Social ConventionsReligious beliefs should be respected. Lao people should not be touched on the head. Handshaking is not that usual; Lao people greet each other with their palms together and a slight bowing of the head. Take care when discussing politics and related subjects in conversation so as not to cause offence. Shorts or revealing clothes are not always acceptable. It is a legal requirment to carry an ID document or a passport, and fines for not having one for presentation on demand can be high. The Lao government prohibits sexual relationships, including sexual contact
between foreign citizens and Lao nationals, except when the two parties have been married in accordance with Lao family law. Penalties for failing to register a relationship range from fines to imprisonment.
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe national airline of Laos is
Laos Airlines (website:
www.laos-airlines.com). There are no direct flights from the USA or Europe; flights are mainly via Bangkok, China or Cambodia.
Departure TaxUS$10; children under 2 years of age and transit passengers are exempt.
Main AirportsVientiane (VTE) (Wattay) is 3km (2 miles) from the city (journey time – 20 minutes).
To/from the airport: Taxis are available (be prepared to bargain).
Facilities: Bank/bureaux de change, bars, post office, restaurants and car hire.
Getting There by WaterIt is possible to travel from Chiang Mai (Thailand) to Luang Prabang by
speedboat,
slow boat or by a deluxe 1-day boat. The slow boat takes about 2 days and usually involves an overnight stay in Pak Beng. The speedboat goes from Houei Xay on the Laos border to Luang Prabang in around 6 hours.
It may also possible to travel the Cambodian part of the Laos-Cambodia crossing by slow boat or speed boat, instead of by bus or taxi (see
Getting There by Road). Visitors should be aware that accidents can and do happen when traveling at high speeds along the unpredictable Mekong river.
Getting There by RailThere are no railways in Laos, but the Thai system stretches from Bangkok via Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai on the Laos/Thailand border. A ferry and a bridge link the Lao side of the Mekong, 19km (12 miles) east of Vientiane.
Getting There by RoadIt is possible to enter Laos from Thailand at Nong Khai over the Friendship Bridge. Other border crossings include Chiang Kong (Thailand)–Houei Xay (Laos) in the north; Mukdahan (Thailand)–Savannakhet (Laos); Chong Mek (between Pakse and Ubon Ratchathani); Nakorn Phanom (Thailand)–Tha Kek (Laos) and Jouay Kone (Thailand)–Xaingnabouri (Laos).
It is possible to enter Laos by road from Vietnam either at Quangtri or at the border post of Lak Xao near Vinh. Laos can also be entered from China, from Mengla in Yunnan province to Luang Nam Tha.
Overland travel to Myanmar is not feasible owing to security risks.
Despite the official line, some travelers have managed to enter Laos from Cambodia between Strung Treng (Cambodia) and Don Det (Laos) with some degree of hassle, although this crossing is by no means reliable. Check for the latest information locally. The best place to try to arrange this is from Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands).
OverviewThe following goods may be imported into Laos, from countries not bordering Laos, without incurring customs duty:
500 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco;
one bottle of alcoholic beverage and two bottles of wine;
personal jewelry up to 500g.
Note: The export of antiques such as Buddha images and other artifacts is prohibited. Any antique items purchased in other countries must be declared to customs on arrival in Laos.
Internal Travel:IntroductionNote
If you are on a strict timescale, it is advisable to prearrange travel outside Vientiane with a tour company to avoid unforeseen delays and costs.
Getting Around By AirLaos Airlines (website:
www.laos-airlines.com) runs domestic air services from Vientiane to Houayxai, Luang Nmatha, Luang Prabang, Oudomxai, Sam Neua and Sayabouti in the north
and Pakse and Savanakhet in the south. Private charter flights are also available through
Westcoast Helicopters (website:
www.laowestcoast.laopdr.com).
Getting Around by WaterThe Mekong and other rivers are a vital part of the country’s transport system. The choice is between irregular (and very basic) slow ferries and exciting but noisy and hazardous speedboats. Both services run from Vientiane to Luang Prabang and Luang Prabang to Huay Xai. Ferries often depart early in the mornings and can take several days, whilst speedboats run more regularly and take approximately 8 hours for each leg of the journey. Times and prices alter according to demand. There are regular jet boats trips along the river, run by
Lao River Exploration Services (website:
www.jetboat.laopdr.com). Boats can also be hired privately.
Getting Around by RailThere are no railways in Laos.
Getting Around by RoadTraffic drives on the right. Many of the roads have been paved in recent years, including the main highway from the Thai border at Savannakhet to the Vietnamese border. However, few main roads are suitable for all-weather driving. In the north of the country, there is a road link between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and from Vientiane to Nam Dong and Tran Ninh.
Bus: Services link all major towns and cities. Buses can vary from air-conditioned to the more traditional type to the converted pick-up truck.
Car hire: It is not recommended to hire cars in Laos as driving standards are low. However, it is possible to hire cars with a driver through hotels or tourist agencies.
Documentation: International Driving Permit recommended, although it is not legally required.
Getting Around Towns and CitiesThere is a mixture of old and metered taxis in Vientiane that can usually be located at Wattay Airport, the Friendship Bridge and the Morning market. Taxis can also be hired for approximately US$20 per day. Converted motorcycles, known as
tuk-tuks or
jumbos, are available in all major towns and cities and are perfect for shorter journeys around town. Bargaining is expected. Motorcycles and bicycles can be hired for the day in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and other places frequented by backpackers.
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