LAOS
ປະເທດລາວ
Laos, this country so mysterious of South-East Asia, comes to light little by little thanks to tourism but is still an unknown land. While discovering Laos, we travel in the past, when Asian populations lived at the pace of kingdoms. Laos is often combined to Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia touristic tours, proposed by travel agencies, becoming a very short step of the trip. In Amasia, we believe in the potential of this destination, in its cultural richness and its beauty. Between historical monuments, temples, luxuriant nature and adorable populations, Laos delight everyone visiting.
VISA PROCESS
Available on arrival at international airports
$30 (> 15 days)*
*US$42 for Canadian citizens
MONEY
Laotian Kip (₭)
1€ = 9.978₭
$1 = 8.343₭
HEALTH
Vaccine recommended by embassies:
Typhoid ; Hepatitis A ; Rabies ; Japanese Encephalitis:
LANGUAGE
Laotian language
ພາສາລາວ
CULTURE OF LAOS
As all his neighbors, Laos is a multicultural country. The different periods of Laos’s history enable a complex ethnical mix. So complex that we don’t identify yet all minority groups and clans on the territory. Today, we estimate that between 65 and 129 ethnic groups are living in Laos. Each of these minority groups has its own traditions and faiths as well as his own dialect more or less close to Lao language. Influenced by their diverse origins, Laotian kept most of animistic customs which gives rhythm to their life.
This mix of culture has a true influence on Laos’s art, especially on sculpture, traditional music and dance. Khmers, Viet and Thai characteristics can mainly be found here. But the most impressive is Thai influence on architecture of religious monuments which are mostly in Luang Prabang and Vientiane (Vats, sharp and often gilded temples).
ETHNIES OF LAOS
Laos is dwelling an incredible ethnical diversity, principal richness of the country. Ethnologists specialized in laos defined between 65 and 129 minorities, each one with its own culture, norms and traditions.
They can be divided in 3 different geographic areas:
- Lao Loum, situated at sea level (68%) dwelling the principal minorities, the Tai and the Lao ;
- Lao Theung, situated in hills and little moutnains (22%) dwelling 31 Mon Khmer minorities ;
- Lao Sung, situated up to 1.000m (8%) dwelling Miao Yao, sino-tibetan minorities and H'Mong, the most important one.
Amasia Travel is committed to sustainable development by working closely with local minorities in order to help them become actors of the tourism industry.
CLIMATE IN LAOS
Climate in Laos is tropical in most of plain regions, while it's subtropical in the North and mountainous regions. The country is affected by the raining season. From May to October, humid wind from South-East brings abundant rain. It's not a problem to travel as it's regular rain, in the evening, but temperature could be very unpleasant. After mid-October, dry season brings coller temperature with a beautiful sunshine for this perfect travel period. Note that it can be extremely cold in mountains (0°C).
October to April
15/25°C
down to 0°C
in mountains
25/35°C
20/30°C
28/35°C
25/30°C
28/35°C
May to September
Generally sunny
Sunny
with possibility of rain
Raining season (high humidity rate)
GASTRONOMY IN LAOS
The gastronomy in Laos is the heritage of all influences from neighboring countries. Taking advantage of this incredible food diversity, Laotian food is an unique and wealthy art .
The basic ingredient is the rice, of course, with countless aromatic herbs and spices, often served with chicken, pork or beef meat. Very healthy dishes, you will be able to try most of it during your trip in the little mysterious country.
Laos is also well known for it Bolavens' coffee, long in mouth with chocolate and grilled savors.
Khao Niaw
Sticky rice is a very important dish in South East Asia and so, Laos. Laotian sticky rice is rolled by hand into small pieces. It's an accompaniment for spicy dish but can also be enjoyed alone.
OUR ITINERARIES TO CUSTOMIZE IN LAOS
ESSENTIAL OF LAOS
#Discovery #Sharing | 6 days 5 nights
CUSTOMIZABLE
Let’s go to experience this well-kept secret of Southeast Asia. Recently opened up after decades of isolation, Laos is, for most parts, an undiscovered country. ‘Essential of Laos’ allows you to explore the enchanting Luang Prabang, a treasure trove of faded colonial architecture and Buddhist monasteries as well as the rustic capital of Vientiane...
From $540
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT LAOS?
WHICH TYPE OF ADVENTURES IN LAOS?
April 6th, 2017 | By Ms. Baptiste Hasley
DID YOU KNOW? THE ALM CEREMONY IN LAOS
April 13th, 2017 | By Ms. Camille Bignan
LAOS, KINGDOM OF A MILLION ELEPHANTS
September 1st, 2016 | By Ms. Camille Bignan
North of Laos
If you're a nature lover, North of Laos is your perfect spot for your next trip. This rural region offers unforgettable experiences, trekking, cycling, elephant caring, zip-lining in the heart of the Elephant Kingdom. Combining old-growth forest, mountains, valleys and plains, this region is a paradise of eco-tourism. You can admire all these incredible landscapes by a river cruise or a forest exploration dwelling tigers, gibbons and many other wild animals.
