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| HOLIDAYS TIPS & ADVICE |
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| LAOS |
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| CULTURE |
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| Overview : |
Laos has some of the worst social indicators in Indochina. It
is one of the ten poorest countries in the world. However it receives a large
amount of foreign aid and the government's attitude towards economic reforms bodes well for
future growth. Price purchase parity figures (see above) are actually better than
those of Vietnam.
Laos is ruled by a one-party communist government called the Laotian People's Revolutionary
Party (LPRP). For years the LPRP kept a tight-grip on power, making Laos one of
the most politically stable (and totalitarian) countries within ASEAN.
The LPRP began opening Laos to the world when it decided that permanent economic
backwardness was not the best way to maintain power. In 1986, it adopted the
New Economic Mechanism (NEM). NEM was designed to shift Laos from a
centrally-planned economy to one which allowed limited free enterprise. Laotians
refer to the change as Jintanakan Mai, or "new thinking. " In this sense, it is
similar to Vietnam's Doi Moi movement. |
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| Religion : |
| The Laos-Lum (Valley Laos) people follow the Hinayana (Theravada) form of
Buddhism. The religions of the Laos-Theung (Laos of the mountain tops) range
from traditional Confucianism to Animism and Christianity. |
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| Social Norms : |
| Traditional culture in Laos has been heavily influenced by various strains
of Khmer, Vietnamese and Thai cultures. The lowland Lao share the same ancestry
as many Thai tribes, so the similarities between Lao and Thai culture are especially
strong. This can be seen in Lao sculpture, classical music, dance-dramas and
cuisine. Lao folk music is more indigenous, based around the khaen (a double row
of bamboo reeds fitted into a hardwood sound box). Folk music is often
accompanied by dancing or bawdy theatre. The focus of most traditional art has
been primarily religious and includes wats (temples), stupas and several distinctively Lao
representations of Buddha. The Lao remain skilful carvers and weavers, but
traditional silversmithing and goldsmithing are declining arts. |
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| CURRENCY |
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| Local Currency : |
The currency of Laos is the Kip. There are bank notes of 1
Kip, 10 Kips, 20 Kips, 50 Kips, 100 Kips and 500 Kips.
The Lao kip is the only legal currency, but Thai baht and US dollars are regularly accepted,
particularly in the cities. Often you'll be asked for kip for cheap purchases,
baht for mid-range buys, and dollars if you want something expensive. In
Vientiane you'll be able to change most major currencies, but in the country you should
stick to US dollars or baht - you may also have trouble with travellers' cheques outside
the capital. Banks will give you a better rate than moneychangers, and you'll g
et more for travellers' cheques than cash. |
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| Exchange Rate : |
Currently the exchange rate for one US Dollar is about 900 Kip.
As the 500 Kip bill is the largest bank note in circulation you will, after exchanging
money, find yourself the proud owner of a bag full of money. For only 100 Dollars
you get more than 110 500-Kip bills.
The alternative currencies accepted in Vientiane and numerous other provincial towns are
Thai Baht and US Dollars. The largest Thai bill, 1,000 Baht, has a value of
about 40 US Dollars.
Traveller Cheques can be exchanged in Vientiane at the Banque pour Commerce Exterieur Lao
and at the Hotel Lane Xang. At other places you will have difficulties
exchanging traveller cheques. |
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| Exchange Condition : |
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. There
are no restrictions on the import or export of foreign currency.
It is recommended to carry US Dollars in small denominations (100's and smaller) as well
as Thai Baht. Amounts exceeding 100,000 Baht should be declared on entry to the
country.
Kip cannot be reconverted into another currency, even if you have kept all exchange receipts
from the banks. |
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| EMERGENCY |
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PassionAsia.com Call Center
Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 7 PM, except Holidays
Phone : (66) 02 582 1001 - 1005
Fax : (66) 02 582 1010
Holidays or Emergency Case
Cell: THAWATVONGSE (66) 01 832 8914
Passion Net Company
Jasmine International Tower, 11th Floor,
200 Chaengwattana Road, Pakkred,
Nontaburi 11120 THAILAND
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| Embassy : |
| ? Australian Embassy |
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Thanon Phonxay
Tel : (856) (21) 413 600, 413 805 |
| ? US Embassy |
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Thanon That Dam (Bartholomie)
Tel: (856) (21) 212 581, 212 582 |
Canadian Embassy & UK Embassy-Served by their embassy in Bangkok. |
| ? Canadian Embassy |
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11th Fl, Boonmitr Building
138 Silom Rd. BKK
Tel : (66) (02) 237 4126 |
| ? UK Embassy |
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1031 Wireless Rd.
