Laos - attractions, interesting facts and places, culture, nature, traditions. The currency of Laos or the monetary unit of Laos. The Mekong River on the border of the country of Laos and Thailand

I first came to Laos experienced traveler and, frankly, not particularly counting on some stunning discoveries. In a way, I was right. Laos is an indicative and traditional Southeast Asia, reminiscent of Cambodia and at the same time. And at the same time, it's completely independent world with its own special charm.

I thought a lot about what is the very highlight of Laos, what is the reason for its extraordinary attractiveness. My personal conclusion, which does not pretend to be objective, is that the secret of Laos is in its extraordinary sincerity, simple charm and phenomenal goodwill. This is what you feel everywhere, in every corner of the country.

And one more thing: knocking down the natural beauty of the country. Everything is here: waterfalls, rivers, caves. Laos, in my opinion, is more than worth a visit. It is a place of great beauty and kindness.

Visa and border crossing

Visa-free entry

If you are planning a trip up to 15 days, you do not need a visa to Laos. When crossing the border, you just need to present a passport, the validity of which must be at least 6 months after arrival in the country. Sometimes an officer may ask for a return ticket or a hotel reservation, but neither I nor anyone in line at the airport was ever asked for anything extra.

Visa at the consulate

If you are going to Laos for a period of 16 days to a month, you need to apply for a visa at the consulate in advance.

Required documents for applying for a visa at the consulate:

• passport valid for at least 6 months,
• 2 completed questionnaires in English,
• 2 photos, black and white or color, 4x6 cm.

A regular visa is issued in 3 days, an urgent visa in 1 day. Consular fee for a regular visa - 20 USD, for an urgent visa - 40 USD.
A visa is issued for a period of 16 days to 1 month and is valid for entry into the country for 90 days from the date of issue.

Customs regulations in Laos

Everything is pretty standard. Allowed duty-free import:

• 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco,
• 1 liter of strong alcohol and 2 liters of wine,
• 250 ml. toilet water and 50 ml. spirits,
• camera or video camera
• movie camera,
• record player,
• radio,
• sports equipment and tent,
• baby carriage.

Prohibited for import:

• weapon,
• explosive, poisonous and flammable substances,
• drugs.

There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currency, however, cash in the amount of more than $ 2,000 must be declared. The import of Lao currency into the country is prohibited, so do not change money in advance.

How to get there

Airplane is the only way to get from Russia to Laos.

Tourist regions

Laos is usually divided into northern, central and southern parts. Each of them, in turn, is divided into regions, which are called "khwengi" in the local language. There are 16 khwengs in total in Laos.

Northern Laos

The north of Laos, despite its sad history (wars, bombings), is the most touristic part of the country. Firstly, the landscape here is of amazing beauty: mountains and hills. Secondly, it seems to me that it is in the north that one feels the "self" of Laos, its amazing soul. For many years, the northern regions were isolated from the rest of the country and, probably, therefore, they retained their original spirit and ancient architecture. It is in the north that you can find mysterious caves, tribes speaking unknown languages, and untouched, purest nature. I recommend to visit the following northern kwaengs:

• Luang Prabang- in my opinion, the region number one for travelers. You can go here with a large company and everyone will find an attraction for themselves. I recommend that nature lovers immediately go to the stunning Kuang Si waterfalls with turquoise water in the lagoon. History buffs can make a river pilgrimage to the most interesting Buddhist caves of Pak Ou at the confluence of the Mekong and Ou rivers. Lovers of cities and walks should spend a few days in the capital of the region with the same name, with beautiful colonial architecture and quiet streets.

• Xiangkhuang- Khweng, famous for only one place of power, but what a place! Not far from the administrative center of the region, the city of Phonsavan, there is the mysterious Valley of Jars - an incredible place in terms of energy, where hundreds of ancient stone jugs of unknown origin are spread over a vast territory. If you are at least somewhat interested in archeology, history and simply unusual phenomena in the world, you should by no means miss the Valley of Pitchers!

• Phongsali is located in the far north of the country. Travelers don't get there very often. I was only once, literally a couple of days, and was delighted with the ancient villages, tea gardens, real original tribes that carefully preserve their culture. If you want to see a truly unexplored part of the country, with primordial traditions, Phongsali is hard to find better.

• Sayyabuli- the subject of eternal disputes between Laos and Thailand. It is here, in the Paklay region, that the Elephant Festival takes place every February. Unfortunately, I never came across it, but many of my travel acquaintances told me that it was something fantastic: carnivals, music concerts, fireworks, performances, the selection of the elephant of the year, elephant coronations.

• Bocau- the smallest province in the north, known primarily for its minerals: precious and semi-precious stones. For travelers, information is useful that the capital of Khwenga, the city of Huaisai, is a popular border checkpoint leading to the neighboring one.

Central Laos

The center of the country is also quite famous among travelers, if only because it is here that the capital and the backpacker village of Vang Vieng are located. I will single out the following central khwengi for visiting:

• - the capital region, which is difficult to bypass. This is the main transport hub of the country. All roads lead here. Just above the capital is the center of all active entertainment Vang Vieng, which I recommend for visiting all lovers of rafting, hiking, hiking and other sports and provocative recreation.

• Savannakhet is a nice and rather touristy region. Its eponymous capital is the country's second most populated city, which is known for its colonial architecture, but I personally love the interesting mixture of Lao and Vietnamese culture. There are many local agencies in Savannakhet that offer eco-treks in the forests lasting one, two or three days. I went on a hike under the funny name "Dinosaur Tracks" and I really liked it: clean air, authentic Lao outdoor dining, a fun local guide.

Southern Laos

If northern Laos seems to me to be exceptionally original, then the south, on the contrary, attracts with a curious mixture of cultures and traditions. It is literally surrounded on all sides by colorful neighboring countries: Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. In addition, the nature here is very diverse: plains prevail in the western part, mountains in the eastern part. In general, it is for nature, in my opinion, that one should go to Southern Laos. This is the real focus of waterfalls, rivers and forests.

• Champasak- definitely the main tourist region of the south. After all, it is here that the most significant part of the Bolaven Plateau is located - a gigantic territory consisting of waterfalls, jungles, inland rivers and tea villages. I rode the Plateau for several days on a motorbike, and this is one of the unforgettable Lao experiences. Of interest, in my opinion, is the capital of the province of Pakse. In fact, the main city of the South is a peaceful and quiet village. But I, for one, really like to walk along its measured, once Franco-colonial streets.

• Saravan- these are magnificent mountains, waterfalls, interesting ethnic villages. Not the most explored part of Laos, but at the same time, not devoid of tourist infrastructure. Fans of cities, elegant walks along the embankment and beautiful cafes have nothing to do here. But for real connoisseurs wildlife and tribes, I highly recommend Saravan!

Top cities

Here I want to immediately note that Laos is a country famous, first of all, for its natural resources. There are few cities in Laos. Yes, and those that are - although very pretty, but small and comprehensible in a day or two each.

Vientiane

It is customary to scold the capital of Laos on what the light stands: the architecture is inexpressive, the colonial buildings are in a dilapidated state, the city's Mekong River looks like a dirty canal. To tell the truth, it is.

And yet I want to protect Vientiane. Yes, it looks more like a village than a city, much less a capital. Roosters walk along the dirty streets, in the evenings the population sits on plastic chairs and watches TV taken out of the cafe. Even before midnight, life stops and everyone goes to sleep. There are lines on every corner for lottery tickets, which is almost always a sure sign of a poor country. But this is all at the same time the charm of the capital of Laos, its simple charm. There are no signs of globalization here. Even McDonald's.

In Vientiane, in my opinion, you can have a great time for 2-3 days, if you do not place capital hopes on it. This is a nice and simple, provincial town in its energy with its joys.

I highly recommend renting a bike. They are rented on the embankment and the neighborhoods closest to it. The price is ridiculous - about 2 USD per day. The traffic in the city is calm, you can move around it at your own pace. I recommend taking a map with Buddhist monasteries marked on it and going to them. They are very pretty in their own right and are found on the greenest, quietest, cozy streets Vientiane.

Luang Prabang

A charming town in northern Laos that I highly recommend visiting. There are many reasons for that. The first is temples. There are 32 monasteries for fifty thousand people. They are really very beautiful, even luxurious: with golden roofs, colored glass mosaics, amazing ornaments. What I liked very much is that you don’t have to look for monasteries on purpose, you don’t have to travel from one part of the city to another. You can just walk, and they themselves come across on the way.

In general, in Luang Prabang, in my opinion, you should not draw up any routes. You just need to leave the hotel at dawn and all the most interesting things will find you. On my first visit, I spontaneously went to the city at six in the morning to breathe in the cool air and immediately saw the ceremony of feeding the monks with rice. Later it turned out that this is a fairly well-known local tradition in which you can participate.

Luang Prabang, in my opinion, is an incredibly charming city in Laos. It is clean, calm, there are many wonderful narrow streets with colonial houses, a good evening market, a well-equipped embankment of the great Mekong River.

