GoLaos Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

China and Laos implement a mutual visa exemption policy for holders of diplomatic, official, and service ordinary passports, with a stay period of 30 days. The visa application process for personal passports is as follows:

1、 Visa issuance by the embassy or consulate in China (consulate)

Chinese citizens holding private passports with a validity period of more than 6 months can apply for visas in advance when traveling to Laos from their home country or entering Laos from a third country at the nearest Embassy of Laos in China, Consulate General of Laos in Kunming and its Jinghong Consular Office, Consulate General of Laos in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanning, Changsha, and Hong Kong. The Laotian embassy (consulate) abroad only issues a "B3" tourist visa for foreign applicants for one entry and a stay of 30 days; But foreign Laotians can be issued a tourist or family visit visa with a one-time entry and stay period of 90 days. Business "NI-B2" and work (labor) "LA-B2" visas must be applied for approval by companies and project units registered in Laos to the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos. The Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos will notify the embassy or consulate abroad to handle the visa application.

2、 Electronic Visa (eVisa)

On July 9, 2019, Laos officially launched electronic visa services, which can be obtained at https://laoevisa.gov.la/index Apply for an electronic visa, which is currently applicable to 8 ports including Wanda International Airport Port in Vientiane City, Friendship Bridge International Port No.1 in Vientiane City, Luang Prabang International Airport Port, Friendship Bridge International Port No.2 in Savannakhet Province, Pakse International Airport in Champasak Province, Friendship Bridge International Port No.4 in Pohang Province, Moding Land Port in South Pagoda Province, and Moding Railway Port in South Pagoda Province.

3、 B3 "Landing Travel Visa

There are 13 international ports that can apply for landing visas: Wanda International Airport Port in Vientiane City, Friendship Bridge International Port No.1 in Vientiane City, Tanalaeng Laotai Railway Station International Port in Vientiane City, Luang Prabang International Airport Port, Friendship Bridge International Port No.2 in Savannakhet Province, Daensavan International Port in Savannakhet Province, Pakse International Airport Port in Champasak Province, Vangtao International Port in Champasak Province, Veunkham International Port in Champasak Province, Friendship Bridge International Port No.3 in Gamon Province, Friendship Bridge International Port No.4 in Pohang Province, Shai International Port in the capital of Pohang Province, South China Modin Land International Port in Tashi Province.

Note: Currently, landing visas cannot be processed at the Moding Railway Port.

Required documents for applying for a visa on arrival: ① Application form for visa on arrival+entry card (to be filled out on site) ② Original passport: valid for more than six months, with at least two blank pages; (Excluding remarks page) ③ Two one inch photos (35mm * 45mm) of identification documents, white background color photos taken in the past six months.

The cost for Chinese citizens to apply for a visa on arrival is $20. After entering Laos with a visa on arrival, the stay period is 30 days.

After entering the country with various types of visas, if an extension is needed, one can apply to the Immigration Bureau of the Lao Ministry of Public Security. For specific matters regarding visas to Laos, please consult the embassy or consulate of that country in China, which can provide Chinese language consultation services.

Laos entry and exit process: Upon entry, the passport, personnel, and items are inspected and released by immigration police, quarantine, and customs personnel at the port; Upon exiting the country, individuals, passports, and items will be inspected and released by immigration police and customs personnel at the port. Require to fill in the entry and exit card before entering and leaving the country.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

Article 46 of the Lao Criminal Code stipulates that those who manufacture, trade, sell, possess drugs, or transport or carry drugs through Laos shall be sentenced to death at the highest. Laos prohibits the import or export of weapons, explosives, obscene printed materials, antiques, and other goods and items. Those who bring more than 20 million pounds in cash (approximately 2500 US dollars) or equivalent foreign exchange and valuable items worth over 100 million pounds into Laos must obtain approval from the Lao bank and truthfully declare. Carrying items worth over $50 per person, over 200 cigarettes, over 50 cigars, over 250 grams of tobacco, over 1 liter of whiskey, and over 2 liters of red wine must be truthfully declared. Carrying drugs, printed materials, magnetic tapes, CDs, chemicals, pets, wild animals, and plants into the country requires prior permission from relevant departments.

