Greetings from Laos

The landlocked nation of Laos lacks the tropical beaches or grandiose landmarks of its neighbouring countries, but it offers travellers unmatched charms that mesmerize them in countless ways. It's been a wonderful year in Laos, from the stunning jungle-clad limestones of the north to Luang Prabang's picturesque UNESCO Heritage streets to Vientiane's laidback capital. Its authentic culture, ancient traditions, and genuine smiles have remained untouched by mass tourism in Laos.

General Information

Capital: Vientiane

Population: 7.17 million (Growth Rate 1.53%, 2019 est.)

Language: Lao is the official language of Laos. In terms of vocabulary, Lao and Thai share a great deal in common.
Currency: Currently, the Lao kip (LAK) is the country's official currency. In tourist areas, Thai baht and US dollars are also commonly accepted currencies. Other major currencies are also accepted by some banks in Luang Prabang and Vientiane, including UK pounds, euros, and Australian dollars. While ATMs are abundant in major cities and tourist areas, beware of the low withdrawal limits and transaction fees associated with them. 1.00 USD = 16,776 Lao kip, 1.00 EUR = 18,202 Lao kip (Live rates at 1/23/2023)

Shopping: Souvenir hunters will find a variety of options in Laos, from high-end boutiques to antique stores and humble market stalls. Because Lao arabica and robusta are high quality and consistent, Laos is one of the most productive places to grow coffee in Southeast Asia. Shopping here is renowned for its elaborate handicrafts, hill tribe silk, arts, woodcarvings, basketry, handcrafted paper, home furnishings, gold and silver jewellery, and couture-quality textiles from the finest silk and cotton weavers.

Voltage: There are five types of power plug sockets in Laos: A, B, C, E, and F. The standard voltage in Laos is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit.

Visa

Most land border crossings as well as the three international airports of Laos offer Visa On Rrrival (VOA). Laos offers visa on arrival to citizens of several countries, including Australia, Canada, the United States, and the European Union. With the newly launched Laos eVisa application, citizens from 180 eligible countries can obtain a Laos tourist visa exclusively online. Check out the link below for more information. https://laoevisa.gov.la/index . Each VOA is valid for a single entry of 30 days, which can be extended by an additional 60 day. As travel policies change regularly, it’s best to check the official government website for the latest regulations before visiting.

Climate & Weather

On the plains of Laos, the climate is tropical, but in the mountains and far north, it is subtropical. During the winter monsoon, the weather is comfortable from November to February, though it gets a bit cold at night. Summer monsoon, which brings high humidity and rainfall from May to the end of October. In March and May, before the rains, it's the hottest time of the year, and it's still dry.


Our Laos Trips

Please feel free to send your further suggestions to toanvinhtours@gmail.com if you do not find any itineraries that suit your trip, so we can create a tailor-made travel program for you with a free quotation. Our suggested itinerary can be customized according to your preferences.

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