Laos - Travel Information

While most of the Far East rapidly progressed together with the rest of the world, Laos remained as it used to be hundreds of years ago. Laos remained one of the most authentic countries in the Far East, but the communistic regime of Laos is slowly opening its gates to visitors from the West, and the chance of seeing the country before it will become a second Thailand is vanishing.

Laos's Geography

Laos is situated in South East Asia. It borders with Thailand and Burma in the west, with China in the north, Vietnam in the east and with Cambodia in the south. Laos?s population is about 5.5 millions inhabitants and its land size is about 236,000 sq km.

The official language in Laos is Lao.

When to travel to Laos

The best season to travel in Laos is between November to January. From February until April the temperature and the humidity increases, and the tour becomes much harder. During the monsoon season (Mai-October) the rain can be very strong and part of the roads are blocked.

In and Out

It is possible to receive a visa within the entrance to Laos at the border and at the airport. The cost of the visa is $30 for 15-day stay. Two passport photos and an empty page inside the passport are required for the visa issuing.

It is also possible to issue the visa at Laos?s embassies. In Bangkok the visa can be issued through all travel agencies. Pre-issued visa cost about $20 for 30-day stay. The entrance to Laos should be within 3 months from the issue date and it is for a single entrance only.

An extension of another 15 days can be done.

Travel costs in Laos

Laos is a very cheap place to travel in. A budget of $300-$400 per month will be sufficient for most backpackers. The mentioned budget is based on guest house accommodations and relatively cheap food.

Getting around

Border Pass between Cambodia and Laos

Due to the many questions I have seen in this matter, here is the most convenient (and interesting) way to cross the border between Cambodia and Laos (the information is relevant for the middle of the dry season!)

Arriving to the main station of Ho Wah Genting Company and purchasing a ticket to Kompong Cham city. It is advisable to take the 08:45 AM bus. Cost- 6500 Rial, the bus is air-conditioned and the road is comfortable.
When the bus stops for food break at Skuon town, it recommended going and seeing the local delicacy- deep-fried spiders.

At Kompong Cham it is worthwhile renting a motorbike to see several sites in the area.
From Kompong Cham continuing north in a fast boat that leaves from the harborage near the big bridge that crosses the Mekong (it is recommended to sit on the roof- but don?t forget water, hat and sunscreen!)
It is recommended to split the ride to the north and stop for the night at Kratie town, to see the rare river dolphins that live there. The cost of a ticket up to Kratie is $7. The price from Kratie to Stung Treng is $8.
From Stung Treng taking a small motor boat that goes along the Mekong up to the border with Laos. The cost is $6.
During the border crossing they tried taking from us a payment (bribe) of $3 both in the Cambodian side as well as in the Laotians side. After a short negotiation we compromised on a payment of $1 per person (on both sides).
From the border pass there is a very comfortable road that goes north. It is possible to take a motorbike or a taxi (they wait near the exit of the border pass). If a motorbike is taken, then it is recommended to stop by the waterfalls. The cost of a motorbike until the place where you leave to Don Det Island is $2.

(Last update: May 2004)