Laos
Safeguarded by People’s Republic of China, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand Lao lies
in the south east of Asia. Culture of Theravada Buddhism spikes the air. Forests, plains,
plateaus and Mountains are spread in most of the places. Mekong River which is one of the
world’s longest rivers flows through Laos and forms a natural boundary with Thailand. The
country possesses the cosy tropical climate and November to March is the best time for
holidaying.
Travel to Laos: Visas (15 days) to Laos are available from the consulates and
approved travel agencies. You can also get a visa at the Vientiane and Luang Prabang
airports but it advisable to refer to the travel agencies. One of Laos’s aerodromes that
receive air service is Vientiane Wattay International Airport. This is located at
approximately 3km from the city. The home airline of Laos is Laos Airlines. Bangkok Airways,
China Yunnan Airlines, Thai Airways International and Vietnam Airlines also land in Laos.
Though there are no direct flights from the US or Europe, tourists can take connecting
flights from Bangkok, Cambodia or China. Taking a taxi would be the best way to move to the
city and taxis are readily available from the airport. Car rental companies like Asia and BP
are present at the airport but tourists are advised to choose the chauffer driven cars.
It is also possible to get to Luang Prabang through the waterways. Variety of boats is
available from Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Attractions:
Wat Phou: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is to be found in Champassak province in
southern Laos. It will be about 6km from Mekong River. The natural linga at the peak of the
mountain is a celestial beauty. Mount Phu Kao, the panoramic splendour and the lush greenery
presents a unique image. One is able to see a sequence of barays (reservoirs) of which only
one contains water. You can also see two palaces, a small shrine to Nandin, a dvarapala and
a sanctuary all with fine images and architecture.
Vang Vieng: The caves here are a rare beauty and nature lovers are sure to admire
this place. The scenic view and the sight of the blue water coming from the mountains are
mystifying. The foothills bear nice greenery and the place feels like a cool breeze on a hot
summer day.
Language: Lao or Laotian is the official language and it is derived from the Tai
family. It has five main dialects and they are Northern Lao, Vientiane Lao, North Eastern
Lao, Central Lao and Southern Lao. Lao is a tonal language and the quality of sound differs
according to the regions. Vientiane Lao has six different tones: High, Low, Mid, High
Rising, Rising and Low Falling. People of Luang Prabang use five tones: Low Rising, High
Falling, Mid Rising, Mid and Mid Falling Rising. The Vientiane Lao is the slang that it
widely spread. The Lao language is very much closely related to the Isan language, one of
the languages that prevail in Thailand. English and French is also widespread. Russian is
used by some for business and other purposes.
Shopping: If you want to go for shopping in Laos then visit the markets that
exist in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Silk, quilts, woven cotton, handicrafts, gold, gems,
shawls, hilltribe embroidery, phaa sin (a drape around skirt), bags, handmade shirts, art
works, paintings, wall hangings and silver jewellery would be some of the special buys.
Silver work is very exquisite in the country so check it out.
Lao Kip is the local currency. Major credit cards are accepted but Traveller’s cheque is not
very well received. Since there are no ATMs withdrawal has to be done at the banks. It is
always wise to carry the Traveller’s cheques in Thai Baht or the US Dollars as they are easy
to exchange. The Thai Baht and US Dollars are also easy to exchange when it comes to
currency. Currency can be exchanged throughout the town at the exchange centres. These are
also accepted in hotels and shops in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
Destinations:
Vientiane: Located at the Vientiane Prefecture this is the capital of the country.
Being in the Mekong Valley it holds the districts: Hadxaifong, Sisattanak, Chantabuly,
Xaysetha and Sikhottabong within it. Vientiane has quite a number of posh places to lodge.
It also holds many interesting places to visit like Lao National Museum, Buddha Park, Haw
Phra Kaew, Patuxay, Pha That Luang (The Golden Stupa) which is the national symbol of Laos,
That Dam, Talat Sao which is a morning market and more. There are also places to enjoy your
evening like bowling alleys.
Luang Prabang: Also a World Heritage Site, this city is on the Mekong River at
some 425km from the capital. Royal Palace Museum, Kuang Si Falls, Wat Manorom, The Emerald
Buddha, Pak Ou Caves etc. can be seen here.
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