LAOS FAQ’s - Discovery DMC

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Frequently asked questions about Laos.

Visa & Border Crossings

Passport & Visa Requirements?

All travelers to Cambodia require a valid passport with minimum 6 months remaining and a Cambodia visa. There are two ways to obtain a Cambodia Visa. Either applying online for an E-visa or by applying directly from a Cambodia Embassy.

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To apply for e-visa you can apply online here. www.cambodia-visa-online.com (Note you will need a credit/debit card to complete the online payment) The Tourist visa cost 90 $ per person and the available port of entries are Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport and Sihanouk International Airport.

How to Apply for a Visa at Laos Embassies and Consulates?

Yes, it is possible to apply for a tourist visa at any Cambodia Embassy or Consulate. Tourist visas are issued for a duration of 30 days at all Cambodia Embassies or Consulates. Any tourist whether traveling on a package tour or individually will receive the same type of tourist visa.

Others Ways to Apply for a Visa?

Pre-arranged visas on arrival can be arranged through Discovery DMC for travellers arriving at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap or Sihanouk International Airports. Myanmar DMC requires passengers’ passport details including name as spelled in your passport, nationality, passport number and occupation together with scanned copy of passport which shows clients’ pictures taken within 3 weeks prior to arrival in Cambodia. Discovery DMC will apply for tourist visas and send a visa confirmation letter issued by the Cambodia authorities to the travel agency or traveler by email attachment. Travellers will have to show this visa confirmation letter to the airline when boarding the international airport. Upon arrival at International Airport travellers have to contact the Visa on Arrival counter, show their visa confirmation letter, hand over 1 passport photo and pay the visa fee of US$ 30 per person (subject to change without prior notice). Discovery DMC charges a handling fee for all visas on arrival of US$ 50.

Visa extensions & overstay penalties in Laos?

Over stay in Cambodia will cost 3 $ a day. Detail information on extension of stay – Foreigners who enter Cambodia with various visas and want to apply for the extension of stay permit except tourist visa apply it through ministries concerned. With the approval letter of Ministry of Immigration and Population to the Immigration and National Registration Department is undertaking extension to stay accordingly. (a) Extension of stay for those entered Cambodia with Entry visa, Business Visa, Meditation Visa- If those who enter Cambodia with Entry Visa, Business Visa wish to apply for stay extension, they have to apply to Ministries concerned through their related company (or) organization. Those who got into Myanmar with Meditation Visa may apply to Ministry of Religious Affairs with recommendation of related Meditation Centers or Missionaries. The informing letters through the Ministries concerned and organizations are sent to the Ministry of the Immigration and Population. When the approval letter from the Ministry of Immigration and Population is obtained Department of Immigration and National Registration carries out stay extension in term of rules and regulations. (b) Extension of stay for those entered Myanmar with social visa – If those come to meet with the relatives in Myanmar want to extend their stay, they can apply through the relatives (or) friends where they put up at the Township Immigration and National Registration Department to the Regional/ State Directorate office. The application has to be submitted the Head office, which then carries out the extension of stay permit according to rules and regulations. (c) Extension of stay for those entered Myanmar with Diplomatic Visa – If the Ambassadors, Diplomat, staff of embassy and their dependents who came into Myanmar to assign their duties want apply for their extension, the letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affair sends to the Ministry of Immigration and Population. When they get the approval letter from the Ministry of Immigration and Population, the Immigration and National Registration Department is undertaking stay permit extension in term of rules and regulations. (d) Extension of stay permit for those who enter Myanmar with Visa exemption and Gratis Visa – If those who enter Myanmar from the (18) countries, bilateral agreement on visa exemption for Diplomats, special passport and Gratis Visa would like to apply the extension of stay permit, Ministry and organizations concerned shall send letters through the Ministry of Immigration and Population with that co-ordination letter. When the permission from the Ministry of Immigration and Population is received, the Immigration and National Registration Department carries out stay extension in accordance with rules and regulations.

Travelling in Laos

Domestic Airlines in Laos?

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Thai Airways International (TG) (www.thaiairways.com) runs services to all major towns, a total of 12 domestic destinations including Phuket and Chiang Mai. Bangkok Airways (PG) (www.bangkokair.com) flies several additional routes including Ko Samui. Discounts are available during off-peak seasons and during special promotional periods. Orient Thai Airlines, formerly known as One-Two-Go Airlines (www.flyorientthai.com) and Nok Air (www.nokair.co.th) also offer domestic flights.

Overland Transportation in Laos?

Unless you are an experienced driver, it’s not recommended to hire cars in Laos as driving standards are not up to international levels and there are few rules. However, if you are capable, it is an excellent way to get off the beaten track and to explore. A safer option is to hire cars with a driver through hotels or tourist agencies.

The word ‘tuk-tuk’ is used to describe a large variety of lightweight vehicles, generally with three wheels. While there is a tuk-tuk organization in Vientiane that is supposed to control the prices that tourists pay between destinations, the rates remain negotiable. Decide on the fare before getting in. A (meaning ‘two rows’ in Thai) is a pick-up truck, with two benches, a roof and open sides; these operate both as local buses and taxis.

Laos has plenty of quiet roads that lend themselves to cycling. It is a growing industry and there are several local operators offering guided cycling throughout the country. There are good maps available and cycling is one of the best ways to come into contact with local people.

Privately run, air-conditioned VIP coaches make the journey between tourist centres whereas slower, more basic, local buses cover a far wider range of destinations. Note the toilet stops are often far and few between, and breakdowns/tyre changes are the norm rather than an exception.
Other than the international train between Thailand and Laos there are no other railway lines in the country.