Laos Customs consultation hotline: 00856-21-223519, 223520.

Consultation hotline of the Lao Ministry of Health: 00856-21-241924, 252911.

Residency and Naturalization

On March 16, 2011, the Lao Government issued the Policy and Measures for Dealing with the Problem of Foreigners Making a Living in Laos by Doing Business and Hiring Labor (hereinafter referred to as the "Measures"). According to the decision, the Lao Government decided to solve the management problem of foreigners making a living in Laos by doing business and employing labor based on the principle of conforming to the diplomatic line of the party and the country, and properly protecting the interests of citizens and the country, and on the basis of ensuring a peaceful life and social order, as well as friendship with citizens of other countries who come to Laos to make a living, by gradually strict management in accordance with the relevant laws and systems of Laos.

For foreigners who have arrived in Laos, if they have documents in line with the laws and regulations of Laos, have a capital of no less than 1 billion kip (about 125000 US dollars), have fixed wholesale, retail, processing shops, or have planting, breeding sites and other production operators, they must apply to the county government for a certificate, and then apply to the industry and trade department for commercial registration, tax registration, visa application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, work permit application to the labor and social welfare department, and finally residence permit application to the public security department. At the same time, pay the same taxes and fees as Laotian citizens.

The working period for foreign laborers in Laos is two years, which can be extended for another two years, with a maximum of four years. Stop processing work, residence permit extension, and labor visa upon expiration of 4 years. Units authorized to import labor services have no right to transfer foreign labor services for use by other units without the permission of the labor management authority. Upon the expiration of the labor contract, the employing unit shall be responsible for sending the labor personnel back to their home country within 15 days. Foreign laborers who leave the labor unit without authorization to work or purchase property in other places shall be warned by the employing unit and reported to the provincial and county labor and public security organs for punishment or deportation back to their home country. If the employer does not attach importance to management or conspires with the worker, they will be severely punished.

Foreign laborers must strictly comply with the relevant laws and regulations of Laos. It is absolutely not allowed to make a living by carrying baskets, loads, bicycles, and motorcycles to sell goods, purchase waste, massage, beauty, nail art, weighing, or other unsightly, illegal, and disorderly means.

Article 14 of the Nationality Law of Laos stipulates that individuals applying for Laotian nationality must meet the following conditions: (1) be at least 18 years old at the time of applying for Laotian nationality; （2） Can speak, read, and write Lao language; （3） There is evidence to suggest that one has integrated into the Lao cultural society and respects the good customs of Laos; （4） Physical and mental health; （5） No criminal record; （6） Willing to renounce one's original nationality; （7） Have resided continuously in Laos for more than 10 years before applying for Laotian citizenship. Individuals who meet the above conditions can apply for citizenship at the Consular Department of the Chinese Embassy in Laos and submit their application to the Ministry of Justice of Laos for approval by the Standing Committee of the Lao National Assembly.

Consulting department in Laos: Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos (telephone: 00856-21-243463, fax: 00856-21-243462); Aliens Administration of the Ministry of Public Security of Laos (Tel: 00856-21-212520, Fax: 00856-21-251096); Lao Ministry of Justice: 00856-21-911304, 911305.

Laos risk level is blue (low risk)

public security

The overall public security situation is good, but in recent years, the number of criminal offenses such as robbery, drug trafficking, and theft has increased, and there have been many traffic accidents. It is advisable to avoid walking alone on night roads, mountain roads, and waterways, and to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and valuable items.

natural disaster

There are relatively few natural disasters, and droughts, floods, and mudslides caused by floods may occur in some years. The southern region was affected by a typhoon in 2009. In July 2018, due to heavy rainfall, a dam under construction at a power station in Attapeu Province broke, causing multiple deaths and injuries, hundreds of people missing, and over 6000 people affected.

FDA

Meat products such as livestock sold in the market have not undergone inspection and quarantine, while vegetables, fruits, and other foods are healthier. The hygiene conditions in restaurants are generally poor, so it is important to avoid eating raw food when dining out.

