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Are you planning a trip to Laos and don't know where to start? Don't worry, you're not alone! Laos - a landlocked country in the heart of Southeast Asia - is famous for its poetic natural scenery, ancient temples, gentle and friendly people, and slow rhythm of life. Therefore, this place is increasingly attracting a large number of international tourists to visit.
Let's find out all the Laos Travel FAQ to help you plan your trip. Source: Asia Travel and Leisure
However, before packing your items of luggage, you probably have a lot of questions, such as: What documents do you need to prepare? What season should you go? How much does it cost? What delicious food to eat? How to get around?... Let Asia King Travel help you answer all the Laos Travel FAQ frequently in detail, so that your trip to Laos is complete and memorable.
Vietnamese travelers are exempt from visas when entering Laos for tourism purposes for a maximum of 30 days, you just need to bring a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. Tourists from other countries, such as the USA, the EU, and Australia, can apply for a visa on arrival at the international airport or major border gate with a fee of about 30 to 50 USD. Additionally, you should prepare a 4x6 cm photo and cash in USD or Lao kip to pay the fee.
One of the Laos Travel FAQ is about visa. Source: Created2Travel
Yes. Currently, Laos has performed an eVisa service for holiday-makers from various nations, helping to save queuing time when entering the country. The online registration process usually takes about 3 to 5 working days, you should print out the confirmation letter to present at the customs area.
The maximum period is usually 30 days for a tourist visa. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for a visa extension at the Lao Immigration Department.
You can choose two types of visa to enter Laos. Source: Tutto Laos
Yes, but you should do it at least 1 to 2 weeks before your visa expires. The application for extension includes your passport, current visa, and application form, and the fee is about 2 USD per day of extension.
Lao is the official language. However, in several popular tourist destinations such as Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Vang Vieng, hotel staff, restaurants, tour guides, and vendors can all communicate in basic English. In rural areas, English is less common, but a smile and a few simple Lao phrases like “Sabaidee” (hello) and “Khob chai” (thank you) will help you connect with local people easily.
The second question of the Laos Travel FAQ is about communication. Source: Cat Tour
You should download Google Translate or Papago in advance, and choose offline mode in case you don't have internet. In addition, some travel apps like Maps.me and TripLingo are also very useful.
Laos uses the kip (LAK), but USD and Thai baht are also widely accepted. Travelers should bring USD or Thai baht to exchange at the airport, banks, hotels, or money exchange counters.
The third question of Laos Travel FAQ is about currency. Source: Hanoi Voyages
ATMs are available in metropolitan hubs, but they are not very common, and withdrawal fees are quite high. Credit card payments are only popular in large hotels or high-quality restaurants, otherwise, cash is mainly used.
Traveling to Laos is very affordable. It takes about 20 to 30 USD per day, you can stay in a motel, enjoy street food, and travel by bus. Mid-range travel has a cost of bout 50 to 70 USD per day, including hotels, local restaurants, and sightseeing tours. If you choose to stay in a resort, book a private tour, or have your meal at a luxury restaurant, the cost range can be from 100 USD per day or maybe more.
Laos is a Buddhist country, the people are gentle and respectful of tradition. When entering temples and pagodas, you should wear polite clothes and do not expose your shoulders and knees. When you meet monks and women, do not touch them; you should bow slightly instead of shaking hands. In addition, when communicating with people, you should avoid shouting, getting angry, or pointing at others’ faces.
One of the vital things to remember about the Laos Travel FAQ is the culture. Source: Enchanting Travels
Lao people are famous for being gentle, calm, and hospitable. You should greet them with a smile and speak softly. When you eat and drink, use your right hand, not your left hand, in order to pass things or eat.
Lao cuisine is divine, similar to Thai cuisine but less spicy. Some highlight specialties include Laap, Tam mak hoong, Khao soi, Khao niao, Sai oua, etc. In particular, don't miss Lao coffee and the famous Beerlao beer.
Food may get your attention while flicking through Laos Travel FAQ. Source: Metro
Lao street food is delicious and well-known. However, if you want to enjoy fully the favors, you should choose a restaurant or a stall that is crowded and looks clean, prioritize cooked food, and limit drinking iced water from street vendors.
