Laos - General Information

Laos
The ancient kingdom of the Million Elephants, which became the People Democratic Republic of Laos in 1975, is now open to tourism. Every year about 1,000,000 travelers cross it's boundaries, which cannot be compared with the vast flow of tourists spreading throughout Thailand. So let's discover the differences and originality which make up the charm of Laos.

TRAVEL BY AIR
Travel by air is the most convenient means transportation within Laos. Laos Aviation flies daily from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Pakse and Oudomsay. Furthermore, there are several flights a week to Laung Namtha,Sayabori, Houeixay, Sam Neua, Saravane, Lakxao, Muangkhong and attapue. The latest information aboat flight schedules and routes is avaible at the Laos viation Head office in 2 Phangkham road, Vientiane,


TRAVEL BY ROAD
Laos has 18,135 km national road, 2,55km of which are paved. The most importance road is route No 13 linking, which runs north south from China to Cambodia. It links Pak Mong in north with Hlong in the south passing though major urban areas of Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Savannakhet, Champassack. Accept that, there are the road No.1 linked between Thailand and China, No.8 and No.9 lined between Thailand and Vietnam.


TRAVEL BY BOAT
The Mekong River flows though 1,865 km of Laos. Although not navigable in its entirety, it provides a natural means of transportation over long stretches. In addition many tributary rivers of the Mekong River such as the Nam ou, Nam Ngum, Se Don, and others river are used for water transportation.


Laos has 14,000 Km of road, 80% of which are not asphalted. The network, however, has been greatly improved. The North-South route: Luang Prabang-Vientiane-Pakse- Champasak is now of good quality as is the transferal road leading to the Plain. As for as the rest are concerned...well it's Paris to Dakar without TV and camels! An interpid explorers paradise Presently very few road maps are available whilst city maps are rare and uninformative.

Population
Laos is the least populated country in S.E.Asia with only 6,000,000 inhabitants. The population in the south of the country is Relatively sparse, whilst the upper regions claim 80% of the inhabitants.

Religion Buddhism
The main religion is Buddhism. The Lao practice Theravada of the "Small vehicle" which spread through Laos between the 14th and 17th centuries. The ideal situation is to reach Nirvana without going through rein Carnation. So for the Lao doing good deeds rather than bad ensures salvation. The monks are held in high esteem and treated with great respect, when entering a religious place.
Please observe the proper rules of dress. Ladies must wear a dress or at least a suitably long skirt and shoulders should be covered. For men, wearing long pants is recommended. Shoes must be removed at the temple entrance. If you have to sit down avoid pointing your feet forward. If your joints allow it, fold your legs beneath you and keep your feet towards your back.

Money
The official currency in Laos is Kip. 248 Kip for 1 Thai Baht. 8,515 Kip for 1 US$. 11,474 Kip for 1 Euro. Banknotes of 500, 1000, 2000, 10000, 20000 and 50000 are available, however, the new banknotes of 50000 Kip will fit nicely into the brand new wallet you purchased at the airport. Thai baht and US dollars are freely accepted in big towns, but less so in rural areas. So who will take your Euros? Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, as in Europe. Visa withdraw come with a charge of around 3% whilst most credit cards are accepted in high class hotels in a few shops and restaurants in Laos.

Safety
Vientiane and the rest of the country is a safe place, however a little common sense and caution should be applied. For example, do not leave unattended bags around 2 wheeled vehicles. Although minor crimes such as pick pocketing are rare, they can ruin your trip so be vigilante. When you drive a motor cycle, wear a helmet, even if it is hot.

Local Time
Laos is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Thus 12 noon in Vientiane is 1 AM in New York, 5 AM in London and 6 AM in Paris.

Working Hours
Government offices and banks are generally open Monday to Friday from 08:00-11:30 and 13:30-16:00. Shops and private businesses usually are open longer.

Check Timetable & Airfare to Laos Here !