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Laos Travel Guide
Laos Overview
Laos is a peaceful, beautiful mountain country with landlocks and over 7 million people! Traveling in Laos to indulge your life, in Laos please don’t Rush! People are friendly, helpful, and warm-hearted. It is also the country of Buddhism, which used to be called the country of millions of Elephants.
If you love nature, mountains and peaceful landscape, Buddhist countries too, Laos is an ideal place for you.
- Official Name: Lao People’s Democratic Republic
- Population: 7,769,819 in 2024
- Capital: Vientiane, population c. 400,000
- People: Official 49 ethnic groups contain over 160 ethnic subgroups.
- Language: Laotian
- Currency: Kip (KN)
- Time Zone: GMT +7 hours
- Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz; 2 pin plugs
- International Dialing Code: +856
Transportation
- Tuk-tuks & songthaews (shared trucks) are common for short rides.
- Buses & minivans connect major towns; VIP buses are more comfortable.
- Domestic flights available for longer distances.
- Motorbike rental is popular but drive carefully – roads can be rough.
Top Laos Destinations
WHILE YOU ARE IN Laos!
- The most common and reliable apps to book rides:
- LaoKYC / LOCA – the main local ride-hailing app, similar to Grab (also do food delivery and other services). Available in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
- Dry season: Nov–April (up to 35–40°C).
- Rainy season: May–Oct (heavy showers, lush landscapes).
- Official currency: Lao Kip (LAK).
- ATMs are widely available in cities, but carry cash for rural areas.
- USD and Thai Baht are often accepted in tourist spots.
- SIM cards are easy to buy at airports or shops (Unitel, Lao Telecom, TPlus, ETL).
- Data is cheap; 4G works in cities, weaker in rural areas.
- Most hotels, cafés, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.
- Overcharging tuk-tuks – always negotiate before hopping in.
- Fake monks asking for donations.
- Overpriced tours or bus tickets – book with trusted agencies.
- ATM skimming – use machines at banks when possible.
- Larb (spicy minced meat salad).
- Sticky rice – staple of every meal.
- Tam mak hoong (papaya salad).
- Khao soi (Laos noodle soup).
- Beerlao – national beer.
- Buddhist traditions & temple visits.
- Almsgiving ceremony in Luang Prabang.
- Laid-back lifestyle, warm hospitality.
- Cruise the Mekong River.
- Explore waterfalls like Kuang Si.
- Go caving & kayaking in Vang Vieng.
- Cycle through rural villages.
- Join a cooking class for Lao dishes.
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