I must warn you: Luang Prabang has a phenomenal tourist crowd. Much more than in the rest of the country. This is not a lost, almost unknown paradise place. On the contrary, the real center of tourism in Laos. And yet, it's really nice to be here even a day, even a month.

Vang Vieng

According to my observations, in almost every poor country with a good climate there is a village chosen by backpackers (travelers with backpacks). Whether it is, or Southeast Asia, the recent history of such villages is about the same. They are always in very picturesque places. At some point, hippies discover them, live there peacefully for a while. Then, little by little, European youth wandering on holidays begins to arrive. Bars, guest houses, travel agencies, scooter and bicycle rentals are opening. The hippies find a new place, the village is included in the list of fun hangouts in all alternative guidebooks and almost completely switched to tourist service. Vang Vieng is the Laotian version of the backpacker mecca.

I’ll start my short story about him with the fact that Vang Vieng has really beautiful nature. From the window of each guest house you can see the stunning mountains of Laos, along which different trekking options are laid. In general, Vang Vieng offers a whole range of active entertainment: rafting, tubing, kayaking, cave exploration, bungee jumping, hot air ballooning.

I first tried tubing and it's really worth it! No special skills are required there. I was placed in a car cell and sent for two hours down the Nam Song River to observe the wonderful surrounding landscapes.

In the evenings in Vang Vieng, everyone watches the Friends series, such a tradition here, and drinks in numerous bars. My opinion about Vang Vieng is twofold. On the one hand, this is a place where you are a tourist among tourists and do not feel the true breath of the country. On the other hand, there are really many options for exciting leisure activities in the bosom of stunningly beautiful nature. At least for her sake, Vang Vieng definitely deserves a couple of days.

Pakse

This is the city of Laos, which has many proud statuses: the Center of the South, the Transport Heart of the country. Perhaps this is true, but, according to my impressions, Pakse is a quiet, calm town with a measured life. I walked around it in its entirety in three hours. The streets are quite clean, there are several French-style colonial houses.

Attractions, to be honest, can be counted in one, two, three. I advise you to see beautiful Buddhist temples: Wat Luang (in the historical center of the city), Wat Phabat (closer to the outskirts). If you have time, you can visit the Champasak Province History Museum (its capital is Pakse).

By the evening of the first day, I seem to have seen everything in Pakse that is quite natural for this town. Pakse is famous all over Asia historical center, but with its surroundings, with national parks, coffee and tea plantations, the ruins of ancient temples. You can take inexpensive local excursions to them or go around everything on your own on a motorbike.

Tyampatsak

Very, very peaceful and quiet town on the banks of the Mekong River. He is so calm that the barking of a dog or the signal of a car seemed to me an event in him.

Nevertheless, the language does not dare to call Tyampatsak a completely lost, unknown province. There are tourists in it, there are hotels, the main street with charming colonial architecture, shops and pleasant cafes on the waterfront.

And yet the secret why Champatsak attracts travelers lies not in the city itself, but in its suburbs.

Just 8 kilometers from Champatsak is Wat Phu - the only temple of the Khmer era in Laos that has survived. I got to Wat Phu by tuk-tuk, but along the way I saw Europeans on mopeds and bicycles.

Wat Phu itself is not at all a big and rather modest temple, but I remember the road to it very much: mountains, lakes, large stone steps. So, I can safely recommend Champatsak to visit. Especially for connoisseurs of history, nature and silence.

Savannakhet

In brochures with tours of Laos, Savannakhet is called the “Pearl of Southern Laos” or “Southern Luang Prabang”. I wouldn't speak so loudly.

Savannakhet is a charming city, but more with a sweet village flavor than some pretentious pretensions. However, the French colonial style prevails in the center, with parks and wide boulevards. But on the outskirts you can find real Asia, with narrow streets and chaotic trade.

The main thing that caught my eye in Savannakhet was a huge number of Vietnamese. It seems that there are more of them than Laotians. All synthetic crops are interesting. Therefore, I quite liked Savannakhet as an example of a mixture of two traditions and peoples.

Islands

There is no sea in Laos, and this is one of the main reasons why tourism in Laos is much less developed than in neighboring countries of Southeast Asia. But in the very south of Laos there are river islands, which have long been chosen by tourists from all over the world. In the local language, they are called Si Pha Don, which means “4000 islands”.

Of course, I didn’t visit all 4000, but I’ll tell you about those that I managed to visit. In fact, inhabited islands in Laos there are not even a dozen. Those that exist are located on the Mekong River and have all the necessary tourist infrastructure.

To be honest, you should not expect something extraordinary and special from the islands of Laos. They are more likely to relax and rest during the trip, rather than to get a rich and varied experience.

I spent all my days there in a similar way: I lived in a bungalow, watched the reddish water of the great Mekong from a hammock, looked at palm trees and sailing boats, in the evenings I sat in a cafe and admired the sunset. Actually, everyone lives there: quietly, peacefully and happily.

• Don Det- my favorite of the islands of Laos. Perhaps the reason lies in the fact that I visited it very first. Anyway, the place is very pretty. I came to Don Det from Pakse, three hours by bus and then by ferry. Besides me, there were 10 other passengers on the boat. You don’t need to book accommodation on Don Dete in advance, I found everything on the spot. The choice is huge: every house on the island is a guesthouse, a shop or a cafe. There are many European tourists, but there is also a chance to observe the local way of life. Laotians in this region work from morning to night in the rice fields, but cheerfully, to the music and with a smile. On Don Det you can rent a bicycle, it costs a dollar a day, and the pleasure is great. On the first day, I traveled all over the island far and wide. The next - reached neighboring island Don Khon.

• Don Khon- connected to Don Det by an old stone French bridge. Tourism in Laos is already sufficiently developed, so they charge about 3 USD to cross the bridge. Don Khon is very similar to Don Det, but it seemed to me that it offers more active entertainment: a trip to waterfalls, kayaking, boat trips to dolphins.

• Don Khong- This is the largest island of Laos (18 km long and 8 km wide). As many as 55 thousand people live on it. While in the capital of Laos - 210 thousand. Don Khong has the reputation of a respectable island. They say that penniless travelers come to Don Det and neighboring Don Khon, and connoisseurs of comfort with money come to Don Khong. I was on Don Khong for only a couple of days and did not notice any special pathos there: the same slowly flowing days, where the main event is sunset. Maybe just a little cleaner and more expensive. The main villages on the island, where you can come at least for a day, at least for a year, are the trading Muang Saen on the west coast and the sluggish Muang Khong on the east.

Top attractions

• Triumphal arch of Patusai- this is the first attraction of Laos, which I once saw in the country. And I don't think I'm alone. For she is the crown central avenue capital Langsang. The area around the arch is an extremely pretty, pleasant and well-groomed place, with palm trees and a fountain. There are always a lot of tourists there, but what can you do: all excursions in the capital of Laos begin from the Patusai arch. This is a building of a completely European type, dedicated to the soldiers who died in the struggle for the independence of Laos from France. What is noteworthy: the Patusai arch was built with the money of the French government. I advise you to go up to the observation deck at the top of the arch, from there you can see beautiful view to Vientiane. You can also make a touristic, but pleasant gesture: buy a bird in a cage in the shop below, make a wish at the top and release it. It seems to be nothing special, but after that I had a very pleasant and bright feeling. In the evenings, the arch and surrounding trees are lit up like Christmas trees. Asia has always been partial to garlands.

• Buddha Park This is a kind of sculpture park. It contains the most diverse and sometimes very atypical Buddha statues. The park fascinated me. This is the real center of Laos culture. On the same territory, you can see dozens of interpretations of a single image and once again realize how diverse and great the human imagination and ways of its embodiment. In addition, in the park you can see the heroes of Indian mythology, which is actually a huge rarity for Laos. As the park staff explained to me, the author of the idea was a supporter of a special religious direction that combines Hinduism and Buddhism. The park is quite small in size, I walked around it in an hour. Most importantly, do not miss among the sculptures a three-story ball with windows resembling a pumpkin. You can go inside and go up to the observation deck. Inside the pumpkin is also very interesting, but I will not reveal all the secrets. Another important point: you need to plan a visit to the park during the daytime, at 4 days it closes.

• Temple Pha That Luang- a place that, in my opinion, must be visited, if only because it is depicted on the coat of arms of the country. But this, of course, is not the main reason. Pha That Luang seemed to me one of the most beautiful Buddhist stupas in all of Laos. The structure consists of three levels and resembles a golden pyramid. I arrived on a sunny day and the stupa shimmered beautifully against the blue sky. The entrance turned out to be paid, but symbolic - about 0.3 USD. I advise you to carefully check the opening hours, the main symbol of Laos is closed in the evenings.

• Kuang Si Waterfall This is a place of amazing beauty, a real paradise. The most important thing that I remember: the extraordinary turquoise color of the water in the lagoon, where all the streams flow. Something like Pamukkale in Turkey. Around the waterfall - forest and silence. Trees grow right out of the water. Kuang Si is the perfect day out.

