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A short word "Laos" is translated from ancient Thai language as "the kingdom of a million elephants". This charming small country in Southeast Asia, although it is the least developed of the three former French colonies of Indochina, but perhaps the most mysterious. The rich Buddhist culture, long history, natural beauty, unusual traditions and lifestyles of local people - just a small part of what awaits travelers who choose tours to Laos.
You will get acquainted with stunning Vientiane, the capital of Laos - a city-feast, with Luang Prabang - the ancient capital, which was buried in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Site, visit the mysterious Valley of Jars.
Many travel to Laos in search of peace. Time is flowing slowly, and the people extremely friendly and peacefully. There is always a smile and serenity reign.
Tours to Laos - not only familiarity with the ancient culture and wonderful people, but the real Klondike for adventurers, explorers, lovers of rafting on the rivers and the descent into the cave. If you are looking for new experiences, you can be sure - this trip will not leave you indifferent.
Activities
Because of the underdeveloped tourism infrastructure in Laos there is practically no organized tourism. But for those who love adventure and a fantasy, given the wide field of activity. The hilly terrain provides opportunities for hiking, but to spend the night in tents is not permitted, you should also make sure that you have had a local guide. Walking, mountain biking - this is another opportunity to use the natural landscape, in Vientiane and Luang Prabang can rent a bicycle. On Don Khon, an island on the Mekong River, you can make an interesting trip along the southern tip of the island, during which time late at night from December to May you can enjoy the dolphins.
Prices
Accommodation in Vientiane will cost considerably more expensive than in other places, expect to spend from $ 5 a day for a regular room in the capital and from 1.75 in another city. In a comfortable tourist hotel you have to pay per night from 15 to 60 dollars. Meals are on average less than $ 2 a: a cup of coffee costs about 15 cents a plate of rice soup - from 50 cents to a dollar a liter of beer - about 70 cents. In general, you can count on eight dollars a day in the big cities, at 6 dollars a day - in small provincial towns, but this is the most economical budget. If you want a room with air conditioning, hot water and a book of foreign cuisine, count on 25-75 dollars a day. Lao kip - the only legal currency in the country, but the Thai baht and U.S. dollars are also widely accepted, especially in urban areas. Most often you will be bale to ask for small purchases, buying baht at an average cost and dollars if you want to buy something expensive. In Vientiane you can exchange most currencies, but in provincial cities, you should have to exchange dollars or baht. Outside the capital you can have problems with the exchange of travelers' checks. The banks will offer you a more favorable rate than the exchange offices. Traveler's checks you will exchange for more favorable rate than cash. In Laos, there is no need to tip, with the exception of upscale restaurants, where tipping is 10%. If you buy a thing on the market or lease a vehicle, you need to haggle. Should try to bargain and in stores. But do not be too pushy, Laotians usually respond only to peaceful persuasion.
Customs
Duty-free imports from countries that do not have common borders with Laos: cigarettes - 500 pcs., Or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco, alcoholic drinks - a bottle of wine - up to 2 bottles, personal jewelery - up to 500 gr.
Import and export of foreign currency is unlimited (the amount over $ 2,000 in cash or travelers' checks must be presented to customs officials when crossing the border and declare). Import and export of local currency is prohibited.
The import of weapons, explosives and flammable substances and narcotic drugs and their precursors. The export of art objects and antiquities, which are a national treasure, Buddha images (only allowed to export gift options), weapons, explosives, and toxic and flammable substances, drugs and money to produce them.
Departing from the country's airport tax is charged (international flights - $ 10 per person, local - LAK5000 per person). On payment of the fee exempt children less than 2 years, transit passengers who leave the country on the same day and did not go beyond the transit hall, as well as holders of certificates of exemption from the collection, released by the Ministry of Finance of Laos.
Holidays
January 1 - New Year's Eve.
January 6 - Day Patet Lao.
January 20 - Armed Forces Day.
February-March - Chinese New Year.
March 8 - International Women's Day.
March 22 - Day of the People's Party of Laos.
March-April - Lao New Year (Pi Mai).
April-May - Buddha's Birthday.
May 1 - Labor Day.
June 1 - Children's Day.
June-July - Khao Pansa.
August 13 - Issar Lao (Lao Liberation Day).
September-October - Beech approx Panza.
October 12 - Day of Liberation of Laos.
December 2 - National Day. The timing of the majority of Lao festivals are on the lunar calendar, depending on the stage lights at night. Most local festivities begin on the day of full moon.
In January, celebrate Tet (Chinese New Year) and Bun Pha Wet - a holiday incarnation of the Buddha as a king Vessantary (the date of floating). February marked Magha Puja festivities in honor of Buddha's first sermon - "Owada patimoka" as well as religious holidays and Wat Pu Sikhottabong.
In March, on a national scale, with parades and numerous cultural events, celebrated International Women's Day, and Day of the People's Party of Laos (national holiday) and Bun Khao Khon - the local version of Thanksgiving Day. In April noteworthy Bun Pi Mai or Pim - a traditional Lao New Year. A whole series of celebrations lasts 3-7 days, during which the Lao pour water on each other, let the will of the bird, build sand castles, spend a lot of festivals and concerts, and in the New Year's Day visit the temple. International Labour Day (1 May) is celebrated as a national holiday, with numerous parades in Vientiane and other cities. But the main event in May - Visakha Puja (celebration of birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha). Across the country, a religious ceremony, tribute is paid to religious shrines and candle procession pass. During this period usually takes one of the oldest festivals of the country - a festival of Boon Bang Fai rain or the "Feast of missiles," when people start rockets and firecrackers remind the gods that the earth needs rain. During this period, in Vientiane is a competition for the best rocket, and across the country hosts many theatrical performances.
June 1 mark Children's Day (national holiday). In June and July the whole country celebrates Khao Pansa - the beginning of the Buddhist obedience, when young people become monks, and the rivers allowed thousands of floating lanterns. August 13 note Issar Lao (Lao Liberation Day, national holiday), and in accordance with the lunar calendar on a national scale - Ho Dinh Khao Padap (Festival of the Dead), a sort of Laotian, All Saints Day.
In September and October, the entire country celebrates Beech ok Pansa - the end of Buddhist obedience. From 2 to 21 October, held to mark the event this Contest Rowing Beech ok Pansa in Vientiane. And October 12 is celebrated Liberation Day of Laos to the French colonization of the (national holiday). November - the most eventful period in the life of Laos. At this time the harvest festival held Tat Luang with a huge number of various activities in Vientiane, "the Great Stupa Festival" Khao Thap Luang in honor of the largest national monument in Laos - Great Stupa in Vientiane, and dedicated it to the Fall Festival of the water from the river Boone us rowing regattas. December 2 mark Independence Day - a national holiday with many military parades. And at the end of December the New Year celebration colorful Hmong.
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