Laos

Currency: The Kip

Official language: Lao

Originally, Laos is believed to have been inhabited by people migrating from southern China. The country’s population grew around the abundance and fertility of the land surrounding the Mekong and Me Nam Rivers. The first King of Laos was King Borom and legend has it that he had seven sons, with whom he divided up his land. In the 14th century, Prince Fa Ngum, who had been exiled to Cambodia, returned after converting to Buddhism and established the Lang Xang Kingdom (“kingdom of million elephants”). He was suceeded by his son, Ou Heuan, who established Laos as a major trading region. After his death in 1421, the Lang Xang Kingdom slowly eroded and the country was torn by internal turmoil.

The country was again united under Photisarath rule in the early 16th century, who moved the capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, primarily to protect the ruling family from Burmese incursions. He was followed by Setthathirat, who became famous for building Wat Pha That Luang. In 1637, Sourigna Vongsa took over the throne and expanded the Lang Xang Kingdom, which was considered to be Lao’s Golden Age, when arts and music flourished. He died without leaving an heir and subsequently the country was divided into three, leaving it vulnerable to Burmese and Thai attacks.

The 19th century saw Laos annexed as part of French Indochina and it remained under French rule until 1945. In between, there was a short period when the Japanese occupied Laos during WWII. After the war, the Americans helped establish the Royal Lao Army as the ruling entity, primarily to counter the rise of the communist Pathet Lao. However, the 1960’s saw the country descend into civil war and subsequently, Laos became embroiled in the Vietnam War. This led to heavy bombing by the US, leaving behind undiscovered explosives even today. Visitors can go to the COPE Visitor Center (Khouvieng Road, Vientiane), which explains the history of the conflict.

In 1975, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was established and the king forced to abdicate. Kaysone Phomvihane became the leader under the Pathet Lao government. In 1991, the Lao Constitution was implemented, which moved the country away from orthodox socialism to more political and economic liberalization.

The biggest influence on Lao culture is Buddhism, which plays a role in the country’s arts, music and literature. Buddhism remains an integral part of daily life and religious festivals are important events throughout the year. Every day, people can be seen giving alms to monks and going to temple to pray and give offerings.

The minorities of Laos are also part of the country’s culture. Although 60 percent of the country is made up ethnic Lao, there are 49 other groups present. Of these, the Hmong hilltribes, who had been marginalized in the past, are growing in importance. Many were persecuted by the government after the Vietnam War for helping the US, and many opted to move to America. Today, some hold high political offices and they have their own culture and traditions.

A very important Lao tradition is the baci. It is a ceremony that is expected to enrich the spirit and usually entails tying white string around people’s wrists. Baci ceremonies are held for a range of events, including birthdays, farewells, weddings, births and so forth.

Laos has a tropical climate, with a pronounced rainy season from May through October, a cool dry season from November through February, and a hot dry season in March and April. Generally, monsoons occur at the same time across the country, although that time may vary significantly from one year to the next.

All visitors entering Laos must possess valid passports and visitors from non-ASEAN countries require a Visa. Visa can be obtained for 30 days from Lao Embassies and Consulates abroad. In addition, visa can also be obtained on arrival at international border checkpoints. The visa fee varies from between US$20 – 45 depending on the agreement with the various governments. It is possible to extend the visa at the Immigration Office in Vientiane Capital and through travel agencies.

Tourists can apply for Lao visa online at Lao Official Online Visa website www.laoevisa.gov.la. The website is owned and operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR. Lao eVisa processing time is approximately 3 working days. The validity of Lao eVisa is 60 days after getting the approval letter. It is a single-entry visa with the stay permit of 30 days.

The most popular method of transport in Vientiane is the Tuk-Tuk. These can be hailed almost anywhere in Vientiane but bargaining is essential. Taxis, Bicycles, motorbikes, and cars are also available for hire at many guest houses, restaurants, and shops in Vientiane. Bicycling and walking in particular are great methods of seeing the city, as it is almost completely flat, and most attractions are within a short distance of the center.

Before you leave on your holiday, there are at least four health-related things you should do. Please check the handbook for specifics, but for now, here’s the short list:

Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting.

Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.

Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)

DO

• Travel with reputed travel agents (Tripadvisor is a good source). If you don’t check the reputation of travel agents you chose, you are likely to get low-quality service. In the worst case, you will find yourself in bad condition: dirty hotel, uncomfortable car, bad food, etc.
• Only use your feet for walking or playing sports.
• Enjoy awesome Lao food whenever you can to help local business and Lao farmers.
• Say sabai dee - the Lao word for 'hello' with a smile. When greeting a Lao person you should touch your palms together below your chin and nod your head downwards.
• Help to keep Laos clean and beautiful by not leaving litter.
• Show respect to the local religious customs and dress neatly (long and body covering clothes) while in religious sites and when taking photos. Generally, locals are happy to be in your photos if you respect their space. If possible, ask permission first. Lao people appreciate clean and neatly dressed travelers. Anyone who has strong body odor tends to get disgusting looks.
• Take off your shoes and leave them outside the house or on stairs before entering a Lao person’s home.
• Gently crouch down when passing someone who is seated.
• Accept any water that Lao people serve you even if you don’t want to drink.
• Show respect to monks, novices, and nuns.
• Purchase local handicrafts and products to support the local economy.
• Avoid these don’ts below and you can make your way through Laos without offending the locals.

DON'T

• Don’t touch someone’s head or show affection in public as it will embarrass your host.
• Don’t point with your feet/toes, have your feet raised/or propped up on tables.
• Don't touch the robe of the monk, anyone’s head, and women.
• Don’t walk around in a swimsuit or bikini.
• Don’t wear shorts, tank top to the pagodas, temples or other religious places. You will be considered rude and sometimes you will not be allowed to be in.
• Don’t sit down higher than a monk, your host or than a statue of Buddha.
• Don't give gifts or money to children, or a poor novice in the temple as it encourages begging. Instead, it is wise to give to an established organization or village elders.
• Don’t step over any part of a person, but if you must, always ask to be excused first.
• Don’t use plastic bags and return rubbish to towns or villages.
• Don’t shout or raise your voice, especially in public, as Lao people speak softly and avoid confrontation. 
• Don’t use drugs in Laos.
• Don’t buy antique Buddha images or other sacred items as a lot of them were stolen from unprotected temples and sites.