| location | |
 | |
| flag | |
 | |
| Short dates | |
| Capital | Vientiane |
|---|---|
| Form of government | People's Republic |
| currency | Kip (LAK) |
| surface | 236,800 km² |
| population | 6.858.160 (2017) |
| languages | Laotian |
| Religions | Buddhists 67%, animists 31.5%, and 1.5% Christian beliefs |
| Electricity / plug | 220 V / 50 Hz, G |
| Phone code | 856 |
| Internet TLD | .la |
| Time zone | UTC 7, CET 6 |
The Laos People's Democratic Republic(ສາ ທາ ລະ ນະ ລັດ ປະ ຊາ ທິ ປະ ໄຕ ປະ ຊາ ຊົນ ລາວ) is a country in South East Asia. It borders in the east Vietnam, in the north China and Myanmar, in the west Thailand and in the south Cambodia.
Regions
- Attapeu
- Bokeo
- Bolikhamsai
- Champasak
- Huaphan
- Khammuan
- Luang Namtha
- Luang Prabang
- Oudomxay
- Phongsali
- Salavan
- Savannakhet
- Sainyabuli
- Sekong
- Vientiane (prefecture) - The area around the capital Vientiane
- Vientiane (Province)
- Xieng Khuang
Cities
- 1 Vientiane (ວຽງ ຈັນ).
the capital, which is losing its village character more and more. Still an enchanting ambience. - 2 Vang Vieng (ວັງ ວຽງ).the tourist magnet north of Vientiane, borders the highest mountains in SE Asia.
- 3 Luang Prabang
(ເມືອງ ຫຼວງ ພະ ບາງ). The old royal capital was designated by UNESCO World Heritage explains and offers countless temples. About 25 km north of Luang Prabang are the Tham Thing caves, which house many Buddha images.
- 4 Muang Xing (ເມືອງ ສິງ).
In the far north, about 12 km from the Chinese border, lies Muang Xing. You should visit this city about 1 week after the festival of lights in Vientiane. A festival is also held here at this time.
Other goals
- 1 Wat Phou (ຜາ ສາດ ຫີນ ວັດ ພູ).The 8 km southeast of Champasak The Khmer temple complex is the most important Khmer sanctuary outside of Cambodia. In 2003 it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 2 Level of clay jugs (ທົ່ງ ໄຫ ຫີນ).Plains with large clay jugs, the origin of which is still not clear - one of the mysteries of the country.
The most worth visiting destinations in Laos are perhaps the many small villages, often difficult to access, infrastructural poorly developed, adventurous for travelers to visit - but only here can Laos really be experienced and understood. The hospitality of the local population makes the stay possible for everyone. We recommend cash as payment for accommodation and meals; Food, utensils, also schnapps and cigarettes are gladly accepted. It is very important to everyone to find out about the local customs and traditions before visiting and to act accordingly.
background
While Thailand is perceived as mind-boggling, Vietnam as busy, the temples of Cambodia intimidating, and the government in Burma (Myanmar) brutal, the adjective for Laos might well be to forget be. Intrepid tourists will be drawn to the peaceful Laotian way of life. There are several attractions in Laos that are unique in the world, but many can only be reached with a certain amount of time. Hustle and bustle is a foreign word in this country and no Laotian will be drawn to the impatience of a western tourist.
getting there
The first choice here is this Plane. There are mainly flights from Bangkok to Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse. Direct flights from Europe are significantly more expensive than connections to Bangkok with onward travel by train.
With the train you can travel from Bangkok Hua Lamphong train station and Nong Khai to Laos via the 1st Friendship Bridge. Unfortunately, the trip ends in Tha Na Leng just over the border at the moment. Further construction to the capital Vientiane is planned.
With the automobile and bus There are several possibilities to enter Laos from Thailand, between Vientiane and Nong Khai (Thailand) is the "1. Friendship Bridge ”across the Mekong. Since 2007 a second bridge has been connecting the Thai one Mukdahan With Savannakhet. Since 2011 there has been a third bridge between Thakhek and Nakhon Phanom (Thailand). At the end of 2013 the fourth bridge was built in the very north at Chiang Khong / Ban Houayxay opened.
