LAOS
... where your adventure waits
LAOS is one of the last hidden paradises in the heart of Southeast Asia. The country is still the least developed and most enigmatic of the three former French IndoChinese states. A ruinous sequence of colonial domination, internecine conflict and dogmatic socialism finally brought the country to its knees in the 1970s, and almost ten per cent of the population left. Now, some decades after isolation from the outside world, this landlocked, sparsely populated country is enjoying peace. The lack of foreign influence offers travelers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional South-East Asian life. From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands and mountains along the east of Laos, travelers who have made it to Laos tend to agree that this country is the highlight of South-East Asia. We have to admit, we agree!
Laos covers 236,800 square kilometers, a comparatively small country and the only one without access to the sea. Neighboring countries are China, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia and Vietnam. With less than 7 million inhabitants (27.5 inhabitants per sq km), Laos is very sparsely populated and huge parts of the country are still untouched. The population of Laos is composed of various ethnic minority groups, but primarily Lao Lum (lowland Lao), Lao Theung (lower-mountain) and Lao Sung (high-altitude hill tribes). Around 60% are Buddhists and 40% believe in animist spirits. The country’s capital and the largest city with over 750,000 inhabitants is Vientiane, located at the bank of the Mekong and bordering Thailand.
Do’s and Don’ts Respecting the following customs will help make your stay in Laos a positive and unforgettable experience - not only for you, but also for your hosts. Use your common sense and be mindful of local ways - this will help guide you, while in Laos. Try and do as the Lao do, and you will be rewarded with hospitality and friendliness.
Religious: - Please dress properly and show respect when entering religious grounds: cover yourself from shoulders to knees and take off hats and shoes when entering buildings - Women should not touch monks or their robes - Please do not touch or point your feet at Buddha images and keep your head lower than the statues - Do not take pictures or disturb monks during prayer times
Cultural:
Speaking basic Lao will open the way to the heart of Lao people.... hello sabai dee how are you? sabai dee baw bye bye (see you again) phop kan mai
- Wearing too revealing clothing in public (hot pants, bikini) is offensive to Lao - Don’t gesture with your feet, put your feet on furniture or touch someone else’s head - Kissing and hugging in public is impolite – please be discrete - Please ask before taking photos of people - Support development by buying local food and handicrafts
thank you khop chai
Environmental:
khoy seu
- Do not take anything from the forest except fresh air - Do not leave your rubbish in nature and don’t destroy vegetation by leaving designated paths - Do not buy wildlife or wildlife products - nor let your guide buy them
Drugs: - Drugs cause damage and create a false image of the country and its people. Provide a better example
thank you very much khop chai lai lai my name is
what is your name? jao seu nyung one, two, three nung, song, sahm no problem boh bpen nyung
The Lao way of life.... Lao people enjoy a slower pace of life. The country offers a calmness which it’s busy neighbors have almost completely forgotten. CHINA Nam Ou
MYANMAR
PHONGSALI Boun Tai
kong
3
VIETNAM
13
MUANG NGOI
OUDOM XAI
Me
VIENG PHOUKHA HOUEI XAI
Ou
MUANG KHUA
LUANG NAMTHA
Nam Tha
XIENG KOK
m
Na
17
NONG KHIAW XAM NEUA
13 Nam
VIENG XAI
Ou
1C
PAK OU
6
6
PAK BENG
LUANG PRABANG
HONGSA 13 7
7 M
o ek
VANG VIENG
4 13
13 8
VIENTIANE
VIETNAM
13
THAKEK
13
THAILAND
SAVANNAKHET 9E
13
SALAVAN
20
SEKONG 16E
ng
4
16W
M
PAK LAY
e ko
THAILAND
PHONSAVAN
ng
XAYABOURY
PAKSE
11
PHOU ASA 13
18A
ATTAPEU
4000 Islands
CAMBODIA
What to bring on a tour...
