Indochina

Though most of the country has a warm temperature year-round, it can be cold in the mountainous area. It is hottest in March and April when temperatures can reach 38 degree Celsius. The lowest temperature is usually in December with the temperature 15 degree Celsius.

Laos has three distinct seasons:

• Hot season (Mar – May): temperature can reach 40 degree Celsius
• Wet season (May – Oct): temperatures are around 30 degree Celsius, tropical downpours are frequent (July – Aug)
• Dry season (Nov – Mar): low rainfall and low temperature around 15 degree Celsius. This is the best time to visit the country.

Tourist Visa on arrival is available at Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang’s airport and generally permit a stay of 30 days. 

You can extend the visa up to an additional 60 days through the Department of Immigration in Vientiane. 

e-Visa: You can use at certain ports of entry and must submit your application at least 3 days in advance of your entry to Laos.

Business visas can only be arranged as long as you have a sponsoring agency in Laos. After you arrive, you can generally extend your business visa for one month

To get a visa to Laos, one passport-sized photo is required. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the arrival date to Laos.

Lao, Khmu, Hmong, French, English

You can buy a Laos prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.

SIM card from: Lao Telecom, Unitel, TPlus

For Laos there are five associated plug types: A, B, C, E and F. 

Laos operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz

Tipping is not expected in Laos but a little spare change left at the end of a meal or taxi journey will be highly appreciated. It is a generous way of showing your thanks for good service.

• Guides:
• About $5-$7 per day per person for a national guide.
• About $3-$5 per day per person for a local guide.
• Drivers (car and boat): $2 per person per day is average.
• Porters: 10,000 KIP per bag is sufficient.
• Restaurants: between 5% of the bill is usual.

The general rule for bargaining in Laos is that if it has a price tag, it is probably not up for negotiation. Restaurants, hotels and supermarkets are usually off-limits whereas street vendors and markets are absolutely fine, make sure that you stay polite and friendly throughout the entire interaction.

Domestic transportation options: Plane/ Train / Car

Public transportation systems: Taxi/ Buses

Name of international airport in Vietnam

• Hanoi: Noi Bai Airport – HAN
• Da Nang: Dang Nang Airport – DAD
• Ho Chi Minh City: Tan Son Nhat Airport – SGN
• Phu Quoc: Phu Quoc Airport – PQC

Before you go

Make sure you have travel insurance before travel to cover healthcare abroad.

Before traveling to Laos, check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

• All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Malaria
• Measles
• Rabies
• Typhoid

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include:

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Shingles
• Avoid contaminated water
• Avoid bug bites

Public Hospitals

• Vientiane

         Australian Embassy Clinic

         Australian Embassy, Thadeua Road, Kilometer 4 

         Tel: +856 (0) 21353840

         French Clinic

         Boulevard Kouvieng, Ban Simuang

         Tel: +856 (0) 21 21 41 50

         In case of emergency only: +856 (0) 20 56 55 47 94

         Alliance International Medical Center

         Honda Complex, Souphanouvong Road, Ban Wattayyaithong Sikhottabong district

         Tel: 021-513095

         Mahosot

         Fa Ngum Road

         Tel: + 856 (0)21 4018/4022/4025

• Luang Prabang

         Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital

         Th Setthathirat 

         Tel/Fax: +856 (0) 71 254 023 

         Chinese Hospital

         Ban Phu Mok 

         Tel: +856 (0) 71 254 026 

• Pakse / South Laos

         Champasak Provincial Hospital

         Road 46

         Tel: +856 (0) 31 212 021

         International Poly Clinic

         Champasak Lukmeaung Village (adjacent to the public hospital)

         Tel/Fax: +856 (0) 31 214 712

• Vang Vieng

         Vang Vieng Municipal Hospital

         Opposite to Ban Sabai bungalow, on the road going to the river 

Private Hospitals

• LMC Clinic Vietnam

         102 ASEAN Rd, Ban Thongtoom, Chanthabuly, LMC Clinic, Vientiane

         Tel: +856 30 50 41 994

• Alliance International Medical Center

         Honda Complex, Souphanuvong Road, Ban Wattayyaithong, Sikhottabong district, Vientiane

         Tel: 021-513095

• Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital

         Tel: +856 71 254 027

• French Clinic or Centre Médical Français Vientiane

         Bvd. Kouvieng Rue Simeuang

         Tel: +856 21 214 150

• Kasemrad Hospital

         No.999, 450 years Road, Donnokkhoum Village, Sisattanak District