LAOS TRAVEL GUIDE

ESSENTIALS | WHEN TO GO | WEATHER | COSTS | ACTIVITIES | SIGHTS

INTRODUCTION

Officially known as the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), is one of the most peaceful and least explored nations in Southeast Asia. A mountainous and landlocked country, Laos shares borders with Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, Thailand to the west, and Myanmar and China to the north.

Visitors who are drawn by the laid-back lifestyle and the opportunity to watch the sunsets on the Mekong will simply explain the attraction by revealing that the true meaning of "Lao PDR" is Lao - Please Don't Rush.

COVID-19 TRAVEL STATUS

Updated:

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Laos has suspended all flights with limited exceptions.Medevac, humanitarian, relief, diplomat and repatriation flights with an entry permit obtained from the Laos Ministry of Foreign Affairs may still enter the country.Technical stops where passengers and airline crew do not disembark are also still permitted to enter.All entrants must provide a negative PCR test issued at most 72 hours before departure. They must also complete a health declaration form on arrival, and will be subject to medical screening and a 14-day self-quarantine requirement at their own expense.

TRAVEL ADVISORY

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QUICK FACTS

• Capital: Vientiane
• Currency: Kip (LAK)
• Area: 236,800 km²
• Population: 7,062 million (2018)
• Language: Lao (official), French, English, and various ethnic languages
• Religion: Buddhist 98%, other (chiefly animist and Christian) 2%
• Electricity: 220V, 50Hz (European & US plugs)

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

• 6 January, Pathet Lao Day
• 20 January, Day of the Army
• 8 March, Women’s Day
• 22 March, People’s Party Day
• 13–15 April, Lao New Year (Pi Mai)
• 1 May, Labour Day
• 1 June, Children’s Day
• 13 August, Day of the Free Laos

FESTIVALS

WEATHER SYNOPSIS

Laos climate can be divided in two distinct seasons: a dry season from mid-October to April and a rainy season dominated by the south-west monsoon which brings high rainfall, high humidity, and high temperature between May and mid-October. Temperatures during the March-May period can reach high into the 30°C, while at higher elevations and during the dry season's cooler months of December and January, temperatures can drop to 15°C and below. The average annual rainfall ranges between 1,300-3,000 mm. The majority of the population lives in the lowland areas, including around the Mekong River Basin. The El Nino Southern Oscillation, in addition to the tropical monsoon, plays a major role in driving the climatic processes in Laos.

TOURIST SEASONS

HOT MONTHS:

MODERATE MONTHS:

COLD MONTHS:

WET MONTHS:

DRY MONTHS:

SPORT & ACTIVITIES

HEALTH

Be aware of possible health risks in 

Laos

Yellow fever - The yellow fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. The virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no medicine to treat or cure an infection. To prevent getting sick from yellow fever, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and get vaccinated.

Zika Virus - Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.

Malaria - Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.

Dengue - Dengue is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.

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