Here is some useful information for Laos flights and visas.
If there is anything we haven't covered please get in touch and we will be happy to answer your questions.
General Info
Laos is simply a naturally beautiful country that still remains largely off the beaten track and with roughly six million people it’s one of the least populated countries in the world.
Dominated by majestic mountains, verdant valleys and broad snaking rivers, the country is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking adventure.
Waking up from decades of isolation now is the perfect time to visit, as the country is reaching a delicate counter balance whereby the comfort and ease of travel for the holidaymaker hasn’t yet trampled over local culture and style.
The traditional style of life enjoyed by the majority of Laotians is reflected in the hospitality and warm, inquisitive welcome you will receive everywhere you visit on your tailor made holiday. Make sure your conversational English is up to speed, as this young, eager population has a voracious appetite to learn our mother tongue!
Public holidays
Laos New Year is the main public holiday, which is celebrated on the 14th, 15th and 16th April.
Not unlike Songkran, the Laos Pee Mai celebration mixes religious tradition with water.
Here, water is used more for bathing Buddha images in temples than for dousing foreign tourists. However, water fights are catching on, so be aware when travelling during this period.
Culture & Customs
Etiquette and cultural differences
Experiencing different cultures is one of the joys of travelling and it’s important that these differences are respected. Knowing a few important customs of the Laotian people will help make your visit more enjoyable:- Try not to get angry. Showing any frustrations or annoyances by shouting or becoming abusive is extremely impolite and unlikely to achieve a positive outcome.
- Pointing your finger is seen as offensive. Try to gesture using your whole hand instead.
- Refrain from public displays of affection, they are considered offensive. It is extremely rare to see couples holding hands.
- It is offensive to touch another person’s head as it is considered the most sacred part of the body.
- It is polite to remove your shoes before entering a house - look for shoes at the front door as a clue.
- In Laos, people greet each other with a slight bow and a prayer-like gesture, known as the ‘nop’. For foreigners hand-shakes are becoming more acceptable.
Temple visit etiquette
Foreigners are always welcome in temples. However, it is important that a few simple rules of etiquette are followed:
- Dress appropriately and act with the utmost respect when visiting temples and other religious sites.
- Do not wear shorts above knee or tank tops and make sure your shoulders are covered.
- Remove your shoes and hat.
- If you sit down in front of the dais (the plat-form on which the Buddhas are placed), sit with your feet to the side rather than in the lotus position.
- Never point your finger or the soles of your feet towards a person or a figure of the Buddha.
- A woman may accept something from a monk but should never touch a monk.
- Show respect and turn off mobile phones, remove headphones, lower your voice and avoid inappropriate conversation.
Donations and gift giving
Although there is poverty in certain areas of Laos, please read the following points about donations and gift giving.
- Do not give money to people begging, especially children. This reinforces the belief that begging is an acceptable way to make a living. If children make money from begging, their parents are less likely to send them to school. Children working on the streets are also vulnerable to abuse.
- However in many places, it is considered acceptable to give to money disabled people or the elderly. Please ask your guide for advice.
- Giving money and goods to beggars can accentuate an unequal relationship between locals and visitors, with tourists being seen as purely money givers.
- Do not give sweets to children in villages that we visit.
- Do not feel that you necessarily have to give material things. Sometimes, giving your friendship, time and interest to locals can be the best gift of all.
For more information go to www.thinkchildsafe.org
Tipping
Tipping is a personal matter and travellers are encouraged to tip any amount they feel is appropriate. For your convenience, we have included a suggested tipping guide below:- Bellboy: $1-$2 per room
- Chambermaid: $1 per day
- Guides: $4-$8 per day, per person (depending on group size, performance and duration)
- Drivers: $1-$3 per day, per person (de-pending on group size, performance and duration)
- Restaurants: in smart establishments, you may find that the tip is already included in the bill. In local restaurants, tips are not expected but you may wish to leave loose change on the table.
Helpful Tips
Money
The official currency in Laos is the Lao Kip which is non-convertible and can’t be pre-bought in the UK, so you will need to bring Sterling or US dollars to exchange. US dollars can also widely used in bigger cities, particularly in restaurants.
Please note that torn and old bank notes are not generally accepted. Visa and MasterCard are becoming more accepted in many of the bigger hotels and restaurants, especially in the larger cities.
