Laos Travel Tips
Laos has finally opened up to the tourism industry and choosing a holiday package to this country won’t be a regret for you. The Mysterious Plains of Jars or the luscious landscapes sure makes this country an ideal tourism hub. With the government’s support, the tourism industry is expected to flourish in the coming years.
Attractions:
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Rare flora and fauna can be seen in the National Biodiversity Conservation Area (NBCA) system which operates in 19 locations in Laos. Some species are on the verge of extinction. People belonging to minority ethnic groups can be seen here in their natural habitats. You should respect their customs and religions when on our vacation packages.
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Our travel packages are well known for showing you the indigenous handicrafts of Laos. You can buy silk of superior weave and woodcarving from the handicrafts market –Talaat Tao in Vientiane. You may see the weavers at work in the villages and buy directly from them. Hill tribes in Northern Laos are skilled at silverwork
Climate: Laos experiences three seasons.
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Dry –cool season ,end of October to end of February with an average temperature of 20-25°C.Protection against the cold is advised ,in particular in the mountainous regions where temperatures could fall down to the range of 0-5°C.
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Hot season between March and June with an average temperature of 35°C.Light cotton clothing and hats should comprise your travel bag during this time.
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Rainy season, between June and October .Temperature is 10° lower than the summers and showers are expected in the afternoon and evening.
Most suitable time: You can visit Laos all the year around on our cheap vacation packages. Countryside roads are not in a very good state during the last two months of the rainy season so that time should be avoided by tourists planning to go up north or to the south of the Boloven Plateau. In early April nationals in mountainous regions go in for slash and burn cultivation. Domestic flights could be cancelled or delayed because of the smoke produced through such activities.
Landing and taking off: Lao airlines and Thai airways international have daily or at least weekly flights from the major cities.
Internal transportation: Buses, minibuses and cars ply on the road and will be provided to the travelers .These are mostly air conditioned vehicles to ensure travelers don’t have to suffer unnecessary discomfort .The roads in most of the frequented regions are in good condition ,except some remote region in the north. We provide all transportation services to customers on our inclusive vacation packages.
Communication: The internet service here has just been initiated. Post offices are located in all the districts and in all major cities. Even international calls can be made though these post offices. Overseas and domestic calls can also be made through telephone card cabins .Hotels have IDD lines for telephonic services. Prime cities also have cell phones coverage. EMS courier services provide reliable and cheap mail deliveries.
Currency: The local currency is Kip. Within Vientiane, most of the international currencies can be exchanged at licensed money changers or provincial banks. In other areas usually only U.S. Dollars, Thai Bahts and Euros are accepted .Traveler’s cheques are also accepted but only at major banks. Credit cards have a limited acceptance at prime hotels, shops and restaurants.
Time: Laos shares the time zone with its neighbors Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. It is 7 hours ahead of the GMT.
Health Information: The hospitals in Laos are below international standards. Considering this fact extra medical insurance is recommended to provide for evacuation from the country by air. Additional basic medicines should also be packed .Vaccination for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tetanus, Typhoid are also recommended. You should take adequate care against Malaria.
