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LAOS INTRODUCTION

GEOGRAPHY

The People’s Democratic Republic of Laos is located in the center of Indochina, sharing borders with China to the north (416 km), Thailand to the west (1730 km), and Cambodia to the south (492 km) and Vietnam to the east (1957 km).
With an area of 236.800 square kilometers, around 70% its terrain is mountainous and reaching a maximum elevation of 2.820 m in Xieng Khouang province. The three highest mountains are all located in Xieng Khouang province, Phou Bia 2.820 m, Phou Xao 2.600 m, Phou Xamxum 2.620 m, (Phou is the word for mountain). The major part is forested.
The Mekong River flows through 1.865 km of Laos’s territory and forms a natural border with Thailand (1.500 km) in some areas. In the south the Mekong River reaches a breath of 14 km, creating an area with thousand of islands.

POPULATION

In 2002 the estimated population of Laos was 5.5 million, comprising 49 ethnic groups, each with there own customs, dialect and customs. These are divided into three main groups, Lao Loum (lowland’s) who live along the river valleys, the Lao Theung (upland’s) who live on the mountain plateaus and smaller hills and the Lao Soung (hill tribes) who live in the highest mountains.
Eighty-five percent of the national populations are farmers. A large proportion is a child. Because Laos is one of the few under populated nations of Asia, the government is encouraging repopu-lating.

CLIMATE

Most of the year is hot and humid. The climate is monsoons and has three distinct seasons. The dry and cool season begins end of October and lasts until end of February. The hot season lasts from March to June and the rainy season starts in June and ends in October.

RELIGION

Most Lao people are Buddhists, but all religions are tolerated. Temples are called Wat and are the centers of village communities throughout the country, serving as meeting places, schools, play-ground for children and occasional fairgrounds as well as places of worship and monasteries. There are three main styles of Lao Wat, according to geographic region and some ancient and famous temples have survived in places.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Laos is Lao. It is spoken in different parts of the country. The Vientiane dialect is understood throughout the country. In spit of the colonial past, French remains the second official language. English is common use among business sectors and young generations. Also German and Russia language are spoken

TRAVEL TIPS & GENERAL INFORMATION

NOTES ON LAO CULTURE SOME

To maximize the ambiance and enjoyment of a visit to Laos, it is wise to understand a little of Lao culture.
The traditional Lao greeting is the “Nop”, made by joining the palms of one’s hands together in a pray-ing gesture. Handshakes are commonly used with foreign visitors. The Lao are an open and friendly people who take pride in their hospitality. There are few basic tenets, which visitors should observe to endear themselves to their hosts.
Remove shoes before entering a house and especially a temple, and do not refuse the offering of your host.
Return the Nop gesture and use the Lao greeting: ”Sabai dee” if you can. Do not touch or point at people with your feet and do not touch a monk if you are a woman.
Smile and bow slightly on meeting people. Return greetings as they are made to you, and do not lose your temper with people or embarrass them, even if communication seems very difficult. Lao people respect calmness and do not react well to pressure or anger.
Barging at the market is expected and can be great fun for all concerned. Show respect for the elderly and for all religious sites and occasion.
Do not touch people on the head and dress conservatively, particularly around temples or shrines. Photography should be exercised with great respect for your subject. Seek permission before pointing a lens at people and do not disturb ceremonies with your camera. Photography is forbidden inside many temple sanctuaries and near military or strategic installations.

VISA

Visitors traveling to Laos for the purpose of tourism need a visa. This has to be arranged by Phoudoi Travel Co. or a foreign Tour Operator who has a contact with a lawful body. Formalities are completed within three working days, after we have received following information by fax, mail or
e-mail.

1. Full name                      2. Date of birth                              3. Occupation
4. Nationality                    5. Passport number                         6. Date of arrival
7. Port of entry                 8. Place where the visa will be issued

A tourist visa can be issued in one of the Laos embassies abroad or upon by arrival Vientiane Wattai airport, Luang Prabang airport and at Friendship bridge. It is valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 15 days. Visa obtained upon arrival is quoted 30 US $. However the procedure of getting of visa will be changed from time to time. So, for actual information please do not hesitate to contact us.

HOW TO GET TO LAOS

Arrival by Air
The ports of arrival by air are Wattai airport in Vientiane, the capital of Laos and Luang Prabang. You can travel by Lao Aviation, Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Mandarin Airlines and Southern China Airlines. Regular flights are available to Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, Taipei and Kunming (see Wattai International daily flight schedule for flight information).