ATM’s are available in larger cities and tourist spots. There are ATMs in Vientiane and Luang Prabang for local currency and debit / credit cards are widely accepted.Post and telecommunications
Postal services are available in Laos.Telephone connections are widely available but not cheap. A Laos SIM card is a less expensive way of calling other countries, however your phone will need to be unlocked in order for it to work. Internet access is available in all major tourist places and you will find WiFi in most cafes in urban areas.
Transportation
The transport network in Laos is slow, but comprehensive. Getting around takes time, sometimes longer than you may think, but this is all part of the fun of travelling in this laid-back country.
Taxis and tuk-tuks are the easiest way to get around towns and cities. Negotiating the price is the norm.Please note that we don’t recommend motorbike taxis and it may not be covered by your travel insurance.
Health and wellbeing
Please be aware that Laos is a developing nation and so some areas lack effective medical facilities.
Rural areas may not have pharmacies and hospitals so make sure you travel with a full supply of any prescribed medicine you take. If you need medical assistance please ask your guide or hotel.
Please make sure that you have travel insurance for your trip. You should also consult your doctor or local travel clinic for the latest information and advice on travelling to Laos before departure.
If you have a medical condition or allergy which requires particular attention, please advise us and carry a doctor’s letter that describes the nature of the condition and treatment needed. We also recommend you pack a medical kit.
Vaccinations
Before travelling, at least two months before departure, please contact your doctor for the latest medical advice on the vaccinations you need.Travel insurance (compulsory)
Please ensure that you have adequate travel insurance that covers all activities planned on your trip.Food and drink
Traditional Laotian cooking involves a lot of game, wild boar and river fish. The freshness of ingredients is very important to Lao people who like to prepare everything from scratch.
Herbs such as galangal and lemongrass are favourites and padaek (Lao fish sauce) is found on every table.
A national dish is called Lap, which is a spicy mixture of marinated meat and/or fish that is sometimes served raw. Like its neighbour countries, rice is a staple food in Laos.
Useful food terms
Khao Nie (sticky rice)
Tamarkhong (papaya salad)
Markphet (chili)
Western food is available in most main cities and tourist spots.
It is not advisable to drink tap water. Bottled water is recommended but do check the expiry date before opening. Ice is widely used and is produced with treated water.
Price guide
Laos is generally an inexpensive country to travel around; however some goods are more expensive than neighbouring countries if they have to be imported.Street food:
- Noodle soup: 15,000KIP
- Noodle with pork/chicken/vegetable: 15,000KIP
- Baguette: 15,000 KIP
- Western food: from 45,000 KIP
- Lao set menu: 60,000 KIP
- Soft drinks: 7,000 KIP
- Beer Lao/bottle: 12,000 KIP
Laos Passports and Visas
A visa is required for British nationals and can be obtained on arrival at the international airports in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse.
Some overland borders do not offer visas and your consultant will talk to you about this when putting together your holiday.
The cost of the Laos visa is currently approx US$35, payable in cash only (travellers' cheques are not accepted) - please note that the exact cost in clean, untorn bills is required by the authorities - defaced or ripped bills will not be accepted. A small surcharge (a dollar or 2) may be made on weekends or public holidays.
You will also need 2 passport photos no more than 6 months old and clearly showing your whole face and of a good likeness.
Passports should have six months validity beyond intended length of stay.
Travellers must be able to show a return onward flight ticket and a confirmed hotel reservation.
Flying to Laos
We have no affiliation with any airline and so our recommendations with be purely based on your requirements and the best price.
Which Airline?
Class of Travel
Stop-overs
As flying to Laos involves a change of plane you may like to add a couple of nights in for example Singapore, Bangkok or Vietnam and this is easy to arrange. As you generally have 2 changes in one direction it’s often popular to marry a stay in Laos with an extended visit to Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam.Regional Flights
ATOL Financial Protection
When To Book?
Offset Your Carbon Footprint
Woodland Trust - www.woodlandtrustshop.com/
World Land Trust - www.worldlandtrust.org/eco-services
And Finally
Please remember that when booking your flights we need you names exactly as they appear in your passports including any middle names.
Please Note: All the above information is correct at the time of writing, but rules and regulations can change at any time. We will change the website as soon as we become aware, but cannot be held responsible for any additional charges incurred. Non UK passport holders should check with the travel consultant or relevant Embassy for appropriate rules and regulations.
