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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
Visas can be obtained from the Embassy of Laos in Bangkok. A visa can also be issued on arrival
VISA INFORMATION
WEATHER
Laos has a monsoon climate characterized by three main seasons:
- Dry or Cool Season (Late October to Late February): This period is marked by cooler temperatures and lower humidity. It’s an excellent time for travel due to comfortable weather conditions. December and January are particularly pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, making it ideal for exploring outdoor attractions and cultural sites. This season also offers clear skies and less rainfall.
- Hot Season (March to June): Temperatures during the hot season can range from 28°C to 37°C, with April often being the hottest month. The heat can be intense, especially in the lowlands, and humidity starts to rise. Despite the heat, this period can still be a good time for travel if you’re prepared for the warmth and stay hydrated.
- Rainy Season (June to October): The rainy season brings heavy rains and high humidity. Showers are usually short but intense, and the landscape becomes lush and green. While the rains can occasionally disrupt travel plans, they also refresh the environment and are essential for agriculture. The rainy season can be a good time to visit if you don’t mind the wet conditions and prefer fewer tourists.
- The optimal time to visit Laos is between October and April. During this period, you’ll enjoy the dry or cool season with pleasant temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The cooler months of December and January are especially favourable, offering comfortable temperatures and clear skies.
- Traveling outside this optimal window, particularly during the hot or rainy seasons, means dealing with higher temperatures or frequent rains, though each season has its own unique appeal.
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 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: | – Buddhism influences many social customs in Laos. – 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