Poor ... One of the poorest countries in the region. Its biggest attraction is the wild nature and beautiful views.

Laos is situated in a tropical monsoon climate. What does it mean here that there are two seasons: The dry season lasts from November to April and wet season lasts from May to October.

The average summer temperature range in southern Laos from 26 to 32 ° C. In the north of the country are from 1914 to 1925 ° C

The tourist season lasts Laos during the dry, ie from October to May. Then the temperature is most convenient for tourists

Despite the small population, Laos has about 49 ethnic groups. Approximately half the population is Lao Loum "lowland Lao, who live on the plains of the river. Officially, this group includes the Lao Tai, which can be divided into several subgroups. Lao Theung (20-30%) or "upland Lao" for living on the mountain slopes (officially around 300-900m), are by far the poorest ethnic group, formerly used for slave labor by the Lao Loum. Groups of Lao Sung (10-20% ) are mainly people living in the mountains. In the new republic Loasu this division was formally abolished caste but in reality it is still in use. There are also ethnic minorities: 2-5% of Chinese and Vietnamese people, mainly living in cities. cities.

Buddhism: 61.05%

Animism: 31.2%

Denominations: 1.2%

Islam: 1.1%

Within the country there are many Buddhist temples, they are available for tourists but it must be remembered that the customs prevailing in these areas and in particular of zakryciu arms and legs at the entrance to them.

Thai

French

English

English is the most popular here on the Thai language. However, it mainly use the young people and state officials.

Literacy: over 15 years, people can read and write

total population: 68.7%

men: 77%

women: 60.9% (2001)

In Laos, you can also meet the French language, but use it mostly to old people. Is a remnant from the times of being a French colony. Native alphabet belongs to the Latin, there are 2 kinds of interpretation it in Latin: French and British. Jus french style used by the British government has more and more supporters among the ordinary people.

Polish citizens are obliged to have visas Lao. Month visa can be obtained only in the Lao Embassy in Warsaw. Most do so before the arrival. On the spot visa can be extended twice, each time by one month. At the border crossing at international airports (Wattay in Vientiane and Luang Prabang and Pakse), and the border bridge of friendship Mittabhap k. Vientiane you can get a visa valid for two weeks for a fee $ 30. This visa can also be extended twice, each time for two weeks, the proposal is required justifications. Visa extension done with the Immigration Office in Vientiane. The fee is $ 2 for each additional day of stay. Make sure that during the passport control the border have been driven into the appropriate stamps. If it is found by the police for their lack of random control when traveling in or leaving threatens penalties, including deportation, and even arrest. When dealing with formalities can be used for consideration of the mediation hotel, where you live. For the arbitrary extension of stay without a valid visa, a charge $ 10 per day, which seeks to exit. Travel by air force airport charge levied at the outlet in the amount of $ 10.

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Laos Embassy in Warsaw

Ul. Usypiskowa 8, 02-386 Warsaw

Tel: (48 22) 6686699, fax: (48 22) 6686690

Lack. Subject to the embassy in Thailand.

100/81-82, Vongvanij Building B, 25th Floor,

Rama 9 Road, Huaykwang District, Bangkok 10310, Thailand

Tel.: (+66) 2-645-0367 / 9

Fax: (+66) 2-645-0365

E-mail: ampolbkk@polemb.or.th; consul@polemb.or.th

No obligation meldunkowego. In the hotels the following registration on the basis of passport

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Please note that all formalities were completed, especially need to watch that all stamps are associated with entry into the country, an extension of stay were driven into the passport. For their lack of risk mandate.

Health care is very low. Emergency medical assistance is available only in larger cities. Hospitals are also very much in the Appendix are poorly equipped and often lack medicines. After a visit to the hospital, you have to pay 1910-1920 USD. A day in hospital costs about $ 20. Tourist recommended the use of medical care in neighboring Thailand. The cost of transport and treatment are much higher, however, offered a standard of medical services is really a lot higher.

Polish insurance from insurance companies are not considered. Before buying insurance, check whether it has an agreement with local Assurances Generales du Laos (AGL). Better also not save on insurance coverage and ensure its kosztó1) any transport to Thailand.

In Laos to use only local emergency hospitals

In Laos there is a risk of malaria, cholera, dengue, hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis variation of type B, ambozą dysentery, tuberculosis, fungi and other skin diseases and periodically avian influenza.

Laos is generally a safe country but there are burglary, theft. Do not travel at night and use of transport other than that intended for tourists. Watch out for the minefields in the vicinity of the border with Vietnam. Under no circumstances, you can enter the area marked as niebezipeiczne!

In Laos there are rebel guerrillas appear mostly in the northern and central part of the country's. But in recent years they have lost momentum, (the last case exchange rate for the bus attack took place in 2003). In addition, insurgents usually do not attack the centers, and tourist buses.

