LAOS TRAVELERS INFORMATION

TRAVELERS INFORMATION

CLIMATE

Laos generally enjoys a mild tropical climate , but it can get quite chilly in the cool season. Temperatures range from 10-40 degrees Celsius in the Mekong Valley and mmay dip below zero in the mountains and on the Xieng Khouang and Bolaven Plateaus. There are 2 distinct seasons-dry season from October –April ,including cool from November –February and the rainy season from October –April, including cool from November –February and the rainy season which lasts from May-September.

GEOGRAPHY

Main geography features in Laos are forested mountains , the Xieng Khouang and Bolaven plateaus and the Mekong River Valley .Of the country’s 236800 square kilometres about 70%  is covered with mountains. The highest peak is Phou Bia reaching just over 2800 meters.

LANGUAGE

The national language is Lao but English is commonly used in major tourist centers. Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai are widely understood. French, German, Russian and a number of other European languages are also spoken by many educated Lao as many students received university training in Europe during the 1970’s -1990’s

MONEY

The official currency of the Lao PDR is the Kip. ATMs are available in all major provinces. Major travelers’ checks can be cased at banks. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and a limited number of upscale shopping establishments.

ELECTRICITY

24 HOUR electricity is available in all major population centers and many district capitals .Laos uses 220 volts AC

BUSINESS HOURS

Government offices are open from 8.30 am -12pm and from 1.30pm to4pm on Monday to Friday. Private Businesses are generally open later, especially restaurants and entertainment places.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN

Laos is a safe, quiet country with a lot to explore for both adults and children. Lao people love kids and if you have yours along the attention and curiosity they arouse will open up many opportunities for you to interact and make friends.

HEALTH

Laos has only basic healthcare. Precautionary measures like eating only well cooked food, drinking bottled water, staying hydrated, avoiding being bitten by mosquitoes and wearing protective clothing will help prevent most common ailments.

ENTERING LAOS

PASSPORT/VISA

All visitors entering Laos must possess valid passports. Visa can be obtained for 30 days from Lao Embassies and Consulates abroad. In addition, visa can also be obtained on arrival at international border checkpoints. The visa fee varies from between USS20-45 depending on the agreement with the various governments. It is possible to extend the visa at the immigration office in Vientiane and through travel agencies.