'Lovely, laid back Laos. Thanks to your team for organising such a wonderful, magical and memorable holiday for my family. We could not have asked for more. The delicious food, friendly people, golden temples, stunning scenery, rural villages and peacefulness was exactly what the doctor ordered! We hope to return to Laos again. It truly is a gem.' The Slater Family, New York

Laos’ history is one of colonization and occupation. Some of the earliest conquerors were the mighty Khmer Empire. The nation of 'Lane Xang’, or the Land of a Million Elephants was born with Luang Prabang as its capital. Khmer power yielded to that of the neighboring Thais until towards the end of the 19th century the Thais were forced to give up large parts of their territory to France. Lan Xang was renamed Laos and became part of French Indochina. France granted Laos sovereignty in 1953 although many nationalists were not convinced that government with a constitutional monarch was the answer. After France vacated Vietnam in 1954 Laos was dragged into the wider conflict in Vietnam. In 1975 both Saigon and Phnom Penh fell and Vientiane soon followed with little opposition as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was established.

Laos is a land-locked nation of stunning natural beauty and strong spiritual tradition and remains relatively unexplored. Roughly the area of Great Britain, Laos has less than 6 million people making it one of the most under-populated countries in the world. Much of the country is comprised of striking mountain ranges, valleys and gorges or thick rainforest. Laos’ principal charm lies in this abundance of nature. And then there are the cities. Vientiane has a relaxed atmosphere whilst Luang Prabang, a former royal capital and now a World Heritage Site is an enchanting city dominated by golden-roofed temples and bright saffron-robed monks exuding a spiritual essence that will surely capture your soul.

This section provides you and your clients with a glance of country profile and an interactive map, along with pre-departure information, weather information as well as events and festivals in Vietnam which will absolutely make you well-prepared for your trip.

We strongly advise you to make copies of all your important documents (visa, passport, credit cards, air-tickets, etc.) If they are lost, it will help in organizing replacements much easier!  When getting your Laos visa your passport should be valid for six months after your planned date of departure from the country.  You can either get your visa in advance at any Laos’s embassy which will be valid for 30 days. Otherwise you can obtain your visa at the border ‘on arrival’; such a visa will be valid for 15 days for a cost of about 30USD (depends on your nationality) . Two passport-size photographs are also required. 

Immunizations

Before travelling to Laos it is important to ensure that you have adequate protection against disease.  About two months before departure you should consult with your tropical medicines doctor who will advise you as to the type of vaccinations that you will need. These will vary depending on the regions that you plan on visiting. Bear in mind that there is a malaria risk in very rural parts of Laos.  Consult your tropical medicines doctor for the latest information. 

In general, most visitors to Laos will require the following vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Diphtheria

Suggested Packing List

You will be able to store any extra luggage or clothing not needed on your excursions in the hotel storage or our office.  Most of your toiletries requirements are available in Laos (e.g. tooth paste, soap, shampoo, sanitary towels).  Tampons are less widely available. If you wear contact lenses make sure to bring enough cleaning fluids are these are difficult to find.

Light thin layers of cotton clothing are the best. 

Long-sleeved shirts and pants are a good idea for a number of reasons: 

• they provide good protection against mosquito bites
• to keep yourself warm during chilly November to February evenings
• they are necessary for temple and countryside village visits where the shoulders and  legs should be covered to below the knee (see more in the culture section)
• Depending on the season, your activities and the region you will be visiting e.g. mountainous areas, it may be advisable for you to bring a jacket or fleece with you.   

Money

The Lao kip is the official currency of Laos.  US dollars are also widely accepted in bigger cities, particularly in restaurants. It’s a good idea to arrive in Laos with some US dollars as the Lao kip cannot be exchanged outside Laos and thus you won’t be able to buy any in advance of your arrival.  Note that torn and old US dollar notes are not generally accepted in Laos. In areas located near the Thai border, the Thai currency, Baht, is also accepted.

Traveller cheques (in US dollar or Euro) can be cashed at banks. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and Amex) are accepted in major hotels and in a very limited number of upscale shopping places.  Please note that there is usually a levy of 4 % charged on credit card purchases. In Vientiane you’ll find several ATM machines which dispense Lao kip only.

Heading to the countryside it is recommended that you carry cash with you (in small notes as people may have difficulty in getting change) as banks are not always available.