Entry requirements
Germans and citizens of other European countries need a visa to enter the country. In the Embassy of Laos, Bismarckstr. 2a, in Berlin you can apply for a tourist visa (type T-B3) for 40 €. It is valid for stays of 15 days. Visitors who want to stay 15-30 days can get an entry permit (NI-B3) for the same price, but have to show a travel confirmation from Laos. In Berlin you are also responsible for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Latvia. Austrians can obtain a visa from the embassy in Sommerhaidenweg 43, 1180 Vienna (☎ 43) 1 890 2319-13).
Applications, also by post, will be accepted at the earliest 50 days before the planned entry, the biometric passport must be valid for at least 6 months. There is a "Immigration Card" to be filled out. The visa is also available at the Lao embassy in Bangkok and at the consulate in Khon Kaen (Thailand) available. Extensions (only possible once for tourists) are possible with Foreigner Control Department to apply in Vientiane (versus Talat Sao, Morning Market). If the permitted length of stay is exceeded, US $ 10 is due every calendar day.
Citizens of Switzerland and Luxembourg no longer need a visa since September 1, 2009 if they are less than 15 days will be staying in the country (information from Honorary Consulate of Laos in Switzerland, Bahnhofstrasse 52, CH-6430 Schwyz).
It is also possible to apply for a “Visa on arrival” upon arrival. This is possible at the international airports of Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse as well as at more important border posts (Overview map) if you do not enter the country by plane. The tourist visa costs depending on nationality (30 or 35 US $), but can also be paid in Thai Baht, but then a slightly less favorable rate is used. A passport photo is required, but the officer will make a photocopy of the passport for an additional $ 1. Especially on smaller ones Border crossings "Overtime surcharges" or the like in the amount of 1-2 US $ are due in cash, for which the border guards sometimes do not issue a receipt! (On the border Vietnam - Laos sometimes the temperature is measured - costs 1 US $)
Attention must be paid to the affixing of an entry stamp upon entry. The absence of the entry stamp can lead to considerable difficulties during police checks or when leaving the country (read: bribe demands).
- inch
The internationally customary free quantities of 1 liter of schnapps or 2 liters of wine and 200 cigarettes apply. Please note the strict export ban on Buddha statues and antiques.
By plane
International connections:
- Vientiane: is from Lao Airlines (Home airport), Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines (from November 6, 2007) and Air Asia (from Kuala Lumpur). Vientiane Airport
- Luang Prabang: Lao Airlines flies the route Vientiane - Luang Prabang - Chiang Mai (Thailand), and Bangkok Airways flies Bangkok - Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang Airport
- Pakse: Lao Airlines flies the route Vientiane - Pakse - Siem Reap (Cambodia).
By train
The 6 km long railway line has been in operation since March 2009 Nong Khai (Thailand) - Thanalaeng in operation in Laos (extension of the Bangkok - Nong Khai line; 621 km, 3 night trains daily). Departures from Nong Khai daily at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm; Arrive in Thanalaeng about 15 minutes later. Tickets from 20 baht, depending on the class. The Visa on Arrival is available in Thanalaeng. From Thanalaeng train station to Vientiane by tuk-tuk (300 Baht fixed p.p.), taxi or minibus, for later there is a connection from Vientiane planned. There is (still) no railway in Laos - apart from the no longer functional 5 km railway line with which the French had overcome the Mekong Falls in the south and thus enabled goods to be transported on the Mekong.
By bus
- From / to Thailand
There are four regular bus routes between Thailand and Laos:
- Nong Khai - Vientiane
- Udon Thani - Vientiane
- Mukdahan - Savannakhet
- Ubon Ratchathani - Pakse
- Another connection Chiang Mai - Nan - Luang Prabang is reportedly being planned.
For details on timetables and prices, ask at the bus station at the departure point.
- From / to Vietnam
Direct buses from Hanoi (Giap Bat Bus Station, 6 Giai Phong) depart as night buses in the early evening. Prices may vary depending on the company and the quality of the bus. To Vientiane one pays 550,000 dong in 2015 (a. 20 hours), to Luang Prabang 1.15 million (approx. 24 hours).
The more important border crossings served by buses are:
- Tây Trang, (here no “visa on arrival” in 2016), accessible via laot. Highway № 279 after Điện Biên Phủ.
- Cầu Treo, Highway № 8 to Vinh, Prov. Nghệ An. Of Phonsavan (Level of clay jugs) a Vietnamese sleeper bus leaves at 6:30 in the morning in 10 hours directly to Vinh.
- Lao Bảo, Highway № 9A to Đồng Hà, Prov. Quảng Trị.