In the urban areas, tuk-tuk, bicycle, and motorbike rentals are popular means of transportation. If you want to move between cities, you can take buses, minivans, or VIP buses. For long-distance travel, you can also choose domestic flights.
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Vehicles in Laos are various, you can choose based on your demand. Source: Hanoi Voyages
It is relatively easy, especially in major tourist cities. The Xanh SM and Loca technology vehicle applications are now available in all major cities, making it convenient, safe, and transparent for holiday-makers to book a ride.
The Internet is stable in big cities, hotels, restaurants, and cafes. However, in rural areas and islands, the connection may be weak or non-existent. Thus, you should prepare a 4G SIM card, so you can choose to buy the SIM card from Unitel or Lao Telecom right at the airport or convenience stores. The cost is cheap and has a large data capacity, allowing you to surf the Internet, find directions, and make a call for a ride.
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You should prepare a 4G SIM card for a large data capacity. Source: VNTix
Like many other Southeast Asian countries, social media plays an important role in the daily lives of Lao people. They use social media to connect with friends, update news, conduct online business, share photos and videos, and interact with cultural and entertainment trends.
Social media plays an important role in the daily lives of Lao people. Soure: Tourism Laos
In Laos, you can download social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp to connect and find more information for your journey.
Laos has a tropical climate, with an average temperature of 25 to 35 degrees. The dry season is from November to April, with cool weather and little rain. Additionally, the rainy season is from May to October, with afternoon downpours and lush green scenery.
Laos has a tropical climate with warm weather. Source: Sunheron
From November to February is the peak tourist season, with cool, pleasant weather. This is an ideal period for discovering Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Pakse. If you like a calm and cheap space, the rainy season is also an interesting choice.
Laos has a diverse accommodation system, suitable for all budgets. From normal motels, backpacker hostels, to high-quality hotels, and luxury resorts along the Mekong River. In some famous tourist destinations such as Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane, you can easily find beautiful, clean places to stay with friendly staff, and breakfast is included.
Laos has a diverse accommodation system, suitable for all budgets. Source: Selective Asia
On the other hand, if you love a calm space which is close to nature, you can choose bungalows, homestays along the riverside, or in the villages.
Nowadays, booking a room in Laos has become convenient thanks to popular and easy-to-use applications. You can use Booking.com - an international platform with a friendly interface, with numerous types of accommodation from budget to luxury, especially with a flexible free cancellation policy.
Booking a room in Laos has become convenient nowadays. Source: Hanoi Voyages
Agoda is also a popular option in Southeast Asia, with several small, cheap hotels, along with a bunch of attractive discount codes. If you prefer private spaces such as whole houses, homestays, or bungalows, Airbnb will be an application worth trying.
In addition, Hostelworld is a platform specializing in hostels and dorm rooms, which is suitable for backpackers or those who want to save money. Moreover, some travelers also choose to contact hotels directly through the website or Facebook fan page, which is useful in suburban areas where small hotels are not present on international apps.
Choosing the right place to stay will make your trip to Laos more convenient and save you time. In Luang Prabang, you should choose a hotel in the ancient town area or along the Mekong River for easy walking to ancient temples, night markets, cafes, and famous attractions.
Choosing the right place to stay will make your trip more convenient. Source: Tripadvisor
In Vientiane capital, the central area near the Arc de Triomphe, That Luang, or along the Mekong River, is an ideal place to stay because there are many restaurants, tuk-tuks, supermarkets, and tourist services.
For those visiting Vang Vieng, staying near the Nam Song River or the town center will be convenient for outdoor activities like kayaking, rock climbing, caving, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife.
Some accommodations are suitable for outdoor activities. Source: Tripadvisor
If you are interested in Sin Phan Don with 4,000 islands, you can choose a place near the port or main villages for easy access by tuk-tuk, motorbike, or boat to the islands.
Laos is a peaceful, rustic, but attractive destination that easily touches the heart of anyone who visits. With careful preparation and a few tips, you will surely have an interesting, safe, and memorable trip. Save this Laos Travel FAQ to help you on your journey to discover the “land of a million elephants”! Contact Asia King Travel to make your plan!
Read more: Laos's currency: Everything you need to know