Urgent Help

Police: 1191

Fire alarm: 1190

Medical emergency: 1195

Traffic accident: 1623

Huazhu Center Help Hotline 1628

Emergency contact number for consular protection of the Chinese Embassy in Laos:+ 856-20-55561680

Emergency contact number for consular protection at the Consulate General of China in Luang Prabang: 00856-20-55571303

air traffic

Vientiane Wattay Airport, Luang Prabang Airport, and Pakse Airport in Laos can take off and land Boeing 737 or Airbus 320 passenger planes, and passengers can take taxis, hotel shuttle buses, etc. to and from each airport. Laos currently has direct flights with cities in China such as Kunming, Chengdu, Haikou, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Nanning, Changzhou, Changsha, and Shanghai. It has also opened flights to Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Thailand; Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia; Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam; Flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and South Korea.

Wanxiang Wadai Airport consultation hotline: 00856-21-513146

Luang Prabang Airport consultation hotline: 00856-71-212172

Consultation hotline for Barcelona Airport: 00856-31-212152

land transport

Since 2010, the road and bridge conditions in Laos have improved, with increased traffic flow and busy passenger and freight transportation. Laos allows drivers with Chinese license plates to operate vehicles with Chinese license plates within its borders. When entering the country, relevant procedures must be completed at the port, and all relevant tickets must be brought for inspection by the traffic police on the way. The traffic rules in Laos are the same as in China, with vehicles driving on the right side.

North Station Consultation Hotline in Vientiane City: 00856-21-612384 00856-21-612385

Consultation hotline for South Station in Vientiane City: 00856-21-740521 00856-21-740522

water communication

Large scale waterway passenger and freight transportation is mainly concentrated on the Lancang Mekong section of China Laos Myanmar Thailand, with a small amount of short distance shipping on some tourist cities and scenic rivers. When taking a boat tour, it is important to wear a life jacket and follow the guidance of the crew.

Urban transportation

The main cities in Laos have small urban areas and poor public transportation systems, and travel mainly relies on self driving and local characteristic "tuk tuk" (a type of transportation similar to taxis modified from three wheeled motorcycles or four wheeled small trucks). Due to some motorcycle drivers in Laos driving irregularly and at a fast speed, please pay attention to safety when driving or walking in the city.

major city

Vientiane City is the capital of Laos, a historical ancient city and a Buddhist holy site. Since the mid-16th century when King Sitatila moved the capital from Luang Prabang, it has been the political, economic, and cultural center of Laos. Wanxiang, formerly known as Saifeng, was named Wankan in the 16th century, meaning Golden City. The name "Wanxiang" means "City of Sandalwood", and it is said that there were many sandalwood trees here in the past. Wanxiang is located on the left bank of the Mekong River at the southern end of the Zhongliao Wanxiang Plain, facing Thailand across the river. The city extends along the Mekong River in a crescent shape, hence the name 'Moon City'. Covering an area of approximately 3920 square kilometers, it was built in 574 AD and has been the capital of the country several times since the 14th century. Now, Vientiane is the largest industrial and commercial city in Laos, with the highest number of factories, workshops, and shops in the country. The main industries include wood processing, cement, brick and tile, textile, rice milling, cigarettes, beer, etc. Weaving and gold and silver jewelry craftsmanship are also well-known. Wanxiang gathers 3/4 of the factories in the country, with many foreign-funded enterprises located in Wanxiang. There is Wadai Airport on the banks of the Mekong River in the west of the city, which can take off and land large aircraft. There are domestic routes to major cities in Laos, and international direct routes to Kunming, Chengdu, Haikou, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Nanning, Changzhou, Changsha, Shanghai, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and other places. Highway 13 in Laos and the Mekong River both pass through Vientiane, connecting the north and south. From Vientiane, one can drive directly to Langkai and northeastern Thailand via the Mekong River Friendship Bridge. There are many temples and ancient pagodas in Vientiane, among which the Pagoda Luang in the northeast of the city is particularly famous. Taluan is located on the east side of Taluan Square and was built in 1566. It consists of a group of towers and enjoys a high reputation in architectural art. It is a symbol of Vientiane City and one of the important historical sites in Southeast Asia. Taluan Square is the largest square in Vientiane, and a grand Taluan Temple Fair is held here every November. The temples and ancient pagodas in the city reflect the characteristics of tropical style and Laotian art in their architecture.