At time of print, the most common (though not fixed) rates of exchange are:

1 Euro: 12,700 Lao kip 1 USD: 10,600 Lao kip Carry your money in a way that you will feel most comfortable with e.g. money belt, wallet etc. You may want to carry a combination of travellers’ checks, credit/debit cards, cash or all three. It’s always a good precaution to split your money about your person and/or wallet.

Make sure to keep some cash in small denominations for last minute purchases, as well as airport taxes (see below). Most hotels offer safe-keeping for your valuables if you so wish. 

Trip Budgeting

Allow $5- $15 per meal for additional meals not included in the trip price. You may also want to have some cash for shopping in markets etc. -budget according to your taste. 

Arriving in Laos

We will arrange your transfer to and from Vientiane Wattay airport or Luang Prabang airport, unless otherwise specified.

Airport departure tax is included.

More about Laos

Climate

Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons May to October is the rainy season and November to April is the dry season.  It gets hottest in March and April when temperatures can reach as high as 38C/100F. The lowest temperatures, usually in December are around 15C/59F. The average temperature is between 25C/77F and 30C/84F.

Click here to find the weather chart

Cuisine

Laos’s food is very similar to Thai cuisine and offers delightful national staple food like sticky rice (khao niauw), laap (a meal of minced meat or fish with lime juice, garlic, unions, mint leaves and chillies) or tam maak hung (a spicy salad made of  green papaya’s). Vegetarian food is widely available, in no small part due to the strong Buddhist influence. Bottled mineral water, soft drinks, tea and coffee are readily available. Beer is the main alcoholic drink and is usually a light lager style. 

As a general rule, travellers should avoid tap water, ice made from tap water, peeled fruit and vegetables, uncooked food, shellfish and street vendor offerings. Traveller’s diarrhea is common and easily treated, choose a remedy that works best for you (Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, etc...); antibiotic solutions are also available for intestinal ills.

Drinking Water

Bottled water can be purchased almost everywhere, at local convenience stores, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, etc. We do not recommend you drink water from the tap in any location. If camping on one of our trips, you are not required to buy water as boiled/treated water with which to fill your water bottles will be provided every evening after dinner. If you wish to add water purification tablets to the water, you should bring those with you. Special Dietary Requests If you are a vegetarian, vegan, allergic to any foods or adhere to a special diet, please advise us prior to your booking so we can comply with your dietary requirements. We can accommodate any diet. 

Clothing

You will be able to store any extra luggage or clothing not needed on your excursions in the hotel storage or our office.  Most of your toiletries requirements are available in Laos (e.g. tooth paste, soap, shampoo, sanitary towels).  Tampons are less widely available. If you wear contact lenses make sure to bring enough cleaning fluids are these are difficult to find.

Light thin layers of cotton clothing are the best. 

Long-sleeved shirts and pants are a good idea for a number of reasons: 

• they provide good protection against mosquito bites
• to keep yourself warm during chilly November to February evenings
• they are necessary for temple and countryside village visits where the shoulders and  legs should be covered to below the knee (see more in the culture section)
• Depending on the season, your activities and the region you will be visiting e.g. mountainous areas, it may be advisable for you to bring a jacket or fleece with you. 

Responsible Tourism

Please read our separate Responsible Tourism Guidelines before you arrive in Asia. We want to ensure that all our clients travel as responsibly as possible to ensure the future of is sustainable

People

There are over 60 ethnic groups in Laos, the main ones are Lao Lom (lowland ~50%) and other groups: Lao Theung (upland ~30%), Lao Sung (highland ~10%), and tribal Thais (~ 10%).  

Language

Laos is a stunning, relatively undiscovered landlocked country nestled between Thailand, Vietnam, China and Cambodia.  The least well known of the three Indochinese countries, it is a country of sublime beauty and unspoilt charm. The official language is Lao and there are many dialects throughout the country, particularly in tribal areas.  The language is very close to Thai. The most widely spoken foreign languages are English and French.  Some Lao people also speak German, Russian, and Vietnamese. During the communist regime some Lao people received university training in Eastern Europe. Elderly Lao people may speak French as a result of being a former French colony. 

Post and Telecommunication

Depending on your (foreign) provider, some mobile phones will receive a signal in major towns as Vientiane. But you can also easily purchase a local SIM card. Services for making international phone calls are widely available. All major tourism centers offer internet access (rates in Vientiane 1min/100 kip) and some provide chat-webcams. Email is the cheapest and fastest way to communicate while travelling. All major cities and tourist towns have email services.  The rate is usually around 1 min/100kip in Vientiane. Some Internet cafes provide chat and webcams. Services for making international phone calls are widely available in tourist areas. Your own mobile phone should be able to receive a signal in major towns like Vientiane or you can easily purchase a local SIM card.

