Laos the jewerly of Mekhong
Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in southeast Asia, bordered by Burma (Myanmar) and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, and Thailand to the west. Laos traces its history to the Kingdom of Lan Xang or Land of a Million Elephants, which existed from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century.
In the Lao language, the country's name is "Meuang Lao". The Imperial French, who made the country part of French Indochina in 1893, spelled it with a final silent "s", i.e. "Laos" (The Lao language itself has no final 's' sound, so Lao people do not pronounce the word Laos). The usual adjectival form is "Lao", e.g. "the Lao economy", not the "Laotian" economy--although "Laotian" is used to describe the people of Laos to avoid confusion with the Lao ethnic group
Lao or Laotian (BGN/PCGN: phasa lao, IPA: pʰaːsaː laːw) is a tonal language of the Tai-Kadai language family. It is the official language of Laos, and also spoken in the northeast of Thailand, where it is usually referred to as the Isan language. The primary language of the Lao people, Lao is also an important second language for the multitude of ethnic groups in Laos and in Isan. Lao, like all languages in Laos, is written in an abugida script. Although there is no official standard, the Vientiane dialect has become the de facto standard.
Culture
Lao people boast a plethora of distinctive monuments and architectural styles one of the most notable structures is Thatluang the great sacred stupa in vientiane its dome like stupa and four cornered superstucture is the model for similar monuments throughout Laos. stupa serve to commemorate the life of the buddha and many stupas are said to house sacred relics(parts of buddha's body ) Generally Hinayana buddhists cremate the dead body then collecte the bone and put in the stupa which up around the temple different styles of architecture are evedent in the numerous buddhist vats.
Lao religious images and art are also distinctive and set lao part from its neighbours "Calling for rain" posture of buddha images in lao for example which depicts the buddha standing with his hands held rigidly at his side fingers pointing to the ground can not be found in other south east asian buddhist art traditions.
Formalities and regulations
Passport
All visitors entering Laos must possess valid passports
Visa
Visitors travelling to laos for the purpose of tourism need a visa which can be obtained in different ways An easy way is to book a tour to Laos with an an authorised travel agency abroad who has a formal contact with one of local tour operators this agency will provide you with necessary form enabling you to apply for the visa at your nearest Lao embassy or consulate or you can make contact directly with local tour operators
if you book atour for laos and you are resident of a country that does not have a lao embassy or in case of urgency you can obtain the visa upon arrival only at Vattay airport and Mittaphab bridge which both are the international border checkpiont in Vientiane to do so you will need to meet at least some of the following conditions:
- pay a fee
- have a return air ticket or a valid visa from a third country
- have a confirmation of hotel in Lao PDR
- certificate of a bank statement or a life in surance.
Currency and Exchange Service
the kip is the official currency of laos the bank notes are presently in denominations 500,1000,2000,5000,10000,20000,and 50000 kip
all major currencies such as the US Dollar French Franc,DM,Yen,Bath and other can be exchanged at the banks that are located in all major towns in Luang prabang and Vientiane competitive rates are offered by numerous authorise private exchange bureaux one exchange facility is avialable at Wattay Airport in Vientiane
furthermore most domestic and foreign banks in major town allow cash withdrawals on visa credit card or master card and other In vientiane credit card can be used in many restaurants and hotels too, in case of journeys to remote areas it is, of course, advisable to take agood supply of Kip with you
How to get to Laos
passport/visa
All visitors entering Laos must possess valid passports. Visa can obtained from Lao Embassies and Consulates abroad. In addition, visa can also be obtained on arrival at the international Checkpoint.
30 days visas are available in advance of arrival at Lao embassies. This can be done in several ways through a tour company recognized by the Lao PDR from Lao Embassies or Consulate in countries such as: Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Cambodia, Cuba, PR of China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, DPR of Korea, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, USA and Vietnam. The visa fee varies from between US$8- 42 depending o the agreement with the various governments.