Luang Prabang is the ancient capital and Buddhist center of Laos, located at the confluence of the Nam Kham River and the Mekong River in northern Laos. The urban area extends along the left bank of the Mekong River, with a gentle terrain and an average elevation of 290 meters; The suburban mountains stand tall, like a green barrier. The entire city is surrounded by mountains and waters, with beautiful scenery, pleasant climate, ancient and elegant city appearance, wide and flat streets, temples, pagodas, and palaces hidden among flowers, trees, and bamboo groves, making it a popular tourist destination in Laos. Traditional handicrafts are well-known in China. There is an airport in the suburbs, and boats are available from Luang Prabang on the Mekong River to Vientiane. Luang Prabang is a historic city with a history of over 1000 years. It has numerous temples and pagodas, and there are more than 30 temples in the city. Among them, Xiangtong Temple, Maifo Temple, and Weichun Temple are listed as famous temples in Southeast Asia. The Buddhist pagodas in Luang Prabang have their unique style, such as the Pusi Pagoda on the top of Mount Pusi, which has a square shaped body and a lotus flower on the top of the tower that is about to bloom. The Mamota in Weichun Temple is shaped like a watermelon. These pagodas are all listed as famous pagodas in Southeast Asia. The Luang Prabang Palace is located at the foot of the Pusi Mountain in the city, covering an area of 6 hectares and divided into three major architectural complexes in a "V" - shaped structure. The palace is magnificent and dazzling, with antique and luxurious decorations inside. The furniture is mostly made of sandalwood and oilwood. Puxi Mountain stands tall in the city, with lush trees and a golden spire called Puxi Tower at the top of the mountain. Climbing to the top of the mountain, one can enjoy the panoramic view of the city. On the outskirts of Luang Prabang, there are also scenic spots such as Thom Dinh Cave, Dase, Daguangxi, and Daroai. 30 kilometers north of the city center, there are towering cliffs along the river in Beiwu. There are many caves between the cliffs, with over a thousand Buddha statues of various sizes and shapes. Outside the caves, there are historical sites such as Buddhist temples and the footprints of immortals. In December 1995, Luang Prabang was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage City for both nature and culture.

Savannakhet Province is located on the left bank of the Mekong River in southern Laos. Its capital, Kaysan Phomvihan County, is a major city in the south, with more developed industry and commerce compared to other cities. The Geng Valley Plain in the province is the main rice producing area in Laos. The transportation is convenient, with an airport in the outskirts of the city. Highway 13 leads to the whole country, Highway 9 leads to Da Nang in Vietnam, and taking a boat can reach Thailand on the right bank. The Mekong River Bridge across Thailand has been built. The province has been a transportation hub in the south since ancient times.

The capital of Champasak Province, Pakse, is located in the southern part of Laos, covering an area of 10 square kilometers, and is one of the main rice producing areas in Laos. As a gateway to southern Laos, connecting Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west, with an airport on the outskirts of the city, the cross river bridge leading to Thailand was completed in August 2000. Barcelona is a major commercial city and distribution center for goods in the southern region.

【 Main attractions 】

Northern Laos

(1) Vang Vieng

Travelers in Laos' paradise, with the tranquil Nam Song River, magical karst landforms, diverse caves, and nearby traditional Laotian villages. You can leisurely spend your days here, and also visit the Laotian families in nearby villages to gain a deeper understanding and experience the simple way of life of different ethnic groups in the area.

Main karst caves: Thang Jang (the Thang Jang spring water under the cave is extremely clear, and the spring water extends into the cave at the foot of the mountain, where you can swim and play), Tham Pha Puak, Tham Phu Kham (you have to climb a 200 meter mountain road, which is a bit steep, so be careful) Tham Sang、Tham Hoi。 Local travel agencies offer kayaks and rubber boats for rent, allowing tourists to drift from Phoudindaeng Organic Farm, located 3 kilometers north of Wanrong in the upper reaches of the Nansong River, to Wanrong Town. If the water flow is strong, extra caution must be taken.