• Valley of pitchers(near Phonsavan) - in my opinion, one of the most mystical places in the country. Just imagine: a huge field dotted with thousands of stone blocks in the form of pitchers. Moreover, this is not some kind of tourist speculation. Indeed, each stone has clear proportions of a jug. Historians have not established the exact origin and purpose of the jugs. It is said that these could have been burial urns, containers for making rice wine or storing water. If you are interested in ancient history and its mysteries, the Valley of Jars is the number one place to visit. And for ordinary fans of walking in strange and ambiguous places, this is a great option for the day.

• Bolaven Plateau(Pakse neighborhood) - in my opinion, these are the largest and most impressive landscapes in the whole country. I traveled around the plateau on a motorbike for about three days and could not be surprised. Beyond the dense jungle beautiful waterfalls and rivers, along the way there are coffee and tea plantations, endless fields and pastures, villages with friendly locals and delicious coffee.

• Pak Ou Caves- a very interesting and unusual place, in my opinion. 2 stone caves on the river, filled with a variety of Buddha figurines brought here by pilgrims and residents of the nearby city of Luang Prabang. There are about 4,000 of them here - from 10 cm to three meters high! Candles and incense are lit everywhere. local guide he said that monks used to live in the caves, and the king himself came to pray a couple of times. The highlight of Pak Ou is that it can only be reached by boat.

Weather

In Laos, the division of the year into two seasons is quite typical for Southeast Asia: dry (November-April) and rainy (May-October). I always try to travel around the country in December-January. It's a peak though tourist season, but the most pleasant months in terms of weather. During the day the temperature is 25-27 degrees, at night 15-17.

Once I came to Laos in April and it was a real nightmare. The heat reached 40 degrees. The same in May. In the rainy summer months, you can also travel, but not in mountainous areas. The already disgusting roads are very washed out. All transport costs.

Once again, the golden climatic Lao months: December and January. If possible, plan your trip during this time.

Money

The monetary unit of Laos is called kip and is designated as LAK.
The kip is not a very strong and popular currency. It is impossible to change it somewhere other than Laos. Yes, and in Laos it is difficult to carry out, for example, a reverse exchange: from bales to dollars. Therefore, I advise you to change money little by little.

Dollars are very popular in Laos. It makes sense to go to the country only with them, the euro is poorly known here. Today, for one dollar you will get 8166 Lao kip. Keep in mind that when exchanging large bills (50 and 100), the exchange rate is slightly better.

You can change currency at all banks, exchange offices, hotels in Laos. Banks are usually open from Monday to Friday (from 8:00 to 17:00). Exchange offices are open every day, but the rate there is worse.

If you came to Laos from neighboring Thailand, do not rush to change money. Thai baht is also in use here, especially in the tourist areas and resorts of Laos.

Visa, American Express and MasterCard plastic cards are not very common in the country and are accepted only in large hotels Laos, restaurants and shops. ATMs are available only in big cities, resorts of Laos and tourist area. From the point of view of conversion, in all of Asia it is more profitable to pay with a Visa card. MasterCard is more suitable for traveling within Europe.

Moving around the country

I want to warn you right away that transport links are rather poorly developed in Laos. Worse than in most Southeast Asian countries. There are many options for moving between cities, but you should not expect a fixed schedule, comfort and clear ticket prices. The main thing is to treat everything with humor.

Airplane

In Laos, everything is in order with domestic airlines: the country has 52 airports and a solid national airline, Lao Airlines. But, to be honest, I, like all my acquaintances acquired during the trip, did not fly by local planes. Firstly, they are much more expensive than buses and ferries. Yes, and somehow there is no desire to fly planes around Laos. Too picturesque country, do not want to miss the wonderful views from the window.

Train

You can forget about trains in Laos. There are no internal railways in the country.

Bus

According to my observations, this is the most common way to move around the country. Buses run between all important villages and cities of Laos. These can be options familiar to us (with a roof and chairs) or completely exotic options: open trucks with benches in the back.

I traveled in two types of covered buses: with seats and with sleeping berths. I can say for sure that the usual seated version, although it seems less comfortable at first, but in the end I liked it much more.

The so-called sleeper bus has only double shelves, and they are very narrow (about a meter wide). If you are traveling alone, you will have to sleep in close quarters with a complete stranger. In populous Asia, there are special concepts of personal space, and this kind of neighborhood seems absolutely normal.

• The roads in Laos are mountainous, sometimes not paved. Get ready for what can be very rocking. I always took a bottle of water with me, into which I squeezed lime juice without sparing. Helps a lot.
• Buses are often incredibly cold. The "sleepers" have a thin cover, but it does not help much. Take everything warm that you have into the cabin. I carried wide tape everywhere and glued the air conditioner over me. This is the only salvation.
• When buying a ticket, be sure to specify whether meals are included in the trip. Often this is a delicious local noodle soup, which can be very pleasing on the road.
• You can safely buy tickets at travel agency rather than at the train station. The difference is minimal, you will spend much less time and effort.
• Keep in mind that in Laos you can carry absolutely everything on the bus. Locals travel with roosters, chickens, tons of vegetables and fruits. It didn't annoy me at all, but rather amused me.

Ferry

There are a lot of large rivers in Laos, not only the great Mekong. Therefore, ferries are one of the top types public transport. Usually, speedboats also run along the ferry routes. They are faster, more compact, more comfortable and, accordingly, more expensive.

I took a speedboat from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. Besides me, there were 6 other passengers on the boat. We started early in the morning and sailed around 11 o'clock. The ticket cost 20 USD one way. I got very sick. Since then, I swore off moving on water and traveled all over the country on buses and a moped.

Moped and bike

In Laos, renting mopeds and bicycles is extremely popular. You can take them in almost every city and go around all the neighborhoods on your own. This is very convenient, because most of the country's attractions are of a natural nature. You can’t reach them on foot from the city, it’s difficult to drive by car (the roads are narrow), a moped is a great option. When renting, you will be asked to leave a passport or money as a deposit and they will definitely ask for your rights.

Automobile

You can rent a car in the main cities of Laos: Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse. But this service is very poorly developed and no one uses it. Let me remind you that more than half of the roads in Laos do not have an asphalt surface. In addition, car rental is quite expensive - from 50 USD. It is more economical to take a daily taxi.

Taxi

Taxis in Laos can be hired both for a separate trip and for the whole day (about 20 USD). There are no fixed prices, so be sure to negotiate before getting into the car. In my experience, the charge per kilometer is usually half a dollar. There is also a local variety of motorcycle taxi - "jambos". These are three-wheeled motorcycles with a roof and benches. You won't get far on them, but for short trips - an authentic and fun option.

Connection

There are many pay phones on the streets of Laos. Most often I saw them near banks, shops and on the main city avenues. However, I can't recommend them for calls. It turns out very expensive. The machines operate on a card system. Phone cards cost 3-6 USD and are enough for just a little bit. Once I ran out of a card already during the beeps, even before the connection. You can call from post offices, but this is not very profitable either: from 2 USD per minute.

There is only one way out: buy a local SIM card in any communication store. It's very easy, the choice of SIM cards is large. You only need to have your passport with you. The main local cellular operators are Lao Telecommunications and Millicom Lao. If desired, you can connect 3G. The quality of the connection depends on the location. In cities (especially in the capital) excellent, in mountain regions may be hard to hear.

Oddly enough, everything is fine with wi-fi in Laos. It is provided free of charge in almost all hotels in Laos, even very inexpensive ones. You can also access the network from virtually every cafe, especially in tourist regions. I want to warn you that the speed of the Internet ranges from unbearably low to quite decent. Everything depends on luck.

Language and communication

Laos has a very interesting situation with languages. Official language in the country - Lao, or Lao. It is similar to Thai and has many internal variations (about 5 dialects and 70 dialects). If you don't speak Thai or Vietnamese, it's impossible to understand even the slightest bit of Lao. I didn’t remember anything except the greeting “Sabaidi”.

The French language helps a lot in traveling around the country. After all, Laos is the former French colony. I don't speak French, but I was good at English. The population of Laos understands it well throughout the tourist area.

10 phrases you need to know:

• Yes - wow.
• No - Bo.
• Hello Sabide.
• How are you doing? – Thiau sabaidi bo?
• What is your name? “Thiao sy nyang?”
• My name is Khoy sy.
• Good morning Sabaidi tonsau.
• Good afternoon - Sabaidi tonbai.
• Please (please) - Kaluna.
• Thank you - Khop thai.

Features of the mentality

It is difficult for me to give a clear definition of the Lao mentality of the people of Laos. I will say this: it is obvious that originally they are incredibly kind, hospitable, open, gentle and calm people.

But wars, colonization and poverty left their mark. Corruption is rampant in the country. For every piece of paper and service, the inhabitants of Laos extort money. This, of course, spoils the impression.