- From / to Cambodia
Out Phnom Penh drives over daily in the morning Stung Treng a bus "directly" to Pakse. The vehicle must be changed at the Dom Kralor (alias Dong Kalaw) crossing, which is only reached after the official closing time, so that "overtime surcharge" is due. (On the Cambodian side, too, people like to hold out their hands!)
Car
In principle, entry by vehicle or bicycle should be possible at all border crossing points already mentioned under “Bus”. What is required is that international driving license and for your own vehicle Carnet de passage to enter.
Entry is possible, for example, via the Friendship Bridge from Nong Khai to Laos (official name: First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge - the second friendship bridge has been connecting Mukdahan in Thailand with Savannakhet in Laos since the beginning of 2007). The road conditions are improving from year to year. Route 13, which crosses the country from north to south, is now open all year round. Other roads (mostly not national highways) are partially impassable during the rainy season.
- Vietnam
It should be noted that a special permit is required to enter Vietnam by motorcycle.
- Myanmar
Although there is a land border crossing at Xieng Kok (Laot. Highway № 178), due to the restrictive residence regulations in Burma, western foreigners should only be able to pass it with a special permit.
- China
Of Kunming (Laotian consulate there: 6800 North Cai Yun Rd., Guan Du District) or Jinghong (景洪 市), on the Chinese national road No. 213 direction, by night bus from Kunming via Jinghong to the northern bus station of Mengla (勐腊县); from the southern bus station there by shared taxi to the Laotian post Messengers (21 ° 11'17.1 "N, 101 ° 40'39.0" E) on Highway № 13.
By boat
- Mekong: When the water level is high enough, almost every section of the route can be traveled by boat. Of interest for the entry from Thailand to Laos is only the two-day drive from Chiang Khong (Thailand) / Ban Houayxay (Laos) to Luang Prabang, with a stopover and overnight stay in Pakbeng be. However, a lot of patience is required here. It doesn't have a seat for everyone and you can't reserve one (even if the seller claims otherwise).
- You no longer need to bring your own pillows. Depending on the equipment, there are either enough cushions from previous passengers on the boats, or the seating consists of comfortable upholstered coach seats. It makes much more sense to bring your own drinks, as these are more expensive on board (but chilled). There are no life jackets.
Infrastructure & Mobility
There is no rail traffic in Laos, apart from the border crossings to Thailand.
By bus
Laos has a very good and relatively punctual bus system, which works mainly along the main road № 13.
The buses, mostly second-hand from China, in Laos are old and “finished” from a European point of view, but accidents and breakdowns occur very rarely. The price-performance ratio is unbeatable.
The bus stations are mostly outside the cities / towns; even small towns can have several bus stations (e.g. Muang Xay) to have. With a tuk-tuk or songthaew you can switch between the bus stations - the prices for the tuk-tuk or songthaew transport can (unless you negotiate) reach the price level of the bus trip lasting several hours. Often times the price goes down when you move to leave the area of the bus station.
There are also minivans for all tourist routes. The prices are about the same as in the bus, the 9- or 12-seater are air-conditioned and stop about every three hours in smaller villages at bus stops, where you can quickly have a hot noodle soup and do other important things (toilet fee 2000 -4000 kip). Because of the bad roads and the route over the mountains, even the minivans only reach an average speed of around 30 km / h, i.e. about 30 km / h. H. every onward journey always takes a day. However, the trip is very interesting because you not only see the fascinating mountain world, but also many small villages of the Hmong and other mountain peoples, some of whom still live and work very originally.
Longer distances (e.g. from Luang Prabang to Hanoi or Pakse) should be covered by plane. For example, the 12-hour bus ride in the sleeper bus from Phonsavan to Vinh in Vietnam is really only for the toughest (smoking allowed on the bus, constant sound with Vietnamese comedy series and hits, rare stops, no toilet).
In the street
Anyone used to regulated traffic in the west will describe the Laotian driving style as chaotic. Road signs and road markings are ignored, and many Laotians drive like it them just fits. Anyone who is involved in a traffic accident as a foreigner will usually, despite innocence, be involved in any costs or even have to bear them entirely. Many foreigners living in Laos refuse to drive themselves and prefer to employ a Lao driver as a driver; the price of 1 liter of gasoline is around 10,000 kip ($ 1) (as of November 2007).