The main street Thanon Luang Prabang is crowded with hotels, restaurants, and bars; The hotel room rates range from 25 to 60 US dollars. Be sure to watch the sunset and soak in outdoor bars by the Nansong River at night. Wanrong is located north of Vientiane and south of Luang Prabang, with a 3-4 hour journey between Wanrong and Vientiane; There is a 7-8 hour journey between Langlang and Prabang.

(2) Luang Prabang

The famous ancient capital of Laos, listed as a world cultural heritage site, has numerous temples, simple folk customs, and extremely beautiful scenery along the Mekong River. The main attractions are the Royal Palace Museum/Haw Kham and Wat Xieng Thong. There are numerous other temples in the city that do not require admission tickets for visiting and worshiping.

The Tat Kuang Si waterfall, located less than an hour away from Luang Prabang city, is a beautiful and unparalleled multi-level waterfall. The best time to visit is from November to April and can be reached with other backpackers on a tricycle (Tuk Tuk). From the first level of the waterfall, following the mountain road on the right side, you can reach the second, third, and top levels of the waterfall. In the third level waterfall, there is a natural pool filled with clear spring water. In addition, there is a waterfall called Tat Sae that can be rented by car. The best time to visit is from August to November. As the distance is not too far, you can also ride a bicycle to get there.

The Pak Ou cave, located 25 kilometers away from the Luang Prabang waterway, is filled with Buddha statues of all sizes. You can find someone to charter a boat to go there, but the more people, the better.

If you come to Luang Prabang around April 13-15 (Water Splashing Festival), you will see a world of water and a joyful ocean.

(3) Plains of Jars

Hundreds of unidentified large stone jars are scattered on the wilderness near Phonsavan, the capital of Xieng Khuang Province. These stone jars are about 3 meters high, with a wall thickness of about 30 centimeters, and weigh 6 tons. The smaller one also weighs 600 kilograms. The first site 15 kilometers southeast of Fengsha Bay (where the largest stone jar is located) has the most large stone jars, with 250 large stone jars on two adjacent flat wastelands. The second site, located 25 kilometers south of the city, has a total of 90 on two small low hills. There are 150 on the third site located 35 kilometers south of the city. In addition, there are some large stone jars nearby, but each one does not exceed 40. The area near Fengsha Bay where large stone jars are scattered is collectively referred to as the Stone Jar Plain. According to investigation, the large stone jars on the Shigang Plain have a history of over 2000 years. How were they chiseled out over 2000 years ago? The stone used in the stone jars is not locally produced and can only be found in faraway places. How were these hundreds of stone jars, weighing in tons, transported from afar back then? So far, it's still a mystery.

To go to Tanzi Plain, the first step is to go to Fengsha Bay. Wanxiang, Wanrong, and Luang Prabang all have cars coming and going. Although the distance is not far, due to road conditions, it will be a long journey.

(4) Luang Nam Tha Province

This is a rugged mountainous area with a large number of Laotian ethnic minorities (39), making it the province with the most ethnic minorities in Laos. The capital city of Langnan Pagoda is a great place to experience the customs of ethnic minorities. On a small hill 3 kilometers west of the airport, there is a huge pagoda called That Phum Phuk; In a small village called Ban Nam Di, located 6 kilometers northeast of the new urban area of Langnan Pagoda, you can see the locals making bamboo paper. One kilometer away from the village, there is a waterfall that can be visited by villagers. Mengxin, located 58 kilometers northwest of Langnan Pagoda, is an interesting Thai border town with several Laotian herbal saunas. It is surrounded by many beautiful villages and ethnic minority villages.

(5) Phongsali Province

The northernmost province of Laos, bordering Pu'er and Xishuangbanna in Yunnan Province, China. There are many mountain tribes. The weather is cool. Local guides can be found to explore nearby mountain tribes on foot (without a car) in the capital city of Fengshali, which takes at least 2 days. Entering Fengshali from Manzhuang (Central)/Paka (Old) Port is very close, but it takes one day to travel from Mangsai.

