Laos was under the control of Siam
(Thailand) from the late 18th century until the
late 19th century when it became part of French
Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined
the current Lao border with Thailand. In 1975, the
Communist Pathet Lao took control of the government,
ending a six-century-old monarchy. Initial closer
ties to Vietnam and socialization were replaced
with a gradual return to private enterprise, a liberalization
of foreign investment laws, and the admission into
ASEAN in 1997.
The capital of Laos is Vientiane and the climate
is hot and wet during the summer months. The unemployment
rate is approximately 5.7% and 40% live below the
poverty line.
POPULATION
Population of the country is 6,217,141 (July 2005
est.) with a population growth rate of 2.42% (2005
est.).
ETHNIC GROUPS
There are 68 official ethnic groups in Laos, belonging
to three main groups.
Lao Loum (lowland) 68%, Lao Theung (upland) 22%,
Lao Soung (highland) 9%, other ethnic Vietnamese/
Chinese 1%
LANGUAGE
Lao is the official language. French, English, Thai
and various ethnic languages are well understood.
RELIGION
Buddhist 48.8% , Ethnoreligions 41.7% (obvious and
intimate connections between religion and culture),
Nonreligious 4.3%, Christian 2.1%, Other 3.1%
CURRENCY
The local currency used is called kip. Lao Kip =
100 cents.
In major towns, Thai Baht and US
Dollars are readily accepted. Credit cards can be
used in major hotels in Vientiane, but are of little
use elsewhere. Travellers cheques can be changed
in major banks in Vientiane but are difficult to
negotiate outside the capital city. Therefore, ensure
that you bring sufficient US Dollars or Thai Baht.
VISA AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Laos requires a visa for all foreigners visiting
the country. You can obtain your visa in advance
at the nearest Laos Embassy or obtain them upon
arrival in Laos.
For visa upon arrivals:
You will need two passport size photographs and
US$30 at Wattay Airport, Vientiane; Friendship Bridge
and Luang Prabang Airport. Visas on Arrival are
not available at the Chong Mek border crossing.
Foreign tourists are admitted to Laos for 15 days.
For visa in advance:
Laos tourist visa is usually issued for a single
entry within three months from the date of issue
for a period of stay not exceeding 30 days. The
visa may be extended in Laos for a further 15 days.
Please ensure that your Passport
have at least six months validity, and one blank
page for the visa.
You can obtain your
visa at any embassy located in or near your country.
For more information on visa application, visit
website
http://www.visit-laos.com/before/visas.htm.
AIRPORT TAX
Any passengers departing Laos on international flights
will need to pay a departure tax of US$10; children
under two years of age and transit passengers are
exempted.
ELECTRICITY
The voltage in Laos is 220V AC, 50 Hz
TAP WATER
Drink only purified bottle water. Bottled water
is readily available.
VACCINATIONS
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless
coming from or passing through an infected area.
It is advisable to check for updated health recommendations
before your departure to Laos regarding malaria,
dengue fever etc.
CLIMATE
Throughout most of the country, the climate is hot
and tropical, with the rainy season between May
and October when temperatures are at their highest.
The dry season runs from November to April.
TIME
GMT +7
CLOTHING
Lao people dress modestly. Women visitors are not
expected to wear skirts, but miniskirts and revealing
shorts are viewed as inappropriate. The best plan
is to dress modestly like the locals.
Sources:
CIA
world fact book, August 2005
Laos
Travel and Tourist information
Mekong
Travel and Tourism
The
internet in Laos
Operation World, 21st Century Edition (2001) by
Patrick Johnstone and Jason Mandryk