However, there are very few vehicles outside of the cities. Anyone who adapts to the leisurely (and therefore cautious) Laotian driving style should not have any problems. In front of blind bends or to overtake slower buses and trucks in the mountains, the horn is simply honored. On the street, as everywhere in Laos, the following applies: Lao PDR (= please don't rush ...).
Bike, motorcycle
Since there is little traffic in Laos, that is Cycle an experience on lonely roads. In the cities, however, the streets are no longer as “lonely” as they were 5 or 10 years ago Vientiane and Pakse there are 250 cc motorcycles for rent. Wearing a helmet is compulsory. Warning: Laotians on the street (see above under "Car").
Road no. 13 is easily accessible from the Cambodian border to China. There is a nice tour (800 km) from Vientiane - Paksan - Phonsavan - Kasi - Vang Vieng and back to Vientiane. However, longer stretches on a 250 cc moped are probably torture, as the entire route is now paved. There are plenty of guesthouses in every village. The route is interesting because there are still huge forests and numerous spectacular bomb craters, at least between Paksan and Phonsavan.
There is a nice - if very adventurous - route from Champasak to Attapeu in the very south of the country. Road no. 18 has some river crossings, but these are not very difficult to drive in the dry season. However, it is advisable to go through the river on foot first to avoid deep spots (the engine should not suck in water). Every few kilometers along the route there is a small village where you can get something to eat in an emergency.
boat
On the Mekong, which in parts forms the border with Thailand, you can get around very well in two boat variants. Once in slower, comfortable boats (20-50 people) or in narrow, noisy speedboats. The former variant is recommended for trips downstream, the very mountainous landscape is beautiful. Steep rocky slopes with paintings and villages embedded in the slopes stretch along the river. The speedboats are extremely loud, narrow and dangerous because of driftwood and shallows or rocks.
shop
ATMs: There are now ATM's all over the country that also work with a European debit card. According to the BCEL, the maximum amount per transaction is 2,000,000 kip and you can use a credit card (Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB) up to Withdraw this amount 10 times a day (but a visitor hardly ever needs that much). The BCEL charges 20,000 kip for each transaction. This is in addition to the card issuer's fees.
Other currencies: In addition to the kip, US dollars and Thai baht are also accepted without any problems in shops and restaurants, although the exchange rates used are hardly less favorable than those used by the banks. Some restaurants in Vientiane also accept Euros.
Price examples (As of 02/2016):
- A large Beer Lao (640 ml bottle) in a shop: 8,500 kip; in a restaurant: from 12,000 kip
- A meal in a simple restaurant (mostly Fö) 12,000 kip
- One liter of pasteurized milk in a "minimart": 13,000 - 14,000 kip (usually imported)
- A baguette (stick bread): 7,000-9,000 kip
- A 150g jar of yogurt: 7,000 kip (usually imported)
- One liter of fruit juice in a tetrapack: 17,000 kip
- Laundry including ironing: 10,000-15,000 kip / kg
- Free WiFi is available in practically all restaurants and guesthouses.
Exchange rate
Current exchange rates (As of 08/2020):
- 1 € = around 10,700 kip
- 1 $ = about 9100 kip
The current rates for the most important currencies can be found on the website of BCEL (Foreign trade bank).
Banknotes: There are 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 kip.
nightlife
Anyone expecting a special kind of nightlife will be very disappointed, especially if you are looking for “bars with ladies” as they are common in Thailand and Cambodia. Some casinos have been licensed in the area near the border with China.
accommodation
Simple guesthouses all over the country from 40,000 kip, clean double rooms with private bathroom, air conditioning and TV around 100,000 kip.
Buddhism & Religion
Religious Traditions
- Ho Khao Padap Dinh (Remembrance day for the deceased)
Culture
Celebrations & Holidays
| meeting | Surname | importance |
|---|---|---|
| January | New Year | |
| January | Pathet Lao day | |
| January 20th | Army Day | |
| March 8th | Womens day | |
| March 22 | Day of the party | |
| April 14th | Lao New Year (Water Festival) | |
| 1st of May | Labor Day | |
| June 1st | Children's day | |
| 13 August | Lao Issara | |
| November | That Luang Festival (on the first full moon in November) | |
| 2. December | Independence day |
Changeable Buddhist Holidays
- Makha Bousa (Magha Puja)
- Visakha Bousa (Visakha Puja)
- Asalha Bousa (Asalha Puja)
- Ok Phansa
- Thoth Kathin
Laotian cuisine
Book tip
- : Experience food in Laos. Buta, 2002, ISBN 3934376398 ; 112 pages (German).
language
One speaks in Laos Lao, related to Thai (especially Isaan Thai). In the hotels, however, the staff usually speak some English. Some elderly locals still speak French from the days of France's former occupation. German is also understood and spoken by some people who were once sent to the former GDR for training.