Electricity and Adaptors

In all of Laos, the electricity is 220 volts and 50 cycles. You will probably want to use electricity in Laos for recharging batteries for digital cameras or hairdryers etc. so make sure to bring plug adapters and a voltage transformer that will allow you to use the equipment on 220 volts. You can use either round-hole or flat-hole sockets in hotels, guest houses or households.  If your electrical item doesn’t match with the socket, you can ask one of the staff for assistance.

Cultural Differences

Experiencing cultural diversity is one of the great joys of travelling, and it is important that these differences are encouraged and respected.  Things are done differently in Asia, which is why we love it! At a general level, we need to respect the cultural rules in the areas we travel to. Please remember to accept these differences and not try and change them for the benefit of your own comfort.  The traveller who wishes to have a happy and successful trip should keep as calm, cheerful and friendly as humanly possible. Patience and courtesy are virtues that open many doors.

Demanding tourists do not get smiles, service or respect. For more extensive insights into cultural difference, please read the Responsible Tourism note included in this pack.

Attire

Asian people generally dress modestly. Modest clothing is required in Laos.  To respect the Laotian culture it is advisable to wear pants and skirts to below knee-length.  Bare shoulders are not really appreciated. Not wearing a bra and tight body-hugging clothes are not acceptable.

Also please bear in mind that in Laos, the feet are considered to be the lowest part of the human body, so please take of your shoes before entering temples or a house. Similarly, never pat a person on the head, even a child, as the head is the most sacred part of the body.

Modest clothing goes a long way towards making a good impression with the local people.  As previously mentioned more formal dress codes apply for temples or mosques or any other religious sites you may visit. So to prevent the wrath of the gods as well as the locals these should be closely followed.  In general one should have covered shoulders and legs, shoes and hats should be removed.

Swimming

While Laos is landlocked you may have opportunities to swim in waterfalls.  Remember that there are no areas in Asia where nude sunbathing or swimming is acceptable.  In most places Laos’s people will swim wearing all their clothes which is a reminder of the level of modesty that exists in here.  If you are staying in a small village you will probably be bathing in a stream, river or waterfall, and women should wash in a sarong or in the mode that the local women use.  

Saving Face

It is inappropriate to express anger in a raised voice. Becoming angry is embarrassing to the local people with whom you are dealing - they will not be embarrassed for themselves, but for you making a fool of yourself. "Keeping face", that subtle but important quality of personal dignity, is important! 

Personal candor in Asia is largely a matter of sensibility and face.

Tips

Tipping is a personal matter, and passengers are encouraged to tip an amount they find appropriate. For your convenience we’ve included a tipping guide below for your travels in Laos.  Please note however that these amounts are only suggestions, we encourage our passengers to reward guides based on their performance.  Meals (restaurants): No tipping

Tips for guides and drivers are completely at your discretion, but here are some guidelines:

• $5 per half day, $10 per full day tour per person for guides 
• $2 for half day and $5 per person for full day for drivers
• Another "pot" for the guides - $8 to $10 per day

Tips for the staff of cruise ships and all inclusive lodges are generally pooled - one "pot" for the staff excluding guides - $10 per day.

Bellboy: it’s up to you; the average amount is US$ 1.0/bag or luggage.

Chambermaid: again it’s up to you; the average amount is US$ 1.0/day.

Departure airport taxes

Airport departure tax is included

Other general points of etiquette

There are a few general codes of behaviour that apply in Laos: 

• Crooking your finger to call somebody is considered impolite. Asian people generally use a subtle downward waving motion to summon someone.
• Public displays of affection are considered to be quite offensive in Laos - definitely no kissing!  It is also extremely rare to see couples holding hands. To the contrary it is quite common to see friends of the same sex holding hands.
• It is polite to remove your shoes before entering a house. Look for shoes at the front door as a clue and follow suit.
• Criticism should only be used when put among praise.

Donations and gift-giving

Do not give to begging children as it reinforces for these children that begging is an acceptable way to make a living.  However in many places, it is considered acceptable to give to the elderly and disabled as there is no social security or other way these people can earn money.

