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At a glance
Laos
Visa-vis
Most visitors require a visa
to visit Laos. Visas can
be obtained on arrival at
major points of entry and
are valid for 30 days. You
will need two passport-size
photographs, a passport valid
for at least six months, and
US dollars to pay the visa fee.
For more information or to
arrange your visa before you
travel, visit the Laos Embassy
in Singapore or email
laoembsg@singnet.com.sg.Air time
3 hours from Singapore.
Cash & cards
The official national currency
in Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK),
although US dollars and Thai
baht are generally accepted.
Make sure you have sufficient
of both if you’re heading out
of the larger towns. You’re
likely to find ATMs in all
major towns in Laos, but the
majority will allow only a
maximum of 1,000,000 kip
(US$125) per withdrawal.
Only big hotels and higher-
end shops and restaurants in
Luang Prabang will accept
credit cards, usually for a
small charge.
Weather report
December and January are
considered the best time to
travel, but November through
March is also recommended.
The dry, hot season is
from March through May,
followed by the rainy season
from May through October.
September is generally the
rainiest month of the year.
Mother tongue
Lao. French and English are
spoken in larger cities and
tourist spots.
First words
Hello:
Sa bai dee
What is your name?
Jâo seu nyãng?
My name is __:
Kháwy seu
How much?
Anh nee thao dai?
Thank you:
Khwap Jai
Yes:
Jâo
No thank you:
Bokhokhobchai