Laos Travel Guide

Social Conventions

Religious beliefs should be respected. Lao people should not be touched on the head and women should not touch monks. 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 offense. Shorts or revealing clothes are not always acceptable. Shoes must be removed when entering a religious building or somebody's home. It is a legal requirement 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 Air

The national airline of Laos is Lao Airlines (QV) (www.laoairlines.com). There are no direct flights from the USA or Europe; flights are mainly via Bangkok, China, Vietnam or Cambodia.

Departure Tax

Usually included in the ticket price.

Main Airports

Vientiane (VTE) (Wattay) is 3km (2 miles) from the city (journey time - 20 minutes). To/from the airport: Taxis are available. Facilities: Bank/bureau de change, bars, post office, restaurants and car hire.

Getting There By Water

It is possible to travel from the Thai border to Luang Prabang by speedboat, slow boat or by a deluxe one-day boat. The slow boat takes about two days and usually involves an overnight stay in Pak Beng. The speedboat goes from Houaixay on the Laos border to Luang Prabang in around six 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 Rail

There are no railways in Laos, but the Thai system stretches from Bangkok via Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai on the Laos/Thailand border. A bridge links the Lao side of the Mekong, 19km (12 miles) east of Vientiane, although a short stretch of railway is under construction across the Friendship Bridge from Nong Khai.

Getting There By Road

It is possible to enter Laos from Thailand at Nong Khai over the Friendship Bridge. Other border crossings include Chiang Kong (Thailand)-Houaixay (Laos) in the north; Mukdahan (Thailand)-Savannakhet (Laos); Chong Mek (between Pakse and Ubon Ratchathani) and Nakorn Phanom (Thailand)-Tha Kek (Laos).

It is possible to enter Laos by road from Vietnam at several places, though not all can arrange visa on arrival. The most popular route is from Lao Bao in Vietnam to Donsavanh in Laos.. Laos can also be entered from China, from Mengla in Yunnan province to Luang Namtha.

Overland travel to Myanmar is not feasible owing to security risks.

It is possible to enter Laos from Cambodia between Stung Treng (Cambodia) and Don Det (Laos) with some degree of hassle, although this crossing is by no means reliable and it is not possible to get a visa on arrival. Check for the latest information locally.

Duty Free

Overview

The 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

Getting Around By Air

Lao Airlines (QV) (www.laoairlines.com) runs domestic air services from Vientiane to Houayxai, Luang Namtha, Xieng Khouang, Luang Prabang and Oudomxai in the north and Pakse and Savannakhet in the south. Private charter flights are also available through Lao Westcoast Helicopter (www.laowestcoast.laopdr.com).

Getting Around By Water

The Mekong and other rivers are still a vital part of the country's transport system despite the road system being gradually improved. However, the number of boats available has decreased dramatically. The choice is between irregular (and very basic) slow ferries and exciting but noisy and hazardous speedboats. A service runs from Luang Prabang to Houayxai, but there is no longer a service between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. The journey upstream from Luang Prabang to Houayxai takes two days, with an overnight stop in Pakbeng, and downstream it takes one day. There are regular jet-boat trips along the river, run by Lao River Exploration Services (www.jetboat.laopdr.com). Boats can also be hired privately.

Getting Around By Road

Traffic 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 or night driving. In the north of the country, there is a road link between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and from Vientiane to Savannakhet and Pakse in the south.

Bus: Services link all major towns and cities. Buses can vary from air-conditioned to the more traditional type to the converted pickup 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.

Note: 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 Towns and Cities

All major towns are small and accessible on foot or by bicycle. Motorcycles and bicycles can be hired for the day in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and other places frequented by tourists. There 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.

Journey Times

The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Vientiane to other major cities and towns in Laos.

	Air	Road	Rail
Luang Prabang	0.40	8.00	-
Pakse	1.15	10.00	-
Savannakhet	2.25	7.00	-