- 01
Thailand promotes itself as amazing, Vietnam can well be described as bustling, Cambodia's Khmer temples are awe-inspiring, Myanmar's junta is barbaric... but the adjective most often... »
- 02
Northern Laos (Ban Nalan Trail, Bokeo Nature Reserve, Houay Xai, Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha, Muang Ngoi Neua, Muang Long, Muang Ngeun, Muang Xay, Nong Khiaw, Pakbeng, Vieng Phoukha) hilltribe... »
- 03
Vientiane — the still sleepy capital on the banks of the Mekong RiverHuay Xai — in the north, on the Mekong and the border with ThailandLuang Namtha — capital of the north, known... »
- 04
Russians, Japanese, Swiss and ASEAN nationals including Malaysia, Singapore and Philippines can enter Laos "visa free" www.mofa.gov.la; all other tourists need a visa in the form of a tourist visa... »
- 05
State carrier Lao Airlines www.laoairlines.com has a near-monopoly on domestic flights, a dodgy safety history in the past, but a good safety record now. The fairly comprehensive network is by... »
- 06
The official language of Laos is Lao, a tonal language closely related to Thai. Thanks to ubiquitous Thai broadcast media most Lao understand Thai fairly well, but it's worth learning a few... »
- 07
Rock ClimbingThe limestone karst formations in Northern Laos are ideal for rock climbing. Vang Vieng is the main rock-climbing centre but climbs are also possible further north at Nong Khiaw and... »
- 08
The Lao currency is the kip, which is non-convertible (outside Laos), unstable and generally inflationary. Approximate exchange rates as of March 2011 are 1 euro = 11,000 kip, 1 GBP = 13,000, 1... »
- 09
Lao cuisine is very similar to the food eaten in the north-eastern Isaan region of Thailand: being very spicy, more often bitter than sweet, and using lots of fresh herbs and vegetables served... »
- 10
The national drink of Laos is the ubiquitous and tasty Beer Lao, made with Laotian jasmine rice and one of the few Lao exports.It maintains an almost mythical status amongst travellers and world... »
- 11
Crime levels are low in Laos, although petty theft (bag snatching) is not unknown and keeps rising with grave unability of authorities to prevent it. Some reports of robery at gunpoint surface... »