(6) Vieng Xai, Huapan Province

Located close to the Vietnam border, the center of the Lao Patriotic Front was established here during the Vietnam War. There are some huge caves hidden in a secret valley, which are not to be missed by cave explorers and history enthusiasts. It can be accessed from Mangsai via Highways 1 and 6, or from Fengsha Bay via Highways 7 and 6, which takes one day.

Southern Laos

(1) West Pandan, Champasac Province - "Four Thousand Beautiful Islands"

Best travel time: December to January, when the weather is both dry and cool. February is okay, but March and April are quite hot.

The Mekong River, which flows from north to south through Laos, has a relatively wide channel of about 50 kilometers near the border between Laos and Cambodia. When the rainy season arrives, the widest part reaches 14 kilometers, making it the widest section of the Mekong River in Laos. During the dry season, as the river recedes, hundreds of small islands will appear in this "wide waist" section. If we include Xiaozhu and Shazhou, with a quantity of over a thousand, the locals would exaggerate and call this area the "Four Thousand Beautiful Islands". Riding a "yacht" through the river branches of the "Four Thousand Beautiful Islands" and shuttling through unknown small islands, one can enjoy the scenery of palm trees swaying and houses scattered along the Mekong River in the river breeze. Only a few large islands in the "Four Thousand Beautiful Islands" are inhabited year-round.

Some backpackers live on the largest island here - Don Khong/Khong Island. There are two large villages on the island: Muang Khong on the east bank and Muang Saen on the west bank, connected by an 8-kilometer dirt road in between. Most hotels are concentrated in Mengkong Village. Pakse has two daily passenger truck trips to Mengkong Village, covering 120 kilometers and taking 3-4 hours. There is a car from Hat Xai Khun (35 kilometers away from the Laos Cambodia border) across from Pakse and Mengkong villages to the Laos Cambodia border. Going south along Highway 13 on Dongkong Island, you can also visit the spectacular Khon Phapheng Falls.

Recommended is Don Det, located about a 10 minute drive south of Dongkong Island. It is a beautiful and peaceful island, close to the Kopapin Waterfall, surrounded by dense waterways, numerous riverside restaurants, and family style bamboo houses and inns (some are small bamboo houses/bungalows with separate single rooms, while others have different single rooms with the same corridor and a hammock in front of each room). The island has simple folk customs and beautiful scenery, and the daily sunrise and sunset are refreshing. There is a stone bridge to the south of the small island and a slightly larger island to the south (Don Khon/Dongkuan Island, also a gathering place for backpackers, with names very similar to Don Khong/Dongkong Island, one without nasal sounds and the other with, so be sure to distinguish them when asking for directions, preferably with a map in hand. On Dongkuan Island, there is a small waterfall connected to a quiet and white beach (known as the Beach by backpackers), where you can swim and play in the clear river water in front of the beach. Note that there are more rocks in the water near the shore.

(2) The "Little Angkor" in Laos is located in WATPHUCHAMPASAK

Located 8 kilometers southeast of Champasak County, ticket price: 0.65 USD/5000 Kip, opening hours: 8am to 4:30pm. This is a famous Hindu temple site in Laos, and Angkor Wat in Cambodia is also called the two major historic sites in **. It is a holy place with a great feeling and atmosphere. The site is located at the foot of Pu'er Mountain, about 50 kilometers south of the capital of Champasac Province, Barcelona. It is relatively large, about 800 meters long, and divided into three areas. The earliest area is the ruins of the Laotian dynasty palace next to the pond. The annual Vapu Temple Fair (usually in February) attracts worshippers from Laos and Thailand. After passing through the palace ruins, there is a main road of over 300 meters leading to the second area in the middle. There are two square temple corridor ruins used for Hindu worship here. The temple corridor, built in the 6th century AD, was constructed with large stones. Although it has collapsed, the carvings on the pillars, lintels, and corners are still clearly visible, resembling the temple architecture of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. After passing through the sacrificial temple corridor, there is a stone paved avenue and stone steps of over 300 meters leading to the last area on the mountainside - the main temple of the temple. On both sides of the ancient stone steps, towering trees covered in bright flowers tilt towards the sky, with simple yet tangible branches and winding roots that blend seamlessly with equally aged boulders. People seem to shuttle back and forth in a tunnel of time and space.

