China Laos Tours

How to Go to Laos?

Laos is sandwiched by Vietnam and Thailand in the east and west, bordering with China and Myanmar in the north and Cambodia in the south.

Traditionally it is quite easy to fly from/to Bangkok (Thailand), Hanoi (Vietnam) and Phnom Penh (Cambodia). What is more, several cities in South China are also linked with Vientiane (Capital of Laos) via direct flights, like Kunming, Nanning and Guangzhou. After the launch of the passenger trains between China and Laos in late 2021, here comes another affordable and comfortable way of transportation from Kunming, China.

What to Pack for Laos Tours?

Packing light is always a good rule for traveling. In China, you can have tons of opportunities to shop for the necessities with good quality at the local shops. While in Laos, you need to have some preparations.

Bring your outfits suitable for the hot and humid weather. But if you’ll be visiting a Buddhist temple, you will be required to have your arms and legs covered, so make sure you have pants or a long skirt, and something other than a tank top. In the cool season (or you will hike in the rural area in the north), a sweatshirt or light jacket is good enough. Don’t forget the rain jacket or umbrella during the wet season. When traveling in the countryside, bringing mosquito repellent (travel pack) with you is a must.

Just like what you do in China, please drink the bottled or boiled water. If you are traveling in rural areas, it can be a good idea to bring a water filter, or boil the water before drinking.

Packing list for reference:
● Lightweight, comfortable travel clothes are recommended for the hot weather in Laos;
● A light jacket is recommended for occasional rainy weather or cooler evenings, particularly if traveling between November and February;
● Pack long-sleeved shirts and long skirts or pants for visiting temples, shrines and palaces where it is often a requirement to cover the shoulders and knees;
● Walking shoes or sandals; keep in mind that you may be required to remove footwear when visiting religious sites;
● A sunhat or umbrella, water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent;
● Universal travel adaptor; Laos uses 230V 50Hz with sockets fit for plug types A, B or C;
● Personal medication.

Laos Visa Information

For the Western travelers, visas can be obtained on arrival at international airports of Vientiane & Luang Prabang, or the border checkpoints with Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. The visa on arrival is valid for a maximum stay of 30 days (single entry), and the following documents are required:
● A passport valid for more than six months with at least two blank pages
● A recent passport-size photograph
● A completed visa application form (the form can be obtained at the airport)
● Visa fee: USD 30-45, depending on applicant’s nationality

Visa-free entry is available for visitors from the following nations:
● Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam (30 days)
● Japan, Luxembourg, Russia, South Korea and Switzerland (15 days)
● Brunei and Myanmar (14 days)

E-visas are also available for tourism purposes for single entry up to a maximum of 30 days. This is more recommended to the international travelers, as you don’t have to wait and fill in the form at customs. The e-visa application requires up to three days to process. Here is the official site for Laos’ e-visa application: https://www.laosevisa.com/.

What's the Best Time to Visit Laos?

Laos has a tropical climate with clear-cut seasons: hot and wet between May and October (with August being the wettest and most humid), and dry and cooler from November to April. The best time to visit Laos is during the cooler, dry season from November to April, which is also the busy travel time. Between April and October, it always has a higher temperature and more rainfall, but in this period, you may enjoy the best-value travel experience with fewer crowds.

Money Matters in Laos

Currency: When you travel in Laos, we would say Cash is King. The national currency in Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). However, US dollars and Thai baht are also widely accepted. You can find the banknotes of Lao Kip in denominations ranging from 500 to 100,000.

Credit Cards: While in Laos, don’t forget to carry some cash in local currency or US dollars as credit cards are generally not accepted in Laos, except at some well-established hotels and restaurants. Those that do accept credit cards will usually charge an additional 3% fee.

Traveler's Checks: Traveler's checks are not widely accepted, but can be cashed at major banks in the main cities.

Banks & ATMs: Local banks operate like clockwork Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. ATMs are widely available in the major cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang, as well as some of the larger provincial cities.

Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory, but is often expected in hospitality industry in Laos. If you take a guided tour in the country, you should know whether the gratuities are included or not. Tipping is a very personal matter. It is suggested that you should discuss about it with your travel agents before the tour starts.

Restaurants: Some restaurants add a 5% service charge to your bill. If you think good service is delivered, you may give some tips to show appreciation; however, this is not required or expected.

Taxis: Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped, but they appreciate the fare being rounded up.

What Languages are Spoken in Laos?

The official language in Laos is Lao. Learning a few words of the local language can make your trip there more enjoyable. Or you can download an offline translator APP on your mobile phone, then you can communicate with the locals in a simple way.

Laos Time Zone

GMT+7

Religion and Etiquette in Laos

Like in Thailand, Theravada Buddhism prevails in Laos. Most of the Lao people are Theravada Buddhists.

It is a common practice that Lao people greet each other by putting the palms/hands together in salute. This gesture is typically performed when saying hello or goodbye, or as a sign of respect.

Since the head is considered the most sacred part of the body in this country, you should never touch the head of another person here. The feet are considered the lowliest part of the body and it is offensive to point your feet directly at a person or to put your feet on furniture.

Photography is not allowed in some locations, such as museums and art galleries. Avoid taking photographs of government buildings and military personnel. Please ask permission before photographing local people, including young children.

Laos Food

Closely linked with Thai cuisine, Lao food is dry, spicy and a bit sour. It is interesting to see that many different food ingredients are roasted over an open fire and served with fresh herbs and vegetables. Besides pork, chicken, duck and buffalo meat, freshwater fish is also the main source of protein in the Lao diet.

Traditionally, the staple of Lao meals is rice (esp. sticky rice), and usually eaten with the hands. It is common for local people to eat communally, sharing several dishes at the table. The popular Lao dishes/snacks include Laab (minced meat salad), Papaya Salad, Mok Pa (Steamed fish in banana leaves), etc.

If you are not so sure, please avoid eating food from street vendors, especially for the seniors and children (their stomachs may not be strong enough).

Note:
If you have any special dietary requirements or food allergies, please advise your travel agent in advance. So the local operation can have adequate time and do their best to make the preparations.

Health

While you are traveling abroad, the health is always the top priority. For some senior travelers, please consult your doctor for specific advice about your personal medical requirements. In a tropical country like Laos, you still have to be careful of malaria and dengue, avoid the mosquito bites and have your arms/legs covered during your trip. If necessary, you can consult your doctor for advice before departure.