Only local emergency numbers.

Do not travel at night because of the thief and rebel groups. Also discouraged tourist nightlife in the less civilized parts of the city. Especially without a local guide.

Thailand:

Mittabhap the Mekong River.

Houay Xay (entry by ferry from Chiang Khong in the north. Thailand)

Nan Province (Sayanbouli in central Laos, the entry of Houay Kone)

Thakhek (in the province of Khammouane, enter the Nakornpanom ferry)

Thaheuasavanh (in the province of Savannakhet, enter the village of Mukdahan, Thailand)

Vangtau (in Champassak province, in Thailand trip with Chong Mek)

China:

Ban Boten (entry of Mohan)

Sobhun

Vietnam:

Dansanvanh (entry from Lao Bao)

Nam Kan (entry of Cao Treo)

In Laos there are 3 major airports: Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse)

Regular connections to maintain Laos: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and Malaysia.

Airlines offer connections to:

Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Lao Airlines, Air Asia

In 2009, she found an open international railway line running from Nong Khai to Tha Naleng near Vientiane.

China:

There are buses from Luang Namtha to Mengla and Udomxai. But they are rather expensive and their schedules are more irregular. In addition to cross the border by land is more difficult for independent travelers, border crossings with China serve only virtually tours

Arriving by car is possible in Thailand, and Vietnam.

Often, buses are an alternative to taxis which, however, face a much more expensive.

Please note that some border crossings require the use of ferries, because of the lack of bridges.

Most tourists choose to transport by air, due to the lack of comfort with a large uncertainty associated with other transport modes. Np. In the rainy season some roads become impassable, wzbierających rivers, broken bridges, etc.

Domestic flights are offered by Lao Arlines. It offers a connection between the three major airports in the country (Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse) Prices are not prohibitive about $ 100 per trip one-way. It is the fastest, most reliable and safest means of transportation offered in Laos

There is no communication within the national. The only railway line is this leading to Thailand (Bangkok)

It is possible to travel by bus, but no timetable, covered bus stops and make nieterminowość that is not the best means of transport. Nevertheless, it must be said that among all the major cities buses, more or less regularly.

Is recognized as an international driving license. Condition of the roads is very bad generally advised not to trips outside the main roads because of the possibility ugrzęźnięcia or finding an unmarked mine. Traveling at night may also cause problems because of the large number of drunk drivers.

It is possible to travel by boat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang. On offer are two types of boats. Larger, comfortable journey which takes about two days. There are also a quick boat that offer very low comfort, however, their journey takes about 6 hours. At this point we mention that there are numerous known cases of rapid sinking boats, so this mode of transport is not the safest.

In larger cities there are internet cafes, however, reportedly offered to them is appallingly slow Internet. The cost of the use of the cafes is about 4000 Kip per hour. An alternative is to use GPRSu if we are in possession of a local SIM card.

Available Network:

Laotel

Tigoa

| ETL Mobile

Mail in Laos is not trustworthy. However, the majority of outgoing letters from the state reaches the addressee. The cost of the stamp to the whole world is about 7000 Kip

When traveling by car, car insurance theory is recognized, however, in practice, all the bumps may expose tourists to the additional costs associated with compensation for the loss even though the accident was the fault of the other.

kip (NK) = 100 atów

The official currency is Kip, a generally acceptable are also dollars, to a lesser extent the Euro. Thai Bathy are also acceptable in the provinces bordering Thailand.

In the capital, and in all major cities there are a number of ATMs. Not too much you can rely on them because of frequent failure.

Average per day is about 10 to 75 dollars (depending on the standard of living)

A large bottle of water Kip 5000

Canned Drink 5000 - 8000 Kip

Beer 8000 - 12,000 Kip

Bread Kip 3000

10,000 Kip French Bread

The dish at the local Bar Kip 6000

Liqueur lao-lao U.S. $ 0.30

In the villages there is a lot of tourist souvenir shops, supermarkets, etc.. In areas less frequented by tourists is harder to find. It is also recommended Night Market in Luang Prabang

Laotian Silk products, please check whether they are Chinese fakes.

Customs regulations do not deviate from generally accepted standards. Tourists are required to declare the amount of money entering the country, more than $ 2,000.

Export of works of art is strictly prohibited in the country.

Possession of drugs is punished very severely (life imprisonment or death penalty)

As Laos has not yet been introduced VAT

Kip is the currency is not convertible, it can not be inferred from the country so you must think carefully before making your purchase decision on the payment of money Laotian. Kip is also a very unstable currency very vulnerable to inflation because it is a huge rate fluctuations.

Shop are open from Monday to Saturday. However, opening hours vary from shop owners.

In the main tourist route (from north to south) is a lot of hotels aimed at tourists, often very expensive. However, in addition one can find hotels and more affordable.