The transcription of words written in Lao (places and street names as well as names of temples, etc. are important for travelers) into the Latin spelling is not standardized. Depending on whether the English or French language is used as the starting point, names are spelled differently. In this article and in the other articles on Lao topics, the English variant is used throughout (not always consistently). For example, you can find the spelling "Samsenthai," but on the street signs in Vientiane, which are bilingual Laotian and French, it says "Samsènethai." The city of Pakse is also spelled Pakxe, Sainyabuli times Sayaboury, etc.
Especially for those who speak the English language, the following applies: “Th” (as in Thanon, Straße) is pronounced as a whispered T, something like in German “Tee” - not like in English “the” or “think”. “Ph” is a breathed P as in “Pater”, and never F. The “X” (as in Lane Xang) is pronounced as S.
Learn and study
Educational situation: The level of education in Laos is very low. Around 40% of Laotians have never attended school, and in the northern regions of the country the figure is as high as 60%. There is a university in Vientiane.
Work
It would be very difficult to find work in Laos as a foreigner. There are actually only two options: as a teacher (but practically only as an English teacher) at one of the many private schools, or as a volunteer or employee at one of the many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that work here.
security
In 2016, the German Foreign Office warns in particular: 1, in the eastern parts of the country, away from the main roads, of explosives from the days of the American bombing (see below); 2, Increasing petty crime, especially in tourist centers with the use of violence, especially by drug addicts; 3, car and bus rides in the dark between Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng due to increasing armed attacks on travelers. In parts of the province of Saysomboun (= Xaysomboun), there have been nocturnal curfews since November 2015.[1]
Another security problem facing Laos is duds that date back to the Vietnam War. They make Laos the country with the largest amounts of unexploded war material in the ground. There are still many accidents every year. The cities and tourist attractions are safe, but outside of this caution should be exercised and, for example, never leave the paths and paths in remote areas. This applies in particular to the plain of jars in Xieng Khuang.
health
The medical infrastructure in Laos is very poor. Hence, one should come with a well-equipped travel pharmacy visit the country. The most common illnesses are colds and diarrhea. Furthermore, dehydration can occur in summer. In complicated cases, one should consider visiting a hospital in Thailand.
Vaccinations - Hepatitis vaccination is necessary. Vaccination against typhoid is also recommended. In some forums you can also find recommendations to get vaccinated against rabies and Japanese encephalitis.
malaria - Large areas of Laos are already resistant to the common prophylaxis with mefloquine. Prophylaxis is therefore generally not recommended. The usual preventive measures against mosquito bites are important here (long, light-colored clothing; mosquito spray, mosquito net). Every tourist should have an emergency medicine prescribed by a doctor with them. Malaria is a risk in much of Laos, but not in the city of Vientiane. But what occurs here is:
Dengue fever occurs a lot, especially in the rainy season, and can be fatal if left untreated. No vaccination possible. Unlike malaria, dengue is also found in Vientiane. Preventive measures as below malaria described!
rabies: because of the many stray dogs, some of which can often be quite aggressive, caution is advised. In the event of a dog bite, it is essential to consult a doctor, even if you have had a rabies vaccination before you travel. In this case, only a booster vaccination is necessary.
Drinking water Can only be bought in bottles, the tap water is not drinking water (the locals do not drink it either).
Gastrointestinal complaints can always occur, but can largely be avoided if you exercise the necessary caution, that is: pay attention to hygienic conditions, especially in the cheaper places to eat; Peel fruits or at least wash them with drinking water from the bottle; do not eat raw or undercooked / undercooked meat or fish.
- Eating and drinking customs. If you are invited to Laotians, you are often offered a drink from a "shared glass" that is given to everyone in the group one after the other. Not entirely harmless, but difficult to refuse. Spooning with your own spoon from a shared bowl also belongs in this chapter.
In any case, you should consult a doctor before departure in order to discuss the necessary precautions (vaccinations, malaria prophylaxis).
Climate and travel time
- November-March: Dry season. Pleasant temperatures (20-30 ° C), hardly any precipitation.
- March-May / June: Very hot (up to well over 30 ° C). The rainy season begins around the end of April.
