HOW TO GET THERE:
There are two international airports in Laos – in the cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang. There are no direct flights from Russia. Laos can be reached via Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh) or Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai). The total travel time from Moscow to Laos is about 10.5 hours, excluding connections. Air service also connects Laos with Cambodia. Within the country, the national airline Lao Airlines flies between cities.
VISA:
From September 1, 2007, Russian citizens do not need a visa to visit Laos for up to 15 days. This rule applies to those who arrive at international airports in Laos, as well as those who arrive in the country from neighboring countries by land. To cross the border you will need: a passport (valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry), return tickets and confirmation of hotel reservation. For citizens of the CIS countries, a visa is still required. A visa can be obtained at the consulates of Laos or at the border. To obtain a visa, you must fill out an application form and attach 2 passport size color photos. The cost is $ 30, the validity period is 1 month. For Russian citizens who wish to spend more than 15 days in Laos, it is also necessary to obtain a visa
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS:
Import and export of foreign currency is not limited. Any amount over $2,000 in cash or traveler’s checks must be presented to customs officials at the border and declared. Import and export of national currency is prohibited. Duty-free import of 200 cigarettes, 2 liters of alcoholic beverages, 200 g of medicines, household items and items within personal needs is allowed. The import of weapons, explosives, poisonous and flammable substances, as well as narcotic drugs and means for their preparation is prohibited. The export of art and antiquities that are national treasures, images of the Buddha, weapons, explosives, poisonous and flammable substances, as well as narcotic drugs and means for their production is prohibited.
POLITICAL ORGANIZATION:
The official name of Laos is the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
According to a2zgov.com, the head of state is the president, elected by the members of the National Assembly for a five-year term. The head of government is the prime minister, who, like the rest of the cabinet, is appointed by the president in agreement with the National Assembly. The legislature is the unicameral National Assembly.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
There are no taxis in the traditional form for us in Laos. A passenger car for moving can be ordered at a hotel or airport at an agreed price. Public transport in Laos is represented by “tuk-tuks” – small open-type trucks that can accommodate up to 6 passengers. When traveling in a taxi or any other tuk-tuk vehicle, the cost of the service should be discussed in advance, before boarding the cab. The bicycle is also a very popular means of transportation in Laos. By renting it, you can easily get to all the main attractions of the city and its environs on your own.
CONNECTION:
Mobile communication of the GSM 900 standard covers the main tourist areas of the country. Roaming with a local operator www.laotel.com Lao Telecommunications (GSM 900) and Millicom Lao (GSM 900/1800) is available to subscribers of major Russian operators. Internet access is possible in the main tourist places centers for $0.5 per hour, but the Internet has a low speed
VOLTAGE IN THE NETWORK:
220-230 V, 50 Hz, The plug often has flat connectors
PURCHASES:
In Laos, you can buy a variety of handicrafts. Markets and small shops sell handicrafts made of stone, wood, a variety of fabrics, including natural silk, jewelry, furniture, national clothes and much more. Large shops usually work from Monday to Friday from 08.00 to 16.00, private shops – from Monday to Saturday from 09.00 to 21.00. Bargaining is possible in markets and private shops, but without undue pressure, Laotians are more amenable to calm persuasion.
KITCHEN:
Rice is the basis of traditional Lao cuisine. Fish, meat, vegetables, fruits and seasonings are added to it. Meat is rarely eaten, preferring fish. The cuisine of Laos is strongly influenced by Thai and French culinary traditions. In tourist places, it is not a problem to find a restaurant with international cuisine. The cost of lunch in a restaurant is on average from $5 to $15 per person. There are no fast food restaurants in Laos. There are supermarkets only in the capital, in other tourist places there are only small food stalls. As for alcoholic drinks, there is a local brand of beer – Lao Beer and foreign brands on sale, as well as Italian, French, Australian and South African wines in the assortment of restaurants. State hotels and upscale restaurants usually add 5-10% to the bill for service charges, so there is no need to leave a tip. In private establishments, tipping is at the discretion of the client.
ENTERTAINMENT:
Time flows in Laos measured and leisurely. There are no noisy bars, clubs, discos. Life stops around 22-00 pm. The most popular types of recreation in Laos are excursions to numerous attractions, ecotourism, trekking, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, visiting caves, traveling along the Mekong.
REPRESENTATION OF LAOS IN RUSSIA:
Address: Moscow, M. Nikitskaya st., 18.
phone: 923-87-72
fax: 923-72-25
REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE OF RUSSIA IN LAOS
The Consular Section
Address: Vientiane, Thaphalanxay quarter, km 4, Thadeua str., Vientiane, BP 490, Laos
phone: (8-10-856-21) 31-2218
fax: (8-10-856-21) 31-2210