Still, it's nice to be in the country. There is a feeling of some great wisdom naturally emanating from people. And no social cataclysms can stop her.

Food and drink

Lao cuisine is very similar to Thai and Vietnamese. If you have already been to the neighboring countries of Laos, then many dishes will surely seem very familiar to you. The basis of the diet of local residents is rice. It is consumed on its own, as well as a side dish and dessert. I especially liked the Laotian rice stewed in coconut milk with fruit.

The population of Laos loves spices, all local cuisine is spicy and fragrant, with pepper, garlic, mint, lemongrass, basil. Despite the fact that the country has a warm climate, locals eat a lot of meat and soups. Laotians cook delicious noodles, fried and boiled.

Of the drinks, the main one is the famous Lao coffee (delicious!). I would put green tea in second place. Among alcoholic drinks, the best thing to order in the heat is the local BeerLao beer. Tastier than beer, to be honest, I have not tried it in Asia. Rice vodka is also popular. I bought excellent French wine in stores!

shopping

I always bring fabrics of incredible beauty from Laos, local spices, interesting figurines made of stone for gifts and lots and lots of coffee. I don't remember ever shopping in stores. Laos is not. There are no huge shopping malls here. All the best can be found in the numerous markets or by chance on the street.

Vacation with children

What to hide, Laos is an extremely unpopular country for families with children. There is no sea here, the roads are bad, the infrastructure is poor, good hotels little, sanitation suffers.

If you still decide to go to Laos with a child, you should consider some features of the country:

• The locals love children. Not just love, but adore. Strangers on the streets will come up to you to pat your baby on the head, give him candy, a toy, or just play.
• The main thing when traveling with a child is safety issues. Here you need to keep in mind the specific traffic situation in the country: there are practically no rules of the road and asphalt pavement, in cars most often there are no belts. To be honest, I would not risk moving around a lot within the country with a small child. It is better to spend your entire vacation in one city. I would recommend Luang Prabang. It is the most tidy, clean and comfortable.
• As for health, before the trip, it is necessary to make the baby the necessary vaccinations. During the trip, avoid mosquito bites by all possible means (using ointments, nets, sprays). It was in Laos that a mosquito infected a friend of mine with dengue fever. This happened during the rainy season, when the danger is especially high. However, caution does not hurt at any time of the year.
• There are no problems with food for children, in my opinion. Of course, the national food is too spicy. But in the tourist zone, Western cuisine familiar to us is massively represented.

What can be interesting for children in Laos? Certainly not colonial architecture, temples or museums. Number one of the possible children's Lao entertainment, I would put the Elephant Festival in Sainyabuli. True, it is held only three days a year, usually in mid-February. But suddenly lucky!

I have not seen water parks in Laos, only public pools. There are quite a lot of playgrounds in cities, most often they are located along rivers, on embankments.

Summing up, of all the countries in the world, I would definitely not recommend choosing Laos for a vacation with a child. But if that's the case, there's no need to worry. Laos is a poor, but kind and peaceful country in which everything will definitely be fine.

Safety

Laos gives the impression of a poor, but very safe country. Nothing bad has ever happened to me in several long trips around Laos. However, there are certain rules to follow:

• Take good care of your personal belongings. Laos has become very popular country for tourism. This, as usual, caused an increase in petty theft. Be especially vigilant in crowded places: near historical monuments, markets and embankments.
• Drink only bottled water.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Check the map for possible minefields (marked with red flags) and categorically avoid visiting them. Basically, they are located in the eastern part of the country. As in Cambodia, minefields in Laos have been preserved since Vietnam War.
• Do not use drugs, despite their popularity in the country. I will not hide the fact that Laos is a cult drug tourism destination in Southeast Asia. The locals smoke weed on every corner. In almost any cafe from under the floor you can buy whatever your heart desires. The police seem to turn a blind eye to everything. But you don't have to look up to the locals. Tourists have their own rules. For the purchase and use of drugs, you can not only pay serious fines, but also go to jail.

5 things to do in this country

1. Try the famous glutinous rice.
2. Rent a bike in Vientiane.
3. Buy gifts under starry sky at the night market.
4. Drink local beer in the heat, coffee in the shade of the evening coolness.
5. Feed the monks at sunrise in Luang Prabang.

Nearby countries

Laos borders five countries: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, China. There are no railways in Laos, so the most common way to travel from Laos to neighboring countries is by bus.

I will share my experience. I traveled from the capital of Laos to the Vietnamese city of Vinh by sleeping bus. The ticket costs 12 USD, travel time is 16 hours. Moreover, for a significant part of this time, the bus simply stands at the border, at night it is closed.

We left at 18.00, reached the border around midnight, where we slept in a standing bus until the morning. At seven, the guide woke everyone up and sent them to the border guards to put stamps. In total, it took about two hours to cross the border, and we drove the same amount to the final destination. In general, nothing complicated. It seemed to me the most uncomfortable to sleep on the narrow shelves of the bus, they are still designed for the Asian body type.

Laos is really incredibly conveniently located for traveling in Southeast Asia. Therefore, I strongly advise you not to be limited only to them, but to visit neighboring countries. Moreover, you do not need a visa if you are not going to stay there for a long time.

In the center of the Indochina peninsula, a small but many-sided Laos is located - a state that is still little known in mass tourism. Occasionally they go here independent travel exotic lovers. Laos is landlocked, but there are ancient temples, traditional villages hidden in the tropical jungle, mysterious caves, picturesque mountains and an amazing way of life.

Geographic location of Laos

Where the state of Laos is located and with which countries it borders can be clearly seen on the world map. In the northwestern part of the country there is a border with. Thanks to this geolocation, Laos fell into the "golden triangle" at the junction of Thailand and Burma. In terms of area, the country of Laos occupies 236,800 square kilometers. km.

Climatic features and nature of the state

Laos has a subequatorial monsoonal climate. The air temperature in different regions varies depending on the altitude of the area. The average annual summer temperature is +28…+30ºС. In winter, it is noticeably cooler - + 15 ... + 23ºС. In the Mekong area, the hottest period is from April to May. At this time, the air warms up to + 35ºС. It is cool in the mountains all year round: in summer the daytime temperature fluctuates around +29ºС, and in winter it is really frosty - up to +7ºС. Three climatic seasons prevail in Laos: dry hot, wet and dry cool.

Lao nature is striking in its diversity. 50% of the country's territory is occupied by tropical forests: laurels, ferns, palm trees, thickets of bamboo and lagestremia. The relief here is predominantly mountainous. Mount Bia is considered the most majestic, its height reaches 2819 m. The main waterway in Laos is deep river Mekong, and waterfalls delight every traveler. The flora and fauna in northern Laos are unique. Here you can meet huge herds of Indian elephants, tigers, marbled panthers, colorful parrots and peacocks.

Political system and symbolism

In the Lao People's Democratic Republic, the president is the head of state and supreme commander of the armed forces. The highest legislative body is the National Assembly, which elects a new president after a five-year term. State structure in Laos, the Constitution defines the form of government - republican. The country is made up of 16 provinces, a metropolitan prefecture and a municipality. The provinces are divided into 140 districts, which consist of 11,000 communes.

The coat of arms and the flag of Laos look quite interesting. The national shrine of the country is applied to the coat of arms, a section of the wheel of the mechanism is depicted in the lower part. The inscription on the coat of arms on the left means "Independence and Democracy", on the right - "Unity and Prosperity", and in the middle - "People's Democratic Republic Laos". The flag of Laos consists of three horizontally arranged rectangular stripes of blue and red. There is a white circle in the center of the blue rectangle.

Many tourists do not know what currency is used in Laos. The national currency is the Lao kip, which is issued in denominations of 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 LAK. There are no coins in circulation. You can also pay in Thai baht and US dollars. The population of Laos is 6,803,699. The official language of Laos is Lao (Lao), but many locals speak Thai, English and French. The main religion is Buddhism, but some tribes in Laos practice animism. Christians and Muslims meet.

The largest cities in Laos

In this Asian state, there are quite large cities that are especially interesting to visit:

What to see in Laos?

The country has enough attractions like natural origin, as well as man-made. Definitely worth a look:

• temple of the golden city exotic place where the most cherished desires come true;
• in the capital of Laos with its numerous religious sculptures, some reaching 40 m high;
• Bokeo Reserve, created to protect black gibbons. Here you can see elephants, tigers, wild buffaloes and bears;
• the village of Nong Khiawa, which has become one of the most popular tourist destinations due to its picturesque scenery;
• - a historical and archaeological monument in Laos with mysterious objects in the form of jugs;
• Tam Kong Lo - a karst 7-kilometer cave with a luminous sacred pool inside;
• in the south of Laos, widely known for its majestic waterfalls;
• , filled with many Buddha figurines of various shapes and sizes;
• - a historical landmark of Laos, from which only the ruins of an ancient temple complex remained;
• monasteries of Laos, striking tourists with their serenity and unique architecture.

