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Laos
in Brief |
 GEOGRAPHY
The People’s Democratic Republic of
Laos is located in the center of Indochina, sharing borders
with China to the north (416 km), Thailand to the west (1730
km), and Cambodia to the south (492 km) and Vietnam to the
east (1957 km).
With an area of 236.800 square kilometers,
around 70% its terrain is mountainous and reaching a maximum
elevation of 2.820 m in Xieng Khouang province. The three
highest mountains are all located in Xieng Khouang province,
Phou Bia 2.820 m, Phou Xao 2.600 m, Phou Xamxum 2.620 m, (Phou
is the word for mountain). The major part is forested.
The Mekong River flows through 1.865
km of Laos’s territory and forms a natural border with Thailand
(1.500 km) in some areas. In the south the Mekong River reaches
a breadth of 14 km, creating an area with thousand of islands.
POPULATION
In 1999 the estimated population of
Laos was 4.8 million, comprising 68 ethnic groups, each with
there own customs, dialect and customs. These are divided
into three main groups, Lao Loum (lowland’s) who live along
the river valleys, the Lao Theung (upland’s) who live on the
mountain plateaus and smaller hills and the Lao Soung (hill
tribes) who live in the highest mountains.
Eighty-five percent of the national
populations are farmers. A large proportion is a child. Because
Laos is one of the few under populated nations of Asia, the
government is encouraging repopu-lating.
CLIMATE
& CLOTHING
The dry and cool season begins end
of October and lasts end of February. It starts with cool
and pleasant weather until end of February and even with cold
temperatures at night in the mountainous areas. It is necessary
to take along a pullover or jacket during the cool season,
at nights can be very cold, especially in the mountainous
areas such as Luang Prabang, Xieng Khouang, Saravane and Houei
Xay.
The hot season lasts from March to
June and light cotton and hats are recommended. March to June
is very good season for trekking in mountainous areas or for
visiting minority villages and for soft ad-venture tour in
Laos.
The rainy season starts in June ends
in October with more rain in July and August (mostly at night
or for a short time in the daytime). During the rainy season
an umbrella is more convenient than a rain-coat.
Light - weights washable cottons-
or cotton blend-clothes are the best. A sweater or a coat
may be needed for the winter and in upland areas, comfortable
walking shoes, hat and sunglasses are essen-tial.
RELIGION
Most Lao people are Buddhists, but
all religions are accepted. Temples are called Wat and are
the centers of village communities throughout the country,
serving as meeting places, schools, play-ground for children
and occasional fairgrounds as well as places of worship and
monasteries. There are three main styles of Lao Wat, according
to geographic region and some ancient and famous temples have
survived in places.
LANGUAGE
The official language of Laos is Lao.
It is spoken in different parts of the country. The Vientiane
dialect is understood throughout the country. In spit of the
colonial past, French remains the second official language.
English is common use among business sectors and young generations.
Also German and Russia language are spoken.
Visa
Visitors traveling to Laos for the
purpose of tourism need a visa. This has to be arranged by
Dok Champa Travel Co. or a foreign Tour Operator who has a
contact with a lawful body, for example Dok Champa Travel
Co. Formalities are completed within three working days, after
we have received following information by fax, mail or e-mail.
1.
Full name
2. Date of birth
3. Occupation
4.
Nationality
5. Passport number
6. Date of arrival
7.
Port of entry
8. Place where the visa will be issued
A tourist visa can be issued in one
of the Laos embassies abroad or upon by arrival Vientiane
Wattai airport, Luang Prabang airport and at Friendship bridge.
It is valid for 15 days and can be extended for another 15
days. Visa obtained upon arrival is quoted 30 US $. However
the procedure of getting of visa will be changed from time
to time. So, for actual information please do not hesitate
to contact us.
How
to get to Laos
Arrival
by Air(visa on arrival is available here)
The ports of arrival by air are Wattai
airport in Vientiane, the capital of Laos and Luang Prabang.
You can travel by Lao Aviation, Thai Airways International,
Bangkok Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Mandarin Airlines and Southern
China Airlines. Regular flights are available to Bangkok,
Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, Taipei and
Kunming (see Wattai International daily flight schedule for
flight information).
Arrival
by Road(visa on arrival is available here)
It can be done via following authorized
land checkpoints, which are open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.:
* From Nongkhai, Thailand by Friendship
bridge crossing Mekong River by shuttle bus.
* From Chiang Khong, Thailand by crossing
Mekong River by ferry to Houei Xay.
* From Mukdahan, Thailand to Savannakhet.
* From Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
at checkpoint Chong Mek to Pakse.
* From Mohan, South China (Yunnan)
via checkpoint Boten to Luang Namtha.
* From Quang Tri, Vietnam (Lao Bao)
via checkpoint Dan Savanh to Savannakhet.
* From Vinh, Vietnam via checkpoint
Keo Neua to Lak Xao, Khamkheuth district.
HEALTH
No vaccinations are presently required.
But malaria prophylaxis is recommended.
The government mostly operates medical
and dental facilities. Private clinics and pharmacies are
available in the major cities. The International Clinic is
operated under the supervision of the Ministry of Health,
to accommodate foreigners and diplomats. Medicine from France,
U.S.A., Russia, Thailand and China are widely available in
most pharmacies.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity is available in most cities
for 24 hours, but in the remote areas from 6 p.m. to 10:30
p.m. only. It is recommended to carry a flashlight.
Voltage: 220 V, 50 Hz.
IMPORTANT NOTE
- Credit
card is availeble only in vientiane and Louang Prabang.
- Travel check will be chargeb 1% comission.
-Jacket will be needed during november - january
- rain coat will be handy during june - october
- mosquito repellant, torch, sun cream are recommanded
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