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Read more about other destinations at DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDES.
Atthapeu - Don Khong - Hong Sa - Huai Xai - Kenthao - Luang Prabang - Savanakhet - Sayaboury - Tha Khek - Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Pakse - Pak Lay
Money in Laos
The official currency is the Kip. But Thai baht, US$ and Euro's can easily be changed or at some places you can even pay with it (for a very bad exchange-rate of course). In major towns are banks, exchange offices and ATM's.
Visa for Laos
People living in one of the ASEAN countries do not need a visa for Laos but most other people will need a visa for Laos. At airports and most borders you can buy at the spot a visa for Laos. Price depends on your nationality and best pay in cash and in US$.
You can also get a Lao visa at your local Lao embassy or consulate.
Or you can apply for a E-Visa online, but be aware that the E-visa can only be used at 8 border-crossings.
My favourite destinations of Laos
My favourite places to go in Laos are the former Royal capital Luang Prabang, the current capital Vientiane, French colonial Savanakhet and the 4000 islands in the mighty Mekong River.
Recommended Travel Routes in Laos
Depending on how much time you have I would recommend to choose or North Laos or Central and South Laos. And if you can travel longer travel from North Laos to South Laos.
You could fly in at Luang Prabang then travel to Phon Savan (Plain of Jars), Vang Vieng (stunning limestone mountains) and Vientiane.
More time? Continue traveling to Tha Khe (visit Kong Lor Cave), Savanaket, Pakse, Bolaven Plateau, Champasak and the 4000 islands in the Mekong River (Don Khong & Don Det).
Motorbike Riding in Laos
Laos is a great country for adventure motorbike riding. But be aware that entering Laos from Thailand is not as easy anymore as it used to be. Some borders are totally closed for motorbikes and some borders
Seasons of Laos
As Laos is a long stretched country it will not surprise you that weather in North Laos can be very different from the weather in South Laos.
Accommodation in Laos
Accommodation wise Laos is a bit different as example Thailand or Vietnam. Forget the huge 5 star international hotels. In Vientiane, Luang Prabang and some other popular destinations you will find small scale boutique hotels but most accommodation will be guesthouses and simple hotels.
Food & Beverage in Laos
Although Lao food is delicious only in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and some other popular destinations you will find international or Thai food. And just as like in any Southeast Asian country you will find in Laos roadside food-stalls.
Getting to Laos
By Air : There are not much (none?) international flight from Europe or USA to Laos. So most people fly in from Thailand or Vietnam. From Bangkok in Thailand you can fly to Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
Over land : There are a number of major land crossings to enter Laos.
- Chiang Khong (Thailand) to Huai Xai : Crossing the Mekong River
- Huai Kon (Thailand) - Muang Ngeun : On your way to Luang Prabang
- Tha Li (Thailand) - Kenthao : On your way to Luang Prabang
- Nong Khai (Thailand) - Vientiane : Crossing the Mekong River
- Bueang Kan (Thailand) - Paksan : Crossing the Mekong River
- Nakhon Phanom (Thailand) - Tha Khek : Crossing the Mekong River
- Mukdahan (Thailand) - Savanakhet : Crossing the Mekong River
- Nong Mek (Thailand) - Vangtao : On your way to Pakse
- Stung Treng (Cambodia) - Nong Nok : On your way to Don Khong
- Nam Phuc (Vietnam) - Phu Keau : On your way to Pakse
- Sepon (Vietnam) - Dan Savan : On your way to Savanakhet
- Cha Lo (Vietnam) - Na Phao : On your way to Tha Khek
- Xan Dao (Vietnam) - Nam Phao : On your way to Tha Khek
Getting around in Laos
In the old days the options were by boat over the Mekong River (can still be done as River Cruise), car over dusty roads or by air from dusty air-strips in small airplanes. But since China started to buy Laos the roads have significantly improved and there is a high-speed train going from Chinese border to Vientiane.
Travel Advisory Laos
Of course "Act wisely as you would do at home", that means :
- Travel with Travel Insurance
- Be careful with riding a scooter / motorbike
- Don't do drugs
- Check the visa rules with your local Lao embassy or consulate.
Where to go next?
Most people enter Laos from Thailand and also most people exit Laos to Thailand. But you could go to China, Vietnam or Cambodia.
Map of Laos
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| Map of Laos |
Disclaimer : All information is created in good faith and is an expression of fair comment.
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