Entertainment and recreation

Laos is a great choice for tourists who like active or calm family holiday. Especially popular are such activities as trekking, rafting, cycling around the outskirts of the country, descents into caves and rafting on the Mekong River. accompanied by an experienced guide, they will give you an acquaintance with stunning landscapes, exotic flora and fauna, ancient religion and fairy culture.

Holidays in the resorts of Laos are different from our usual understanding, and beach holiday not provided here at all. However, there are many unknown mysterious routes. Do not miss the opportunity to get on. Every year in February, a traditional - fantastic spectacle is held, which is accompanied by carnivals, musical performances, performances, fireworks and elephant coronations.

Where should you stay?

Most are 2-4-storey buildings with a standard set of services, pleasant service and rooms in the national style. Currently, the so-called boutique hotels located in Lao villas are becoming more and more popular. The interior of such places of residence is decorated in colonial style, and the time that tourists will spend here promises to be as comfortable as possible.

The most expensive and luxurious hotels are concentrated in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Among them are The Luang Say Residence, Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel, Sofitel Luang Prabang Hotel, The Luang Say Residence and others. Such options include a swimming pool, tennis court, free internet and Wi-Fi. Tourists with a modest budget can stay in cozy and inexpensive hostels in Laos.

Cuisine and restaurants of Laos

The basis is considered to be rice (white, fried and sticky), various spices and sauces. No less popular are noodles, which are used as a side dish or an independent dish. Local residents use a lot of herbs and vegetables in preparing national dishes. A very important place in the cuisine of Laos is occupied by freshwater fish with lime, chili, garlic or mint. In Asian restaurants, you can try chanam tuk beef salad with greens, fish in coconut milk and spicy fried catfish.

You can get to know the local cuisine better by visiting the Makphet restaurant, where you will meet with fried sushi-pa-gnon fish, chicken stuffed with rice and cinnamon. At Lao Kitchen you can enjoy exotic delicacies from squirrels, snakes and lizards. Gourmets should look into Namaste India, Pimenton, Jamil Zahid Punjabi Restaurant. Since there are plenty of restaurants in Laos, the cost of food does not break the wallet. On average, tourists pay no more than $10-15 per person for dinner, and you can eat even cheaper in numerous street cafes.

Shopping features

Like most other Asian countries, Laos is characterized by a fascinating and inexpensive lifestyle. What to buy in the numerous stores of Laos? Local silk, gold and silver jewelry, leather and wood products, embroidered shoes and clothes, as well as various souvenirs and paintings are well sold here. Traveling around Laos, one cannot help but look at local markets, the most famous of which is the capital. It works daily from 07:00 to 16:00. Talat Sao is focused on tourists, so you can buy anything here.

Bargaining is practiced in private shops, souvenir shops and markets, since the initial prices are much higher. Among the interesting facts about Laos, it is worth noting the strange behavior of sellers in the provinces: actively bargaining, they do not reduce the price of a kip. In this case, look at the seller next door, who will be very happy to see you. You can pay with a bank card only in large stores in the country, but in the provinces they are not accepted for payment at all. It is most profitable to exchange currency at a bank.

Safety for tourists

Laos - quite safe country. Violent crime is extremely rare here. Tourists should still be wary of petty thieves and not neglect the basic precautions: do not carry all the cash, jewelry and documents with you. It should also be remembered that unexploded shells lie in the eastern regions of Laos to this day, so it is better to go there with a guide. In addition, you need to take care of your health in advance: get vaccinated against malaria and stock up on mosquito repellents. To call anywhere, use the code +856.

Transport connection

One of the main types is the bus. Between cities within the country, you can travel on tourist buses equipped with air conditioning, TVs and toilets. For short trips, locals and tourists travel by tuk-tuks. Taxi rides are very popular. In Laos, you can easily, motorcycle or bicycle. Prices for this type of service are still relatively high. To save time within the country, you can use by air: Flights between major cities in Laos are operated by Lao Airlines. There is no rail link in the state.

How to get to Laos?

It is most convenient to get into the country by transit flights of Lao Airlines, Thai Airlines and Aeroflot through Thailand, Vietnam, and China. It is best to choose flights through Bangkok. 3 km west of Vientiane is Laos International Airport, Wattay. You can also get into the state by land, crossing the border with China and Thailand. The question of whether a visa is needed to Laos worries every traveler. A visa is not required to visit the country for up to 15 days.

There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency, but the amount of more than $2000 will have to be declared. But the export and import national currency, weapons, drugs, explosives and poisonous substances is prohibited. Duty-free import applies to cigars (up to 500 pieces), tobacco (up to 500 g), jewelry (also up to 500 g), 2 bottles of wine and 1 bottle of alcoholic beverages.

Laos, full title Lao People's Democratic Republic- a state in Southeast Asia, which does not have access to the sea, the capital of which is the city of Vientiane.

The total area of ​​the country is 236,800 km².

It borders Thailand to the west, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, China's Yunnan province to the north, and Myanmar to the northwest.

The territory of Laos is covered with dense forests, the landscape consists of low hills and mountains, the highest peak is Phu Bya with a height of 2817 m.

The Mekong River flows along the border of Laos with Thailand and Myanmar, the border with Vietnam is divided by the Annamite Range.

Climate

Laos belongs to the subequatorial monsoon climate zone. Depending on the conditions of moisture and temperature, three seasons are distinguished. The season is from May to November - wet and hot, from December to February - cool and dry, from February to April - dry and hot. The temperature also varies greatly depending on the altitude.

In the Mekong Valley, the hottest months are April and May, when during the daytime the air warms up to +35 degrees, and the coldest months are December and January with an average daily temperature of +27 and an average night temperature of +13-15.

In the mountains during the year, daytime temperatures range from +21 in December to +29 in April, nighttime temperatures from +7 in January to +20 in June. There are frosts in the mountains in the north.

Precipitation across the country is distributed unevenly: in the mountainous regions, up to 3500 mm falls per year, and on the plains - 1000-2000 mm. The rainiest time is summer, when from 300 to 500 mm of precipitation can fall in one month. No more than 20 mm falls during the whole winter.

Population

Population of Laos- about 6,500,000 people (2012).

31% of the population lives in cities.

In Laos, it is customary to distinguish the population according to their areas of residence, and not according to ethno-linguistic criteria. In this case, the following three groups of peoples are distinguished:

Lao Lum live on the plains, along big rivers and in cities. These include the main people of the Lao and related mountain tai (thai nya, thai black, thai white, phuthai, yuan), this group includes 67% of the population.

Lao Thang live on the spurs of hills and in low mountains, quite a lot of tribes belong to this category, in general they make up 22% of the population. They are considered the ancient population of Laos, on holidays the Laotians bring them a symbolic tribute for the right to inhabit their territory. The Lao Theng includes mountain Mons (Khamu, Lamet, Puteng, etc.) and mountain Khmers (Sui, Alak, Katang, Taoi, etc.), whose languages ​​belong to the Monkhmer family.

Lao Sung is inhabited by over high areas above 1000 meters above sea level. These areas are usually distant from cities and rivers and are less accessible. Their share is 10% of the population. These include, in particular, the peoples of Miao (Hmong), Yao (Mien), Lahu, Lisu, Akha.
The Chinese, Vietnamese, Indians, Burmese, and others also live in Laos.

Religion

The majority of the population professes Theravada Buddhism (67%, according to 2005). Many tribes of the Lao Thang and Lao Sung groups are animists with their own systems of honoring nature spirits and performing rituals. There is a small number of Christians, Muslims and Hindus.

Language

The official language of Laos is Lao. The languages ​​of the Thai-Kadai (Thai-Lao), Mon-Khmer and Tibeto-Burmese groups and the Miao-Yao group are also characteristic of individual nationalities and tribes. According to ethno-linguistic criteria, the population of Laos is divided into 47 ethnic groups and 149 subgroups. English, French and Vietnamese are also used.

About money

Monetary unit of Laos: Kip or Lao PDR (LAK) kip. There are 100 atts in one bale.

Banknotes in denominations of 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500 kip are in circulation.

You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, hotels and restaurants. Most favorable exchange rate in banks. In hotels and restaurants, the exchange rate is lower, but this is the only way to exchange money in the evening or on weekends.

Thai baht and US dollars are accepted everywhere. They can be used to pay in markets, shops and hotels. Visa and MasterCard credit cards are accepted only in large restaurants, hotels and shops in Vientiane, travelers checks are cashed only in large hotels and banks.

Communication and communications

Telephone code: 856

Internet domain: .la

Vientiane Code: 21

How to call

To call from Russia to Laos, you need to dial 8 - beep - 10 - 856 - area code - phone number.

To call Laos to Russia, you need to dial 00 - 7 - area code - phone number.

mobile connection

Cellular communication of the GSM 900 standard covers almost the entire territory of the country, but the coverage areas are unstable, reaching its maximum around the capital.

