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Traveling to Laos: all you need to know!

The Laotians themselves are very welcoming, allowing you an insight into their lives and country. The timeless appeal of this gentle land is both caused by and reflected in the very nature of the Laotians themselves – to hurry is simply not the Lao way. Traveling to Laos is an opportunity to escape from the fast-paced lifestyle of the developed world.

Laos is simply the answer to your peaceful and relaxing atmosphere holidays. The country was once the sleepiest backwater in South-East Asia and since then, little has changed. Its Buddist religion is devout, while the diverse hill tribes retain their age-old cultures. Travelers find themselves captivated by the mist-veiled mountains and enigmatic plateaux, the rivers that run through untouched forests, and the monks who trail along paths and alleys in search of their morning alms.

LAOS IN NUMBER

Population: 6.5 million
Capital City: Vientiane (750,000)
People: Over 48 ethnic minorities
Language: Lao
Currency: Kip (KIP)
Time Zone: GMT +7 Hours
International Dialing Code: +856

travel to vientiane and visit that luang

LAOS VISA ON ARRIVAL?

you can apply visa before travelling to Laos

Traveling to Laos is easy with thirty-day tourist visas are readily available on arrival at international airports and most land borders.

Further Information
Citizens of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as Japan, South Korea, Russia and Switzerland, enjoy visa-free access to Laos. Most other nationalities can obtain their visa on arrival, including EU citizens, North Americans and Australians. Citizens of some African and Middle Eastern countries must apply for a visa in advance.

Tourist Visa on Arrival

The Lao government issues 30-day tourist visas on arrival at all international airports and most international border crossings.
The whole process is very straightforward. You need between US$30 and US$42 in cash, one passport-sized photo and the name of a hotel or guesthouse. Those without a photo, or who are arriving on a weekend, holiday or after office hours, will have to pay an additional one or two dollars.

The visa fee varies depending on the passport of origin, with Canadians having to fork out the most (US$42) and most other nationalities paying between US$30 and US$35. It’s cheaper to pay in US dollars as a flat rate of 1500B (around US$45) is applicable in Thai baht. No other foreign currencies are accepted.

Tourist Visas


For those not eligible for a visa on arrival, Lao embassies and consulates abroad offer 30-day tourist visas. The process involves roughly the same cost and documentation and generally takes three working days. In Bangkok you can get your visa on the same day for an additional 200B express fee.

Business Visas
Business visas, valid for 30 days, are relatively easy to obtain as long as you have a sponsoring agency in Laos. A business visa can be extended by up to a year.

Visa Extensions
The 30-day tourist visa can be extended for an additional 90 days at a cost of 20,000K per day, but only in major cities such as Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse and Savannakhet.


Overstaying Your Visa

Overstaying a visa is not a major crime, but it is expensive. It costs US$10 for each day overstayed, paid at the immigration checkpoint on departure.

source: lonelyplanet | Laos official visa website


PEOPLE, HISTORY & CULTURE


As one of the most sparsely-populated countries in Asia, Laos has a serene and uncharted allure distinct from many of its neighbouring nations. Of the former French Indochinese nations, Laos is also the least developed, which lends the country an untainted, enigmatic charm that’s nothing short of fascinating for visitors. Dominated by majestic mountains, verdant valleys, and broad snaking rivers, Laos is a spectacular destination for nature lovers.

Beyond its vast and untamed wilderness, though, Laos is also home to a handful of culture-rich towns and cities brimming with spiritual intrigue. For the culturally-curious, these fascinating places are the perfect gateway to discovering the heritage of this awe-inspiring nation.

travelling to Laos and meet with friendly local

Laotians

Thanks to its mountainous, often little-developed communities, much of Laos’ locals are farmers or fishermen who live off of the land. A significant portion of Laos’ population is also ethnic minorities, too, which lends a certain distinctiveness to each community you’re likely to stumble upon. It’s not hard to explore a sleepy H’mong village just a stone’s throw from the country’s capital city or cross over the river from Luang Prabang to arrive in a rustic Khmu village. Laos’ ethnic minorities are also the reason why the country is rich with traditional handicrafts and expert local artisans, who create beautiful silver jewelry and intricate Batik painting the same way they have for centuries.

