Laos Facts
Laos
can be visited throughout the year. The dry or cool season begins at the end of
October and lasts until the end of February. It is necessary to take along
a pullover or jacket during the cool season, as nights can be very cool,
especially in the mountainous areas such as Luang Prabang, the Plain of Jars, Saravane and Houei Xai.
The hot season lasts from March to June and light cotton and hats are
recommended. The rainy season starts in June and ends in October.
For visitors traveling between the end of March and the beginning of April,
please take note in mountainous areas where slash and burn cultivation remains,
the air may be smoky and domestic flights might be delayed or cancelled.
Laos enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons:
- Hot Season:
March - May
- Rainy season: June-October
- Cool Season:
November - February
|
City |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
April |
May |
June |
July |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Vientiane |
|
Max (Celcius) |
28 |
30 |
33 |
34 |
33 |
32 |
31 |
31 |
31 |
30 |
30 |
28 |
|
Min (Celsius) |
14 |
17 |
20 |
23 |
24 |
24 |
24 |
24 |
24 |
22 |
19 |
15 |
|
Rain (mm) |
10 |
20 |
40 |
100 |
260 |
310 |
260 |
305 |
300 |
110 |
20 |
5 |
|
Luang Prabang |
|
Max (Celsius) |
28 |
30 |
32 |
39 |
34 |
34 |
32 |
32 |
32 |
31 |
30 |
29 |
|
Min (Celsius) |
14 |
16 |
19 |
23 |
24 |
25 |
24 |
24 |
24 |
23 |
20 |
16 |
|
Rain (mm) |
10 |
15 |
25 |
100 |
165 |
150 |
235 |
300 |
170 |
75 |
25 |
10 |
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The
local currency is the Kip. The rate of exchange, as of July 2002, is
approximately 10,000 Kip to one US Dollar. Travelers can make an exchange either
at licensed exchange shops in the major cities or at your hotel. While
paying in Laos, credit cards are accepted at only a few places. Travelers cheques and currencies other
than the US Dollars are accepted only by major banks. It is best to carry
US Dollars bills in small denominations.
Laos,
like Thailand, is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Working hours : Government offices are
generally open Monday to Friday, from 08:00 am to 12:00 noon, and from 1:00pm to
4:00pm. Shops and private business offices open and close a bit later and
either stay open during lunch or close for just an hour.
The
official language of Laos PDR is
Lao. It is spoken in different parts of the country. The Vientiane dialect
is understood throughout the country. In spite of the colonial past,
French remains the second official language. English is commonly used
among business sectors and young generations.
Visas
are required by all nationalities (except for neighboring people). A visa may be
obtained at Lao embassies and consulates abroad, or upon arrival at airports in
Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse, and also at the Friendship Bridge near Vientiane.
By air:
Presently, Vientiane, Lurang Prabang and Pakse are the only legal points of
disembarkation in Laos for air passengers. At the present time, Bangkok is
the most common gateway for entry to Vientiane, although it is possible to come
from Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Kunming (China), Chiang Mai.
Overland:
The following authorized
points are open daily from 08:30 am to 5:00 pm.
- From Nongkhai (Thailand) by
Friendship Bridge crossing the Mekong River by shuttle bus (from 06:00 am to
08:00 pm)
- From Chiang Khong (Thailand)
by crossing the Mekong River by ferry to Houei Xay in the northwest. (from
08:00 am to 06:00 pm)
- From South China (Yunnan) to
Luang Namtha province via Boten checkpoint.
- From Mukdahan (Thailand) and
from Quangtri (Vietnam) to Savannakhet.
- From Ubon Ratchathani
(Thailand) to Pakse in the south.
- From Vinh (Vietnam) via Keo
Neua checkpoint to Khamkeuth district Borikhamxay province, then to
Vientiane by bus.
- From Nakhon Phanom (Thailand)
to Thakek in the center.
N.B. Entries & exits can be
done vice versa
|
General Advice on traveling in Laos |
Never drink tap water.
Purified, bottled water is available everywhere. Use an insect repellant
against mosquitoes, especially in upcountry and forested areas. A hat and high
factor block cream is advisable as protection against the hot tropical sun when
sightseeing.
Casual and light clothing,
preferably natural fibers, is recommended year-round. A sweater or jacket may be
useful in hill areas, particularly during winter months when evenings can be
quite cool. A windproof jacket is essential when touring along the Mekong
River area from November to February. An umbrella or raincoat is essential
if visiting during the monsoon months (May-September).
Travelers should take adequate
supplies of any prescription medicine they may need, as supplies may not be
available locally. A spare pair of eyeglasses, if worn, is also advisable.
Also useful is a flashlight for exploring caves or details of temple interiors
that are often not properly illuminated. Extra personal insurance is
recommended in case of illness or situations where medical evacuation by air is
required, as hospitals are generally not up to Western standards.
All information above
are given for reference only. They are subject to change without giving
prior notice.
Last update
2008/07/25