For those wishing to extend their stay, it is possible to extend your visa at the Immigration Office in Vientiane, through travel agencies.It is also possible to obtain a Visa-on-Arrival at the following international checkpoints:
China (Mohan) - Luang Namtha Province (Boten)
Thailand (Chiang Khong) - Bokeo Province (Houay Xay)
Thailand (Nong Khay) -Vientiane Capital (Friendship Bridge)
Thailand - Xayabouly Province (Nam Heuang Friendship Bridge)
Thailand (Nakhon Phanom) - Khammouane Province (Thakhaek)
Thailand (Moukdahan) - Savannakhet Province (Friendship Bridge II)
Thailand (Chong Mek) - Champasak Province (Vang Tao)
Vietnam (Nam Kanh) - Xieng Khouang Province (Nong Haet)
Vietnam (Kao Cheo) - Bolikhamxay (Nam Phao)
Vietnam (Lao Bao) - Savannakhet Province (Dene Savanh)
Wattay International Airport (Vientiane capital)
Pakse International Airport (Champasak Province)
Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang)
International airport
Laos has three International Airport : - Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital.- Luang Prabang International Airport in Luang Prabang Province .- Pakse International Airport in Champasack Province .
A departure tax of 10US$ in levied for international flights, while 5.000 kips is levied for domestic flights
Border check point
Thailand-Laos
- Houixay, Chiang Rai to Bokeo Province.
- Nakaxeng - Kaenthao, Loei to Sayabouly Province.
- Nongkhay - Friendship Bridge , Nongkhay-Vientiane Capital.
- Bungkan - Pakxan, Nongkhay-Bolikhamxay Province (no visa on arrival).
- Nakorn Phanom - Thakhaek, Nakorn Phanom-Khammouane Province
-Moukdahan - Savannakhet, crossing the Mekong River by boat.
- Chongmek - Vangtao, Ubol Ratchathani to Champasack Province.
Vietnam-Laos
-Taichang - Sobhoun, Laichau to Phongsaly Province (no visa on arrival).
- Nameo - Nam Soy , Thanh Hoa to Huaphanh Province (no visa on arrival).
- Namkan - Namkan, Nge An to Xieng Khouang Province.
- Keoneua - Nampao (Lak Sao), Ha tinh to Bolikhamxay Province.
- Napao - Chalo, Quangbinh to Khammouane Province (no visa on arrival).
- Laobao - Dansavanh, Quang tri to Savannakhet Province.
China-Laos
-Mohan - Botene , Yunnan to Luang Namtha Province
-Xiangkok riverport on Mekong River in Luang Namtha Province (no visa on arrival).
Cambodia-Lao
- Dong Calor - Veun Kham, Cambodia to Champasack Province (no visa on arrival).
In the Lao language, the country's name is "Meuang Lao". The Imperial French, who made the country part of French Indochina in 1893, spelled it with a final silent "s", i.e. "Laos" (The Lao language itself has no final 's' sound, so Lao people do not pronounce the word Laos). The usual adjectival form is "Lao", e.g. "the Lao economy", not the "Laotian" economy--although "Laotian" is used to describe the people of Laos to avoid confusion with the Lao ethnic group
Lao or Laotian (BGN/PCGN: phasa lao, IPA: pʰaːsaː laːw) is a tonal language of the Tai-Kadai language family. It is the official language of Laos, and also spoken in the northeast of Thailand, where it is usually referred to as the Isan language. The primary language of the Lao people, Lao is also an important second language for the multitude of ethnic groups in Laos and in Isan. Lao, like all languages in Laos, is written in an abugida script. Although there is no official standard, the Vientiane dialect has become the de facto standard.
Culture
Lao people boast a plethora of distinctive monuments and architectural styles one of the most notable structures is Thatluang the great sacred stupa in vientiane its dome like stupa and four cornered superstucture is the model for similar monuments throughout Laos. stupa serve to commemorate the life of the buddha and many stupas are said to house sacred relics(parts of buddha's body ) Generally Hinayana buddhists cremate the dead body then collecte the bone and put in the stupa which up around the temple different styles of architecture are evedent in the numerous buddhist vats.
Lao religious images and art are also distinctive and set lao part from its neighbours "Calling for rain" posture of buddha images in lao for example which depicts the buddha standing with his hands held rigidly at his side fingers pointing to the ground can not be found in other south east asian buddhist art traditions.
