Laos is landlocked country in Southeast Asia sharing borders with Vietnam in east, Cambodia in south, Thailand in west and Myanmar and China in north. It is considered to be the poorest country of Southeast Asia yet rich in landscape, rural culture and local cuisine. Vientiane is the capital of Laos and Theravada Buddhism is followed by maximum population.

It is beneficial to fly to Laos because one can purchase visa on arrival from the airport. The two major international airports of Laos are located in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.It is served by national carrier Lao Airlines including other carriers named Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and Vietnam Airlines. Air Asia service flight is also available from Kuala Lumpur thrice a week.

There is also a railway line between Thailand and Laos to make things easier. Visa on arrival is available on crossing the border by train. Entering Laos is easy but the internal transportation is not developed. You might be left with the baffling option of sharing public transport service which is not comfortable. We would love to make the experience of visiting Laos comfortable and inspiring.

Laos experiences tropical type of climate with two seasons-rainy season beginning from May to end of September and dry season from October to April. Mountainous Northern Provinces experience moderate temperatures in the hot season(from March to May) and early rainy season(around June).While, at the same time, Southern Laos have day-time temperatures reaching 40s alongwith not so cooler nights.

Most of Laos is best visited between November and February when rainfall is least and temperatures are not too high. This is also the main time for national and regional festivals(buns).

Rural and natural tourism would be word describing Laos Tourism. Laos is a mountainous and landlocked country far away from the influence of modern Southeast Asia. While touring through the country you will experience the back-in-time landscape which is quite missing in other Southeast Asian countries. Global Compass will take you to some cultural and natural attractions of Laos. Some must see places of Laos are Luang Prabang,Vang Vieng,Si Phan Don, That Luang and Wat Xieng Thong.

The time difference between India and Laos:

India has 1:30 hours less than Laos. For instance, if  India is 22:03 Thursday, March 13,2014 then Laos is 23:33 Thursday, March 13,2014.

The national currency of Laos is the Laos kip(LAK).Baht and US Dollar is also acceptable in many business house including hotels, restaurants and shops of urban cities. Kip is a better option in the rural areas. Notes come in the circulation of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 kip.ATMs can be useful help in withdrawing exchange money with a service charge of US$2 for each withdrawal. However,one thing should be noted that ATMs are present only in Vientiane and they except only Visa and MasterCard. Compared to ATM, banks provide exchanges with cheaper service tax. Tourists are advised to carry sufficient cash in the rural areas as there is little chance of getting enough kip due to the shortage.

1 Laotian Kip = INR 0.0085/- aprx

The official language of Laos is Lao.Thai is understood widely understood by the people of Laos. Other than this basic English is understood by the young people of Laos.

Theravada Buddhism is followed by large population of Laos. True to its principles the religion had been the saviour of Laos people during political unstability.Buddhism values have been incorporated in the life of Lao people. It teaches them to be patient and tolerant. The values of Buddhism had been a saving factor from wrong behaviour among people. The influences of Buddhism from India and China can be seen in the music. Literature and performing arts of Laos. The traditional clothing of Laos is called xout lao which can be worn by men, women and children. You can try wearing one and take a picture.

Laos local cuisine is unknown to many tourists but while visiting the place you will be surprised by the dishes. The speciality of Laos’s dishes is the use of fresh ingredients blended into rusty dishes. The distinguishing feature of Laos cuisine is the sticky rice called khao niaw which is used in most of the dishes of Laos. It is believed that Laos is the origin place of sticky rice. Freshwater fishes is used in the local dishes of Laos because it is a landlocked country with many freshwater streams and lakes in Laos. Lemongrass, coriander, basil, fresh chilli, tamarind, ginger and kaffir lime is used to flavour the dishes. Some popular Laos dishes are Klao niaw, Laap(meat salad), Tam mak houng(papaya salad), Oh Lam(stew) and ping gai.

Laos is not a place to visit for nightlife and woman. Vientiane and Luang Prabang is two cities having some nightlife. Most of the bars, restaurants and discos close by 11:30 pm in Vientiane. Brothels are prohibited. There are some discos playing live music.Vienglatry May is the most popular place in town. In Luang Prabang you can visit Le Tam Tam Garden which is decorated with flower pots and lights. It has a karaoke bar with Nao’s Place.

Visa On Arrival

Only need Original Passport & 2 Copy Photograph (Size- 4.0cm X 6.0cm, 80% face, White Background without border, Matte finish)