Roaming with local operators Lao Telecommunications (GSM 900) and Millicom Lao (GSM 900/1800) is available to subscribers of the largest Russian operators.

Fixed line

Most hotels have telephones from which you can make international calls. In all cities, you can call from the post office, and in the capital and several other large cities - from Telecom offices.

Payphones are not widely used.

Internet

There are Internet cafes in major tourist centers.

shopping

Vientiane's main market is the Morning Market, adjacent to the bus station. A gigantic amount of jewelry and Thai souvenirs, as well as food and clothing from the most different types- all this can be found here. On the road opposite, local women sell French loaves. As for souvenir shops, their main density is seen on the central streets of Samsenthai and Setthathirat - they work daily, with a long lunch break.

In Luang Prabang, the Talaat Dala clothing market lies at the foot of the Phousi hill, but it is only interesting for local residents - one can only guess about the purpose of most things. All kinds of food, including bird carcasses, rodents, fish skewers and exotic vegetables, can be found on Kitsalat Street on the way to the Mekong waterfront - they are traded here until natural darkness.

But the main souvenir point of the city is, of course, the Hmong market on Phothisalat street, also at the foot of the hill. Here you can buy the most colorful souvenirs in all of Laos made of wood, fabric, leather, jewelry of mountain tribes and objects of their religious cult. They trade here from morning to evening, and even after dark in small shops and right on the street you can bargain for amazingly beautiful hand-embroidered scarves and tablecloths.

Where to stay

Hotels in Laos are distinguished by a high level of service and friendly staff. In the hotels of Laos you will not find the usual animation, and the territory of the hotels themselves is mostly small.

The hotels are represented by an economical accommodation option and single world-famous hotel complexes Sheraton, Grand, Novotel. Type of food - Buffet, full or half board. Star categories and service do not match European standards and criteria adopted in the tourism business.

Story

Laos as a state originates in the 14th century, when the country was called Lan Sang Hom Khao ("Land of a million elephants and a white umbrella").
After the decline of the Lan Sang state, Laos fell under the dependence of Siam in the 18th century, and in 1893, according to an agreement between France and Siam, it went to France, becoming part of the colonial territory of French Indochina.

During World War II, Laos was occupied by the Japanese, and in 1949 gained independence as part of a kingdom led by King Sisawang Wong.

Internal conflicts in the late 1950s led to the start of a civil war in the country, in which North Vietnam and the United States then intervened. During this period, the Lao People's Liberation Army (Pathet Lao), supported by North Vietnam, controlled a large area in the east of the country. fighting in Laos were directly related to the Vietnam War, since a significant part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail passed through the country, along which North Vietnam transferred its troops to the south. During the war, a huge number of air bombs were dropped on Laos, which caused great damage to the civilian population, nature and economy of the country.

After the end of the Vietnam War, the United States ceased military activities in Indochina. The civil war in Laos ended in February 1973 with the signing of the Vientiane Agreement. Violating the agreement, the forces of the Pathet Lao in December 1975 took power in the country into their own hands. On December 2, 1975, King Savang Vatthana was forced to abdicate. With the support of the USSR and Vietnam, the Lao People's Democratic Republic was formed, which entered the socialist camp.

By the end of the 1980s, the regime in Laos became softer, friendly relations were established with Thailand, and in 1997 Laos joined ASEAN.

As in most Southeast Asian countries, there are some general rules that must be adhered to. While in Laos, try to do everything like a Laotian and remember: don't touch or stroke people on the head, don't get angry at people and don't wear too revealing clothes. The Laotians are very friendly and hospitable. Applying a minimum of effort on your part, so as not to offend them, will make your trip enjoyable and unforgettable.

Here are some simple tips to make your stay more enjoyable:

Dress appropriately

Not only for the appropriate weather, but also so as not to offend the locals. In Laos, there are conservative views on clothing, and only in big cities these views are somewhat softened. Do not wear revealing clothing, especially when visiting wats and pagodas.

When greeting someone, use the traditional nop. It is done by simply folding the palms of the hands in front of you at chest level and is accompanied by a slight bow of the head. Kisses or hugs from strangers are considered offensive and humiliating. A handshake is quite normal, especially if it is accompanied by a greeting in Lao "sabaidi".

Permission

When you want to take someone's photo, ask permission first. If you are told that they do not want this, then follow the wish. Do not insist on it and do not offer money.

Respect the religion of the people

Religion is an integral part of everyday life in Laos and is followed by the vast majority of the inhabitants. Please show your respect at temples and shrines by observing how the locals behave in such places. Basic Rules:

Take off your shoes before entering the temple
- Keep your head below the image of Buddha and monks
- Don't touch the Buddha.
- Don't turn your back on the Buddha

Appearance

Personal hygiene and cleanliness are maintained to the highest standard in Laos and failure to meet these standards will be ill-received.

Legs and head

In Laos, as in most other Buddhist countries, the head is considered the most important part of the body. It is the home of the soul and a symbol of purity, while the feet are considered the dirtiest and most unassuming part of the human body. Therefore, you should never point your foot at anything, nor put your feet on furniture. All this will be considered a sign of bad taste. Similarly, you should refrain from stroking children on the head.

How to get to Laos

Laos has three international airports: in Vientiane, in Luang Prabang, in Pakse.

Flights to Vientiane and Luang Prabang are carried out primarily by the national airline Lao Airlines, as well as several international ones: Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Vietnam Airlines and Air Asia.

Lao Airlines connects Vientiane with Luang Prabang, Xing Khuang, Huay Xai, Savannakhet, Pakse, Sam Neua, Udomxai and Luang Nam Tha.

Tourists also arrive in the country through Thailand - by plane from Bangkok or by car across the "Friendship Bridge" near Vientiane.

Through Cambodia - from Phnom Penh and Simripa to Vientiane, planes of local airlines fly daily.

From Vietnam, you can also easily get to Vientiane, and night Shuttle Buses from Hue and Danang go to Savannakhet in southern Laos.

Where is Laos : in Southeast Asia - between Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and China.

Currency: Laotian kip (LAK) (1 ruble ≈ 240 kip; 1$ ≈ 8000 kip).

Population: 6 million people.

Languages: lao, french, thai.

Temperature in Laos in January +16 ... + 22 ° C, in July - up to + 30 ° C. The climate of Laos is characterized by three different seasons: hot humid (from May to October), dry cool (from November to January) and dry hot ( February to April).

Visa to Laos for Russians when entering for up to 15 days is not needed.

Religion: Buddhism.

Buddhism in Laos is influential and loved. The monks have great authority in the cultural life of the country, so the Marxist-Leninists willy-nilly have to be friends with them. The main and only party of the state - the Lao People's Revolutionary Party - considers Buddhism and Marxism-Leninism as related phenomena, because both the first and the second are aimed at eradicating suffering in human life. And everyone who claims to be a member of the Communist Party has to live a couple of months as a novice at a monastery.

Sights of Laos

Waterfalls of Laos: Bolaven Plateau

(Photo © rakugo + filter / flickr.com)

One of the main attractions of Laos. The plateau is located 30-40 km east of the city of Pakse, which is located in the south of the country. Most tourists go to the waterfalls in organized groups, using the services of local offices. The price of visiting the three waterfalls and the so-called "authentic" village of artisans (which is actually a sham - a performance for visiting guests) is about $25 per person.
It will be cheaper and more interesting to visit the waterfalls on your own. The easiest way is to rent a motorbike in Pakse (about 70-90 thousand kip for 12 hours of use), get a map and hit the road.

Tham Cham Pee Waterfall(entry costs 5,000 kip). A distinctive feature of the waterfall is a large and picturesque grotto. In good weather, it is easy and pleasant to swim here due to the convenient shore for entry and the absence of strong water currents.

Waterfall Tad Fane(entry costs 5,000 kip). This is a 100-meter waterfall, divided into two jets. You can admire them observation deck, which is located on the territory of the hotel of the same name.

Waterfall Tad Gneuang(entry costs 10,000 kip). A majestic waterfall 70 meters high with a powerful stream of water.

Ruins of Wat Phu

(Photo © kenner116 + filter / flickr.com)

In the same part of the country, 40 km from Pakse, there are the ruins of the ancient Khmer temple complex Wat Phu, which is an important historical monument Indochinese architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins are located a few kilometers from the Mekong River, right next to Mount Phu Khao, which is considered sacred.

The first buildings here were erected in the 5th century, but the oldest surviving buildings date back to the 11th and later centuries. Initially, the temple was associated with the cult of Shiva, but later became a Buddhist center and continues to function in this role to this day. Near the temple are two palace complex which are in a dilapidated state.

At the very top of the temple complex, you will find the main sanctuary, which is active - there are always monks praying in front of the Buddha statue, and the air is permeated with a pleasant smoke of incense. If you climb a little higher up the hill, you can find a sacred source.

There are several ways to get to Wat Phu. You can buy a one-day tour in Pakse for $25 per person, or you can again rent a scooter (about 80,000 kip + 10,000 kip for gasoline) and get to Wat Phu on your own.

