Off the beaten track in Laos

LAOS has surfaced as one of the more well-regarded destinations across Asia. As one of the developing nations in the region, it continues to hold onto long standing traditions. Once in Laos you’ll realise nothing much has changed in the people’s way of life.

Archaic and regal, the pure exquisiteness of Laos is arresting – with its customs and rituals as enchanting as its people. Surrounded by neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, it prides itself in having a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the ancient majestic city of Luang Prabang. Laos has a relaxed, unhurried mood that will capture your imagination and leave you in a tranquil setting.

Tourism. With a rich cultural heritage, Laos’ history dates back tens of thousands of years. Most Laotians are Buddhists, and for the Lao people, their religion spurs their social structure and beliefs. Laotians are generally welcoming and friendly, with a generous heart. Despite the hardships they face, Lao people are sociable and provide good company to travellers from outside. They have a cool temperament, are extremely patient and understanding, always ready to accept an apology after a mistake has been made. While they speak the national language (also called Lao), you’ll find locals who can speak English and French widely, and because of close proximity to Thailand, some can understand Thai as well.

Ease of getting around. You may have a hard time travelling by land since most thoroughfares in Laos are not in good condition. Tourists are recommended to only travel during the daytime to avoid any misfortune while in transit. Because Laos is predominantly rural, several farm animals may suddenly appear on the path and cause road accidents. It is rare to see tour buses around Laos but there are those who travel by group, so look around for travel agencies catering to group tours. Because of the problems of land travel, many locals ply the Mekong River, a major watercourse that passes by all ports in Laos. You can go via taxi cabs, and choose to get ferried along by boats powered by either hand or by engine.

Health. Ensure you are fit and healthy before you leave home. Medical services may not be as reliable as in your own country, so make sure you have the necessary information of where to go in case of a health emergency. Take care not to drink tap water, only drink bottled mineral water and be careful of trips to the nearest river or stream in case of waterborne diseases. Because Luang Prabang is among the most visited places in Laos, be cautious not to contract any sickness as the lone reliable medical facility, Mahosot Hospital, is in the capital, Vientian (located outside Luang Prabang). Better yet, be prepared and never leave without travel insurance.

The Laotians use the kip as their main currency, while the Thai baht and US dollar are generally accepted in transactions as well. You can use these in nearly all major establishments like hotels and restaurants, just like you can also use credit cards, however, most of the time, only Visa and MasterCard are accepted. If travelling to rural areas, it’s best to use the kip instead. You can find ATMs in the capital, but because the kip cannot be exchanged to foreign currencies outside the country, it’s best to rely on the local conversion rate to the dollar. Make sure you spend all your kip before leaving the country unless you’re planning to visit again anytime soon.

Travelling on a budget. You don’t have to worry about over-indulging in Laos as most services are relatively easy on the pocket, where you can subsist on less than A$20 a day. Budget hotels and guesthouses are available around the capital Vientiane and the popular destination Luang Prabang. If you want to go a little high-end, you can spend less than $100 for boutique hotels. Laos is generally a place to reflect on and experience serenity, so don’t be surprised if you can’t find bars or clubs as most shops close before midnight. Food can vary in Laos, but is generally extremely cheap. There are luscious, sweet fresh fruits abound, but be very wary of food prepared on the streets. Try to eat in restaurants or in your hotel instead and be careful of raw prepared food as most foreigners are not accustomed to it and might encounter digestive problems.

You’ll be able to explore all the scenic spots in Laos in less than two weeks. The best time to visit is during November to April as this is the perfect time to bask in the beauty of Laos. Other months can bring excessive rain while being hot and humid at the same time. Wear loose but appropriate clothing, such as collared shirts with sleeves past the elbow and cotton long pants which are a must, especially when you visit temples. Avoid revealing clothes and even more revealing public displays of affection as it may offend the locals.

Be sure to bring a jacket since it can be a bit cold at night. Most banks and shops are open from 8am up to 4pm from Mondays to Fridays, while other businesses have morning and afternoon shifts. Be careful when taking photographs using professional looking cameras as this may entice Lao police to investigate you. This is particularly true of anything that may be of military or government interest – such as bridges, highways, roads – and may mistake you for a photojournalist. Always bring your passport regardless of where you’re going in case Laos police do a checkpoint.

There are a number of important practices you need to remember when visiting Laos. For example, leave your shoes outside before entering someone’s home. Never use your finger or foot to point at anything as this is considered extremely rude. Touching someone’s head is highly offensive, regardless of age, rank/stature or nationality, as Laotians consider the head as the highest part of the body. Females can approach and talk to monks, but never touch or give anything directly. If you are female and you want to give alms, ask a male companion to do it for you.

Trekking is the finest way to appreciate Laos in all its grandeur. You’ll be able to explore the natural beauty of the place by walking around and doing some sightseeing in the process. Both Vientiane and Luang Prabang have amazing temples, with Wat Xieng Thong considered the best in Luang Prabang. Flora and fauna flourish in Laos, while lush forests and exotic animals abound. Birds in migration, gibbons, antelopes and leopards rarely found in other parts of the world can all be sighted in the country. Home to all these remarkable and noteworthy attractions, travellers of Laos will find the place pleasantly isolated so that they can quietly enjoy a retreat, and afterwards, feel completely rejuvenated. Come and discover Laos, dubbed as the forgotten Asian country, and you’ll never be the same again.

Traveling as a senior. At the time of writing, Laos is an ‘emerging’ tourist destination. This means the country is only just getting used to tourists arriving in larger than usual numbers. As a senior, you will be respected within their culture. When it comes to discounts, they are few and far between. In saying this, it is very cheap to travel within Laos.

These travel tips were provided by our good friends over at New Young Travel.