Formalities and regulations
Passport
All visitors entering Laos must possess valid passports
Visa
Visitors travelling to laos for the purpose of tourism need a visa which can be obtained in different ways An easy way is to book a tour to Laos with an an authorised travel agency abroad who has a formal contact with one of local tour operators this agency will provide you with necessary form enabling you to apply for the visa at your nearest Lao embassy or consulate or you can make contact directly with local tour operators
if you book atour for laos and you are resident of a country that does not have a lao embassy or in case of urgency you can obtain the visa upon arrival only at Vattay airport and Mittaphab bridge which both are the international border checkpiont in Vientiane to do so you will need to meet at least some of the following conditions:
- pay a fee
- have a return air ticket or a valid visa from a third country
- have a confirmation of hotel in Lao PDR
- certificate of a bank statement or a life in surance.
Currency and Exchange Service
the kip is the official currency of laos the bank notes are presently in denominations 500,1000,2000,5000,10000,20000,and 50000 kip
all major currencies such as the US Dollar French Franc,DM,Yen,Bath and other can be exchanged at the banks that are located in all major towns in Luang prabang and Vientiane competitive rates are offered by numerous authorise private exchange bureaux one exchange facility is avialable at Wattay Airport in Vientiane
furthermore most domestic and foreign banks in major town allow cash withdrawals on visa credit card or master card and other In vientiane credit card can be used in many restaurants and hotels too, in case of journeys to remote areas it is, of course, advisable to take agood supply of Kip with you
How to get to Laos
passport/visa
All visitors entering Laos must possess valid passports. Visa can obtained from Lao Embassies and Consulates abroad. In addition, visa can also be obtained on arrival at the international Checkpoint.
30 days visas are available in advance of arrival at Lao embassies. This can be done in several ways through a tour company recognized by the Lao PDR from Lao Embassies or Consulate in countries such as: Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Cambodia, Cuba, PR of China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, DPR of Korea, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, USA and Vietnam. The visa fee varies from between US$8- 42 depending o the agreement with the various governments.
For those wishing to extend their stay, it is possible to extend your visa at the Immigration Office in Vientiane, through travel agencies.It is also possible to obtain a Visa-on-Arrival at the following international checkpoints:
China (Mohan) - Luang Namtha Province (Boten)
Thailand (Chiang Khong) - Bokeo Province (Houay Xay)
Thailand (Nong Khay) -Vientiane Capital (Friendship Bridge)
Thailand - Xayabouly Province (Nam Heuang Friendship Bridge)
Thailand (Nakhon Phanom) - Khammouane Province (Thakhaek)
Thailand (Moukdahan) - Savannakhet Province (Friendship Bridge II)
Thailand (Chong Mek) - Champasak Province (Vang Tao)
Vietnam (Nam Kanh) - Xieng Khouang Province (Nong Haet)
Vietnam (Kao Cheo) - Bolikhamxay (Nam Phao)
Vietnam (Lao Bao) - Savannakhet Province (Dene Savanh)
Wattay International Airport (Vientiane capital)
Pakse International Airport (Champasak Province)
Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang)
International airport
Laos has three International Airport : - Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital.- Luang Prabang International Airport in Luang Prabang Province .- Pakse International Airport in Champasack Province .
A departure tax of 10US$ in levied for international flights, while 5.000 kips is levied for domestic flights
Border check point
Thailand-Laos
- Houixay, Chiang Rai to Bokeo Province.
- Nakaxeng - Kaenthao, Loei to Sayabouly Province.
- Nongkhay - Friendship Bridge , Nongkhay-Vientiane Capital.
- Bungkan - Pakxan, Nongkhay-Bolikhamxay Province (no visa on arrival).
- Nakorn Phanom - Thakhaek, Nakorn Phanom-Khammouane Province
-Moukdahan - Savannakhet, crossing the Mekong River by boat.
- Chongmek - Vangtao, Ubol Ratchathani to Champasack Province.
Vietnam-Laos
-Taichang - Sobhoun, Laichau to Phongsaly Province (no visa on arrival).
- Nameo - Nam Soy , Thanh Hoa to Huaphanh Province (no visa on arrival).
- Namkan - Namkan, Nge An to Xieng Khouang Province.
- Keoneua - Nampao (Lak Sao), Ha tinh to Bolikhamxay Province.
- Napao - Chalo, Quangbinh to Khammouane Province (no visa on arrival).
- Laobao - Dansavanh, Quang tri to Savannakhet Province.
China-Laos
-Mohan - Botene , Yunnan to Luang Namtha Province
-Xiangkok riverport on Mekong River in Luang Namtha Province (no visa on arrival).
Cambodia-Lao
- Dong Calor - Veun Kham, Cambodia to Champasack Province (no visa on arrival).
