Laos

Overview
As one of the less known countries in Indochina, visitors to Laos will be captivated by the laid-back and unhurried lifestyle of the Lao people, as well as the opportunity discover some less-visited sites in Laos, the Jewel of the Mekong.
Climate
Laos has three distinct seasons. The hot season is from March to May, when temperatures can soar as high as 40°C. The slightly cooler wet season is from May to October, when temperatures are around 30°C, tropical downpours are frequent, and some years the Mekong floods. The dry season from November to March, which has low rainfall and temperatures as low as 15°C (or even to zero in the mountains at night), is "high season" when the most tourists are in the country.
Visas
Travelers are able to obtain a visa on arrival in Laos international airports and major border crossings in Laos at a cost of USD $30. Several passport sized photos are required.
Currency & Money
The Lao currency is the kip, which is inconvertible, unstable and generally inflationary. 8500 kip to the USD. The largest bill is only 50000 Kip, therefore it is necessary to carry large quantities of Kip. US$ and Thai baht are readily accepted in many areas. There are now quite a few ATMs in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Pakse. ATMs accept MasterCard and Maestro. Outside of Vientiane, ATMs do not accept VISA however ATMs are generally not reliable.
Cuisine
Lao cuisine is very similar to the food eaten in the north-eastern region of Thailand. The staple here is sticky rice (khao niaow), eaten by hand from small baskets called tip khao. Using your right hand, pinch off a bit, roll into a ball, dip and munch away. The national dish is laap (also larb), a "salad" of minced meat mixed with herbs, spices, lime juice and, more often than not, blistering amounts of chili.
Language
The official language of Laos is Lao, a tonal language closely related to Thai. English is spoken in tourist areas.
Transport
State carrier Lao Airlines has a monopoly on domestic flights with a fairly comprehensive network reaching into most parts of the country. Travelling by road in Laos is generally slow with 80% of roads being unpaved. The main routes connecting Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and Savannakhet are now sealed, and the transport options on these roads include bus, minibus, and converted truck.
Highlights of Laos Vientiane
The Capital of Laos on the Banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane's relaxing atmosphere makes it feel like the small town it is. After you've done the round of temples, the best thing to do here is wander down to one of the riverside beer gardens, kick back with a cold Beerlao - the Lao national beer - and watch the sun set over the Mekong
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is the former capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage city. Luang Prabang is a wonderful patchwork of traditional Lao wooden houses and hints of European architecture, reminders of when Laos was part of the French colony of Indochine. Golden-roofed wats (temples), decorated with mosaics and murals of the life of Buddha sit under the gaze of wrap-around balconies and 19th century shuttered windows.
Some of the must-see places in Luang Prabang include, Haw Kham, the former royal palace. Phou Si the main hill, from which you have a good view of the whole area is worth climbing to at sunrise or sunset for a rewarding panoramic view of the area. Kuang Si Falls, 29 km south of Luang Prabang is a large waterfall, with various pools at different levels. Finally, a visit to Pak Ou Caves, the famous "Buddha caves" is also a must-see.
Muang Xay
Muang Xay also known as Oudomxay, the capital of the multiethnic province of Oudomxay, located in the Nam Ko River Basin and surrounded by scenic mountains. The town is formed by small villages at an important intersection between China and Vietnam, and the city has a get a unique multicultural atmosphere.
Pakse
Pakse is home to one of Asia's great, but least visited temples, Wat Phu. Pakse is situated on the Mekong and is a busy trading town and is home to a number of ethnic minorities. Pakse has a number of comfortable places to stay and is a good base from which to explore the surrounding area. The town has one of the largest markets in the region.
As one of the less known countries in Indochina, visitors to Laos will be captivated by the laid-back and unhurried lifestyle of the Lao people, as well as the opportunity discover some less-visited sites in Laos, the Jewel of the Mekong.
Climate
Laos has three distinct seasons. The hot season is from March to May, when temperatures can soar as high as 40°C. The slightly cooler wet season is from May to October, when temperatures are around 30°C, tropical downpours are frequent, and some years the Mekong floods. The dry season from November to March, which has low rainfall and temperatures as low as 15°C (or even to zero in the mountains at night), is "high season" when the most tourists are in the country.
Visas
Travelers are able to obtain a visa on arrival in Laos international airports and major border crossings in Laos at a cost of USD $30. Several passport sized photos are required.
Currency & Money
The Lao currency is the kip, which is inconvertible, unstable and generally inflationary. 8500 kip to the USD. The largest bill is only 50000 Kip, therefore it is necessary to carry large quantities of Kip. US$ and Thai baht are readily accepted in many areas. There are now quite a few ATMs in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Pakse. ATMs accept MasterCard and Maestro. Outside of Vientiane, ATMs do not accept VISA however ATMs are generally not reliable.
Cuisine
Lao cuisine is very similar to the food eaten in the north-eastern region of Thailand. The staple here is sticky rice (khao niaow), eaten by hand from small baskets called tip khao. Using your right hand, pinch off a bit, roll into a ball, dip and munch away. The national dish is laap (also larb), a "salad" of minced meat mixed with herbs, spices, lime juice and, more often than not, blistering amounts of chili.
Language
The official language of Laos is Lao, a tonal language closely related to Thai. English is spoken in tourist areas.
Transport
State carrier Lao Airlines has a monopoly on domestic flights with a fairly comprehensive network reaching into most parts of the country. Travelling by road in Laos is generally slow with 80% of roads being unpaved. The main routes connecting Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and Savannakhet are now sealed, and the transport options on these roads include bus, minibus, and converted truck.
Highlights of Laos Vientiane
The Capital of Laos on the Banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane's relaxing atmosphere makes it feel like the small town it is. After you've done the round of temples, the best thing to do here is wander down to one of the riverside beer gardens, kick back with a cold Beerlao - the Lao national beer - and watch the sun set over the Mekong
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is the former capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage city. Luang Prabang is a wonderful patchwork of traditional Lao wooden houses and hints of European architecture, reminders of when Laos was part of the French colony of Indochine. Golden-roofed wats (temples), decorated with mosaics and murals of the life of Buddha sit under the gaze of wrap-around balconies and 19th century shuttered windows.
Some of the must-see places in Luang Prabang include, Haw Kham, the former royal palace. Phou Si the main hill, from which you have a good view of the whole area is worth climbing to at sunrise or sunset for a rewarding panoramic view of the area. Kuang Si Falls, 29 km south of Luang Prabang is a large waterfall, with various pools at different levels. Finally, a visit to Pak Ou Caves, the famous "Buddha caves" is also a must-see.
Muang Xay
Muang Xay also known as Oudomxay, the capital of the multiethnic province of Oudomxay, located in the Nam Ko River Basin and surrounded by scenic mountains. The town is formed by small villages at an important intersection between China and Vietnam, and the city has a get a unique multicultural atmosphere.
Pakse
Pakse is home to one of Asia's great, but least visited temples, Wat Phu. Pakse is situated on the Mekong and is a busy trading town and is home to a number of ethnic minorities. Pakse has a number of comfortable places to stay and is a good base from which to explore the surrounding area. The town has one of the largest markets in the region.