- June-October Rainy season; still hot - but the rain showers bring a bit of cooling. In the rainy season you have to reckon with irregular flight times and in some areas with flooding and interrupted road connections. On the other hand, these months are interesting for people who want to sail the Mekong. Incidentally, even in the rainy season there are sometimes days when it does not rain at all or only at night.
behaviour rules
The country is a bit conservative and the government is resisting overly modern developments. The first-time visitor will be surprised to occasionally see the old Soviet flag or the party flag. However, Thai television is available and popular almost everywhere, at least in the west of the country, and Laotians understand and speak Thai pretty well. People are open to new and foreign things, as tolerance is one of their most outstanding character traits. In general, great importance is attached to appropriate clothing: women should always have their shoulders and knees covered, and clothing should be clean.
Please note the following travel warning: “Extramarital sexual contact is traditionally not permitted in Laos. This is especially true for intimate relationships between foreigners and Laotians. In the past, suspected violations were punished in individual cases with more than symbolic monetary (official penalty is US $ 500 to US $ 5000) or imprisonment. Cases of extortion, night raids in hotels and private accommodation are not uncommon. "[2]
Practical advice
Fire Brigade and Police ☎ 1190
Emergency doctor (if available) ☎ 1195
Vientiane Tourist Police ☎ 21 25 11 28
- Federal Republic of Germany - Message: 26 Thanon Sok Paluang. Tel. (021) 312110, 312111
- Austria - Embassy in Bangkok: 152 Sathon Nua Rd., Tel. From Laos 0066 2 2682222, Fax 0066 2 2682226
- Switzerland - Honorary Consulate: Thanon Setthathirat / Nam Phu in the Diethelm Travel building. Tel. (021) 264160. The Swiss embassy responsible for Laos is in Thailand: 35 North Wireless Road (Thanon Wittayu nüa), Bangkok 10330, Tel. From Laos 0066 2 253 01 56-60
Post and Telecommunications
- post
The international mail from Laos works surprisingly well; to But Laos is sometimes delayed or the post is put in the wrong PO box (there is no home delivery unless you pay an annual flat fee for it, or the addressee has no PO box and the accuracy of the address allows delivery at home - with a corresponding delay). A card or letter up to 20 g to Europe costs around 13,000 kip (March 2016); If the nice lady at the counter demands more, you ask with a friendly smile to see the tariff list.
- telecommunications
- Landline: The tariffs for international connections have been massively reduced in recent years. For example, in 2000 you had to pay almost $ 4 per minute for a call via Lao Telecom with Western Europe, now it's only $ 0.20.
- Cellular: The mobile phone providers offer a special area code for international calls.
- Lao Telecom. Price: Domestic: 800 kip / minute; Abroad: 2000 kip / minute.- Best network coverage and availability
- ETL. Price: Domestic: 800 kip / minute; Abroad: 2000 kip / minute.- Network coverage a little less than Lao Telecom; GPRS is available
- Tigo About the same prices and network coverage as ETL
- Roaming (As of early December 2007). Has most agreements with foreign network operators Tigo: over 100 - see their website (e.g. with Orange in Switzerland; none yet with German or Austrian operators. Laotel has agreements with around 30 operators (none in Germany, Austria and Switzerland yet) - see their website.
literature
Culture shock Laos by Michael Schultze, published in 2005 by Reise Know-How Verlag, approx. 13 €. Contains a lot of information about customs and traditions and is highly recommended for anyone who not only travel the country, but also understand would like to. Translation of the English first edition from 1997, which is still very current today (2007).
Travelogues
- : A bus called Wanda - everyday adventure along the Mekong. Dryas, 2009, ISBN 3940855146 , P. 248 (German).
- : Time for the Mekong, Laos and Cambodia: 31 dream destinations on a mystical river. Bruckmann, 2009, ISBN 3765449407 , P. 191 (German).
further recommended literature:
- : Photo book Laos. Bald, 2006, ISBN 3938916052 , P. 125 (German).
Web links
Official information pages
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Embassy of Laos in Berlin - The current entry requirements can also be found here
Forums
- Laos community - Very informative German-language forum on Laos with current information.
tourism
- www.tourismlaos.org - Official website of the tourism authority (English)
- Ecotourism in Laos - Very good website in English.
More information on Laotian culture:
- Wat Lao - The only Buddhist monastery of the Laotian community living in Germany.