HIGHLIGHTS OF LAOS
Luang Prabang
ຫລວງພຣະບາງ
Third biggest city of Laos, Luang Prabang, is listed World Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO since 1995. Certainly, the most beautiful city of this small country, Luang Prabang offers a relaxing atmosphere and a quiet pace of life. Surrounded by nature, this city is a testimony of Laos’s history with 80 temples!
Luang Prabang area offers many wonders as the well-known Khuang Si waterfalls and Pak Ou Cave. Get lost in this countryside and enjoy!
Why this destination?
Perfect for cycle lovers and family moments
To discover Buddhism traditions and daily life
For a "star" itinerary, coming back every night at LP hotel
Vang Vieng
ວັງວຽງ
Vang Vieng is a surprising city, like a rural scene from an old Asian silk painting, surrounded by Song River and serene cliffs. Cross the rice paddies and enter this lovely touristic town.
Vang Vieng is not a backpacker's party paradise anymore as the government fought this plag. So, no worries, Vang Vieng district became again a peaceful destination working hard on its sustainable tourism development. As a movie scenery this area has everything to offer you: wonderful trekking and cycling trails, dream swim spots, impressive little temples and landscapes.
Why this destination?
For Trekking and Cycling lovers
To enjoy soft adventures & share with local communities
For a breathtaking and photogenic getaway
Phonsavan
ໂພນສະຫວັນ
Located in the centre of the Plain of Jars, Phonsavan is a young city. First built in 1970, the town was destroyed during the war between USA and communists (Vietnam War).
All the interests of Phonsavan reside in the Plain of Jars, antic jars from unknown authors on hundreds hilly km² and all minority villages around, giving an incredible idea of the multicultural aspect of Laos.
Why this destination?
For Trekking and Cycling lovers
To enjoy soft adventures & share with local communities
For a short getaway in countryside
Vientiane
ວຽງຈັນ
Vientiane, stands out from other capitals of the South-East Asia by its peaceful character, far from the mess of the nearby capitals. The city kept all its charm thanks to colonial buildings, French architecture, thanks to its size of provincial town and thanks to locals’ kindness. Situated on the left side of the Mekong River, Thailand border on the other side.
Ramble in the impressive Buddha Park, and the numerous temples of the city for a spiritual moment in this country where everyone is monk one time in his life.
Why this destination?
Perfect for family and slow travel lovers
To admire the incredible Buddha Park
For an introduction of Laos before starting your journey
South of Laos
Between water and plains, this region of Laos will charm you with its many arms of Mekong, forming 4.000 beautiful islands. Hosting the only five Irrawaddy Dolphins of the country, the Mekong River becomes active and offers rapids for awesome kayaking and rafting experiences. Draw away and discover the historical richnesses of the region as the last Angkor temples ruins, one of the economic richness of the country, the excellent Bolavens coffee and for motorcycle riders, the beautiful Thakaek Loop.
Pakse
ປາກເຊ
Located at the confluence of the Xe Don and Mekong Rivers, Pakse is an important stop to reach all wonders of Champassak province. This city was founded by the French as an administrative outpost in 1905, and was formerly the capital of the Lao Kingdom of Champassak until 1946 when the Kingdom of Laos was formed. Today it offers a quiet getaway and cruise stopover.
Why this destination?
Perfect to immerse yourself in laos daily life
To enjoy local food on the river banks and share with locals
For a stopover before Bolavens Plateau and Si Phan Don
Champassak is a lovely place to settle few days and discover temples and jungle.
Bolovens Plateau is one of the most beautiful natural places of Laos. It is one of the most important agricultural regions of Laos. Taking advantage of an ideal climate for agriculture, locals cultivate hevea, teak, tea, coffee, bananas, litchis and other fruits. Discover Tad Fan, one of the highest waterfalls of the country in a 200 meters depth gorge, situated in the heart Dông Hua Sao jungle. Take advantage of the afternoon for trekking or motorbike trip to enjoy the scenery.
Why this destination?
Perfect for trekking and nature lovers
To enjoy soft adventures and learn more about local production
For a time stopping and refreshing getaway
Si Phan Don
ສີ່ພັນດອນ
This archipelago of 4.000 islands on the Mekong River is a must-see of Laos. Incredible adventures destination, Si Phan Don will delight you. Cycling, kayaking, rafting, trekking ...
Find refuge on one of the islands to enjoy a relaxing stay in one of the beautiful eco-lodge of the region. Maybe, you will have the chance to admire one of the five last Irrawaddy Dolphins.
Why this destination?
Perfect for adventurers and nature lovers
To enjoy a rafting / kayaking initiation in dream scenery
For an original trip
