic, tamarind, fish sauce, lemongrass, galingale, ginger, ground peanuts, coconut milk, mint, coriander and other fresh herbs. There is also a common condiment called pa daek, a pungent fermented fish paste that, along with sticky rice (klao niaw), are more unique to Laos.

Laos eat sticky rice dishes with their right hand, taking a ball of rice and dipping it with other food. Some popular dishes that are a must for gastronomes are laap, a dish made with minced meat, fish or chicken in a lime, fish sauce and chilli concoction and tam maak hung, a spicy, tangy salad made of shredded young papaya.

Meat, chicken and duck are often roasted over an open fire (ping kai is barbecued chicken) but many Laos also have a taste for raw meat dishes. Often served at the end of a Lao meal is a rice whisky called lao lao.

Behavior/ Customs

The Lao people are generally tolerant, patient and laid back, thanks in large part to the heavy influence of Theravada Buddhism and its concept of Karma (karma - rebirth) which discourages aggressiveness or excessive ambition but encourages correct conduct. Proper conduct would include controlling one's passions and other strong emotions, proper and modest dress and behaviour and respectful treatment of others. Public displays of anger or affection are discouraged.

Most everyone in Laos including foreigners, men and women alike, are treated very courteously. Elders get an extra measure of deference. Handshakes are widely accepted in Laos though the traditional greeting is the nop which can be used to say 'thank you' and 'goodbye' as well. Put your palms together in a prayer-like position at chest level and make a slight bow. A lower bow with higher hands is given when greeting elders.

As a falang (foreigner) you will be able to get away with a lot but it is always best to know the local customs and taboos and as a responsible tourist you may want to adhere to a few rules (see list below). Remember that the head is sacred and feet are considered the lowliest part of the body and your dress and body language are signs of your 'respectability'.

Travellers Do and Don�t Do

- Do dress modestly when entering temples, museums, official buildings and government offices; no shorts or sleeveless shirts, tank tops or beach wear. Shorts that cover the thighs are acceptable everywhere else. Be clean and neat in appearance whenever possible.
- Do like the locals and keep your sense of time flexible. Expecting punctuality will often lead to frustration.
- Do remove shoes when entering temples and homes (it is convenient to wear slip-ons or sandals)
- Don't point your feet towards people or Buddha images. When sitting in a temple, keep legs together and to the side in a mermaid position.
- Do consider leaving a small donation when visiting temples.
- Don't take pictures posing with Buddha images, handle, climb or sit on them
- Don't, if you are a woman, touch monks, hand them objects, sit with or talk to them outside of temples. Any offerings need to pass through the hands of a man first.
- Do ask permission before taking pictures of people, particularly in villages outside the cities where the people may have superstitions against being photographed.
- Don't touch people or children on their heads.
- Don't lose your temper in public - speaking loudly and angrily is often counterproductive.
- Don't engage in public displays of affection.
- Do greet someone who is greeting you - by nop, handshake or a polite bow and smile - but don't offer a kiss!
- Do respect the Laos' interpersonal space - there is little physical contact or closeness between individuals who are not family.
- Don't be surprised if someone goes right past you to get to something first - Laos generally do not queue up for anything.
- Do bargain for goods in markets and shops (except where there are fixed prices) but do so with a good attitude and smile. Prices are generally not inordinately high to begin with as they may be in other Asian cities.