The Safe Path

Lao PDR in Brief

The Peoples' Democratic Republic of Laos is located in the center of Indochina, sharing borders with China , Myanmar , Thailand , Cambodia and Vietnam .

With a total area of 236,800 square kilometers, around 70% of Lao terrain is mountainous, reaching a maximum elevation of 2,820 meters in Xiengkhuang Province . The landscapes of northern Lao PDR and the regions adjacent to Vietnam , in particular, are dominated by rough mountains.

The Mekong River is the main geographical feature in the west and, in fact, forms a natural border with Thailand in some areas. The Mekong flows through nearly 1,900 kilometers of Lao territory and shapes much of the lifestyle of the people of Lao PDR. In the South the Mekong reaches a breadth of 20 kilometers, creating an area with thousands of islands. It is the only Southeast Asian country without direct access to the sea.

Vientiane

Vientiane is the capital of Lao PDR and is located on the curve of the Mekong River with an estimated 610,000 inhabitants.

In 1563, King Setthathirat made Vientiane (in Lao language Vieng Chan) the capital of the kingdom of Lane Xang . The two most important wats of Vientiane , Wat That Luang and Wat Phra Keo, date back to that time. In 1827 Vientiane had been conquered and sacked by a Siamese army. For decades the town lay in ruins, until the French, at the beginning of their colonial reign rebuilt it. However, Vientiane today does not feature French-influenced architecture to the same extent as Phnom Penh and Saigon . Instead there is a strong Thai influence.

Transportation

The transportation used by local residents in Lao PDR are by tuk tuks (3-wheeled passenger motorcycles, similar to the tuk tuks in Bangkok ) and song taews (modified pick-up trucks with benches to transfer passengers). The westernized form of taxis motorcars are not readily available in Lao PDR.

Drinking Water

It is not advisable to drink water directly from the tap (water faucet). Bottled water is readily available at all local stores and at all hotels.

Entry Points

Lao PDR has three International Airports:

- Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital
- Luang Prabang International Airport in Luang Prabang Province
- Pakse International Airport in Champasack Province

A departure tax of US$10 in levied for international flights, while Lao Kip 5,000 is levied for domestic flights.

Time / Climate

The time in Laos is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +7).

Most of the year is hot and humid. Lao PDR enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The rainy season is from the beginning of May to the end of September, and the dry season is from October through April. The yearly average temperature is about 28 degrees Celsius.

Language

The official language is Lao. Other languages used are French, English, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese.

Currency

The currency used in Lao is the Kip. It is available in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000 notes. The current exchange rate is Lao Kip 8,700 Kip = USD 1.00.

US Dollars and Thai Baht can be readily changed around Vientiane and there are also a number of ATM machines that only issue Kip.

Both American dollars and Thai Baht are also accepted at a number of shops and restaurants as are Visa and Mastercard in Vientiane .

Communications

Land lines and IDD calls are readily available in Vientiane but are less reliable in the provinces. In Xiengkhuang you can make international calls from the Telecom office in the post office.

SIM cards for mobile telephones are readily available at stores and cost Lao Kip 10,0000 which includes telephone calls for up to roughly 8 minutes. Top-up cards, called “re-charge” cards, can be purchased at most local stores through Lao PDR to obtain more calling minutes.

To call Lao PDR from abroad use the normal international access code plus 856 + area code minus first 0 + number.

To call abroad from Lao PDR call 00 then the relevant country code.

There are a number of internet cafes and wireless networks in cafes in Vientiane , however in general email and internet access is slow. JOMA café in Vientiane has wireless internet access for about USD$ 2.00 per 15 mins.

Electricity

Electric current: 220 volts.

Photography

Photographic films can be purchased in shops in the larger towns, also a digital download service is available for your digital camera.

Common Courtesies

Lao people are frank, open and friendly, and they possess a strongly developed sense of courtesy and respect. Everyone who adheres to the latter will receive a warm welcome.

The generally accepted form of greeting among Lao people is the Nop. It is performed by placing one's palms together in a position of praying at chest level, but not touching the body. The higher the hands, the greater the sign of respect. Nonetheless, the hands should not be held above the level of the nose. The nop is accompanied by a slight bow to show respect to persons of higher status and age. It is also used as an expression of thanks, regret or saying good-bye. But with western people it is acceptable to shake hands.

The feet form the inferior part of the body (as much spiritually as physically). You must never indicate or touch another person or object with your foot.