Laos has two distinct seasons. The dry season is from late October to April and the rainy season is from early May to early October. Most of the year is hot and humid. The average temperature is about 28°C and rises to a maximum of 37°C during April and May.

The best time to visit Laos is between November and April

The hot season is between March and May and very dry.

Time Zone

It is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +7).

Language

Lao is the official national language. Besides, Vietnamese, Thai and English are widely spoken.

Currency

The official currency of Laos is Kip (LAK). However, USD, EUR, Visa and Mastercardare widely accepted.

1 USD = 8,028 LAK

1 EUR = 11,090 LAK

Visa/Passport

The Lao immigration department only accepts visas on arrival for specific nationalities; please see the website of the Laos Embassy. The best way to get a Laos visa is to go to the Laos Embassy.

Lao visas are required to have 60 days of validity from the date of issue. You need 2 passport-size photos, a valid passport (at least 6 months beyond the length of stay) and a USD 45 fee paid at border checkpoints in 4 international airports.

Customs

When reaching the customs counters, you will have to complete the customs declaration. You are allowed to bring foreign currencies, jewels… You have to fill in a form if you bring over US $2000 or its equivalent in any other foreign currency.

Others

Sim Cards And Internet

Laos Telecom, ETL and Unitel are the biggest operators and provide great coverage predominantly in Vientiane. Anyone can buy sim cards but has to register with their passport.

Wifi is available at most hotels, with the exception of hotels in the less touristy towns. The best way to surf the internet in these towns is to buy a 3G sim card.

Water

The tap water is not disinfected, then you are advised to drink bottled water and mineral water, which can be found at many shops outside hotels or restaurants. Also, there are many places that provide water refill service, which is cheaper than buying new ones.

Electricity

The standard household (hotel) electrical supply in Laos is 230 volts, 50 Hertz. The standard socket accepts two round pins and a flat blade plug.

If your electric devices do not accept 230 volts and 50 Hertz, you can bring a voltage converter or buy one in Laos.

Where to go

Vientiane

Vientiane is known as “the city of moon” with the mixture of ancient and modern beauty. The capital is located on the left side of the Mekong river. Vientiane looks like a small and quiet town compared with other cities in SoutheastAsia.

Luang Prabang

Unlike other places in Laos, Luang Prabang, the ancient capital, has a slower urbanization. Ancient houses and temples have still kept their intactness. With its ancient beauty and peaceful space, Luang Prabang is a foremost tourist showpiece.

Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is a famous, attractive ecotourism town, located about 150 km away from Vientiane. The town lies along the Nam Song river. Vang Vieng is  very attractive to international tourists because of its untouched beauty and blend of rivers, karst mountains, caves and historical sites, such as the former American Air Force base and runway used in the Indochina war.

Phonesavan

Phonesavan is the town of Xiang Khouang province—a heavily bombed land during the American war. When setting foot on the land, tourists will be amazed at its natural and fascinating beauty. Located in the middle of the valley, the land is known as the “gateway to the Plain of Jars”—a large archaeological complex covered by mysterious 200 years old stone jars.

Pakse

Unlike Luang Prabang - touristy city or Vientiane - thoughtful capital—Pakse is a peaceful and pristine town with a relaxing atmosphere on the Mekong and Sedone rivers, friendly locals, and popular riverside restaurants and bars. Besides, Pakse is a good base for eco-tours, trekking, village stays with indigenous villages and waterfalls.