Practical Information Laos

Practical information Laos: your travel guide for visiting Laos

Visa on arrival

To obtain a visa before departure, click here.
 Extending your visa on site (maximum duration of 2 months) is possible at the immigration office in Vientiane at a cost of US$2/day of extension. 
Suggestion: keep a photocopy of your important documents with you (passport, credit cards, invoices for electronic equipment, insurance policy, plane tickets)

Weather in Laos

March to May: hot season (30 to 37°C) with very sunny days. Ideal for those who love high temperatures and swimming pools. This is the season of the Lao New Year (Pi Mai), celebrated in April to welcome the rains that generally arrive at the end of May.

June to September: wet season with rainfall that varies depending on altitude and latitude. The northern provinces, which are more mountainous, are less exposed than those in the south. Humidity levels are often close to 100%. Temperatures range between 15° and 30°C. Nature takes over again; everything grows very quickly. It is also the start of the Buddhist Lent (Khao Pansa). A low season period, with fewer tourists and more attractive rates.

Mid-September to late November: mild season; the rainy season is ending, daytime temperatures are pleasant (25°C-30°C) and can drop to 0°C in some northern regions, notably in the provinces of Phongsaly and Xieng Khouang. Nights do not exceed 20°C. The season is ideal for photography, with vibrant colours (rice fields) just before harvesting in early October. It is also the start of the emblematic festivals: Ok Pansa (end of the Buddhist Lent) as well as the boat racing festival.

December to February: it is winter; daytime temperatures are pleasant (15 to 25°C), and nights are sometimes very cool (7 to 18°C). In Vientiane, nights are cool (10 to 15°C), so bring a sweater. In the north, morning and evening mists offer a beautiful spectacle over the mountain ridges.

Health

No vaccinations are required to visit Laos, except for yellow fever for travellers coming from infected areas (check). It is recommended to update your vaccinations.
 Malaria is present in Laos. Consult a doctor before departure. From sunset onwards, wear covering clothing and use repellents on skin and clothing.
 Drink only sealed bottled mineral water (no ice cubes), avoid raw fish, meat or poultry, and limit spicy dishes. 
During treks and homestay nights, as mountain villages have few sanitary facilities and hygiene conditions are basic, bring wet wipes.
In Laos, medical facilities are still limited. In case of problems, consider medical evacuation to France or to Bangkok (take out insurance).

Currency / Banking

The official currency is the Kip or LAK in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 kip.
Estimated buying rate (May 2018 – xe.com) 1 €uro = 9,947 kip / 
1 Swiss franc = 8,331 kip
 / 1 US$ = 8,326 kip
 / 1 Baht = 260,400 kip
Kip can be purchased at banks and exchange offices in exchange for dollars, euros or Thai baht. 
Paying in baht and dollars is possible in major cities, but it is preferable to carry small-denomination kip to pay your expenses in villages.
 Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted in major cities (banks, department stores, main hotels and restaurants). A commission (bank fees) of 3 to 3.25% of the amount of your purchase is charged. 
Note that ATMs (Visa card) are not widespread outside the main tourist cities such as Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Pakse or Vang Vieng.

Safety

Laos is one of the safest countries, in the city, countryside or mountains. It is not uncommon to meet independent female travellers. Incivilities are very rare; Laotians are naturally reserved and kind.

Customs and traditions – etiquette

As everywhere, a few basic safety rules should be observed: avoid driving at night, do not stay on the banks of the Mekong after midnight; in certain places such as the Plain of Jars, stay on hiking trails (due to possible unexploded war ordnance still present in the ground).
 A few rules of etiquette: 
No indecent clothing, especially when approaching or inside temples (shoulders and legs covered for women, no bare torso for men). 
Greetings are made with hands pressed together in front of the chest, head slightly bowed. Older people or those of higher status will not return the greeting. Handshakes are not practised, except in westernised circles. Kissing in the Western way is very inappropriate.
 Chopsticks are used fairly little for eating, except for some Chinese or Vietnamese dishes. A fork is generally used to push food onto a spoon. No knife. In Laos, people eat everything, so it is an opportunity for the more adventurous to try unusual foods such as cubed beef blood, insects, frogs, as well as snakes and bats.

Suitcase

Long, covering clothes for the evening; light cottons during the hot season; sunglasses; swimsuit; torch.
 For treks and homestay nights, bedding and towels are provided; however, bring a small towel for bathing in waterfalls. Do not forget 
to bring a pair of comfortable shoes for excursions, treks and walks; long clothes (legs and sleeves) for visiting temples; and a warm garment depending on the period of your trip
. Small first-aid kit (consult your doctor/pharmacist): disinfectant, anti-diarrhoeal, broad-spectrum antibiotic, painkiller, eye drops (especially if you wear contact lenses), sunscreen, mosquito repellent lotion, cream for muscle pain, blister plasters.
 Do not forget your usual medication.

