Introduction
Snaking rivers, lush jungle, hectic markets and the Unesco-listed Plain of Jars. Laos' isolation from foreign influence offers travellers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional Southeast Asian life. From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos is the highlight of Southeast Asia.
Enigmatic and relatively undeveloped, Laos bears the dubious distinction of being the most bombed country in history. However, it is gradually emerging from its tumultuous recent history thanks to a combination of foreign aid, a growing ecotourism industry, and its charming, philosophical people.
Geography:
Laos is bordered by Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China and Myanmar (Burma). Rivers and mountains dominate the country's topography. The largest river, the Mekong (Nam Khong), runs the entire length of the country, providing fertile flood plains for agriculture and forming the country's border with Thailand. It is also Laos' main transportation artery. Over 70% of the country consists of mountains and plateaus. The Annamite Chain, bordering Vietnam, runs parallel to the Mekong for half the length of the country. The rugged mountains average 1500-3000m (4920-9840ft) in height, and at their southern extremity open up to form the Bolaven Plateau, a 10,000-sq-km (6200-sq-mi) area that produces mountain rice, coffee, tea and other high-altitude crops. The highest mountain is Phu Bia (2819m/9246ft) in northern Laos.
Destination Facts
Capital: Vientiane
President: Chummaly Sayasone
Prime Minister: Bouasone Bouphavanh
Government: communist state
Time zone: GMT +7
Area: 236000
Population: 6520000
People: Lao Loum (lowland Lao - 68%), Lao Theung (lower-mountain dwellers - 22%), Lao Sung (Hmong or Mien high-altitude hill tribes - 9%), ethnic Vietnamese and Chinese (1%)
Languages: Lao dialects (closely related to Thai) are also spoken
Buddhist (65%), animist and spirit cults (33%), Christian (1.3%), other (0.7%)
Currency: Kip (KN)
Major industries: rice, tobacco, coffee, tin and copper mining, timber and opium
Major Trading Partners: China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam,
Country Dialing Code: 856
Getting There
The best time to visit is between November and February, when it rains least and isn't too hot. This is also the main season for both national and regional bun (festivals). If you're heading up into the mountains, May and July can also be pleasant. Roads can be washed out during rainy season (July to October), but there are plenty of river travel opportunities. Peak tourist months are December to February and during August, although there are relatively few visitors at any time.
Getting there and away
It's possible to enter Laos by land or air from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam or China. Land borders are often remote and the travelling can be tough either side, but the actual frontier crossing is usually pretty simple. The only real prerequisites for entering Laos are a passport with six months' validity and a visa if you are crossing at one of the few borders where you can't get a visa on arrival, such as the Cambodian border at Voen Kham.Flying into Laos is refreshing in that you don't need to shop around - only a few airlines service Laos and prices don't vary much. There are three international airports in Laos. Wattay International Airport (tel: 021 512165) in Vientiane; Luang Prabang International Airport (tel: 071 212856) and Pakse International Airport (tel: 031 212844). Lao Airlines is the national carrier and monopolises the majority of flights in and out of the country, though many code-share with airlines such as Thai Airways, China Eastern Airlines and Vietnam Airlines. The international departure tax can be paid in kip, baht or US dollars. Most land crossings involve changing transport at the border, even when you've paid for a 'direct' bus. Five of the crossings on the western border with Thailand involve quick boat trips across the Mekong. Generally Laos issues 30-day tourist visas at crossings that are open to foreigners. It's possible to bring your own vehicle into Laos from Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, with the right paperwork, and Lao customs don't object to visitors bringing bicycles into the country.
Getting around
Lao Airlines is the only airline in Laos. It handles all domestic flights, with Vientiane as the main hub. Its schedules are increasingly reliable but flights still get cancelled semi-regularly. During the holiday season it's best to book ahead. At other times, when flights are more likely to be cancelled, confirm a day or two before. Stunning roads and light, relatively slow traffic make Laos arguably the best country for cycling in Southeast Asia. Simple single-speed bikes can be hired cheaply in most places that see a decent number of tourists. Mountain bikes can also be hired in a few places, including Luang Nam Tha, Vientiane and Vang Vieng. There are more than 4600km (2860mi) of navigable rivers in Laos; they are its traditional highways and byways. Sealed roads and buses, however, mean that the days of mass river transport are waning. But it's still worth doing at least one river excursion while in Laos. The most popular river trip - the slow boat between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang - is still a daily event and relatively cheap for the two-day journey. Every river in the country has some boat traffic and chartering a boat is easy enough. For shorter trips, it's usually best to hire a river taxi. There are many different types depending on the distance you need to cover.Long-distance public transport in Laos is either by bus or s ǎ wngth ǎ ew (converted pick-ups or trucks with benches down either side). Destinations that were all but inaccessible by bus a few years ago now see regular services. Private operators have established services on some busier routes - particularly along Rte 13 and on international routes - offering faster and more-luxurious air-con buses, known as VIP buses, which are also pretty good value. That's not to say local buses have disappeared completely. Far from it. You can still do the main routes by local bus, and on most journeys off Rte 13 you won't have any option.
