Laos Travel Plan
Genuine and untouched
A journey through Laos is a journey in a fascinating world far beyond the ordinary tourist routes. In Laos, everything is very slow and the people are incredibly friendly. Despite a small population, the country is enormously diverse, half of the population living in small mountain villages. In the north, some of the best hiking opportunities are offered. A little further south is Luang Prabang, Lao’s indisputable highlight filled with gilded temples, colonial villas and monks dressed in saffron yellow clothing. Along quiet alleys there are chic French cafes and odd shops.
Luang Prabang
The city of Luang Prabang in northern Laos is nestled in a green jungle. The feeling is a kind of hybrid between Asia and some idyllic small town on the French Riviera in the early 1950s. The city was formerly the capital and is the best preserved historical city in all of Indochina. Luang Prabang is located right on the Mekong River and has a very special atmosphere among the narrow streets, the impressive colonial buildings and the colorful temples.
Vientiane
Vientiane has a reputation for being one of Asia’s most pleasant and tranquil capitals. The city has several interesting and beautiful neighborhoods, which are a fascinating mix of French colonial times, traditional buildings from Laos and a modern city. Legend has it that Vientiane was founded by Prince Thattaradtha when, in a revelation, he received an order from the seven-headed god Naga to build a city on the east bank of the Mekong River.
Mekong
It has been disputed where the source of the river is. Chinese researchers have concluded that it should be located in the Jifu Mountains in the Zadoi area of northern Tibet at altitudes around 5,200 meters above sea level. Larger cities along the Mekong are Vientiane and Phnom Penh. Nearly 90 million people are dependent on the river. The Mekong culminates in a huge delta in southern Cambodia and Vietnam. This gives rise to a strange effect on the Tonlé Sap River in Cambodia, which flows in one direction during the rainy season and in another during the dry season.
LAOS
Traveling by boat on the Mekong River is the best way to explore the lush and remote parts of this idyllic region. The Luang Say cruise is made on a comfortable and luxuriously converted rice barge and is the highlight of a trip to Laos. Every day has interesting visits along the river bank in villages and unique sights.
LAOS
Short for LA by abbreviationfinder, Laos is located in Southeast Asia and is about half the size of Sweden. According to countryaah, the country lacks a coast and is surrounded by Burma and China in the north, Vietnam in the east, Thailand in the west and Cambodia in the south. The border with Thailand consists mainly of the Mekong River, which is of great importance both as a transport route and for fishing.
Climate
Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with a rainy season from May to October. The warmest months are March and April. The temperature varies as much with the height above sea level as with the changing of the seasons.
Visa
Yes – Nordic citizens can apply for a visa before departure or at the border, valid for up to 30 days. The traveler may need to bring 3 photos, show a return / onward ticket and sufficient funds for the stay.
Currency
Lao Kip LAK
100LAK = 0.11SEK.
Language
Lao is the official language; Mon-Khmer language, Tibeto-Burmese language among many other local languages.
Vaccinations
Mandatory – The yellow fever vaccination is required if you arrive from certain countries in Africa or South America.
Recommended – The polio, tetanus and diphtheria vaccinations are reviewed, Malaria prophylaxis. Check with your vaccination center for personal needs.