Golden Stupa (Pha That Luang)

This building in the center of Vientiane is easily mistaken for a modern building - it looks painfully good with fresh plaster and gilding brightly shining in the sun. However, in fact, the stupa was erected as early as 1566. The beautiful appearance is the personal merit of the monks, who for over 400 years diligently looked after the stupa, which is the main shrine of Laos, because, according to legend, in the distant 3rd century, a hair belonging to the Buddha himself was immured under it.

Buddha Park (Xiengkhuan)

(Photo © Arian Zwegers + filter / flickr.com)

A local landmark of Laos and a source of pride for the inhabitants of the capital. Located 25 km from Vientiane right on the banks of the Mekong. Reinforced concrete sculptures of a Buddhist monk and part-time artist Bun Liua Surirat are located on a small area. One hour is enough for a complete inspection.

You can get to the park by taxi - the trip costs $15-20. Another option is to take bus number 14, which runs from the main bus station literally every half an hour and travels to the park for about an hour. Approximately in the middle of the way, the bus stops at the Friendship Bridge ( border crossing Laos with neighboring Thailand). The ticket costs 6 thousand bales (the first part of the journey) + 8 thousand bales (the second) and is bought from the controller directly on the bus. Last flight back to the city leaves at 17.30.

Entrance ticket to the park costs 5,000 kip, 3,000 kip for photography.

Cuisine of Laos

Of course, the first place in the diet of the Laotians is occupied by rice dishes, buffalo meat is also popular. Pho (noodle soup), lap (meat, vegetables and rice), tam-som (papaya salad), lam (buffalo meat soup with a fair amount of spices) are widespread.

It will be useful to remember the main types of rice: khao yao (white rice), khao phat (fried rice) and khao nyau (sticky rice designed to be rolled into balls so that it can then be dipped in sauce).

Drinks popular here are coffee (often iced), black tea with milk and various juices. Among the residents, the Mac Mai Pan drink is especially popular, which is a rich, thick fruit juice mixed with ice and condensed milk or sugar cane juice. Of the alcoholic beverages, beer (BirLao) and moonshine brewed on rice are popular.

(Photo © dalbera + filter / flickr.com)

), Laos appears to be an almost unfamiliar destination for Russian travelers. Until 1988, the country was isolated and tourists were not allowed into its territory. And although the borders are already open, and visa regime very simplified, the halo of mystery still does not leave Laos.

A few centuries ago, on the site of modern Laos, there was a powerful state with a poetic name Lan Xang, which means "Kingdom of millions of elephants." At the end of the 19th century, the French colonizers came here, their legacy - colonial European architecture - shapes the appearance of many Lao cities today.

Unfortunately, the socialist experiments of the last century brought the country into a deplorable economic situation. But, despite all the hardships, the locals managed to maintain optimism and good nature, the Laotians are exceptionally hospitable and friendly towards tourists.

Laos - although small country but extremely versatile. There are ancient cities and mysterious caves, mountains, waterfalls and impenetrable jungle. Travelers usually come to Laos for 1-2 days as part of tours in Vietnam or Thailand, however, the excursion potential of Laos and the local opportunities for outdoor activities make it possible to plan a separate trip to this amazing country.

Climate and weather

The climate of Laos is subequatorial monsoon. When preparing for a trip to Laos, travelers should take into account that there are three seasons here. The first - dry and hot - lasts from February to April. In May, the humid hot period begins, which lasts until October. From November to February in Laos it is dry and cool.

The air temperature in different regions varies greatly depending on the altitude of the area. For example, the Mekong Valley is hottest in April and May. At this time, the daytime temperature rises to +35 °C. The coldest months in the lowland are December and January, when during the day the air warms up to +27 °C, and at night the temperature drops to +13…+15 °C. In the mountains, of course, it is generally cooler: in April, the daytime temperature reaches +29 ° C, and in December - only +21 ° C, January nights can be noticeably cold (+7 ° C).

More precipitation falls in the mountains than in the plains: up to 3500 mm against 2000 mm. The rainiest time in Laos is summer, when the monthly portion of precipitation can be 300-500 mm. But for the whole winter it rarely falls more than 20 mm.

The best time to travel to Laos is from November to February, and in mountainous areas it is comfortable until July.

Nature

Laos is a land of mountains. Although they are not too high and rarely exceed 2000 meters, their relief is very dissected. This relief and the dense forests that cover the mountains prevent active communication between Laos and neighboring countries. The highest and impenetrable mountains are in the north of Laos. ridges Dending, Shamshao, Shusung Tyaotai dotted deep gorges. The western border of the country runs along the ridge Luang Prabang Mountains rise in the southeast Truong Son height up to 2700 meters. The most high mountain in Laos - Bia(2819 m).

With the same confidence, Laos can be called a country of forests. Even in the middle of the last century, forests occupied approximately 70% of the country's territory. Today this figure is already 50%. Evergreen humid subtropical forests reign in the north of Laos: laurels, magnolias, ferns, lianas. At an altitude of 1500 meters, they pass into mixed coniferous-deciduous forests, where oaks, pines, and chestnuts grow. In the central part of Laos, thickets of bamboo, teak, dipterocarpus, and lagerstromia predominate. Palm trees, tree ferns, fruit trees appear in the south.

The fauna of Laos is unique in its own way. Large herds of Indian elephants have been preserved here to this day. There are tigers, leopards, marble panthers in the forests. You can meet Malayan and white-breasted bears. Not very rare - marsh lynx and palm marten. Quite a lot of wild bulls (guyals and bantengs), buffaloes, deer. Of the fearsome reptiles, pythons and cobras live in Laos. The country has a wide variety of birds, from colorful parrots and peacocks to pigeons and ducks.

Attractions

The main asset and pride of Laos is the most beautiful temples. There are 32 of them in Luang Prabang alone! In the capital of Laos, Vientiane, the most revered is the temple of the XVI century Wat Si Muang(Wat Si Muang). Here they worship not so much the Buddha as the spirits of the city. According to legend, the spirits live in the yellow column standing here, which was found on the site of one of the ancient Khmer cities.

The top list of Lao attractions also includes a symbol of the unity of the nation - a stupa. That Luang(Pha That Luang) in Vientiane. The monument was erected in the 16th century, and acquired its current appearance at the beginning of the last century thanks to French restorers. Here is the official residence of the Buddhist patriarch of the country.

The Valley is located in the northeast of Laos. Jah- a mysterious place where several hundred stone urns lie, the origin and purpose of which archaeologists are still scratching their heads. The largest of the urns weighs 10.6 tons. It has been established that the urns were carved about two thousand years ago from stone, which is not found in the nearby territories.

Definitely recommend to visit Champasak is one of the oldest cities in Laos. It used to be the capital of the kingdom Chenla. There is a complex of ruins here Wat Phou which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. But the most interesting thing in Champasak is a labyrinth of 4000 islands Si Phan Don. In addition to the fabulous beauty, the place is famous for its large population of rare Irrawaddy dolphins.

Nutrition

The cuisine of Laos has not only absorbed the culinary traditions of local peoples, but also borrowed the best features from the cuisine of its neighbors - Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and China.

The basis of the meal in Laos, as in other Asian countries, is rice. The usual Laotian menu includes "white rice", fried rice ("khao phat") and "sticky rice" in balls that are dipped in numerous types of sauces. Noodles are also popular - in soup ("foe") and as a side dish or an independent dish, such as fried noodles "khua".

Freshwater fish occupies an important place on the Lao table. Be sure to try "laap"- a fish dish with rice, lime, garlic, green onion, mint and chili. Delicious things like fish in coconut milk are also good. "sushi dad", Fried fish "sushi-pa-gnon" and spicy fried catfish.

Meat, although not as popular as fish, is a beef salad with herbs. "channam-tuk" surely you will like it. But there are many poultry dishes in Lao restaurants: chicken stuffed with rice and cinnamon, fried chicken "kai-lao" stewed with quail cabbage. There are also exotic delicacies from the meat of snakes, squirrels, lizards.

Mint, lime juice, lemongrass, coriander are commonly used as seasonings. Instead of salt, various fish sauces are often used. Garlic, basil, hot pepper, peanut butter, coconut milk and Indian date juice are also actively added to the dishes.

There are many restaurants in Laos, while the cost of food does not hit the pocket even in establishments that are considered expensive. In a mid-range restaurant, you won’t have to pay more than $ 10-15 per person for dinner, and in numerous street cafes you can eat a hearty meal at several times cheaper.

Accommodation

Most hotels in Laos are 2-4-storey guest houses with a minimum set of services and a unique flavor. It's inexpensive family hotels, where it is not necessary to have hot water and air conditioning, but the room will be decorated in the national style. Before settling in such hotels, you should check the availability of the necessary amenities.