Tel: (66) (02) 253 0191 |
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| Insurance : |
| Health insurance is essential and should include cover for air evacuation. |
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| Tourist Police : |
NTAL (National Tourism Authority of Laos)
Thanon Lan Xang opposite the Centre du Langue Français
Tel & Fax : (856) (21) 212 013 |
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| HEALTH & SECURITY CONCERN |
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| Cautions : |
Laos has suddenly come over all bomb-happy and travellers are advised to
avoid heavily-populated public places that might appeal to terrorists and tourists; the
morning market in Ventiane for instance.
Travel in rural areas, particularly Xieng Khouang Province, is complicated by ethnic
conflict and banditry; generally speaking, any route that has 'special' in its name,
such as the road through Xaysomboune Special Zone, has to be treated with caution.
Taking drugs in foreign countries is always going to be iffy, but it's especially high-risk
in Laos. Reports have begun to filter back of tourists dying from opium overdoses. |
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| Drinking : |
| Rice whisky lao lao is popular and there are two brands
available. The beer is also good. All water should be regarded as
being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or
making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is
unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is
advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy
products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. |
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| First-Aid Kit : |
Any presonal medication: aspirin or painkillers for fevers and minor aches
and pains; an anticeptic for minor cuts and bites; a digestive preparation to sooth upset
stomach, insect repellent; plasters; scissors, twezers and a themometer.
Tiger balm, available at any pharmacy, is Asia's miracle cure-all, relieving headache,
muscle pains, and insect bites. |
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| Hospital, Clinics & Pharmacies : |
Any treatment must generally be paid for in cash.
Laos has no facility for major medical emergencies; the state-run hospitals and clinics
are among the worst in South East Asia in terms of the standards of hygiene, staff
training, supplies and equipment, and the availability of medicines.
For any serious conditions, you're better off going to Thailand. |
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| Illness : |
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from
infected areas.
- Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a
condition of entry to Laos. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country
and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before
deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is
divided over its effectiveness.
- Malaria risk exists throughout the year in the whole country, except in
Vientiane. The malignant falciparum form is prevalent and is reported to be
highly resistant to chloroquine.
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| Special Dietary : |
Rice is the foundation for all Lao meals, and almost all dishes are cooked
with fresh ingredients such as vegetables, freshwater fish, poultry, duck, pork, beef or
water buffalo. Lime juice, lemon grass and fresh coriander give the food its
characteristic tang, and various fermented fish concoctions are used to salt the
food. Hot chillies, garlic, mint, ground peanuts, tamarind juice, ginger and
coconut milk are other seasonings. Dishes are often served with an accompanying
plate of lettuce, mint, coriander, mung-bean sprouts, lime wedges or basil - diners then
create their own lettuce-wrapped tidbits.
Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and
mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. |
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| GOODS |
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| Bargaining : |
| Anything bought in a market shold be bargained for; in some shops price
are fixed while in others bargaining is expexted. |
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| Shopping : |
The markets in Vientiane and Luang Prabang (about 40 minutes by air from V
ientiane) are worth visiting. Silk, silver jewellery and handmade shirts are
good buys. Although the majority of shops have fixed prices, bartering is still
advisable for antiques and other art objects. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 08:00-16:00;
Mon-Sat 09:00-21:00 (private shops).
The following goods may be imported into Laos from countries not bordering Laos without
incurring customs duty: 500 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco; 1 bottle of
spirits; 2 bottles of wine; perfume for personal use; personal jewellery up to 500g. |
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| Tipping : |
| There's no need to tip in Laos, except at upscale restaurants where around
10% is expected. If you're buying things in markets or hiring a vehicle,
always bargain; at shops it's usually worth a try. Keep it low-key: Laotians
are generally gentle hagglers. |
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| WEATHER |
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| Dress : |
| Required clothing: Lightweights and rainwear, with a sweater for winter and upland areas. |
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| Temperature : |
Lao PDR has a tropical climate with only two distinctive
seasons. From the early May to the end of September it's the rainy season, and
from October to April it's the dry season.
The average temperature is about 28 °C, but in may raise up to 38 °C in April. In the mountainous area, however, the weather is cold from
December to February, in the neighborhood of 15 °C. |
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| Warning : |
| Throughout most of the country the climate is hot and tropical, with the
rainy season between May and October when temperatures are at their highest. The
dry season runs from November to April. |
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| USAGE |
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| Films : |
| Film is reasonably priced (available in Vientiane, Luang Prabang,
Savannakhet, and Pakse). |
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| Voltage : |
| The LPDR use 220V AC circuity; powe outlets most commonly feature
two-prong round and flat sockets. |
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| Telephone : |
| Restricted IDD available. Country code:
856. Outgoing international code: 00 |
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