Laos Travel Guide

Country Facts

Location

South-East Asia.

Language

The official language is Lao; however, many tribal languages are also spoken. French, Vietnamese and some English are spoken.

Area

236,800 sq km (91,400 sq miles).

Time Zone

GMT + 7.

Electricity

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin flat or round plugs are in use.

Population

6 million (2008).

Population Density

25.3 per sq km.

Capital City

Vientiane. Population: 702,000 (2007 estimate).

Government

People’s Republic since 1975. Gained independence from France in 1953.

Head of Government

Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh since June 2006.

Head of State

Choummaly Sayasone since June 2006.

Religion

The majority of the Lao people are Buddhists. The Laos-Lum (Valley Laos) people follow the Hinayana (Theravada) form of Buddhism. The religions of the Laos-Theung (Laos of the mountain tops) range from traditional Confucianism to animism and Christianity.

Recent History

Laos became a republic in December 1975 when the king abdicated and the monarchy was abolished. Laos depended on Soviet aid right up to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Now, although the government no longer runs the economy centrally, there is no move toward a multi-party system.

Communications

Telephone

Country Code: +856. The General Post Office (GPO) offers public telephones for national and international calls. There are also card phone booths available.

Mobile Telephone

Roaming agreements exist with a few international mobile phone companies. Check with your service provider. Coverage is sporadic and mainly, though not exclusively, situated around Vientiane.

Internet

Internet cafes are located in the major towns and are becoming increasingly common in places frequented by backpackers. High-speed connection is only available in places such as Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

Media

The Lao media is basically a tool of the government, which owns all of the country's newspapers and broadcast media. Newspapers are not widely read.

Post

The General Post Office (GPO) is beside the Morning Market in Vientiane. Normal postal service is inexpensive and generally reliable although it can take around two weeks to and from Western countries. A courier service is recommended for urgent or valuable mail.

Press

• English-language newspapers include the Vientiane Times.
• Le Rénovateur is a French-language newspaper.
• The Lao-language daily is the Vientiane Mai.
• All are state run.

Radio

• Lao National Radio is the national radio station.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2011 - December 2012 period.
2010
2 Dec National Day

2011
1 Jan New Year’s Day
6 Jan Pathet Lao Day
20 Jan Army Day
2 Mar Chinese New Year
8 Mar International Women’s Day
22 Mar Day of the People’s Party
13 Apr - 15 Apr *Lao New Year (Pi Mai)
1 May Labor Day
9 May Buddha Day (Vesak)
1 Jun Children’s Day
13 Aug Lao Issara (Day of the Free Laos)
12 Oct Day of Liberation
2 Dec National Day

2012
1 Jan New Year’s Day
6 Jan Pathet Lao Day
20 Jan Army Day
23 Jan Chinese New Year
8 Mar International Women’s Day
22 Mar Day of the People’s Party
13 Apr - 15 Apr *Lao New Year (Pi Mai)
28 Apr Buddha Day (Vesak)
1 May Labor Day
1 Jun Children’s Day
13 Aug Lao Issara (Day of the Free Laos)
10 Oct Day of Liberation
2 Dec National Day
*Variations may occur.
** Dates to be confirmed.

Contact Information

Lao National Tourism Administration (LNTA)

PO Box 3556, Lane Xang Avenue, Hadsady, Chanthabouly, Vientiane, Laos
Tel: (21) 212 251/248.
Website: www.tourismlaos.gov.la or www.ecotourismlaos.com

Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in France

74 Avenue Raymond Poincaré, 75116 Paris, France
Tel: (01) 4553 0298.
Opening hours for visa enquiries and applications: Mon-Fri 0900-1200.
Website: www.laoparis.com

Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in the USA

2222 S Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 332 6416.
Website: www.laoembassy.com