In the main tourist route is also a lot of hostels, resorts and tourist Guesthouse'ów. They are much cheaper than hotels

Lack. They are just camping for organized tours, however, is not possible to rent cottages or tent where. Not recommended Stay in the wild because of the threat the rebels and unmarked minefields.

In Laos tours are popular Eco-tourism. Where guests have the opportunity to commune with nature and wildlife in cottage przespania indigenous people of Laos.

Cheap Hostel will cost 2 to $ 8

Hotel depending on the standard 10 - $ 80

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Lao cuisine has many borrowings from neighboring countries, especially China and Tajladnii. It has very sharp flavors, with plenty of vegetables, meat and fish. Kitchen may seem quite some time after the mono, but always be to try specialties of the local population, such as lizards, rats and other worms.

Fur - pork soup with rice and noodles.

Laap - salad with minced meat (usually raw) with herbs, chilli and lime juice. Often served with seafood.

Beerlao Beer - Beer rice

Liqueur lao-lao - said to be the most cost effective way of getting drunk

kaafeh Hung - coffee with milk and sugar, probably is the best coffee in the world

There are a lot of bars and restaurants designed for tourists. However, if you want to try the local delicacies is a must to go to the bars where local eats ludzność.

The standard is 10 - 15% of the bill. Some restaurants add on tips to the bill.

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The main trail runs from the north to the south. There is also the majority of attractions and sights. The main ones are:

Vientiane - very quiet, sleepy town on the Mekong River.

Huay Xai - in the north, the Mekong River and the border with Thailand

Luang Prabang - UNESCO World Heritage City, famous for its numerous temples, colonial architecture and live the night market. It also has a very quiet, friendly atmosphere. The former capital of the state.

Luang Namtha - capital of the North, known for its trekking.

Muang Xay - also known as Oudomxay, capital of the multiethnic province of Oudomxay.

Pakbeng - The third largest city. On the road halfway between the boat to Huay Xai and Luang Prabang

Pakse - the gateway to the ruins of Wat Phu and the "four thousand islands" (Si Phan Don)

Savannakhet - in the south of the Mekong river, the bridge connected to Mukdahan in Thailand

Tha Khaek - south-east of Vientiane on the banks of the Mekong, a popular base for exploring the National Park Phou Hin Bouna Konglor including the famous Cave.

Within the country there is a lot of Buddhist temples that are not available for tourists. Other sights include:

Wat Xieng Thong - jadna of the most impressive temples in Laos decorated with colored glass and gold.

Champasak - Khmer temples, World Heritage Site

Nong Khiaw north of Luang Prabang - the area between the karst cliffs, where you can discover Hilltribe village, canoeing, biking or simply relaxing zawiedzić in the city.

Vieng Xai - An oasis of culture and the symbolic cradle of Marxism. Caves, where the Pathet Lao leaders conduct their war against the West

Tham Nong PAFA Cave - the cave was discovered in the province in 2004 Khammouan. found there, 200 Buddha statues of various sizes

Cooking classes

Courses in Vientiane and Luang Prabang include a visit to the local market to buy meat and vegetables and cooking class Laotian national dishes.

Experience the calm and quiet and sleepy atmosphere of Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and reportedly the world's best coffee in the cafes jedenj coast Mnkongu

Eco-Tourist Trips:

They organize trips to elephant camps and close to nature.

National parks:

Dong amph

Dong Hua Sao

Dong Phou Vieng

Hin Nam Nor

Nakai Nam Theun

Nam Et

Nam Ha (East)

Nam Kading

Nam Phoun (Poui)

Nam Xam

Phou Den Din

Phou Hin Poun

Phou Khao Khouay

Phou Loeuy

Phou Phanang

Phou Xiang He

Phou Xiang Thong

Xe Bang Nouan

Xe Piane

Xe Sap

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Buddhist New Year - feast celebrated in mid-April (najbarwniej celebrated in Luang Prabang)

Completion of 3-month post Buddhist - This is a festival connected with the Water Festival, celebrated in October

Chinese New Year - feast celebrated in late January and February.

Proclamation of the Republic - December 2

Rockets Festival - falls at the beginning of the rainy season (beginning May)

Water Festival - at the end of the rainy season (October), at that time in many cities are organized boat races

That Luang Festival in Vientiane - celebrated in November.

In the capital there is a lot more clubs and discos, which have live music. Also, most hotels have their own discos. However, the night life in Laos is rather quiet and peaceful, and usually does not last for "dawn."

Plug in the power of American and European tip. Both the summer and warm clothing. Means for water treatment. Dallary, Euro and Thai Bathy.

All holidays are movable and Laos depend on the moon quarter we therefore can not be accurately determined to date. During the celebration of Christmas mostly offices and state institutions are closed.