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1. COUNTRY
The official name
for Laos is Lao People's Democratic Republic and
the main feature of Laos is its mountains
and the Mekong valley.
Laos is divided
into:-
16 provinces (khoueng):
Attapeu (Attapeu),
Bokeo (Ban Houei Xai), Bolikhamxai (Pakxan),
Champassak (Pakse), Houa Phan (Xam Neua),
Khammouane (Thakhek), Luang Namtha (Luang Namtha),
Luang Prapang (Luang Prapang), Oudomxai (Oudomxai),
Phongsali (Phongsali), Salavan (Salavan) ,
Savannakhet (Shanthabouli), Vientiane Province,
Sayabouri (Sayabouri), Sekong (Sekong), Xieng
Khouang (Phonsavanh)
1 municipality (kampheng
nakhon):
Vientiane
1 special zone (khetphiset):
Saysomboun
2.
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
Laos is the only landlocked
country in Southeast Asia and lies between Thailand,
Myanmar, China, Vietnam and Cambodia. Laos is bordered by
Myanmar (Burma) and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the
east, Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west.
The Mekong River forms the
country's western border and the Annamite mountains forms
its eastern border with Vietnam. Only one third of the 2,400
km of waterways made up by the Mekong River and its fifteen
tributaries are navigable while almost seventy percent of
Cambodia is mountainous and with almost fifty percent
covered by forest.
The Annamite mountains in the
south reach to almost 2,600 m in height while the
Khammouanne plateau in the center of the range is mass of
limestone karst formations. At the south of the range is the
Bolaven Plateau. The north of Laos is made up of steep
sloped mountain range with the highest mountain, Phu Bia, at
2,820 m found in Xieng Khouang province.
3. AREA
236,800 sq km
4. POPULATION
5.8 million
5. CAPITAL
Vientiane
6. PEOPLE
The population of Laos is
made up of three main groups with ethnic Lao (Lao Loum)
making up almost half of Cambodia's population. They are
found in the lowlands at the Mekong River valley and its
tributaries, cultivate and eat wet (sticky) rice and are
mostly Buddhist. They are the politically and culturally
dominant group. Lao Loum speaks the Lao language. Lao Tai
are closely related to the Lao Loum because the Lao are
descended from the Tai people, who began migrating southward
from China in the first millennium AD.
Another group, the largest
hilltribe group, is the Mon-Khmer tribes, known as Lao
Theung, who live on mountain slopes and practice slash and
burn agriculture.
The Lao Sung or Highland Lao is
another large group living in the high mountains of the
north. The Lao Sung consists mainly of the Hmong, who
generally survive on a barter economy, and the Mien, who are
known for their silver craftmanship. Other ethnic groups
such as the Chinese, Burmese, Vietnamese, Cambodians and
Thai can also be found living in Laos.
7. LANGUAGE
Spoken and written Lao is the
national language. It is part of the Tai language group,
known as Tai-Kadai or Kadai. Another language well
understood in Laos is Thai.
8. RELIGION
The national religion is
Theravada Buddhism, along with Animism which is practiced
among the hilltribes, coexist peacefully with the spirit
world. The remainder of the population
adheres to Islam and Christianity.
9. GOVERNMENT
The Lao People's Revolutionary
Party is the only official political party in Laos. The head
of state is a president elected by parliament for a
five-year term. The head of government is a prime minister
appointed by the president, subject to parliamentary
approval. All government policies are decided by the party
through the all-powerful nine-member Politburo and the
49-member central committee. However, all important
decisions are vetted by the Council of Ministers.
A new constitution was adopted
by Laos in 1991. Elections were held for a new 85-seat
National Assembly with members elected by a secret ballot
for a five year term in 1992. This unicameral parliament,
expanded in 1997 elections to 99 members, approves all new
laws, although the executive branch retains authority to
issue binding decrees. The assembly was then expanded to 109
members after the February 2002 elections.
10. CLIMATE
The climate of Laos is tropical
and characterized by monsoons and has three distinct
seasons. The rainy season starts from May to November, which
is also the season where Laos is at its most beautiful
period though getting around in the remote areas may be
difficult, which is then followed by a dry season
from December until April.