Why choose Asia Safari for your trip to Laos?

Asia Safari is not a generalist tour operator based in France. We have been on site, in Vientiane, for over 25 years. Our guides are Lao, our accommodations are hand-picked, and each itinerary is tailor-made. The result: a vibrant, fair trip, without unnecessary frills.

• Local French-speaking agency: we speak your language and know the country from the inside
• Zero intermediaries: you deal directly with the local team
• Truly tailor-made: no fixed catalog — each trip is unique
• 25+ years of experience: founded in 2002, Asia Safari assists hundreds of French-speaking travelers every year

How does our tailor-made service work?

1. You send us your request (dates, budget, desires, profile)
2. We build a proposal within 48 hours — day-by-day itinerary, accommodations, all-inclusive price
3. You refine it with us until the trip is perfect
4. We manage everything on site: guides, transport, hotels, activities

When to visit Laos?

The best period is October to April — dry season, pleasant temperatures. The rainy season (May to September) is also possible: lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but some roads can be difficult. Asia Safari advises you according to the region and type of trip.

Laos, the heart of your Indochina tour

Laos is often the surprise of a trip: uncrowded, authentic, with a quiet beauty. Asia Safari makes Laos much more than a stopover — we make it the central experience of your stay, before or after Vietnam, Cambodia, or Thailand.

Our most requested Indochina combinations

Laos + Cambodia: A classic — temples of Luang Prabang and Angkor Wat, Mekong and Tonlé Sap. 15 days minimum recommended.
Laos + Vietnam: Two contrasting countries — the calm of Laos and the energy of Vietnam. From Hanoi to Vientiane or vice versa.
Northern Laos + Yunnan: For travelers seeking originality — travel from Yunnan to Laos via the Laos-China railway (inaugurated 2021).
Grand Indochina Tour (40 days): Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand — a memorable trip for life.

Tips for preparing your multi-country tour

Visas: each country has its own rules — Asia Safari guides you through all procedures.
Ideal duration: allow a minimum of 12 to 15 days for a 2-country combination.
Seasons: seasons vary by country — we help you choose the best window.
Budget: prices vary greatly by country. Laos is cheaper than Vietnam or Thailand.

Our Story

Jean-Paul Duvergé arrived in Laos at the turn of the 2000s, fell in love with the country, and decided to stay. In 2002, he founded Asia Safari with a simple idea: to offer French-speaking travelers direct access to authentic Lao life, without the filter of large Parisian agencies. Since then, the agency has assisted thousands of travelers, built a network of trusted guides and partners, and refined its philosophy: rigorous tailor-made travel, serving authenticity.

What sets us apart

We are on site: Our team works from Vientiane. We know the roads, seasons, accommodations, guides — and what changed last week. No outdated brochures.
We speak your language: Asia Safari is a 100% French-speaking agency. All our communications, proposals, and guides speak French.
Zero intermediaries: You work directly with us. No central purchasing, no Parisian subcontractors. Fairer prices and higher service quality.
Tailor-made as our only model: We do not have standardized tours. Each trip is designed from scratch, according to your dates, budget, desires, and traveler profile.

Our commitment

Asia Safari actively supports responsible tourism in Laos: prioritizing local accommodations, tours that benefit village communities, respect for cultural and natural sites.

Laos in figures

Area: 236,800 km² | Population: approximately 7.5 million inhabitants | Capital: Vientiane | Official language: Lao | Religion: Theravada Buddhism (65% of the population) | Currency: Lao Kip (LAK) | Time zone: UTC+7

Laos must-sees

Luang Prabang: Former royal capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site, its golden temples, French colonial houses, and gentle way of life make it an undeniable favorite.
Vientiane: The human-sized capital — That Luang, Patuxai, and the banks of the Mekong are worth a visit.
Vang Vieng: Surrounded by limestone karsts, ideal for kayaking, caving, and hiking.
Southern Laos and 4000 Islands: Champassak, the Vat Phou temples (UNESCO), the Bolaven Plateau, and the Mekong islands.

Lao culture

Theravada Buddhism permeates all of Lao life. The alms giving (offerings to monks at dawn) in Luang Prabang is a daily ritual of great beauty. Lao festivals — Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year in April), Boun Ok Phansa (Festival of Lights) — are exceptional times to travel.

Nature and biodiversity

Laos is 70% covered by forests. Its protected areas are home to rare species: Asian elephants, gibbons, sun bears. The rivers and plateaus offer natural settings of rare purity in Asia.