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A trip to Thailand, combined with the rural charms of Laos,
offers you all these experiences and more. With ever-increasing
Western influence, Asian cultures are more diverse than ever,
but from Bangkok's neon-lit bars to the untouched wilderness
of the Lao highlands, the traditional welcoming disposition
of the Thai and Lao people endures.
Dress
Light, loose clothes made from natural fibres are ideal. You
can pick up these garments very cheaply after you've arrived,
so don't over-pack! Dressing modestly is preferred, especially
in rural Laos, and remember that shorts and shoes are a sign
of disrespect at sacred sites. Slip-on sandals are convenient
for temple visits.
Climate
Two main physical features, rivers and mountains, dominate
the country. This lends a humid, subtropical climate to most
of the country, with fertile plains. May - November sees the
country dominated by monsoons, which is followed by lower
temperatures. March-May sees the hottest temperatures. Temperatures
can range from as high as 40C in the hot season, down to as
low as 0C in the mountains during the winter months. If you
are planning mountain treks, it is wise to bear this in mind
when you pack - or you may be surprised. March to May is a
time to stick to the cool highlands, avoiding the uncomfortable
heat of the lower plains. The best overall time for visiting
the country is between November-February, when it rains the
least and is not too hot.
Visas
A visa is required for entry into Laos, and is valid for up
to 30 days, whether a tourist, journalist or business visa
and can be obtained by most nationalities, free of charge.
Make sure your passport is up to date. A transit visa is needed
for travelling between countries in Southeast Asia. If you
leave Thailand during or at the end of this period for even
a day you can be issued another 30 day visa on return. Swedes,
Danes, New Zealanders and South Koreans can travel for up
to 90 days in Thailand without a visa.
A 15 day visa for Laos can be obtained on arrival at
Vientiane's Wattay Airport or the Thai-Laos Friendship
Bridge for $30US (cash). Otherwise you can obtain this
or a 30 day visa before you go.
Cash
The Baht (B) is the currency in Thailand, approximate
conversions:
£1 = 60B
$1(US) = 40 B
€1 = 40 B
The Laotian unit of currency is the Kip.
$1 (US) = 8,000 Kips
£1 = 10,000 Kips
1 Euro = 8,000 Kips
For up to date currency information, check the Currency
Converter.
It is almost impossible to change travellers cheques in Laos
outside the capital, Vientiane, but luckily many places
accept Thai baht and US dollars as payment, so it is advisable
to carry most of your cash in these currencies.
Thailand is a very cheap country to visit, and Laos even
more so although they are becoming slightly more expensive
due to the influx of tourism inspired by films like "The
Beach". You can rent a room in a hostel for as little
as $4 US a day and eat for a few dollars more, or live more
comfortably from around $25 in total. In Bangkok everything
is at least twice the price of other towns, and there are
a number of luxurious hotels where you can spend, spend, spend
if you wish.
Food
If you love spicy food, Thai cuisine is for you! If you are
feeling less adventurous, the French have left behind their
legacy of baguettes and salads. Remember the risks of water-borne
diseases in both countries and stick to bottled water wherever
possible.
Lao cuisine is very similar to Thai in that a lot of fresh
ingredients are used. Vegetables, fish, chicken, duck,
pork, beef and water buffalo are Lao staples. Due
to the fact that Laos is landlocked, fish is usually of the
freshwater variety.
In rural areas in both countries, you will find wild animals
such as dog, pig, squirrels, rats and birds
are on the menu. So many wild animals are food for Laotians,
that there is a serious lack of wildlife found in the country
- though environmentalists are attempting to change this.
Food is flavoured with fish paste, salt, lime and chillies.
It is advisable to avoid the fish paste, especially
in more rural areas of the country, as it is not pasturized.
Do try laap - a common salad dish of minced meat, fowl
or fish tossed with lime, garlic, sticky rice, green onions,
mint and chilli.
Thais and Laotians also eat a lot of Vietnamese and Chinese
dishes, with sticky rice forming a major part of the diet.
Delicious cheap meals can be had from street vendors and markets.
Be very careful about drinking water, ice cubes or drinks
that have been diluted with water. Be sure not to miss the
famous Lao coffee - flavoured with sugar and sweetened
condensed milk, or for a kick sample some rice whiskey.
Language
Thai and Lao are somewhat tricky tonal languages,
but the effort to master even a few words is highly appreciated.
Thai and Laos are closely related languages and both are widely
understood. English is widely spoken in Thailand and is increasingly
popular in Laos too, alongside French, a legacy of
Indochina which is the second language of Laos. Hill
tribes have their own languages and dialects, so it is important
to find a trekking guide who can speak at least a few words
of the local language as well as Thai or Lao. English can
increasingly be found on signs, and many students speak it.
Older people are less likely to. Russian, once in favour,
now is heard very infrequently.
People
Lao has an amazing ethnic mix: Lao Loum, Lao Thai, Lao
Theung and Lao Sung - roughly classified by the
altitude at which they live. Half the population are ethnic
Lao (Lao Loum). Over 60% are tribal Thai. There are officially
68 distinct ethnic groups classified so by language, history,
religion, customs, dress and other factors. The people are
mainly sustenance farmers whose agricultural skills have remained
unchanged for thousands of years. Nearly all the peoples of
Thailand and Laos are Buddhist, others have tribal beliefs.
People are soft-spoken and welcoming, greeting visitors with
wide smiles and a "wai" - pressing both palms together
as if praying, with heads bowed respectfully.
Travel
When you're on the move, it is advisable to bring along a
good pair of sunglasses to protect against street dust,
as well as a bandana. A light jumper or jacket is advisable
for chilly mornings, and a small torch is good for frequent
blackouts. Although Laos is a small country, the unreliability
of air, train and car travel means that you should not be
over ambitious in your travel plans: getting around takes
longer than you would expect. Most Laotians get around by
bike.
Health
Vaccinations recommended for much of South-East Asia include
Tetanus and Diptheria (usually combined), Polio,
Hepatitis A and B and possibly Typhoid. Malaria
tablets are a must, as is plenty of mosquito repellent, especially
in rural areas. Consult your GP for details.
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