Laos: main airports
Laos, a landlocked country in the heart of Southeast Asia, is served mainly by Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, the capital.
The country, less touristy than its neighbours Thailand and Vietnam, offers Buddhist temples, the Mekong river and historic Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Laos: recommended activities
Laos: visa and entry requirements
Citizens of many nationalities, including the EU and UK, can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport for tourist stays of up to 30 days (extendable twice up to a total of 90 days), with a cost varying by nationality: about 35 USD for US/UK/EU, 42 USD for Canada, 30 USD for Australia. Alternatively, an online eVisa is available for 50 USD (35 USD for China and Vietnam).
Always check the updated requirements before departure; a passport-sized photo is also generally required for the visa-on-arrival process.
Laos: safety
Laos is generally a safe country for visitors, with violent crime rare.
Take care when travelling by road, especially at night, given the variable state of road infrastructure outside the main cities. Always check your country's updated travel advisories.
Laos: health situation
Vaccinations against hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended; antimalarial prophylaxis is advisable for those visiting rural areas. Yellow fever vaccination is required only for those arriving from at-risk countries.
Avoid tap water, always preferring sealed bottled water, even for brushing teeth in more remote areas.
Laos: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the Lao kip (LAK), but US dollars and Thai baht are widely accepted in tourist circuits. Credit cards are accepted only at upscale hotels and restaurants: always carry sufficient cash.
The official language is Lao; English is spoken to a limited extent outside tourist circuits. Tipping is not traditional but is increasingly appreciated at tourist establishments.