The Lao New Year which is
celebrated in mid-April may caused some accommodation to be
fully booked and also during this hot season, some rivers
may be hard to navigate while some boat journeys to remote
areas may be not be accessible.
The best time to visit Laos is
between November and February since by this time the rainy
season would be over.
11. HISTORY
AND CULTURE
The early history of Laos was
dominated by the wider Nan-chao kingdom, which was succeeded
in the 14th century by the local kingdom of Lan Xang that
lasted until its decline in the 18th century, after which
Thailand assumed control of the separate principalities that
remained. These then came under the French influence during
the 19th century and were incorporated into the French
Indochina in 1893. Following Japanese occupation in World
War II, the country became independent in 1949 as the
Kingdom of Laos.
Laos was dragged into the Second
Indochina War during the political unrest in neighboring
Vietnam which was a destabilizing factor that contributed to
civil war and several coups d'etat. In 1975, the communist
Pathet Lao movement overthrew the royal government and took
control of the country which was then renamed as Lao
People's Democratic Republic. Initial closer ties to Vietnam
and socialization were then replaced by a relaxation of
economic restrictions in the 1980s and finally it was
admitted into ASEAN in 1997.
An important part of Laos'
culture is their
music which is dominated by its national instrument, the khen (a type of Bamboo pipe). Bands usually include a singer
and a khen player alongside fiddlers and other musicians.
The most popular genre of Laotian music is the Lam saravane
but the ethic Lao in Thailand have developed an
internationally-best selling form called mor lam sing.
12. MAJOR HOLIDAYS
New Year's Day (January 1),
Army National Day (January 20), Makhabusa Day (February 8),
Women International Day (March 8), Lao Popular Revolutionary
Pary Day (March 22), Lao Buddhist New Year (April), Labor
International Day (May 1), Visakhabusa Day (May 7), Child
International Day (June 1), Khao Phansa Day (July 5),
Constitution Day (August 15), Khao Padab Bin Day (August
18), Power Seizing Day
(August 23), Khao Salak Day (September 2), Oak Phansa Day
(October 2), Boat Racing Festival Day (October 3),
Teacher National Day (October 7), That Luang Festival Day
(October 31), National Day (December 2).
13. ECONOMIC PROFILE
As one of the few
remaining official communist states, the
government of Laos began decentralizing control
and started to encourage private enterprise in
1986. The results were very encouraging
with growth averaging 7% in 1998 to 2001 except
in 1997 where growth was slower during the Asian
financial crisis.
Despite the high
growth rate, the infrastructure in Laos remains
primitive with limited telecommunications
facilities. Electricity is only available in a
few urban areas. Subsistence agriculture
accounts for half of the country's GDP and
provides eighty percent of total employment in
Laos. The economy will continue to benefit from
aid given by the IMF and other international
organizations and also from new foreign
investment in the food-processing industry and
mining industry.
In 2003, the United
States signed a Bilateral Trade Agreement with
Laos, ending a trade embargo that had been in
place since the communists took power in 1975.
The Laos government has targeted 2020 as the
year for the country to be removed from list of
the Least Developed Country.
At present, Laos is
a country still heavily dependant on aid.
14. ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS
VISAS - ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A passport and visa is required
to enter into Laos. Visas will be issued upon arrival in
Laos to foreign tourists and business persons, after
sumbitting two passport size photographs and USD30.00, at
Wattay Airport, Vientiane; Friendship Bridge, Vientiane and
Luang Prabang Airport. Visa can also be obtained at Ban
Muang Kao / Chong Mek (border with Thailand).
Visas will not be issued at the
Chong Mek border crossing. Foreign tourists will be admitted
to Laos for 15 days with a visa on arrival while they will
be permitted to stay for 30 days with a visa issued at a
Laos embassy.
The Department of Immigration in
Vientiane will only extend tourist visas for just another
day. It is sometimes possible to get an extension for an
additional 15 days by submitting an application through a
tour agency at USD3.00 a day. Foreigners who overstay risk
being arrested and they could be fined USD5.00 for each day
upon departure.
Visitors planning on entering
Laos at any international checkpoint where visas on arrival
are not available must obtain a visa in advance.
While it is important to note
that the cost of a visa issued in Bangkok is about USD10.00
cheaper but a lot of time will be wasted since the embassy
of Laos in Bangkok is situated right out of town. The
cheapest, fastest and easiest option is to get a visa on
arrival at Vientiane Airport, Luang Prabang Airport or at
the Friendship Bridge.