(3) Bolaven Plateau

The main coffee plantation in Laos has many tribal villages and beautiful waterfalls. The two most famous waterfalls are Tat Fan and Tat Luo. There are elephant rides at Tadlo Resort near the Dalo Falls. To reach the Fan Waterfall, you can take a car in Paksong near the waterfall and then transfer to another car; To reach the Luo Waterfall, you can take a car in Pakse to Muang Lao Ngam near the waterfall, and then transfer to another car.

(4) Savannakhet

A small town with a leisurely and tropical atmosphere, it is a must pass for entering and leaving Laos through Lao Bao in Vietnam, and is worth a day's stay.

Commodity prices

The main products are ore, electricity, wood, coffee, tea, etc., and the overall prices are relatively high. The legal currency is Kip, and in October 2023, the exchange rate between Kip and the US dollar is around 23000:1. The US dollar and Thai baht are tradable. Shopping is mainly paid in cash, and there are POS machines in large stores in major cities such as Vientiane. Main banks and contact information: BCEL（00856-21-213200）、STB（00856-21-241559）、SIAM COMMERCIAL BANK（00856-21-213500）、LV BANK（00856-21-251418）、JOINT DEVELOPMENT BANK（00856-21-213531）。

Insurance Medical

Main insurance companies and contact information: TOKO ASSURANCES（00856-21-264712）、AGL ASSURANCES（00856-21-215903）、LV ASSURANCES（00856-21-264972）。 Medical conditions are poor, and it is recommended to return to China or seek treatment in Thailand for serious illnesses or illnesses. The main diseases are common tropical diseases such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, dengue fever and malaria. Please pay attention to mosquito prevention measures.

Customs taboos

Etiquette: In interpersonal communication, most Laotians have a sincere attitude and treat others with humility. When meeting others in social activities, the most common greeting they perform is the 'ten fold' ceremony. In external communication or social occasions where young people are predominant, Laotians sometimes use the handshake ceremony. However, the vast majority of women are still accustomed to using the ritual of joining hands. Laotian women tend to show extreme deference in social settings. In general, they do not walk horizontally in front of guests. When delivering items to customers, they usually adopt a squatting position and sometimes even kneel in front of them.

There is a traditional blessing ritual among Laotian people - tying strings. The scope of Lao people's rope tying is very wide, including welcoming and seeing off guests, weddings and celebrations, festivals, and going on long journeys. The main function of tying a string is to bind the soul, dispel evil and misfortune, and gather blessings and good fortune. After tying the cord, it is best to let it fall off on its own, and it should be worn for at least three days for it to be effective. When Laotians give themselves the courtesy of tying their cords, do not forget to greet them with a bow of ten on the spot.

In general, Laotians refer to each other as relatives or add certain friendly or respectful titles before each other's names. For example, "Tan" meaning "sir", "Lao" meaning "grandpa", "Ba" meaning "grandma", "Ao" meaning "uncle", "Na" meaning "grandma", "Ai" meaning "big brother", and so on.

Taboo: Most Laotians live in areas close to rivers and streams, and have strict regulations on the use of river water near villages: the upper section is a place for drinking water, and bathing or laundry is not allowed; The middle section is where men take showers, while the lower section is where women take showers. When fetching water, as long as there are public utensils such as bamboo tubes at the water source, one cannot use their own utensils to directly scoop the water. There are also differences in indoor water use. Generally speaking, water from small bamboo tubes or gourds is mostly used for drinking and cannot be used for washing things.