Giving money and goods away at random to individuals can result in the local communities acting like beggars. It accentuates an unequal relationship between locals and visitors, with tourists being seen as purely ‘money givers’. We also need to be careful not to pay for acts of kindness in monetary terms, for example paying for photographs.  We do not want to encourage the development of a society that equates every human action as a potential money making scheme.

Do not to give sweets to children in villages that we visit. Local people do not have access to dentists, nor can they afford them and again there is the issue of turning children into beggars. Pens, toothbrushes, clothing or other perhaps ‘worthwhile’ items are best distributed via a local charity, school teacher, or community leader.

Avoid feeling that you necessarily have to give ‘material’ things. The best giving can sometimes be shared interactions: a smile, a joke, a sing-song, dance or playing a game. Giving something of your friendship, time and interest to interact with locals can be the best gift of all.

And Finally…

We at Buffalo Tours do our best to facilitate your adventure by arranging all of the services that free you to get the most out of your experience. However, every traveller has his or her own idea and expectations of how the adventure will be. Bearing this in mind and considering our own experiences, we offer the suggestions below to ensure that your adventure meets and hopefully exceeds your expectations. Please also read our enclosed guidelines on Responsible Tourism so that that joy of cultural diversity unique to travelling is a beneficial experience for both yourself and the communities that you visit.

• Take responsibility for your adventure - do not assume your interests are shared by everyone else
• If you have any special interests (weavings, archaeology, religious art, jewellery, etc.) or wish to do some particular activities (mountain biking, kayaking etc.) let our guides or the hotel staffs know ahead of time. They will do their best to help you find what you want.
• Read up on Laos before you visit, you are sure to get more out of the experience if you have some familiarity with the history and culture of the country.
• Most information provided by the guides is to give you a general understanding of what and where you are touring. Don’t be shy! Ask questions if you want more specific information.
• Try to learn some Lao before you arrive!  The more Lao you know, the more fun you will have. However, please note that not knowing Lao will not impede you from having a great time. English is widely spoken, but you will certainly get a great reaction and have deeper interaction with local people if you can muster up a few Laotian phrases.
• If you need something or have a problem, please let someone know. Our drivers, operators, guides and hotel staff are there to assist you.
• Where possible try to support locally owned businesses, hotels and restaurants. In particular try to buy from traditional artisans.
• While bargaining is part of the shopping culture in Asia, be realistic!
• Bring a book, journal, postcards or playing cards with you to occupy yourself when waiting. 
• Remember the adage: “Take only photos, leave only footprints”, but be sensitive with the photos and footprints!
• Smile! It will get you much further than a lost temper ever will.
• Finally… welcome to Laos - slow down, chill out and relax! This is your holiday!  Enjoy it!  

Click here to download Laos Pre-departure Information.

Laos’ history is one of colonization and occupation. Some of the earliest conquerors were the mighty Khmer Empire. The nation of 'Lane Xang’, or the Land of a Million Elephants was born with Luang Prabang as its capital. Khmer power yielded to that of the neighboring Thais until towards the end of the 19th century the Thais were forced to give up large parts of their territory to France. Lan Xang was renamed Laos and became part of French Indochina. France granted Laos sovereignty in 1953 although many nationalists were not convinced that government with a constitutional monarch was the answer. After France vacated Vietnam in 1954 Laos was dragged into the wider conflict in Vietnam. In 1975 both Saigon and Phnom Penh fell and Vientiane soon followed with little opposition as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was established.

Laos is a land-locked nation of stunning natural beauty and strong spiritual tradition and remains relatively unexplored. Roughly the area of Great Britain, Laos has less than 6 million people making it one of the most under-populated countries in the world. Much of the country is comprised of striking mountain ranges, valleys and gorges or thick rainforest. Laos’ principal charm lies in this abundance of nature. And then there are the cities. Vientiane has a relaxed atmosphere whilst Luang Prabang, a former royal capital and now a World Heritage Site is an enchanting city dominated by golden-roofed temples and bright saffron-robed monks exuding a spiritual essence that will surely capture your soul.