Visa:
Fifteen-day visas are available for around 30.00 on arrival at all official border crossings and at international airports in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, though you'll need to meet a series of conditions to get one. Fifteen-day and 30-day visas are also issued through embassies, consulates and authorised travel agencies. Obtaining a visa extension once you're in Laos is also possible.
Weather
The annual monsoon cycles that affect all of mainland Southeast Asia produce a 'dry and wet monsoon climate' with three basic seasons for most of Laos. The southwest monsoon arrives in Laos between May and July and lasts into November. The monsoon is followed by a dry period (November-May), beginning with lower relative temperatures and cool breezes created by Asia's northeast monsoon (which bypasses most of Laos), lasting until mid-February. Exceptions to this general pattern include Xieng Khuang, Hua Phan and Phongsali Provinces, which may receive rainfall coming from Vietnam and China during the months of April and May. Rainfall varies substantially according to latitude and altitude; the highlands of Vientiane, Bolikhamsai, Khammuan and eastern Champasak Provinces are wettest. Temperatures also vary according to altitude. In the humid, low-lying Mekong River valley, temperatures range from 15 ° C (59 ° F) to 38 ° C (100.4 ° F), while in the mountains of Xieng Khuang the temperature can drop to 0 ° C (32 ° F) at night.
Places of Interest
Laos' isolation from foreign influence offers travellers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional Southeast Asian life. From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos is the highlight of Southeast Asia. Enigmatic and relatively undeveloped, Laos bears the dubious distinction of being the most bombed country in history. However, it is gradually emerging from its tumultuous recent history thanks to a combination of foreign aid, a growing ecotourism industry, and its charming, philosophical people.
Events
Festivals in Laos are generally linked to agricultural seasons or historical Buddhist holidays. A highlight is the Lunar New Year which begins in mid-April; the entire country comes to a halt and celebrates. Houses are cleaned, offerings are made in wats and everyone gets dowsed by water. Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) takes place in May. It's an irreverent pre-Buddhist celebration with plenty of processions, music and dancing, accompanied by the firing of bamboo rockets to prompt the heavens to send rain. Bun Nam (Water Festival) in O"tober is held in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Savannakhet and, as well as water fights and general good-natured mayhem, there are highly competitive boat races on the Mekong. The week-long That Luang Festival in Vientiane in November has the whole repertoire of fireworks, candlelit processions and music.
Snaking rivers, lush jungle, hectic markets and the Unesco-listed Plain of Jars. Laos' isolation from foreign influence offers travellers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional Southeast Asian life. From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos is the highlight of Southeast Asia.
Enigmatic and relatively undeveloped, Laos bears the dubious distinction of being the most bombed country in history. However, it is gradually emerging from its tumultuous recent history thanks to a combination of foreign aid, a growing ecotourism industry, and its charming, philosophical people.
Geography:
Laos is bordered by Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China and Myanmar (Burma). Rivers and mountains dominate the country's topography. The largest river, the Mekong (Nam Khong), runs the entire length of the country, providing fertile flood plains for agriculture and forming the country's border with Thailand. It is also Laos' main transportation artery. Over 70% of the country consists of mountains and plateaus. The Annamite Chain, bordering Vietnam, runs parallel to the Mekong for half the length of the country. The rugged mountains average 1500-3000m (4920-9840ft) in height, and at their southern extremity open up to form the Bolaven Plateau, a 10,000-sq-km (6200-sq-mi) area that produces mountain rice, coffee, tea and other high-altitude crops. The highest mountain is Phu Bia (2819m/9246ft) in northern Laos.
Destination Facts
Capital: Vientiane
President: Chummaly Sayasone
Prime Minister: Bouasone Bouphavanh
Government: communist state
Time zone: GMT +7
Area: 236000
Population: 6520000
People: Lao Loum (lowland Lao - 68%), Lao Theung (lower-mountain dwellers - 22%), Lao Sung (Hmong or Mien high-altitude hill tribes - 9%), ethnic Vietnamese and Chinese (1%)
Languages: Lao dialects (closely related to Thai) are also spoken
Buddhist (65%), animist and spirit cults (33%), Christian (1.3%), other (0.7%)
Currency: Kip (KN)
Major industries: rice, tobacco, coffee, tin and copper mining, timber and opium
Major Trading Partners: China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam,
Country Dialing Code: 856
Getting There
The best time to visit is between November and February, when it rains least and isn't too hot. This is also the main season for both national and regional bun (festivals). If you're heading up into the mountains, May and July can also be pleasant. Roads can be washed out during rainy season (July to October), but there are plenty of river travel opportunities. Peak tourist months are December to February and during August, although there are relatively few visitors at any time.
