Visa

 

Getting a visa to enter Laos is only necessary for citizens of 31 countries worldwide. At 27 distinct ports of entry, both by air and land, citizens of all other countries can either enter without a visa or obtain one when they arrive. For further details on the requirements for your nationality, visit this page.

In order to be eligible for a visa on arrival, you must have two passport-sized pictures, a completed visa application form, and a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the end of your intended trip. Depending on your country of citizenship, the charge ranges from USD30 to USD45.

For a tourist visa, you will need to submit:
  • A passport valid for 6 months a blank page for a visa sticker.
  • Visa application form (filled out)
  • Two(2) recent passport-type photographs.
  • Visa fee (in cash).

Payment

There are three currencies used in Laos: Laos Kip, Thai Baht, and US Dollar. However,  Laos Kip and USD seems to be more popular in Laos. Laos Kip is for the common expense, whereas USD is for tourism activities and expensive services. The money notes’ denominations are: 1.000, 2.000, 5.000, 10.000, 20.000, 50.000, and 100.000, respectively. The exchange rate is approximate 8100 LAK for 1 USD.
 International ATMs are widely available in major cities of Laos, thus exchanging between USD and Laos Kip is quite easy and convenient.
Credit and debit cards are accepted in large businesses, hotels, and restaurants in Thailand. The useful suggestion would be to take some cash on you at all times to avoid unforeseen circumstances.

 

Food & Drink

Lao cuisine, which differs from other Southeast Asian cuisines, is the food of Laos and Northeast Thailand.

The Lao originated in a northern region that is now a part of China. The location where the Lao have settled down has been greatly impacted by Lao cuisine as a result of historical Lao migrations from Laos into nearby regions (for example Northeastern Thailand, Cambodia). Thai cuisine still has its unique gourmet qualities, despite the immigrants' contribution to its diversity.

Steamed sticky rice, which is consumed with the hands, is the main dish of the Lao people. Larb is the most well-known Lao meal. It is a spicy concoction of marinated meat or fish that is occasionally served uncooked (made like ceviche).

Some Must-tried dishes in Laos listed below:

Sticky rice, which is frequently delivered in a woven basket, is the ideal side dish for any entrée. Because it is so important to the national identity, residents often relate to themselves as the "luk khao niaow," or the "children of sticky rice."

Tam Mak Hoong is cut into lengthy, small slices, combined with fish sauce, shrimp paste, and palm sugar

Gaeng Nor Mai is made from young bamboo shoots, yanang essence, and other green herbs.  It is a typical Lao stew distinguished by its earthy green tastes. This tastes best when served with heated sticky rice that has just come off the heat.

 

Others

The dry season in Laos typically runs from October to April and the wet season from May to September. Despite having two distinct seasons, you can travel  Laos all-year-round.
The peak tourism season of Laos takes place from November to March. In this period of time, the temperatures throughout the country are quite pleasant so that it is the best time to visit.
The hottest time of the year in Laos, which appears to be the low tourism season, is typically between the months of March and June when the extreme temperatures can reach up to 40°C. 

 

  • A good backpack (high quality)
  • Dark colored clothes to protect the UV- rays
  • Comfortable sandals or shoes
  • Unlocked mobile phone for use with a Lao SIM card
  • Raincoat if traveling in the wet season
  • Water-proof pack if planning water-based activities like river tubing, kayaking or rafting
  • Earplugs to protect you from incessant roads with buses and trucks.
  • Sun protection clothing, mosquito spray, and sunscreen.

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. 
The list of medical vaccines for most tourists to avoid the risk of these diseases in the country you are going to visit including  Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Rabies, Yellow Fever, Polio, Meningitis, Influenza.

It is a good idea to take different drugs (ex: paracetamol, aspirin, allergy medications, etc.) on your travels to prevent you from the risk of minor illness.


 

 Laos has its unique Laotian etiquette that you had better bear in mind what you should or should not do when visiting this peaceful country.
  Should Should not
Greeting Touch palms together and nod your head downwards Point rudely at people
Communication Speak softly and gently Speak aggressively
Offering Ask politely for permission Give children or poor novice money at temples
“Feet behavior” Take off shoes when entering houses or scared places Show your barefoot soles in front of Laotians
Dressing Dress casually and neatly Dress unsuitably
         
 

  • International New Year: January 1
  • Armed Forces Day: January 20
  • International Women's Day: March 8
  • Lao New Year: April 14–16
  • Labor Day: May 1
  • Boat Racing Festival: October 25
  • That Luang Festival: November 22
  • Lao National Day: December 2

It is pretty easy to buy a SIM card and a voice/data package for your mobile device in Thailand. There are popular cell networks operated by Unitel and Beeline with a large coverage. The basic requirements for installation are your device must be unlocked and be registered with your passport/identity card. 
 

Laos tourism souvenirs have shared some similar characteristics with Southeast Asia countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia or China. Tourists can purchase lots of handicrafts, natural herbs, animal parts (horn, cover), accessories, tea or coffee as well. Nevertheless, Laos travel will offer its unique memorable souvenirs due to its special cultural backgrounds and Laos natural flavor of food and beverage. 

There are some recommended Laos souvenirs for tourists to bring back to their hometown.

Cheap and colorful handmade wallets are available. They come in a variety of sizes, and in addition to being practical, they make the ideal keepsake from your trip to the nation.

Silk production and distribution are still common activities in Laos. The distinctions in traditional designs are already there, but the craftsmanship and level of quality are unsurpassed. Moreover, you will have to be able to obtain some excellent pictures of the artists as they weave at the entrances to their homes.

 

The handcrafted animal dolls are the quintessential Laotian memento. These dolls are commonplace in Laos because the nation used to be known as the land of a million elephants.

 

Laos is known for its handcrafted gold and silver jewelry. The northern tribes are home to the majority of the artists who collaborate with these precious metals. They work with gold that is pure and are skilled goldsmiths.

Firstly, Laos is a tranquil and natural destination for a group of families to come and enjoy. In that case, tourists can request tour requirements for the sale of Asia King Travel to customize your tours with easily approached attractions and funny activities for the whole family to gather and create one of their memorable travel experiences. 

Although Laos is land-bordered, there are still natural and human made tourism sites in Vientiane and interesting activities like bathing with elephants, national parks or safaris, and Mekong boat tours.