Nation of Buddhism

The most significant cultural element of Laos is its spiritual and religious influence. Morning chanting is often heard ringing from Buddhist temples, and saffron-robed monks collecting morning alms is a common sight in Laos’ cities and towns. A large portion of locals here are practicing Buddhists, and this has a deep influence on lifestyles and culture. The best place to soak in Laos’ spiritual allure is in the historic, UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang, home to three dozen Buddhist temples – some dating back hundreds of years. Regardless of whether the magnificent scenery of enchanting towns is the focus of a journey in Laos, the magic of its local culture is sure to stand out as truly inspiring.


TRANSPORTATION


transportation options when traveling to Laos

The transportation infrastructure in Laos is less developed than many of its neighbouring countries. While this lends a certain excitement to traveling here, it also means that getting around takes more time and creativity than other destinations in Asia.

When traveling to Laos especially between cities, land travel is often preferred to air travel, since many destinations in Laos are not easily reached by plane. While slower, this allows you the time to appreciate the scenic beauty of this stunning country – and is part of the excitement of traveling through Laos. Many of our itineraries include travel by riverboat, which is one of the most relaxing and in-depth ways to explore the country.

In Laos’ cities, taxis and tuk-tuks are certainly the easiest way to get around, and negotiating prices with a taxi driver is part of the experience. Many travelers often opt to rent motorbikes to get around, but motorbikes anywhere in Southeast Asia are risky. Under no circumstances is motorbike travel sanctioned or recommended by local advise.


WHEN TO VISIT LAOS?

Weather




Like many of its neighbouring nations, Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: a rainy season and a dry season. Rainy season usually occurs between May and October, while dry season is most commonly between November and April.

Most of Laos is hottest in March and April, when temperatures can reach as high as 38C. During the lowest temperatures – usually around December – can dip to 15C. Average temperatures throughout Laos are usually between 25C and 30C. Mountainous areas or places with higher elevation tend to have slightly lower temperatures overall.

However, the weather can be unpredictable, so it may be a good idea to carry an umbrella or raincoat before traveling to Laos. Or you can purchase these from most supermarkets and general stores.

Festivals and National Holidays




Since Laos is predominantly Buddhist, many of its national holidays revolve around the Buddhist calendar. The most significant of these celebrations is Laos New Year, also known as Laos Pee Mai, which is similar to Thailand’s Songkran in its connection to water and cleansing. Celebrated from the 14th to 16th of April, water is usually used tox sprinkle over Buddha images in temples rather than for dousing other people.

Another of Laos’ most important Buddhist holidays occurs in mid-July called Boun Khao Phansa, or Buddhist Lent. During this period of three months, monks throughout Laos are required to stay within their wat for meditation and dharma studies. Since much of Laos is Buddhist, this is a significant time for pious believers.

In certain parts of Laos, the Boun Bang Fai Festival – also called the Rocket Festival – is a popular and decidedly more extravagant celebration in mid-May. Originally held as a festival honoring fertility and rain, the celebration is held just before the onset of the rainy season – and includes enormous homemade rocket launches along with music, dancing and processions to bring luck for the upcoming rice-growing season.

Other major holidays that are good for traveling to Laos include:
Lao National Day – December
H’mong New Year – Late November to Early December
Boun Song Hua (Dragon Boat Races) – Mid-October
That Luang Festival – Full moon in early November in Vientiane

TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN LAOS?

  • Vientiane
  • Luang Prabang
  • Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)
  • Plain of Jars
  • Vang Vieng

    • read more…

TOP THINGS TO DO IN LAOS?

  • Explore Luang Prabang’s Temples
  • Cycle through the Countryside
  • Sail the Mekong River
  • Swim and Trek at Kuang Si Waterfall
  • Discover Ethnic Minority Villages

    • read more…