Accomodation Standards in Laos?

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There are no official hotel categories in Myanmar. Hotel categories are rated by Discovery DMC according to general international hotel criteria. Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake, Ngapali and Ngwe Saung Beaches offer a wide choice of accommodation including boutique hotels and international five star properties. In other regions travellers should not expect top deluxe properties, though increasingly there is charming and traditional oriental style accommodation available. In some regions accommodation can be simple and basic.

Clothing and Dress Recommendations

Lightweights and rainwear, with warmer layers from October to March and for upland areas. If you come during the monsoon summer months, bring lightweight waterproofs, an umbrella and some leech oil for trekking. Bring a swimming costume for hotel swimming pools too.

Mobile & Internet

Mobile Phone Coverage in Laos?

As of 2014, two foreign telecom operators and a government owned operator have launched nation wide mobile and wireless networks. Mobile and wireless connections are improving quickly as the networks expand, especially in urban areas, but in rural parts of the country you will often not have a mobile signal. Prepaid mobile sim cards can now be purchased in most cities at the low price of US$ 1.5 which allow international calls and use of mobile data.

Internet Access in Laos?

Internet access is becoming increasingly common and unrestricted, most international hotels will offer complimentary internet access. Internet cafes can be found in urban areas, however connections tend to be slow and unstable.

Laos Overview

Country Facts & Figures

Country Facts & Figures
Country Name:	Lao People’s Democratic Republic
President:	Bounnhang Vorachith
Population:	6,758,353
Capital:	Vientiane
Cities:	Vientiane
Area:	237,955 km2 (91,875 sq mi)
Highest point:	Phou Bia 2,818 metres (9,245 ft)
Languages:	Lao, French
Religions:	Buddhism 64.7%, Tai folk religion 31.4%, Christianity 1.7%, Islam 0.8%, Other 1.3%
Ethnic groups:	53.2% Lao, 11% Khmu, 9.2% Hmong, 3.4% Phouthai, 3.1% Tai, 2.5% Makong, 2.2% Katang, 2.0% Lue, 1.8% Akha, 11.6% other
Time:	UTC+7 (ICT)
Country code:	+856
Currency:	1USD = 8,701.65 Laotian Kip (₭) (LAK)

When is the best time to visit Laos?

Generally speaking Laos has two distinct seasons – the dry season between October and April, and the wet season from May to September. However, given the varying altitude of the country, the temperatures during these times can vary quite considerably. As a land-locked country, Laos benefits from a more simple weather system than other parts of Southeast Asia. Overall November through to April are the best months to travel to Laos, when the weather is warm and dry and the nights are comfortably cool. Temperatures typically begin to rise around March and the rain arrives in May or June. From June through to August the humidity can soar and short tropical downpours are common. September and October can still bring the occasional shower.

Local Time in Laos?

GMT + 7 hours.

Language & Culture

What Language is Spoken in Laos?

The official language is ‘Lao’ with numerous regional and minority languages and dialects. English is spoken at all major hotels. Basic English is also spoken widely throughout the country, and travelers will almost always find someone who will at least understand and speak a few words of English. Discovery DMC provides guiding services in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Thai and Chinese.

Do's & Dont's in Laos

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

How is the food in Laos?

Laotian cuisine shows the clear influence of Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese cooking, with its widespread use of chilli, fish sauce, soy and Asian herbs like lemongrass, ginger, galangal and Asian basil. There’s also a subtle French influence dating back to the colonial administration, most obvious in the baguette sandwiches sold on the streets of Vientiane.

Climate and Weather

Throughout the country, the climate is hot and tropical, with the rainy season between May and October when temperatures are at their highest, up to 35°C. The weather is very similar to that of northern Vietnam. The dry season runs from November to April, which is the best time to visit as the temperature is at its most comfortable. However, the mountainous areas can be very cold at this time, down to around 5°C. As a guide, the average rainfall in the capital Vientiane is about 1,700 mm, although in the north of Laos and the highlands it is far wetter, with more than 3,000 mm each year.

Electricity and plug standards

In Laos the power sockets are of type A, B, C, E and F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. If your appliance’s plug doesn’t match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.

In Laos, the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Laos if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 – 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa). Manufacturers take these small deviations into account. If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V – 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), you need a voltage converter in Laos If your appliance isn’t compatible with 220-240 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.

Money

Exchanging Money in Laos?

Lao Kip (LAK; symbol ₭¬) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of ₭50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Most transactions are conducted in cash; American Dollars, Thai Baht or Lao Kip (LAK).

ATM's in Laos?

Banking hours: Monday-Friday 08h30-16h00. Some banks remain open during lunch.

Major credit cards are accepted in the more upmarket hotels and restaurants only in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Several banks will also offer a cash advance on credit cards for a commission. Most ATMs are reliable. However there is a limit on how much you can withdraw during a day, and currently, the withdrawal limit per day is set at approximately 1,000,000 LAK, roughly £65. Vientiane has the biggest selection of ATMs in the country, especially around ThSetthathriat. Major hotels are likely to have an ATM on-site.

Travellers’cheques often carry a hefty commission charge – available at most banks in Vientiane. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’scheques in US Dollars or Thai Baht.

Shopping in Laos?

If you are wondering What to buy in Laos, then you can stay rest assured. You surely won’t go empty-handed. Be it weaved silk, handicrafts, jewelry, antiques, carved idols, or Laos coffee, there are several shopping places that sell them all. From night markets to boutique stores, Laos has a wide selection when it comes to shopping. So, plan your next holiday here and go shopping!