It is important to note that
immigration offices at some of the less used border crossing
points are not well marked. Tourists should also make sure
that they complete immigration and customs formalities upon
entering Laos and failure to do so may subject visitors to
fine, detention, imprisonment and/or deportation.
VISAS - VISA NOTES
A Laos tourist visa is usually
issued for a single entry within three months from the date
of issue for a period of stay not to exceed 30 days. The
visa may be extended in Laos for a further 15 days.
A Laos business visa is usually
issued for a single entry within three months from the date
of issue for a period of stay not to exceed 30 days. The
visa may be extended in Laos for a further 30 days.
A multi-entry business visa can
only be issued after a business joint-venture has been
established. A higher consular fees apply.
Passport must have at least six
months validity remaining, and one blank visa page in order
for the visa to be issued. TDS can assist with expediting
U.S. passports whether new issue, renewal or adding visa
pages.
15. CURRENCY
The Laos unit of currency is the
Kip which is available in 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and
5,000 kip notes. In major towns, Thai Baht and U.S. Dollars
are readily accepted in most restaurants, hotels and markets
but the majority of hotels will only accept U.S. Dollars.
Local currency can be changed in
most major towns but it is advisable to keep a small supply
of U.S. Dollars. If you are coming into Laos from Thailand,
it is also advisable to bring some Thai Baht. Travelers
checks can be changed in most major banks in Vientiane but
are difficult to negotiate outside the capital city.
Travelers checks should be in U.S. Dollar denomination and
also from a well known financial institution.
Credit cards are accepted in
most major hotels. Tourists are better off to bring cash.
Tourists arriving from Thailand can change their travelers
checks in Bangkok for Thai Baht or bring U.S. Dollars into
Laos and changed their U.S. Dollars or Baht into Kip as
needed.
USD1.00 = 7,880 Kip
16. BANKING
HOURS
Monday - Friday: 8.30am to
12.00pm and 1.00pm to 4.30pm except on public holidays.
There are no ATMs with
international facilities.
Travelers checks can be cashed
at banks in major provincial capitals. There will be no
commission charged on checks cashed into Kip but a
commission of 2% is applicable for checks cashed into U.S.
Dollars.
Government offices are open from
Monday - Friday: 8.00am to
12.00pm and 1.00pm to 4.00pm. Shops usually have longer
hours and are often open during weekends as well.
Restaurants open until 10.00pm while bars stay open until
midnight.
17. POST
OFFICES
Laos's mail service is generally
reliable but less so in the provinces. If you going to
Thailand, it is advisable to post your letters there.
18. TIME
Seven hours ahead of Greenwich
Mean Time (GMT)
19.
ELECTRICITY
Voltage is 220 volt AC at 50
cycles per second throughout the country. Many different
types of plugs and sockets are in use. Travelers with
electric shavers, hair dryers, tape recorders and other
appliances should carry a plug adapter kit. Bringing a
torchlight is advisable in case of power cuts.
20. WEIGHTS
AND MEASUREMENTS
Laos follows the metric
system in weight and measures.
21. TELEPHONES
Restricted IDD is
available in major hotels. The country code is
856 and the outgoing international code is 00.
The only way to use an overseas mobile telephone
in Laos is to bring one from Thailand with a
Thai simcard and use the Thai network and as
expected, coverage too is limited.
22. GETTING
THERE
BY AIR
Since there is no
intercontinental flights to Vientiane, visitors will enter
Laos via Bangkok, Thailand which is the nearest
international airport. The easiest and cheapest way to fly
into Laos is to use Thai Airways domestic flight to Udon
Thani.