There are not many public toilets in Laotian cities. In rural areas, it is customary to have no toilets and to urinate or defecate in relatively concealed places such as bamboo forests, shrubs, etc. However, it is not allowed to urinate or defecate by the river, rice fields, vegetable fields, orchards, or in pig or cow stables. Shoes must be taken off when entering the old tribe's house, and outsiders are not allowed to enter the inner room. Indoors, it is not allowed to spit or bake shoes and socks by the fire pit, and it is not allowed to sit, lie or place objects at the altar. After entering the house, people usually sit on the ground without facing others with their feet. Men often cross their knees, while women cross their knees and place their feet to the side. When talking, one should not pass through people, especially women. If it is necessary to do so, bow down and say 'sorry'. Respect and pay attention to etiquette towards the elderly.

In addition, Laos has many other taboos in daily life, such as the fact that the top of the head is the most prestigious place and cannot touch the heads of others, especially children. This is very different from the customs of some ethnic groups in China. When entering the Buddhist temple, take off your shoes, do not touch the Buddha statue casually, and do not kill, cut down Bodhi trees, Chinese toon trees, or anything else in or near the temple. It is not allowed to take anything from the temple outside, let alone bring things that monks are prohibited from eating such as dog meat, horse meat, snake meat, and alcohol into the temple. Outsiders are not allowed to dine with monks. Water from ponds, water tanks, or pots in Buddhist temples can be consumed by outsiders, but they cannot drink water from monks' kettles unless it is given to them by monks. Thatched grass, bamboo, and other materials near the village are essential for construction, and most of them already have owners, so they cannot be cut down casually.

Communications Power

The Internet penetration rate in Laos is not high, mainly distributed in cities above the county seat. Mobile phones are widely used in Laos, mostly with 3G and 4G signals. In rural areas, the signal is poor or even non-existent.

The power interface is international two plug, with a standard voltage of 220V.

Domestic calls to Laos:

Fixed telephone: 00856- (area code without 0) - number

Mobile phone: 00856-20- Mobile number

Please consult the main carrier for the cost of making phone calls:

TIGO

ETL: www.etllao.com

LTC: www.laotel.com

Unitel: www.unitel.com.la

contact information

Hospital Information

Laos Friendship Hospital 00856-21-710006-102

Mahoso Hospital in Laos 00856-21-214018

Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital 00856-30-5715738 (duty room)

Luang Prabang China Hospital 00856-1621 (emergency), 00856-71-213166 (office), 00856-20-55772738 (director)

Luang Prabang International Hospital 00856-1620 (emergency), 00856-71-213272 (emergency), 00856-20-59085999 (director)

Udomxay Shenglong Hospital 00856-81-211777 (Office), 00856-20-55680888 (Dean)

Nanta Provincial Hospital 00856-86-211752 (Monday to Friday), 00856-86-211753 (Emergency)

Boqiao Provincial Hospital 00856-84-211048 (Emergency)

Fengshali Provincial Hospital 00856-88-212050 (emergency), 00856-88-212026 (emergency)

Huapan Provincial Hospital 00856-64-312858 (Emergency)

EMERGENCY CALL

Fire alarm hotline 1190

Bandit police phone number 1191

Emergency ambulance 1195

Huazhu Center 1628

BANK INFORMATION

Main banks and contact information:

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Vientiane Branch (ICBC): 00856-21-258888

Bank of Foreign Trade of Laos (BCEL): 00856-21-213200

Old China Bank (LCNB): 00856-21-418888

STB：00856-21-241559

SIAM COMMERCIAL BANK：00856-21-213500

LV BANK：00856-21-251418

JOINT DEVELOPMENT BANK：00856-21-213531

Hotel Information

Wanxiang:

Don Chan Hotel (five-star) 00856-21-244288

Lao Plaza Hotel (five-star) 00856-21-218808

Landmark Hotel (five-star) 00856-21-2668888

Mekong Hotel 00856-21-212938

Ankang Hotel 00856-21-900011

Luang Prabang:

Luang Prabang Airport consultation hotline: 00856-71-212172 (office hours: Monday to Friday); Service Center: 1626.

PULLMAN LUANG PRABANG 00856-71-211112

LUANG PRABANG VIEW 00856-71-260560

Manoluck Hotel 00856-71-212250

Ba Se:

Champasak Palac Hotel 00856-31-212263

Shawan Najib:

Phonpaseud Hotel 00856-41-212158