Land of a million elephants, Laos encompasses mountains, jungles, and the Mekong River dominates the landscape. Devoutly Buddhist and largely undeveloped, Laos offers travelers the chance to experience rich traditions, natural beauty, and a sense of Asia as it once was.
Our trips to this intriguing country include time in Luang Prabang, a perfectly preserved mix of rustic colonial architecture and gilded monasteries, and the sleepy seaside capital city of Vientiane.
The landlocked destination of Laos is a place for everyone, offering travelers the chance to travel from north to south through a myriad of landscapes and cultures, by boat and by road. Additionally, many travelers have chosen to combine their experience in Laos with time in Cambodia or Vietnam by traveling overland or via scheduled daily flights.
Visa requirements and exit taxes: Travelers (European, American, Australian, New Zealand) can easily obtain 15-day tourist visas upon arrival in Laos, subject to the provision of USD 30 and one passport photo per person.
Travelers often visit Laos via its classic routes, such as spending a few days in Vientiane, from where they will revel in the nation’s historical and cultural side by visiting some of the country’s oldest pagodas. Also, adventure seekers will often stop in Vang Vieng for a relaxing and half-way stop between Vientian and Luang Prabang.
Travelers can obtain their Laos visa upon arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport. Please note that Indochina Explorer, Bangkok to Hanoi and Indochina Images travelers will need to obtain their Vietnam visas before arriving in Indochina.
insurance: You must be insured against all risks as a condition to travel through Laos. The insurance must include coverage for personal accidents, medical expenses, loss of luggage and cancellation or reduction of your vacation. You can confirm your insurance details as part of your trip with the embassy or with your travel organizer at the start of your trip. If you do not have adequate insurance, you can apply for one. Please note that travel insurance may be “attached” to your credit card, although normally such coverage is effective only if your travel arrangements have been purchased with the card. Credit card insurance coverage often does not include payment of medical expenses. Please review your policy carefully. You must have adequate insurance to cover you in case you suffer a medical problem during the trip.
Money: The official currency of Laos is the kip, however cash in US dollars is accepted almost everywhere. Thai baht is readily acceptable, albeit at less favorable rates. As you will accumulate kip as change from payments you make in USD, it is recommended to change little or nothing (eg 30 USD) in kip upon arrival in Laos. In addition, it is recommended to carry a combination of cash in USD and traveler’s checks. Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) can only be used in a limited number of shops and restaurants in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Travelers crossing from Thailand to Chiang Khong/Huay Xai can exchange money at fair rates next to the Huay Xai (Laos) visa booth. As your time in Laos will be limited, please bring enough money for the duration of your trip.
Weather: Laos is affected by the annual monsoon cycle of Southeast Asia. The ‘rainy’ season is from May to October. During this time, the tropical lowlands average 30 degrees Celsius, while the mountains remain cooler. The first half of the ‘dry’ season is from November to February; temperatures during this time range from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Mornings and evenings in northern Laos around Luang Prabang can be quite cool at this time of year. People traveling between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang on the Mekong should bring at least one layer of warm clothing. During the second half of the ‘dry’ season, from March to June, the temperature can go up to 35 degrees Celsius. Many travelers prefer Laos outside of the dry season; there are fewer tourists and rainfall is usually limited to brief afternoon showers that give a different atmosphere to the countryside and the cities.
Luggage and clothing: Your baggage must be clearly labeled and kept to a reasonable minimum. Baggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space in vehicles is limited. Porters are not always available, so be prepared to carry your own luggage.
Comfortable casual clothing made of cotton is best in tropical and semi-tropical climates. It is advisable to pack a set of smart casual clothes. Laundry services are available throughout the country, although hotel laundry costs can be expensive.
Be sure to bring:
Flat walking shoes and sandals.
hats and sunglasses
bathers
purse
raincoat or umbrella
Basic first aid kit
insect repellent
alarm clock
small torch
swiss army knife
power adapter
Sanitary products for women
Slide or any specialized film if used (printed film is widely available in Laos)
Effective earplugs, aircraft type
One layer of warm clothing (for traveling up the Mekong between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang from November to March)