Getting there and away
It's possible to enter Laos by land or air from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam or China. Land borders are often remote and the travelling can be tough either side, but the actual frontier crossing is usually pretty simple. The only real prerequisites for entering Laos are a passport with six months' validity and a visa if you are crossing at one of the few borders where you can't get a visa on arrival, such as the Cambodian border at Voen Kham.Flying into Laos is refreshing in that you don't need to shop around - only a few airlines service Laos and prices don't vary much. There are three international airports in Laos. Wattay International Airport (tel: 021 512165) in Vientiane; Luang Prabang International Airport (tel: 071 212856) and Pakse International Airport (tel: 031 212844). Lao Airlines is the national carrier and monopolises the majority of flights in and out of the country, though many code-share with airlines such as Thai Airways, China Eastern Airlines and Vietnam Airlines. The international departure tax can be paid in kip, baht or US dollars. Most land crossings involve changing transport at the border, even when you've paid for a 'direct' bus. Five of the crossings on the western border with Thailand involve quick boat trips across the Mekong. Generally Laos issues 30-day tourist visas at crossings that are open to foreigners. It's possible to bring your own vehicle into Laos from Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, with the right paperwork, and Lao customs don't object to visitors bringing bicycles into the country.
Getting around
Lao Airlines is the only airline in Laos. It handles all domestic flights, with Vientiane as the main hub. Its schedules are increasingly reliable but flights still get cancelled semi-regularly. During the holiday season it's best to book ahead. At other times, when flights are more likely to be cancelled, confirm a day or two before. Stunning roads and light, relatively slow traffic make Laos arguably the best country for cycling in Southeast Asia. Simple single-speed bikes can be hired cheaply in most places that see a decent number of tourists. Mountain bikes can also be hired in a few places, including Luang Nam Tha, Vientiane and Vang Vieng. There are more than 4600km (2860mi) of navigable rivers in Laos; they are its traditional highways and byways. Sealed roads and buses, however, mean that the days of mass river transport are waning. But it's still worth doing at least one river excursion while in Laos. The most popular river trip - the slow boat between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang - is still a daily event and relatively cheap for the two-day journey. Every river in the country has some boat traffic and chartering a boat is easy enough. For shorter trips, it's usually best to hire a river taxi. There are many different types depending on the distance you need to cover.Long-distance public transport in Laos is either by bus or s ǎ wngth ǎ ew (converted pick-ups or trucks with benches down either side). Destinations that were all but inaccessible by bus a few years ago now see regular services. Private operators have established services on some busier routes - particularly along Rte 13 and on international routes - offering faster and more-luxurious air-con buses, known as VIP buses, which are also pretty good value. That's not to say local buses have disappeared completely. Far from it. You can still do the main routes by local bus, and on most journeys off Rte 13 you won't have any option.
Visa:
Fifteen-day visas are available for around 30.00 on arrival at all official border crossings and at international airports in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, though you'll need to meet a series of conditions to get one. Fifteen-day and 30-day visas are also issued through embassies, consulates and authorised travel agencies. Obtaining a visa extension once you're in Laos is also possible.
Weather
The annual monsoon cycles that affect all of mainland Southeast Asia produce a 'dry and wet monsoon climate' with three basic seasons for most of Laos. The southwest monsoon arrives in Laos between May and July and lasts into November. The monsoon is followed by a dry period (November-May), beginning with lower relative temperatures and cool breezes created by Asia's northeast monsoon (which bypasses most of Laos), lasting until mid-February. Exceptions to this general pattern include Xieng Khuang, Hua Phan and Phongsali Provinces, which may receive rainfall coming from Vietnam and China during the months of April and May. Rainfall varies substantially according to latitude and altitude; the highlands of Vientiane, Bolikhamsai, Khammuan and eastern Champasak Provinces are wettest. Temperatures also vary according to altitude. In the humid, low-lying Mekong River valley, temperatures range from 15 ° C (59 ° F) to 38 ° C (100.4 ° F), while in the mountains of Xieng Khuang the temperature can drop to 0 ° C (32 ° F) at night.
Places of Interest
Laos' isolation from foreign influence offers travellers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional Southeast Asian life. From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos is the highlight of Southeast Asia. Enigmatic and relatively undeveloped, Laos bears the dubious distinction of being the most bombed country in history. However, it is gradually emerging from its tumultuous recent history thanks to a combination of foreign aid, a growing ecotourism industry, and its charming, philosophical people.
Events
Festivals in Laos are generally linked to agricultural seasons or historical Buddhist holidays. A highlight is the Lunar New Year which begins in mid-April; the entire country comes to a halt and celebrates. Houses are cleaned, offerings are made in wats and everyone gets dowsed by water. Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) takes place in May. It's an irreverent pre-Buddhist celebration with plenty of processions, music and dancing, accompanied by the firing of bamboo rockets to prompt the heavens to send rain. Bun Nam (Water Festival) in O"tober is held in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Savannakhet and, as well as water fights and general good-natured mayhem, there are highly competitive boat races on the Mekong. The week-long That Luang Festival in Vientiane in November has the whole repertoire of fireworks, candlelit processions and music.
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