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Backpacking Laos: Travel Guide & Highlights
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Laos is a Southeast Asian country notable for its rugged topography, French colonial architecture, hill tribal villages, and Buddhist temples. The capital, Vientiane, is home to the That Luang monument, where a reliquary is said to store the Buddha's breastbone, as well as the Patuxai war memorial and Talat Sao (Morning Market), a complex crammed with food, clothing, and craft booths.
Laos is an autonomous republic and Southeast Asia's only landlocked country, located northeast of Thailand and west of Vietnam. It is located in the heart of the Southeast Asian peninsula, covering 236,800 square kilometers, and is surrounded by Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, the People's Republic of China, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Laos is known as the "Land of a Million Elephants," and it is known for its breathtaking beauty, ethnic settlements, and unknown territories. It is widely recognized for having some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Southeast Asia, notably Tad Fane and Dong Hua Sao.
A visit to Laos is, in many ways, a trip back in time. Travelers are drawn here by a laid-back lifestyle that has disappeared elsewhere in the region. Even the capital Vientiane feels like a relaxed riverfront town.
Let's get around
Laos is a landlocked country steeped in nature, food, history, and Buddhism. The country is wrapped in a mountainous landscape, making it one of the most beautiful places in all of Southeast Asia. While it lacks the beautiful beaches of neighboring countries, adventure travel is big here.
Laos's road system has improved significantly over the last few years. Roads have been upgraded, and getting around is easier than ever, though often still challenging.
Transportation that is easily accessibleIntercity buses are, hands down, the most popular as well as a convenient mode of transportation in Laos among tourists. The most favorite option of transportation for tourists in Laos is the bus, van / minivan or plane. Travel by tourist bus or minivan is also the most cheapest way of transfer in Laos, but it is not so fast. Another popular option are flights between Vientiane – Luang Prabang – Pakse.
Few things to know
1. What is the currency and conversion in Laos?
The official currency in Laos is the Lao Kip, although United States Dollars and Thai Baht are widely accepted.
1 LAK = 0.000058 USD2. What is the language in Laos?
The official language spoken in Laos is Lao. But even though Lao is the official Laos language, it's spoken in many different dialects across various ethnic groups.
3. Are there many ATMs and Money Exchange?
Laos ATMs You will find ATMs all over Laos, but there is a low maximum transaction. Laos ATMs may only dispense 700,000k to 2,000,000k. There is also a variable withdrawal fee.
The Laos ATM withdrawal fee ranges from 10,000 Kip to 30,000 Kip PER million Kip withdrawn.
Currency Exchange in LaosIn Vientiane and Luang Prabang you can exchange hard currency - including British Pounds - relatively easily at licensed exchange shops, or in the banks. In other major towns, Thai Baht and US Dollars are also readily accepted in markets, hotels and restaurants. Many smaller hotels will only accept US dollars.
Using traveler's checks in Laos
Travelers cheques can be cashed at most banks in Laos, but normally only in exchange for kip. Cheques in US dollars are the most readily acceptable. Very few merchants accept travellers cheques.4. What is the time zone in Laos?
Laos observes Indochina Time all year. There are no Daylight Saving Time clock changes.
Indochina Time
Time zone in Laos (GMT+7)5. What is the climate in Laos?
Lao PDR is characterized by a tropical climate, influenced by the southeast monsoon which brings 70% of annual rainfall and high humidity. There are two distinct seasons: the rainy season, or monsoon, from May to mid-October and the dry season from mid-October to April.
6. What is the telephone code in Laos?
+856 is the country calling code assigned to Laos by the International Telecommunication Union.
7. What is the emergency service in Laos?
In case of emergency, dial: police: 191. medical assistance: 195.
8. What is the driving mode in Laos?
In Laos, cars drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left.
Can you self drive in Laos? There is possible to do so but you should keep in mind that the traffic in Laos is a big issue for all foreigners. Additionally, they are required to convert their International Driving Permit into a Laos Driver's license for independently driving a car in Laos.9. What is the electricity voltage in Laos?
In Laos the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V.
Laos uses the Type F plug. Type F electrical plugs used in Laos are manufactured to the CEE 7/4 and CEE 7/7 standards and is commonly referred to as a Schuko plug.
Some highlights in Laos
Airlines that fly to Laos
These are some of the airlines flying to Laos from around the world. Major airlines offer direct flights to Laos from all over the world. There are also several connecting flights to Laos depending on what countries you depart to which airline you are flying with. In some airlines, you may consider having layovers too.
How long do flights to Laos take?
There are no direct flights from the United States to Laos, and connecting flights with one or more stops are required. Indirect flights run from several cities in the U.S. to Vientiane, Savannakhet, and Luang Prabang, via a number of different cities in both Asia and the Middle East.
The total flight duration from United States to Laos is 17 hours, 9 minutes.
This assumes an average flight speed for a commercial airliner of 500 mph, which is equivalent to 805 km/h or 434 knots. It also adds an extra 30 minutes for take-off and landing. Your exact time may vary depending on wind speeds.
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