Visitors can fly into Vientiane,
Laos from:-
- Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Cambodia
- Kunming, China
- Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
- Bangkok and Chiang Mai,
Thailand
- Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
(Saigon), Vietnam
BY ROAD
From Thailand:-
Nong Khai and using the
Friendship Bridge
Xiang Khong, Chiang Rai Province
to Huay Xai, Bokeo Province
Nakorn Phanom to Tha Kek,
Khammouane Province
Mukdaharn to Savannakhet
Chong Mek, Ubon Rathchathani
Province to Pakse
Houay Kone, Nan to Xaingnabouri
From Vietnam:-
Lao Bao, Khung Tri to Dan Savan,
Savannakhet
Lak Sao, Vinh to Kaew Neua,
Bolikhamsai
From China:-
Mengla, Yunnan to Boten, Luang
Nam Tha
23. GETTING
AROUND
BY AIR
Flying inside Laos is mainly
thru Lao Aviation. It is important to note that booking a
domestic flight from outside Laos will be difficult unless
you book thru a tour operator. Lao Aviation does not have a
on-line reservation system and all flights must be
reconfirmed in advance.
The Lao Aviation office in
Vientiane is located at Thanon Phangkham, which is between
the fountain and the Mekong. It is best to book flights
using a local travel agent in Vientiane rather than deal
with Lao Aviation directly to save time. Due to Lao
Aviation's small aircraft fleet, destinations will change
according to the time of the year and also subject to
aircraft availability.
Lao Aviation flies to the
following destinations :-
Northern Airports:-
Houayxai, Luang Namtha, Luang
Prabang, Oudomxai, Samneua, Sayabouli
Southern Airports:-
Pakse, Savannakhet
BY ROAD
The light and relatively slow
traffic in most Lao cities makes for favorable cycling
conditions. Bicycles can be rented in all main towns and
tourist destinations, costing about an average 8,000 Kip per
day for a cheap Thai model with a basket in the front.
Mountain bikes can be rented in Luang Namtha and Vientiane
for between 25,000 to 40,000 Kip per day.
BY SEA
The most sought after river trip
in Laos is the slow boat between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang
which runs everyday at USD13.00 per person for the two-day
trip. From Huay Xai, boats are often packed, while from
Luang Prabang, there should be plenty of room available.
Another popular journey is the
not so regular journey between Pakse and Si Phan Don.
24.
ACCOMMODATION
There is plenty of cheap of
cheap accommodation in Laos. The standard of guesthouses is
better as the locals begin to tune in to the budget travel
market, but prices are rising too. Guesthouses usually
advertise rates in either U.S. dollars or Kip.
In the rural north and far
south, accommodation is the cheapest where it is still
possible to find a USD1.00 to USD2.00 bungalow in
backpackers area like Muang Ngoi and Si Phan Don.
In cities like Vientiane, Luang
Prabang, Savannakhet, Pakse and Luang Namtha, it cost at
least USD3.00 for a budget room with shared bathroom and
around USD5.00 for a room with a bathroom. Air-conditioned
will sometimes cost at least USD10.00 and this is only
available in main cities.
25. DO'S AND
DON'TS
Don't touch a person's head, nor
ruffle his hair. The head is the noblest part of the body. A
sincere apology should be offered immediately if you touch
someone's head unintentionally.
Laos is a Buddhist country
where Buddha images are held sacred. Sacrilegious acts are
punishable by imprisonment even if committed by foreign
visitors.
Generally Laos women are
conservative. So do not touch them without their consent.
Dress properly when entering a
Buddhist temple. Mini skirts and shorts are not allowed.
Take your shoes off before going inside the hall of worship.
Ladies must not on any account touch a Buddhist monk, give
things direct to him or receive things direct from him.
When entering a Lao house, you
are expected to remove your shoes.
Respect the culture of the Laos
people and you will earn their respect in return.
A kiss or
embrace from a stranger is considered insulting and
humiliating in Laos. Lao people use the 'nop' on meeting and
performing it sincerely will win you friends instantly. To
perform the 'nop', raise your hands in a praying gesture and
the higher you go, the more respect you show but do not be
over the top.
Intimacies between man and woman
should not be shown in public. Sunbathing in the nude is
prohibited. So do not cause embarrassment by kissing or
cuddling in public.
Dress modestly and do not show
too much flesh if you do not want to attract attention or
embarrass others.
Avoid placing your feet on the
table while sitting. Never use your foot to point things out
or to touch any part of the body of anyone, which is
considered rude.
Never raise your voice to Lao
people as they will not react well to it, even shouting to
friends or for taxis will embarrass others.
Bodily hygiene and cleanliness
are important to Lao people and failure to meet these
conditions will not be well received and you may even be
laughed at and avoided.
When passing by older people,
respect should be shown to them.
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