Travel guide to Laos

Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao

Vientiane (555.100)

236.800 km2

Lao

Buddhism

4.845.800 (1997)

Republic

Laos borders Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China and Myanmar (Burma). There are quite a few rivers in the country, the biggest one being the Mekong River, which runs the whole length of the country. This means that there are many fertile areas to exploit around the river. Two thirds of the country consists of forest areas and mountains, and only 10 percent of the country is suitable for agriculture.

The best time to go to Laos is from November to February. This is the time when it rains the least and when it is not too hot. In the mountains, May and July can be pleasant as well. The monsoon stretches from July to October. Most roads are washed away at that time.

Footprint Laos Handbook
Laos: The Rough Guide

In Laos they use the following weight and measurement units:
Weight: kilo
Length: metre

You should not photograph other people if you do not have their permission, especially not women. Otherwise, you should follow the directions at the different sights.

All water for drinking, for brushing teeth or for ice cubes should be boiled before use.

In Laos they use the following current:
220 volts AC, 50Hz.

Everyone, and especially women, should wear clothing that covers the entire body. You are not allowed to touch other people's faces or heads. Otherwise, respect other people and remember to take off your shoes before stepping into someone's home.

Shops are open from 8.00 to 16.00 (Monday-Friday), some small shops are open to 21.00.
Offices are open from 8.00 to 12.00 and from 13.30 to 17.30 (Monday-Friday).
Banks are open from 8.00 to 12.00 and from 13.30 to 17.30 (Monday-Friday).

Rice is the primary ingredient in meals in Laos. Most meals are made of freshly killed ingredients such as fish, chicken, pork, beef or water buffalo with vegetables and rice. Lemon or coriander are has been added to many meals to give the food a very special taste. Rice whisky is a popular drink. It is called lao lao and there are two different brands. Apart from this they brew good beer in Laos.

Conditions for disabled travellers are not good in Laos. The transport system is not highly developed nor is it efficient. There are only few places with facilities for disabled travellers, so getting around can be especially difficult if you have limited mobility.

New Year's Day, 1 January
Pathet Lao Day, 6 January
The Army's Day, 20 January
The Women's Day, 8 March
The People's Celebration Day, 22 March
Boun Pimai, the New Year of Laos, 13 -15 April
The International Labour Day, 1 May
Children's Day, 1 June
Lao Issaro, the day of the free Laos, 13 August
Liberation Day from the French, 12 October
Independence Day, 2 December

There are good hotels and guest houses in the big cities such as Vientiane, Luang, Prabang and Vang Vieng. In other parts of the country there are hostels and guesthouses which are in a worse shape but which are also cheaper.
Book your Hotel in Laos here

There are no camping facilities in Laos.

In the big cities there are quite a few good and comfortable hotels. In small towns you might find small, local hotels with facilities that are not as good.

In the big cities there are quite a few guest houses in good shape, but you can also find guest houses in small towns and out in the country, but they are often in a bad conditions.

There are quite a few hostels in Laos. Most cities have at least one little, local hostel.

Domestic Flights operate between the biggest towns in the country. Planes and boats are the easiest way of getting around, and there are quite a few boats on the Mekong River. Roads are being asphalted, but there are only a few long distance buses operating and the average standard is poor.

There are domestic Flights between most big cities, but the number of departures varies from each season. This is why it can be difficult to book domestic Flights from outside Laos. Wait until you are in the country.

There are few long distance buses in the country. Most buses go from Vientiane to other big cities. The network is not very well developed yet, and the number of departures varies according to the season.

There are no passenger trains in Laos

There are taxis in the biggest towns of Laos, but often they only go on certain routes. In Vientiane it is sometimes possible to rent a taxi for the whole day. Most towns also have quite a few three-wheeled motorbikes which operate as taxies. Remember to settle the price before departing.

At the moment, there are no normal car rental companies in Laos, but it is often possible to rent a car with a driver for a few days.

No information available as yet.

 • Northwest Laos
 • Southern Laos
 • Xiengkhouang province

 • Luang Prabang
 • Vientiane