Art & Culture In Laos
One of the trademarks of Laos is the diversity of its people and cultures. There are a number of traditional arts and crafts that represent their way of life. Lao has a rich cultural heritage with religious art and architecture forming the cornerstone of artistic traditions. There exists across the country a plethora of distinctive monuments and architectural styles. One of the most notable structures is the That Luang, the great Sacred Stupa, in Vientiane. Its dome-like stupa and four-cornered superstructure is the model for similar monuments across Laos. Stupas serve to commemorate the life of the Buddha and many stupas are said to house sacred Buddha relics (parts of Buddha s body).Generally, Hinayana Buddhists cremate the dead body and then place the bones in the stupa, which are set around the grounds of temples, or wats. Different styles of architecture are evident in the numerous Buddhist Wats. Three architectural styles can be distinguished, corresponding to the geographical location of the temples and monasteries. Wats built in Vientiane are large rectangular structures constructed of brick and covered with stucco and high-peaked roofs. In Luang Prabang the roofs sweep very low and, unlike in Vientiane, almost reach the ground. These two styles are different from the wats of Xieng Khouang where the temple roofs are not tiered. Lao religious images and art is also distinctive and sets Laos apart from its neighbors. The Calling for Rain posture of Buddha images in Lao, for example, which depicts the Buddha standing with his hands held rigidly at his side, fingers pointing to the ground, cannot be found in other Southeast Asian Buddhist art traditions. Religious influences are also pervasive in classical Lao literature, especially in the Pha Lak, Pha Lam, the Lao version of India s epic Ramayana. Projects are underway to preserve classic Lao religious scripts, which were transcribed onto palm leaf manuscripts hundreds of years ago and stored in wats. Another excellent example of the richness of Lao culture is in its folk music, which is extremely popular with the people throughout the whole country. The principle instrument is the Khaen; a wind instrument, which comprises a double row of bamboo-like reeds, fitted in a hardwood sound box. The khaen is often accompanied by a bowed string instrument or Saw. The national folk dance is the Lamvong, a circle dance in which people dance circles around each other so that ultimately there are three circles: a circle danced by the individual, another one by the couple, and a third one danced by the whole party.
One of the trademarks of Laos is the diversity of its people and cultures. There are a number of traditional arts and crafts that represent their way of life. Lao has a rich cultural heritage with religious art and architecture forming the cornerstone of artistic traditions. There exists across the country a plethora of distinctive monuments and architectural styles. One of the most notable structures is the That Luang, the great Sacred Stupa, in Vientiane. Its dome-like stupa and four-cornered superstructure is the model for similar monuments across Laos. Stupas serve to commemorate the life of the Buddha and many stupas are said to house sacred Buddha relics (parts of Buddha s body).Generally, Hinayana Buddhists cremate the dead body and then place the bones in the stupa, which are set around the grounds of temples, or wats. Different styles of architecture are evident in the numerous Buddhist Wats. Three architectural styles can be distinguished, corresponding to the geographical location of the temples and monasteries. Wats built in Vientiane are large rectangular structures constructed of brick and covered with stucco and high-peaked roofs. In Luang Prabang the roofs sweep very low and, unlike in Vientiane, almost reach the ground. These two styles are different from the wats of Xieng Khouang where the temple roofs are not tiered. Lao religious images and art is also distinctive and sets Laos apart from its neighbors. The Calling for Rain posture of Buddha images in Lao, for example, which depicts the Buddha standing with his hands held rigidly at his side, fingers pointing to the ground, cannot be found in other Southeast Asian Buddhist art traditions. Religious influences are also pervasive in classical Lao literature, especially in the Pha Lak, Pha Lam, the Lao version of India s epic Ramayana. Projects are underway to preserve classic Lao religious scripts, which were transcribed onto palm leaf manuscripts hundreds of years ago and stored in wats. Another excellent example of the richness of Lao culture is in its folk music, which is extremely popular with the people throughout the whole country. The principle instrument is the Khaen; a wind instrument, which comprises a double row of bamboo-like reeds, fitted in a hardwood sound box. The khaen is often accompanied by a bowed string instrument or Saw. The national folk dance is the Lamvong, a circle dance in which people dance circles around each other so that ultimately there are three circles: a circle danced by the individual, another one by the couple, and a third one danced by the whole party.
*source: Laos national administration