We have designed this checklist, to make sure that your time in Laos will be a wonderful experience. The climate in Laos is tropical and influenced by the Monsoon, which brings three seasons. The cool season can be very cool in the mountains so be prepared and bring a few layers if you come that time of year. green season (July-Oct.)
cool season (Nov.-Feb.)
hot season (March-June)
Independent from the season and tour booked, you should always bring: T-shirt and shorts for daytime and long sleeves for the evening Good walking shoes Sun screen Insect repellent (Deet medicated preferred) Sun glasses Small backpack for the market and short excursions Basic medical kit Passport photos for your visa Tour Specific Items Trekking: Fresh food and drinknig water is provided sun glasses and a hat shoes with good grip Biking: Quality mountain bikes and helmets are provided sun glasses closed toe shoes recommended Kayaking: Waterproof bags and lifejacktes are provided sun glasses sandals swimwear Home-stay: Blankets, pillows, mattresses and mosquito net are provided towel light sleeping sheet torch or head lamp and most important an open mind and some patience...
Luang Prabang Luang Prabang is surely a jewel in Indochina and since 1995 a well known UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the capital of the former kings and an important post along river trade lines, it has become a site of interest for visitors from all over the world. The ancient royal city is surrounded by misty mountains at the junction of the mighty Mekong and the smaller Nam Khan river. The town center is located on a peninsula. Here you will find French colonial buildings, the royal palace (now a national museum), and ancient monasteries and temples. In the middle of the small city is the sacred Mount Phousi from which you can enjoy stunning views into the serene landscapes of the Luang Prabang valley. Luang Prabang is a provincial capital city where time still seems to stand still. As part of the UNESCO reconstruction plan, new buildings have been limited and old houses and streets receive reconstruction to keep Luang Prabang a magical place. Recommended Eat & Drink upper range: L’Elephant Blue Lagoon 3 Nagas Couleur cafe middle range: Delilahs Cafe Ban Wat Sene LPB Restaurant Big Tree Cafe Coconut Garden bars:
S Bar - stlyish new location in the night life hub of Luang Prabang Pack Luck Wine Bar - good wines in a pleasing atmosphere
Blue Ice Bar - pool table and happy hour in the evening
Shopping
Night Market - handmade textiles, clothes and souvenirs
Dara Market - indoor market with electronics, traditional Lao clothes and jewelry
Ock Pop Tok - high quality Lao textiles
Kopnoi - fair trade Lao products
The Yao Cultural shop
Naga Creations - beautiful jewelry
Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos, situated on the Mekong river. Vientiane became the capital in 1563 due to fears of a Burmese invasion. During French rule, Vientiane was the administrative capital and due to economic growth in recent times, it has become the economic center of Laos. It still holds several of the countries most important Buddhist sites. The estimated population of the city is 754,000. Compared to the hectic, bustling capitals in other Southeast Asian countries, Vientiane’s deliciously relaxing atmosphere makes it feel like the small town that it is. After you’ve visited the famous temples, the best thing to do is wander down to the riverside, relax with a cold Beerlao, “the Lao national beer” and watch the sun set over the Mekong.
Recommended Eat & Drink upper range:
Makphet Restaurant
Le Silapa
L’Adresse de Tinay
Aria Italian Culinary Arts
middle range:
Kongkhao
Makphet Restaurant
bars:
Spirit House Bar
Douang Deuane Wine Bar
Chokdee Bar
In case of an emergency Safety is always a priority for Tiger Trail, but one cannot rule out the possibility, that an accident or sickness might occur. As Health care is not comparable to western standards here in Laos, we have compiled a list of hospitals and contact information. In Vientiane, the medical situation is better, than the rest of the country and simple medical treatment is possible. For all other serious issue, we recommend transfer to Thailand.
Hospitals and medical care Laos: Luang Prabang:
Chinese Hospital 254026; Ban Phu Mok
Luangprabang Province Hospital Phoumok LuangPrabang Tel: (+856) 71 2540 24
Vientiane:
International Clinic (Mahosot Hospital) FaNgumRd KaoNyot Vientiane Tel: (+856) 21 2140 22
Hospitals Thailand:
Nongkhai-Wattana General Hospital 1159/4 Moo 2, Prajak Rd., Nongkhai, 43000 Tel: (+66 42) 465201
Aek Udon Hospital Udon Thani 555/5 Posri Rd. Amphur Muang Udon Thani 41000 Tel. (+66 42) 342555