Quick Facts

Visitors should check information likely to change.

Area: 236,800 square kilometres

Capital City: Vientiane

Population: Approx. 6 million

Language: Lao (official), French, English, Thai, Vietnamese

Religion: Buddhism, animism

Climate: Tropical monsoon with a rainy season from June to October and a dry season from November until May. December to January are the coldest months, and March to May are the hottest.

Local Time: GMT +7

Currency: Laos’ official currency is the kip, though Thai baht are widely accepted as are US dollars in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Kip paper notes come in the following denominations: 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500.

Foreign currencies and travellers cheques can be exchanged into kip at banks or foreign exchange agencies throughout the country. Credit cards are generally accepted in cities and large tourist centres, but most shops prefer cash. ATMs are also available in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, but only provide local currency.

Business Hours: Government offices are open Monday through Friday from 08.30-12.00 and 13.00-1630. Private shops are generally open from 08.00 or 08.30 until 20.00-2100.

Postal Service: There are post offices in all provincial capitals where letters and parcels may be sent overseas. Both DHL and Federal Express have offices in Vientiane.

Telephone: International Direct Dial is widely available, and faxes can be sent from post offices and many private businesses. Local SIM cards may be purchased for mobile phones. The Lao country code is 856.

Emergency Contact Numbers

General emergency telephone numbers in Laos are:

Fire  190

Police  191

There are several facilities in Vientiane for medical treatment: Mahosot International Clinic (021 214022), Mahosot Hospital (021 215018), Sethathirat Hospital (021 251156) and Friendship Hospital (021 413302).

Newspapers: Vientiane Times, Le Renovateur (French).

Email/Internet: Internet access is available in all major tourism centres and in all but the most remote population centres.

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz.

Tap Water: Only drink sealed bottled water.

Medical: No vaccinations are required for entry. A well-stocked first aid kit and personal medications should be brought into the country. If travelling to remote border areas, consider vaccinations for typhoid, hepatitis, tetanus and Japanese encephalitis.

Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory but widely practised in hotels and restaurants, in addition to restaurant and hotel service charges.

Airport Tax: The airport tax is often included in the ticket price. For international flights, the tax and fees total US$13, and KIP5,000 for domestic flights.

Photography: Observe normal courtesy when photographing people, especially monks. Avoid taking photographs at airports and government establishments.

Tourist Information: Ministry of Tourism’s official site, www.tourismlaos.gov.la. See also, www.ecotourismlaos.com.