| Climate
Laos can be visited throughout the year. The dry or cool season begins end
of October and lasts until end of February. It is necessary to take along a pullover or jacket during the cool season as nights can be very cool, especially
in the mountainous areas such as Luang Prabang, the Plain of Jars, Saravane and
Houeixai. The hot season lasts from March to June and light cotton and hats are recommended.
The rainy season starts in June and ends in October. For visitors
traveling between end of March and beginning of April, please smokes may worse cause
the weather note in the mountainous area where the slash and burn cultivation remained, and domestic flights might be delayed or cancelled.
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Currency
The local currency is the KIP. The rate of exchange in July 1999 is
approximately 9,400 Kip to one US Dollar. Travelers can make an exchange either at licensed exchange shops in the major cities or at your hotel. While
paying in Laos. Credit cards are only accepted at very few places (Diethelm Travel is the local representative of American Express Travel services). Major
banks only accepts travelers checks and other currencies than US Dollars. It is best to carry US Dollar bills in small denominations.
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Customs
& Formalities
Regulations are now relaxed for travelers arriving by air in Wattay Vientiane
airport. Passengers should have completed immigration and customs declaration forms during the flights and must submit these on arrival. Diethelm
Travel representative or guide will meet travelers on arrival after airport immigration and customs control points have been passed. In the arrival hall
our representative or guide will display a Diethelm Travel signboard written down the name of guests or groups for ease of recognition.. -
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Flora &
Fauna
Laos has one of the most pristine Ecologies in South East Asia. An estimated
half of its woodlands consist of primary forest, in particular the tropical rain
forest. Unlike the vegetation in the bored climate of northern Europe and the United States, tropical rain forest is composed of three vegetative layers. The
top layer is dominated by single-trunked, high-reaching trees, so-called
dipterocarps. The middle canopy consists of hardwood such as teak. Beneath, small trees, grasses, and sometimes bamboo can be found.
In addition to fascinating vegetation, Laos plays host to a diverse animal kingdom. Several exotic mammals are endemic such as leopard cats, Javan
mongoose, goat-antelopes, rare species of gibbons and langurs, Malayan sun bear, Asiatic black bear, gaur and others. The discovery of the Saola Ox, a breed of deer-antelope, in Vietnam a few years ago caused a sensation. This
extremely rare animal inhabits the eastern border regions of Laos, too. And these remote areas probably still hide other unknown species.
In the south of Laos, near Khong Island, Irrawaddy dolphins inhabit the Mekong River. While many species of wildlife are shy and can rarely be seen, spectators will generally be able to spot the dolphins in spring when the water level of the Mekong is lowest. Laos is also rich in resident and migrating birds. One of the more notable ones is the rare Green Peafowl.
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General
Advice on Traveling to Laos
Never drink tap water- purified, bottled water is available everywhere. Use
an insect repellent against mosquito, especially in upcountry and forested areas. A hat and high-factor block cream is advisable a protection against the
hot tropical sun when sightseeing.
Casual and light clothing is required, preferably natural
fibers, year-round, but a sweater or jacket maybe useful in hill areas, particularly during winter
months, when evenings can be quite cool. A windproof jacket is essential when touring along Mekong river during November to February. An umbrella or
raincoat is essential if visiting during the monsoon months ( May- September).
Travelers should take adequate suppliers of any prescription medicines they may need, as supplies may not be available locally. A spare pair of eyeglasses,
if worn, is also advisable. Useful, too, is a flashlight, for exploring caves or
details of temple interiors, which are often not properly illuminated. Extra personal insurance is recommended in case of illness, or situations where
medical evacuation by air is required, as Laos hospital are generally not up to
international Western standards. Please note that while large groups can be accepted for travel to Vientiane
and Luang Prabang, maximum group size for travel beyond these two cities will depend on transportation and hotel capacities available. For tourists and
businessmen holding Lao Visas, it is also possible to provide individual services
such as transfers, sightseeing tours, hotel accommodation etc... on request basis. While Exitissimo Travel will make every effort to book only those hotels
requested by clients, such hotel bookings cannot be guaranteed and alternative hotels may have to be used.
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Health
No vaccinations are presently required. If
traveling to remote or border areas, travelers should check with their doctor or a travel
immunization clinic regarding the advisability of inoculation against Typhoid, Hepatitis, Tetanus
and Japanese encephalitis.
