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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To visit Laos for tourism or business, travellers are required to obtain a visa. Travellers can apply for a Laos e-Visa, obtain a visa on arrival.
VISA INFORMATION
WEATHER
Laos has a tropical monsoon climate, with a distinct wet season and dry season. The mountainous terrain keeps temperatures moderate in higher elevations, while lowland areas remain hot and humid.
- Spring (March to May): Spring in Laos is the hot dry season, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 38°C. Humidity increases toward May, making the air feel even warmer. It’s a good time to explore northern highlands like Luang Prabang before the rains begin, though central and southern areas can be sweltering.
- Summer (June to August): This is the wet season, with frequent tropical downpours and high humidity. Temperatures hover between 24°C and 32°C. Rain usually falls in short, heavy bursts in the late afternoon or evening. Lush green landscapes and fewer tourists make it a beautiful time to visit if you’re prepared for the rain.
- Autumn (September to November): As the rains ease, the landscape remains green and vibrant. Temperatures begin to cool, ranging from 22°C to 30°C. Rivers are full, making this an excellent time for boat travel and scenic countryside exploration.
- Winter (December to February): Winter is the dry and cool season, with average highs between 20°C and 28°C and cooler nights, especially in mountainous areas. It’s the most popular season to visit, with comfortable weather for hiking, sightseeing, and cultural experiences across the country.
- Best Time to Travel: The best time to visit Laos is during the dry season from November to February, when the weather is cooler and ideal for outdoor adventures. March to early May is also suitable for northern travel before the rains arrive.
GENERAL INFORMATION
| Country: | Lao People’s Democratic Republic |
| Capital City: | Vientiane |
| International Airports: | Attapeu International Airport Luang Prabang International Airport Pakse International Airport Wattay International Airport |
| Area: | 236,800 km² |
| Population: | 7,769,819 (2024 est.) |
| Time Zone: | UTC +7:00 |
| Religion: | Buddhism (including Taoism and Confucianism) Christianity (Catholicism and Protestantism) Islam Caodaism Hoa Hao sect Some follow the primitive mother worship cult of Tho Mau |
| Language: | Official language is Lao. French and English are also widely spoken. |
| Currency: | Lao Kip (LAK) |
| Exchange Rate: | Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate. |
| Credit Card Payment Availability: | Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted at most hotels, upscale restaurants, and some shops in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. A surcharge of approximately 3-4% is typically added to the bill. |
| ATM Accessibility: | ATMs that accept international cards are widely available in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse. Cash can also be exchanged at banks, exchange bureaus, certain hotels, and jewellery stores. |
| Dialling Code: | +856 |
TRAVEL TIPS
| Electricity: | Voltage: 220V AC Socket sizes vary, so it is recommended to carry adapters. |
| Water: | It is advisable to drink only bottled or distilled water. |
| Business Hours: | Government offices: Monday – Friday 08:00 to 11:30 & 13:00 to 17:00 (some may open on Saturday morning). Offices: 09:30-17:00 Mon-Fri, 09:30-13:00 Sat Shops: 09:30-18:00 Mon-Sat Post Offices: 10:00-17:00 Mon-Fri and Saturday mornings; hours may vary by city. Shops and private businesses: Typically, open later and often stay open during lunch. |
| Banking Hours: | Mon-Fri: 10:00-14:00 Sat: 10:00-12:00 |
| Photography Restrictions: | Generally allowed, but it is polite to ask permission. |
| Tipping: | Guides and Drivers: Tipping is discretionary and should reflect your satisfaction with their service. Hotel Porters: It is customary to tip porters for assisting with luggage to your room. Restaurants: Many restaurants include a 10% service charge. If not, a tip of up to 10% is appreciated. Taxi Drivers: Tipping taxi drivers is not obligatory, but rounding up the fare is a common practice. |
| Vaccination Requirements: | Malaria medication is advised if traveling outside Vientiane. Consult your medical practitioner or travel clinic for additional vaccination advice. |
| Dress Code Restrictions: | In Laos, a conservative Buddhist country, it is important to respect local customs as part of your Laos Travel Information. Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, short skirts, or revealing clothing. Ensure that your shoulders and knees are covered, particularly when visiting temples. Nude bathing or sunbathing in public is prohibited. Instead, wear appropriate swimwear, and remember that Lao people typically bathe while fully clothed. |
| Peculiar Customs to Observe: | – Laos Travel Information reflects how Buddhism influences many social customs. – The head is considered sacred avoid touching others on the head or shoulders. – Feet are regarded as profane. Avoid placing your feet up, pointing with your feet. – It is customary to remove shoes when entering a religious place or private home. – A respectful way of greeting is to join the hands together at the chest (known as the nop). |
FESTIVALS
- Elephant Festival Sayaboury: February 12-14
- Wat Phou Festival: February 15
- Boun Pha Vet: March 14
- Lao New Year (“Boun Pi Mai”): April 14-16
- Sikhottabong Festival: May 10-11
- Rocket Festival (“Boun Bangfai”): May 9-10
- Khaophunsa (Beginning of Buddhist Lent): July 30
- Haw Khao Padap Din (Rice Ceremony) & Boat Racing Festival: August 15
- Boun Awk Phansa (End of Buddhist Lent) & Boat Racing Festival: October 29
- That Luang Festival: November 19
- That Inhang Festival: December 9-10
- Hmong New Year: December 20-22
MAP
“If you don’t leave the village you won’t see other villages”
– Lao Proverb