The Ultimate Guide To Traveling To Laos For The First Time

You’re finally dragging yourself out of bed on a Saturday morning and heading to the airport to go on your long-awaited trip! You’ve prepared for this for weeks and you know exactly what you’re going to do. But then again, everything changes when you arrive at the Laos airport…

Map of Laos

Laos is a landlocked country located in Southeast Asia. It’s bordered by Thailand to the west, Cambodia to the north, Vietnam to the east, and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to the south. The capital city of Laos is Vientiane. The total land area is just over 20,000 square kilometers. The population of Laos is approximately 15 million people.

Laos has a diverse culture with influences from China, India, and France. The country is home to many hill tribes and minority groups including the Mon, Khmu, Fa Ngum, and Hmong. Laos has a rich Buddhist heritage and is one of few countries in Southeast Asia that are predominantly Buddhist. Laos officially became a republic in 1975.

Because of its location on major trade routes, Laos has been influenced by many different cultures over its history. The most significant influence has been from India which has brought with it Buddhism and Indian architecture. French influence can be seen in the architecture, cuisine, and language. Today, Lao culture is still prominent in areas such as dance and music.

The Ultimate Guide To Traveling To Laos For The First Time Photo Gallery

What is Laos and Why Should You Go There?

Laos is a landlocked country located in south-east Asia. With a population of over 11 million, Laos is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Despite this, Laos has a rich cultural heritage that includes more than 1,000 years of written history. The country is known for its beautiful mountainous scenery, including the world’s second highest mountain, Phong Nha Ke Bang.

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (LPDR) was founded in 1975 and has been an independent nation since 1991. The LPDR has undergone significant economic and social changes since then, with the aim of building a democratic society based on the principles of Marxism-Leninism-Mao Zedong Thought. Laos is an impoverished country with low GDP per capita and high levels of poverty. However, there are many excellent reasons to visit Laos, including its unique culture and stunning scenery.

If you are considering travelling to Laos for the first time, here are five essential things to know:

1) What is Laos?
Laos is a landlocked country located in south-east Asia. It has a population of over 11 million and is one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world. It borders Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam to the north, Thailand to the east, and is bordered by China to the south-east.

2) What languages are spoken?The official language of Laos is Lao; however, it is also highly influenced by Thai and Chinese. Most people speak at least a little bit of Lao as well.

3) When was Laos formed?Laos has been independent since 1949 after being made independent from France in 1954.

4) When was Buddhism introduced?Following a number of revolts against the ruling class during the early 20th century, the monarchy was dissolved in 1975, with new policies of embracing Buddhism introduced shortly thereafter.

Top 10 Things To Do in Laos

Laos is a beautiful country with plenty of attractions to offer tourists. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or natural beauty, Laos has something for you.

Here are some of the top things to do in Laos:

-Visit the ancient city of Luang Prabang. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to magnificent temples and tombs dating back over 1,000 years.

– hike along the Nam Ha Mountains in Vientiane province. These mountains are famous for their stunning views of the Mekong River and the surrounding countryside.

– relax on a beach in Sapa or Pakse provinces. Both provinces have beautiful white sand beaches that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

– visit the wildlife sanctuary at Luang Prabang National Park. This park is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, and tigers.

If you’re planning a trip to Laos, be sure to check out our blog for more information on what to do and see in this beautiful country.

Planning Your Trip to Laos

If you’re thinking about traveling to Laos for the first time, this is the ultimate guide for you! In this article, we’ll outline everything you need to know in order to make your trip go as smooth as possible. We’ll also share our insider tips and tricks so that you can maximize your experience in this fascinating country.

Here are some of the things we’ll cover:

-Everything you need to know about visa requirements and how to get them
-Three essential tips for avoiding scams while traveling to Laos
-The best places to stay in Laos based on price, location, and quality
-The best ways to explore Laos on a budget
– Our top 5 Laos travel highlights

How to Travel to Laos

If you’re thinking of traveling to Laos, there’s no need to be intimidated. With just a few simple steps and advice from seasoned travelers, you’ll be on your way to experiencing one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful and underrated destinations. Here are four tips for first-time Laos travelers:

1. Go with an organized group: Laos is a mountainous country, and it can be difficult to navigate on your own. Consider traveling with a group or tour operator who can help you plan each step of your trip in advance.

2. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen: The sun is fiercely hot in Laos, so make sure you pack plenty of water and sunscreen for the long days spent exploring the country’s stunning landscapes.

3. Be prepared for Zika fears: Despite the fact that Laos is not currently affected by the Zika virus, many travelers are still concerned about getting the virus while in Laos. Make sure you know the basics about Zika – such as how it is spread and how to treat it – before you leave home.

Visas for Laos

If you are planning a trip to Laos and you don’t yet have a visa, there are a few options available to you.

The most common type of visa required for tourists visiting Laos is the 30-day tourist visa. This type of visa can be obtained at many of the main entry points into Laos from neighboring countries. You will need to provide your passport photo, your passport number, and your onward destination.

If you are only visiting Laos for a short period of time, you may be able to qualify for a tourist visa on arrival. This type of visa is not always available, but it is sometimes possible to obtain one if you arrive at an international airport in Laos and have a valid passport and onward ticket. The downside to this type of visa is that it cannot be extended or used to travel outside of Laos.

If you are traveling to Laos for an extended period of time, you may want to consider applying for a Lao visa in advance. This type of visa can be obtained by submitting an application through the Lao embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process can take several weeks or longer, so it is important to plan ahead if you want to apply for a Lao visa.

A Lao visa allows you to stay in Laos for up to 30 days, but can be extended if the extension is requested before leaving Laos. If you are leaving Laos and your extended visa has not been used, the visa will be automatically canceled once you leave the country and a notice of this must be given to Lao Immigration or Consulate officials. You must complete all necessary forms on departure.

Getting Around in Laos

Laos is a small country, and surprisingly it can be difficult to get around without a driver. A car is not essential for travel in Laos but it can make things much easier. The main cities have extensive transport systems, with buses, minibuses, taxis and motorbikes all available. There are also quite a few trains that run between major towns and cities.

The best way to explore Laos is on foot or by bike. Lao nationals are generally very friendly and happy to help out if you ask, so don’t be shy! Bicycles can be rented cheaply in most towns and villages, or you can hire them on arrival in larger towns. For those keen on travelling independently, Laos is an excellent place to do so. There are plenty of guides available who will take you on trekking or biking tours around the country.

Although Laos is small, there are actually a number of different regions within the country. Each has its own attractions and culture which should be explored. The north of the country is rural and features dramatic mountain scenery, while the south is more developed with beautiful beaches and stunning lake views.

Living in Laos

If you’re thinking of visiting Laos, or if you’re already living in Laos and are just looking for some advice on how to make the most of your time here, this is the blog for you! We’ll be covering everything from budget tips to what to do when you get there, so be sure to bookmark this page and check back often!

Laos is a beautiful country with a rich history, and it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re ever in the vicinity. Even if you don’t have any intention of living in Laos full-time, there are plenty of things to do and see here that will make a great addition to your travel itinerary.

Here are some tips on how to make the most of your time in Laos:

1. Start by researching what’s available in Lao language online. There are many great resources available, both official government websites and unofficial sources like Trip Advisor. Once you’ve got a good overview of what’s available, start planning your trip based on what interests you most.

2. Consider traveling during low season. This will generally mean lower prices and fewer crowds. However, note that Lao holidays can get pretty crazy (especially around the market days), so that could end up being a negative.

3. If you’re flying into Luang Prabang, consider staying in a hotel in front of the airport. They’ll be less crowded and have lots of western food options and restaurants to choose from.

4. Make sure to get your visa before you leave home, if traveling as part of a tour group. The onus is now on the tour operator to secure it for you.

5. If you’re traveling independently or by self-drive, try to stay out of Luang Prabang during market day (April 1st and 8th) – packs of tourists can get bigger than those pesky elephants!