1.       Visas

2.       Arrival

3.       Money

4.       Clothing

5.       Climate

6.       Safety

7.       Cuisine

8.       People

9.       Language

10.   Public holidays and special events

11.   Post and Telecommunication

12.   Business hours

13.   Departure airport taxes

1. Visas

Visitors traveling to Laos for the purpose of tourism need a visa. If applying to a Laotian Embassy, you will need your passport and 2 passport size photos. If you are flying into Vientiane, Luang Prabang or Pakse you can purchase a Visa upon arrival. In either event the Visa is valid for 15 days and costs about US$30 (depending on nationality) and can be renewed in Vientiane only. You can obtain a visa at most international borders but things change from day to day so if it is not a commonly used border its best to check with the embassy first.

2. Arrival

By air:
The main port of arrival by air is Vattay International airport in Vientiane. The following companies currently fly to Vientiane: Lao Aviation, Thai Airways International, Vietnam Airlines, Southern China Airlines, Silk Air and Malaysian Airlines. Regular flights are available to and from Bangkok, Phom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, Kunming, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

By road:
Entry to Laos is possible from neighboring countries. Between Thailand and Laos the border can be crossed at Houeixay in Bokeo province, at the Mittaphab Friendship Bridge near Vientiane and at Dan Savannakhet Province, and Thai – Laos Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai Province Thailand connect to Vientian, Laos. A border crossing between Laos and Vietnam has been set up at Laksao.


3. Money

The Kip is the official currency of Laos. Bank notes are currently in denominations of 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000. All major currencies, but especially the US Dollar and Thai Baht can be exchanged at banks. In Luang Prabang and Vientiane competitive rates are offered among numerous authorized private exchange bureaus. There is an exchange facility available at Wattay airport in Vientiane.

Exchange bureaus and banks will cash traveler checks in major currencies. Furthermore, most domestic and foreign banks in Vientiane will allow cash withdrawals on Visa. Also, major credit cards can be used in many restaurants and hotels. If you intend to travel to a more remote area we suggest you take a good supply of Kip with you. The Kip comes in denominations of 5,000 2,000 1,000 500 200 and 50.

The current rate of exchange is US$1 = 9,500 Kip
Please note that the Laos Kip is non-convertible outside Laos.


4. Clothing

Modes of dress in Laos very much depend on gender and age but in general Lao women wear silk skirts, blouses and scarves to attend important ceremonies. Lao men wear a sarong or long pants to attend the important ceremonies. Visitors should wear light, comfortable clothing that is easy to launder. The winter months and rainy season in the central region can get cool so a sweater or light jacket will come in handy. Good walking shoes and sandals that can be easily removed are recommended especially when entering temples and people's homes.


5. Climate

Laos has three basic seasons. The monsoon period lasts from May to November. After the monsoon there is a dry period from November through to March. From March until the approaching monsoon the country experiences its hottest weather. The best time to visit Laos is between November and February when there is less chance of heavy rain and the temperature is cooler.

6. Safety

Traveling in Laos is generally very safe. The majority of hotels either have a safety deposit box at the reception desk or in the rooms, or both. Just to be on the safe side when traveling anywhere in the country you should exercise common sense. Concern has been raised about Communist guerillas operating between Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng although attacks on tourists are almost non-existent.


7. Cuisine

Traditional Lao food is dry, spicy and absolutely delicious. The most commonly used ingredients are lime juice, lemon grass and coriander. The majority of Lao food uses fresh vegetables and fish, mostly freshwater fish due to the country’s landlocked location. Other popular meat dishes involve chicken, duck, pork and beef. Lao food is traditionally eaten with sticky rice. In the countryside people eat on a communal basis, sitting on the floor and sharing the dishes.

One of the most common Lao dishes is Laap; a traditional food made from minced chicken or duck mixed together with lime juice, garlic and chilies and broth with uncooked rice grains that have been fried and crushed. Laap is usually eaten with a plate of raw vegetables and sticky rice. Another popular dish is Tam Mak Houng a salad made from sliced raw papaya, garlic, chili, peanuts, sugar, fermented fish sauce and lime juice and it has a reputation as being very spicy! Barbecued som moo is also delicious. Som moo is fermented pork sausage and is often served in this Vietnamese style. Known as Naem Nuang, it is served with transparent rice paper, thin noodles and lots of herbs, vegetables, lettuce and a sauce. The basic idea is to take all the ingredients and create your own spring roll.


8. People

Laos’ population currently stands at approximately 5 million. 85% of the country’s inhabitants still live in rural areas. The Laos people divide themselves into four distinct categories: The Lao Loum (50%), Lao Thai (approx. 15%), Lao Theung (25%) and Lao Sung (10%). Most differentiation appears to be made upon where the people live. For example Lao Luom means Low Lao and relates to those who have traditionally lived in the Mekong Valley. Lao Theung translates at Upland Lao and Lao Sung as High Lao. Many subsections exist within each category, particularly for those in the hills and mountains.