Recently, in Laos, in particular, in Luang Prabang, boutique hotels have become popular, which are located in two- and three-story villas. The interior of the rooms, as a rule, is made in the colonial style. Boutique hotels have all the amenities, and accommodation here promises to be very comfortable.

There are not very many hotels in the European sense in Laos, but those that are, as a rule, have categories according to the European system for assessing the quality of hotel service. The most expensive and luxurious hotels are concentrated in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. On the territory of the hotels there will definitely be a swimming pool, a fitness center and a tennis court; spa centers and conference rooms are usually also offered to guests. Internet and Wi-Fi are usually free. Breakfast is included in the cost of living only in large hotels, in the rest it is offered for an additional fee. In general, prices for accommodation in Lao hotels are lower than in European hotels of the same category.

Entertainment and recreation

Laos - perfect place for those who love outdoor activities. Activities such as rafting, trekking, cycling, cave visits and trips along the Mekong River are very popular here.

In Laos, there is no sea and beaches, but there are plenty of routes for rafting. Good for river rafting Nam Lik And Nam Ngum near Vientiane, along the river Nam Na in the Luang Namtha area. The most impassable is the river Nam Fa, where there are the most thresholds.

Cave lovers recognize that Laos is a real paradise for cavers. The most popular, well-lit cave - Tham Chang- located near Luang Prabang. The most interesting thing is to visit the Elephant Cave ( Tham Xang), which owes its name to a stalactite in the shape of an elephant's head. This cave is also notable for its natural swimming pool.

Walks along the Mekong will not leave indifferent connoisseurs of natural beauties. On Don Khon Island in the middle of the river, you can watch the life of dolphins.

Purchases

Like most South Asian countries, Laos is famous for its interesting and inexpensive shopping. In the capital of Laos, Vientiane, everything is about twice as expensive as in other cities, but still the prices are very affordable compared to Russian ones.

In Laos, they usually buy local silk, wood and leather products, embroidered clothes and shoes, silver and gold jewelry, various souvenirs and kitchen utensils, as well as paintings and CDs with national music.

Shopping in Laos is unthinkable without visiting local markets. The most famous is Vientiane Talat Sao or Morning Market. This largest covered market in the capital is a two-story building, which contains an abundance of shops and cafes. The shopping center is designed for tourists, and you can buy anything here, from souvenirs to household appliances. The market works Talat Sao daily from 07:00 to 16:00.

If you want more exotic, visit the markets where locals go shopping. Fresh meat, fish, vegetables and fruits are much cheaper in such places.

Bargaining is encouraged in private shops and markets. Starting prices are usually high. By the way, in the province of Laos, you can encounter strange behavior of sellers: they can actively bargain, but at the same time not reduce the price by a single cent. In such cases, we advise you to go to a nearby seller - for sure, his prices will be more attractive.

Bank cards are accepted for payment in large stores, but in the provinces it is almost impossible to pay with them. It is most profitable to change currency in banks, but keep in mind that some banks only accept dollars or Thai baht.

Transport

In general, transport links in Laos are developing quite rapidly. For example, if until recently asphalt roads were a rarity, now primers remain only in remote areas. From Vientiane to Pakse And Luang Prabang the roads are excellent.

Local aviation is a company Lao Airlines. It operates flights between many cities in Laos. But there is no railway transport in the country, although there are 12 kilometers of railway that have not been used for a long time.

Travelers can comfortably move between cities on tourist buses. They are much more expensive than usual, but they are equipped with air conditioning, TVs and toilets. If you want local exotics, choose ordinary shabby buses. True, you will have to go not only with the Laotians, but also with what they bought or are carrying to sell - vegetables, fruits, animals and other bulky goods.

Today, it is still possible to travel along the rivers of Laos on slow motor boats, but with the development of the highway, this transport is becoming a thing of the past. Even local residents are increasingly choosing buses, as boats cannot be called comfortable: people are stuffed into them like herring in a barrel. We do not recommend driving on “fast” motorboats for your safety.

Taxi is very popular among tourists. Remember that local taxis do not keep meters, the cost of the trip must be negotiated before boarding. The approximate fare is $ 0.5 per kilometer.

As for the rental of transport, you can rent a bicycle or motorcycle everywhere. True, we do not recommend renting motorcycles to drivers without serious experience in driving this vehicle. You can rent a car in the capital Vientiane, Pakse and Luang Prabang, but this service is not yet very developed and prices are high.

Connection

Internet and network technology services are developing quite actively in Laos. Internet cafes of the company are common in cities Laonet. The cost of services varies depending on the distance from the capital and can be quite big: from $1 to $10 per hour.

Cellular communication in Laos is mainly represented by the GSM 900 standard. It should be noted that good quality communication is observed only in the capital. Roaming is provided by companies Lao Telecommunications And Millicom Lao, tourists from Russia can easily stay in touch.

But ordinary phones in Laos, oddly enough, are rare. There are no more than 70 thousand lines in the country. Radiotelephones are used to communicate with remote areas. Public pay phones can only be found on the central streets of cities, near banks and shopping centers. Calling cards can be purchased at the post office, in shops and offices of telephone operators. However, due to the high cost of international communication and the low face value of cards ($2-6), it can be impossible to make a call using one card - the card ends before the subscriber has time to say “hello”. Therefore, we advise you to call abroad from post offices or from offices Telecom.

Safety

Laos is quite safe. Although the wars, coupled with economic devastation, brought the local population to a beggarly state, this did not lead to an increase in crime, as in many countries with a similar situation. Violent crime in Laos is extremely rare.

The main problem for a traveler in Laos, as in all tourist places, petty theft. So you should not neglect reasonable security measures: watch your belongings, do not carry large sums of money with you, and do not show off expensive jewelry or watches.

You can travel around the country without fear for personal safety, but there is a Special Zone along the Cambodian border Sisombun which is currently closed to tourists. It should also be borne in mind that in the eastern regions of Laos, thousands of unexploded bombs and mines still lie in the ground - a terrible legacy of the Vietnam War. Therefore, if you are planning trips to areas east of Savannakhet, take care of a local guide. Be sure to follow the main rule: do not walk through the fields and untrodden paths, do not go to the side of the paths and roads.

To maintain health, we recommend preventive measures against malaria: vaccinations, mosquito repellents. Do not drink tap water, be sure to purchase bottled water. Products purchased at the market must be thoroughly processed before eating.

Business climate

Although Laos has great potential to become the "economic miracle" of Southeast Asia, it is still far from being an attractive investment destination. Unpredictable government policies and economic decline, human trafficking, labor shortages and pollution environment All these factors scare off potential foreign investors.

At the same time, the Department of Promotion and Management of Domestic and Foreign Investments of Laos has determined a number of preferences for foreign investors, primarily with regard to taxes. Thus, an incentive tax rate of 20% is applied to foreigners (35% to local companies), and income tax is 10%. Non-tax benefits are also established for foreign companies: it is allowed to hire foreign specialists, lease land for up to 50 years, and it is guaranteed protection against nationalization or requisition without compensation.

To date, these positive changes, unfortunately, are not able to significantly affect the business climate in Laos: it is still very difficult to develop your business in this country. The World Bank and International Finance Corporation, analyzing the ease of doing business in their economic survey, ranked Laos 171 out of 183 countries.

Real estate

Since Laos has been in a long political isolation, at present foreigners do not yet seek to acquire property in this country. In addition, the formation of the real estate market here is in its infancy, the proposals are mainly limited to the capital Vientiane and the cities of Pakse and Luang Prabang.

The main obstacle to foreign investment in real estate is local laws, according to which the land belongs to the state, and foreigners can not own land or real estate. Only long-term rental of an apartment or house up to 30 years is possible, and commercial real estate- up to 50 years, but the prolongation of the contract is not guaranteed. Recently, such a form of housing ownership as an apartment in a condominium has been slowly spreading, but, again, foreigners cannot register the ownership of such an apartment for themselves, but are forced to look for “gray” schemes. In such a situation, there is no active demand for real estate in Laos from foreign investors.

True, with regard to average prices for houses and apartments, Laos appears in an attractive light. A house in Vientiane, for example, can be found for $10,000. However, due to the lack of a normal market, prices can be both low and unpredictably skyrocket.

When planning to visit the reserves of Laos, remember that many of them will only let you in with an official guide. Therefore, take care of the guide in advance, and if you want to save money, we advise you to contact the Department of Tourism, and not the local travel agencies.

Tipping in public restaurants and hotels is usually automatically included in the bill, in private establishments it is left at the discretion of the client (it is recommended to leave 5-10% of the bill).

As for the prohibitions, most of them are typical for Southeast Asia: in Laos you can’t point your feet at other people, also don’t try to step over people or touch their heads. Women should not dress provocatively. The most serious is the ban on drug use. Don't be fooled by their availability, the police keep a close eye on whether tourists use drugs. If a traveler is caught red-handed, at least a large fine awaits him, and in some cases the case may end in prison. By the way, the sexual relations of foreigners with Laotians are officially prohibited if they are not married.