Arrival by Road
It can be done via following authorized land checkpoints, which are open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.:

* From Nongkhai, Thailand by Friendship bridge crossing Mekong River by shuttle bus.
* From Chiang Khong, Thailand by crossing Mekong River by ferry to Houei Xay.
* From Mukdahan, Thailand to Savannakhet.
* From Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand at checkpoint Chong Mek to Pakse.
* From Mohan, South China (Yunnan) via checkpoint Boten to Luang Namtha.
* From Quang Tri, Vietnam (Lao Bao) via checkpoint Dan Savanh to Savannakhet.
* From Vinh, Vietnam via checkpoint Keo Neua to Lak Xao, Khamkheuth district.

Climate and clothing
The dry and cool season begins end of October and lasts end of February. It starts with cool and pleasant weather until end of February and even with cold temperatures at night in the mountainous areas. It is necessary to take along a pullover or jacket during the cool season, at nights can be very cold, especially in the mountainous areas such as Luang Prabang, Xieng Khouang, Saravane and Houei Xay. 
The hot season lasts from March to June and light cotton and hats are recommended. March to June is very good season for trekking in mountainous areas or for visiting minority villages and for soft ad-venture tour in Laos.
The rainy season starts in June ends in October with more rain in July and August (mostly at night or for a short time in the daytime). During the rainy season an umbrella is more convenient than a rain-coat.
Light - weights washable cottons- or cotton blend-clothes are the best. A sweater or a coat may be needed for the winter and in upland areas, comfortable walking shoes, hat and sunglasses are essen-tial.

Health
No vaccinations are presently required. But malaria prophylaxis is recommended.
The government mostly operates medical and dental facilities. Private clinics and pharmacies are available in the major cities. The International Clinic is operated under the supervision of the Ministry of Health, to accommodate foreigners and diplomats. Medicine from France, U.S.A., Russia, Thailand and China are widely available in most pharmacies.

Electricity
Electricity is available in most cities for 24 hours, but in the remote areas from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. only. It is recommended to carry a flashlight. Voltage: 220 V, 50 Hz.

Currency
The Laos currency is the Kip and the bank notes presently issued in denominations 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000. All major currencies such as the US Dollar, Euro, Yen, Bath and others can be exchanged at banks, authorized private exchange bureaus or hotels. Traveler cheques and major credit cards are accepted in major banks, some hotels, restaurant and shops.

Telecommunication
Most of the international cities are now linked with Vientiane and overseas with an automatic network. International phone, fax and telex services are available at the post office, hotel and business centers. Mobile phones are widely used.
Several radio stations broadcast in Laos. The Laos national radio carriers news English, French and Thai. There is daily TV broadcast with two local channels, Thai television and satellite reception.

Time
Time in Laos is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT * 7).

Traditional Festivals
- Wat Phou Festival                                               = Full moon of February
- Laos New Year                                                    = 13th to 15th of April
- Rocket Festival in Vientiane areas                           = May (on Sunday)
- Inter of Buddhist Lent (Boun Khao Phansa)               = Full moon of July
- Boat-racing in Luang Prabang                                 = Full moon of September
- Boat-racing in Vientiane and End of Buddhist Lent      = Full moon of October
- That Luang Festival in Vientiane                             = Full moon of November

Water
Purified bottle water is readily available, as the top water is still not considered safe for drinking.

Food
Lao food is unique, although those familiar with Thai food will find similarities. The national staple is Khao Niyao (sticky rice). Plain rice is also popular, especially in fried dishes. Lao food may seem spicy to some European palates, but not all Lao people enjoy fiery dishes and cool alternatives are always available.
In Vientiane there are many Asian an international restaurants. Dining out in the capital can be a wonderful and inexpensive experience, and there is always the excellent Beer Lao to accompany your meal. Other provinces have their own specialties in cuisine.
Luang Prabang food is very tasty and the Mekong fish from Pakse is famous throughout the country. All visitors should try the traditional Lao rice liquor, which is available in countless varieties and is particularly plentiful around Lao New Year. Lao Hai is a hill tribe invention, a sweet rice wine consu-med directly from the jar through long straws by two or three drinkers at a time; an unforgettable experience.
 

Shopping
Laos is not presently encumbered by large amounts of tourism-designed souvenirs, although the industry is starting to develop. Art and handicrafts can be found all over the country, the most interesting being woodcarvings and traditional woven textiles, these are best bought from small villages as the mark-up is higher in the city. Silver is of particularly good value in Laos and some of the hill tribes are famous for their high quality work. Rattan and bamboo goods are used extensively and are popular with many visitors.