9. Language

The official language spoken in Laos is Laotian or Lao. The four principle ethnic groups of the country speak varying dialects of this language, most of which are mutually intelligible. The Lao language is a member of the Tai language group, sometimes known as Tai-Kadai or Kadai. Thai is well understood in Laos, since Lao people will watch Thai television and listen to Thai radio.

French, English, Russian and Chinese are spoken by some members of the population, although none can be considered widely understood. As a general rule, older Lao may speak some French and younger Lao may speak some English or Russian.


10. Public holidays and special events

Laos has a number of religious and cultural festivals. Here are some of the more important ones:

Sikhottabong Festival (February)
This religious festival is held at Sikhottabong stupa in the region of Khammouan.

Wat Phu Festival (February)
This festival is celebrated on the full moon of the 3rd month of the lunar calendar in the grounds of the enchanting pre-Angkorian Wat Phu in Champasak. Festivities include elephant racing, buffalo fighting, cock fighting and performances of traditional Lao music and dance.

Lao New Year (April)
The Lao New Year or Pi Mai Lao usually occurs in April. This is the nation’s biggest holiday and the entire country celebrates. People remove Buddha images from the temples to anoint and clean them with scented water. Street parties that invariably involve people dowsing one another with water then follows. This is essentially an act of cleansing and purification in anticipation of the end of the dry season.

Vientiane Boat Racing Festival (October)
At dawn donations and offerings are made at temples throughout the city. In the evening candlelight processions are held around the temples as hundreds of candles with flowers and incense are cast into the Mekong River in thanksgiving. The following day an exciting boat race is held on the Mekong.

That Luang Festival (November)
This religious festival is held in and around the splendid That Luang stupa. Hundreds of monks gather to accept alms and floral offerings from the people. The festival includes a grand fireworks display at night, and a trade fair, showcasing Lao products, will take place during the day.


11. Post and Telecommunication

Vientiane’s General Post Office is located beside the Morning Market. Normal mail service is inexpensive and generally reliable, however for urgent or valuable mail (either to or from Laos) EMS or courier service is recommended.

The GPO offers public telephones for local, national and international calls. Phone card (available at appointed shops) booths are available for domestic and overseas calls. Most large hotels have IDD lines, but calls are expensive. Country code: 856. Outgoing international code: 00.

A number of Internet cafes have sprung up in recent years including the PlaNet chain in both Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

The international dialing code for Laos is 856.


12. Business hours

Government offices open at 8am, are closed for lunch between 11am and 2pm and generally close around 5pm. Private businesses and shops usually keep longer hours.


13. Departure airport taxes

The departure tax is included in your ticket.

Compared to Vientiane, Luang Prabang's higher latitude and altitude makes it a bit more pronounced on the climate chart. Summer highs reach well into the 30°Cs (90°Fs), while in the short cool season - roughly late November through to mid-February - temperatures can sometimes drop to single digits at night. The wet season is also very pronounced peaking in August and becoming quite dry at either end of the calendar.

Lao New Year (Songkran)

Lao New Year or ‘Songkran’ (best celebrated in Luang Prabang) is between the 13 -18 April so be sure to book early to secure accommodation and internal flights. Please be advised that as this is traditionally celebrated as a ‘water festival’, which is basically a three day nationwide ‘water fight’, guests will get wet, including whatever they may be carrying at the time.

Luang Prabang Fireboat Festival

The Fireboat Festival in Luang Prabang is held on the day of the full moon in October. The entire city is lit by paper lanterns and candles and all the temples are decorated. Each village makes a vessel out of wood and banana leaves and decorates them with candles, before parading them through the streets down to the water to release them. It is beautiful to watch them floating downriver on dusk and soak the up the atmosphere at this very special time.

Sayaboury Elephant Festival

Get really off the beaten track and celebrate the Elephant Festival in Sayaboury, remote North West Laos, mid February 2010. Last year a total of 60 elephants turned out for the festival and 80,000 people from villages around the region. This huge two day celebration includes logging demonstrations, markets and ceremonies and helps raise money for a good cause, created by the same team that helps rescue elephants from the logging industry (Elefant Asia). (http://festival.elefantasia.org/ )