Except for passengers not leaving the airport, vaccination is required against
yellow fever, if arriving within 6 days after leaving or transiting infected areas
(see General Health Information). Vaccination is recommended against: Malaria prophylaxis. Malaria risk - mainly in the malignant (P. faiciparum) form - exists
throughout the year in the whole country, excluding Vientiane. Highly chloroquine resistant P. faiciparum reported. Recommended prophylaxis: MEF. For a current list we strongly suggest you check
with your local county health department and your personal doctor. - Back
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Hours of
Business
Laos like Thailand, is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich mean time. Thus 12 noon in
Vientiane is 1 AM in New York, 5 AM in London 6 AM in Paris.
Working hours: Government offices are generally opened from Monday to
Friday from 08:00 - 12:00 am and from 13:00 - 16: 00 pm. Shop and private
businesses open and close a bit later and either stay open during lunch or
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Language
The official language of Lao PDR is Lao. It is spoken in different parts of the
country The Vientiane dialect understood throughout the country. In spite of the colonial past, French remains the second official language. English is in
common use among business sectors and young generations
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Population
Cambodia's total population is about 10.7
million inhabitants. As an agricultural country, 85% of this population is
rural. The largest ethnic group is the Khmers (90%). In the other minority
groups the largest are Cham (Khmer Islam) and Vietnamese. There are also a
significant number of Chinese descendants who dominate the business community
and indigenous minority groups of Hmong, Pong, and Tai amongst others who are
collectively known as Khmer Leu. - Back to top
Post &
Communication
The General Post Office (GPO) is beside the Morning Market in Vientiane. Its
branches are available in the main cities and almost in the districts through the
country. it offers postal services and public telephone for local, national and
international calls. In the major cities and places telephone card cabins are at
services for domestic and overseas calls. Phone card can be purchased at the shops nearby or at Lao Telecom Company. Most hotels have IDD lines
but calls are expensive . The normal mail service is inexpensive and generally
reliable. For urgent or valuable mail ( either or to / from Laos ) , it is advisable
to use EMS or other courier service.
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Public
Holidays
Jan 01: International New Year
Mar 08: International Women Day
Apr 13-14-15: Lao New Year
May 01: Labor Day
Oct 14: Boat Racing Festival in Vientiane
Dec 02: Lao National Day..
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Shopping
Laos is not a big country for shopping, but many handicrafts and arts items
can be found at the common market. The morning market (Talat Xao ) in Vientiane is the
center for shopping known for its superior silk weaving metalwork, and wood carving. Buyers should use caution when purchasing
antique Buddha images since the export of antique items is subject to the approval of Ministry of Culture. Bargain is customary for souvenir shops.
Reduction may vary from 10-20%
Weaving Fabric:
Silk and cotton are woven in different styles according to technicality of the
weaver of each province. The best place to buy is in the villages themselves, where you can watch how it is made and get wholesale prices. Failing this, a good selection can be found in open markets in provincial towns and handicraft stores including in Vientiane.
Carving:
The artisans produce well-crafted carvings in wood, bone and stone.
Subjects can be everything from Hindu and Buddhist mythology to themes from every day life. Pipes seem to be plentiful in Laos and sometimes have
intricately carved bone or bamboo shafts, along with engraved ceramic bowls. To shop for carving , look in antique or handicraft stores.
Jewelry:
Gold and silver jewelry are good buys in Laos although
you must search for well-made pieces. Some of the best silver-work is done by the hill tribes and Luang Prabang
people. Gems are also sometimes available. Houeixay is very famous for sapphires. Antique items such as: old
Buddha images and other old cultural pieces are prohibited to take out of Laos. Also, if you
traveled in from our neighboring countries, when you arrive at the airport or any entry check-in point and you have bought
any antiques or silver pieces in those countries, you are recommended to declare to customs the valuable items brought in with. That
will make it easier for you to bring these items out from Laos. Clients buying
silver and copper items in Laos are also required to pay tax, depending on weights, to airport customs according to the regulations reinforced by Laos
government.. - Back
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Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Laos, not even in the tourist hotels. But visitor
who likes to show his appreciation for good service should follow the European
or American standards for tipping.
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