Laos

Capital: Vientiane

Area: 236,800 km2.

Population: 6.41 million (2008 estimate)

Language: Lao (official), French, English and Vietnamese

Religion: Buddhism

Climate: Rainy season from May to October, with tropical monsoon in July-August. Dry season from November to April.

Local time: GMT +7

Currency: Kip (Lao kip) || $1 = 8000 Kip (as of July 2011).

Exchange: Banks, decorated offices and hotels. Credit cards and Traveller’s checks widely accepted. Very useful small denomination US dollars and Thai baht are universally accepted

Opening hours: Office hours: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Flat or round two-prong plugs are used

Passport: Passport with a validity generally of at least six months remaining required

Visa: Practically obligatory. Include in the 30 USD fees to be paid in American currency.

Visa Types and Cost: On arrival: count between US$20 and US$50 (usually US$30). Tour, business and transit: approximately US$50.

Validity: All visas are issued for single entry and must be used within two months of the date of issue.

Requests to: Consulate (or consular section of the embassy) or an officially recognized tour operator. A valid visa for Laos can also be obtained from travel agencies in Bangkok (Thailand) or upon arrival at the border.

Border checkpoints

China – Laos

– Mohan – Botene, from Yunnan to Luang Namtha province

– Xiangkok Riverport on the Mekong River in Luang Namtha province (No visa on arrival available.)

Thailand – Laos

– Chiangkhong – Houixay, Chiang Rai to Bokeo province

– Nakaxeng – Kaenthao, Loei in Sayabouly province

Friendship Bridge, Vientiane (06:00 – – 22:00) – Nong Khai

– Bungkan – Paksanh, Nongkhai-Bolikhamxai province

– Nakorn Phnom – Thakhek, Khammouane province

– Mukdahan – Savannakhet, Savannah province

– Chongmek – Vangtao, Ubon Ratchathani in Champasak province

Vietnam – Laos

– Taichang – Sobhun, Laichau to Phongsaly Province (no visa on arrival available.)

– Nameo – Banleui, Thanh Hoa – Huaphanh province

– Namkan – NamKan, Nge An – Xiengkhouang province

– Keoneua-Nampao (Lak Sao) Hatinh-Borikhamxai province

– Napao – Chalo, Quangbinh – Khammouane province

– Laobao – Dansavanh, Quang Tri – Savannakhet Province

– Phoukua – Bo-Y (Bo-ee), Attapeu-Kontum province

Health

Vaccinations

Diphtheria: YES

Hepatitis A: YES

Malaria: YES *

Rage: SOMETIMES

Tetanus: YES

Typhoid: YES

Yellow fever: NO **

These regulations may change at short notice. It is in any case necessary to consult a doctor in case of doubt. Depending on the season and the region you are visiting, you may or may not need to take medication. And don’t hesitate to ask us about it.

Food and drink

All water should be considered potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth, or making ice should first be boiled or sterilized. The milk is pasteurized and must be boiled. Powdered or canned milk is available and is recommended. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Eat only well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables must be cooked and fruit peeled.