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 travelling between end of March and beginning of April, please note in the mountainous area where the slash and burn cultivation remained, the weather may be worse caused by smokes and domestic flights might be delayed or cancelled.

Currency
The local currency is the KIP. The exchange rate at the time of updating is approximately 10,500 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 . Traveler cheque and other currencies than U.S. Dollars are only accepted by major banks. It is best to carry US Dollar bills in small denominations.

Language
The official language of Lao PDR is Lao. It is spoken in different parts of the country The Vientiane dialect is 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.

Overland
The other way to get into Laos is by land from Vietnam , China and Thailand . Tourists can pass the border gate at the following entry points which can also be applied for visa on arrival cost US$30.00 per person:

• From Nongkhai ( Thailand ) by crossing Mekong River by shuttle bus.
• From Chiangkhong ( Thailand ) by crossing Mekong River by ferry to HoueiSay.
• From South China (Yuna ) to Luang Namtha province via Boten check point.
• From Mukdahan ( Thailand ) and from Quang Tri ( Vietnam ) to Savannakhet.
• From Ubol Rachathani ( Thailand ) to Pakse.
• From Vinh ( Vietnam ) via Keo Neua check point to Km20, Khamkeuth district Borikhamxay province, then on to Vientiane by bus.

Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory in Laos , but is nonetheless widely practiced in hotels and restaurants in addition to the service charges shown on bills. (Porters, 10,000 - 15,000 Kip per bag.)

Passport and visa
All nationalities are required to have visa before getting into Laos . Visa is usually delivered by Lao Embassies which require the original passport and 2 photos for two full working days in order to stamp the visa. If Visa is arranged by Viengchampa Tour, upon the client request, the personal data (full name, passport number with date of issuance and expiry, date and place of birth, nationality) must be supplied to us at least 15 days before arrival to Laos . Visas obtained upon arrival can be issued immediately at any international border gates which stated below quoted US$30.00 per person. However, the procedure of getting of visa will be change from time to time.

Customs and formalities
The 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.

Health requirements
No vaccinations are presently required. If travelling to remote or border areas, travelers should check with their doctor or travel immunization clinic regarding the advisability of inoculation against Typhoid, hepatitis, tetanus and Japanese encephalitis.

International flights
The direct flights to Vientiane are available from Bangkok , Hanoi , Ho Chi Minh, Phnom Penh , Siem Reap, Kunming , Chiang Mai (via Luang Prabang). By air: Presently, Vientiane and Luang Prabang are the only legal point of disembarkation in Laos for air passengers. At the present time, Bangkok is the most common gateway for entry to Vientiane and Luang Prabang, although it is possible to come from Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Kunming (CHINA), Chiang Mai as per schedules show below: Airport arrival: Arrivals at Wattay airport, Vientiane are generally rather casual event. Carry on bags are not surely inspected if that all you have brought. For checked baggage when claimed at counter, sometimes passengers are required to declare if they had antiques and silver item brought with.

Air passenger
Can get into Laos via Wattay International Airport from Bangkok , Hanoi , Ho Chi Min City, Phnom Penh , Siem Reap, Kunming and Chiang Mai and immediately apply visa on arrival at US$30.00 per person. Please bring along with two passport size photo.

Airport tax
Airport tax is US$0, 5.00 per passenger on domestic flights and US$10.00 per passenger on international flights.

Business hours : GMT + 7 hours