EXPLORE Activities & Programmes Plan Your Trip 3 Days / 2 Nights Package
Visitor Information - part 2
PROTECTION OF THE SITES: The ecological balance of the area in which you will stay is very precarious. The arrival of tourists, even in restricted groups, disturbs this balance. In the interest of all, each participant is responsible for minimising their own environmental footprint.
JETLAG: Local time is GMT +7 hours. There is a six hour time difference between France and Laos in the winter and five in the summer.
CLIMATE: This varies greatly according to season; it is dry from November to March, with some fog. It then becomes hotter and wet between April and October.
TIPS: Culturally, it is normal to give tips to the local guides and drivers, if you are satisfied of course! However, when tipping, take into account that most local people earn around 35 dollars per month. Ensure that your tip is in agreement with realities of the country, i.e. proportional to the standard of living.
HABITS AND CUSTOMS: Laos is a conservative country and it is therefore necessary to avoid being bare-chested. Always wear at least a t-shirt and shorts. Women should bring a sarong for river bathing.
PHOTOGRAPHS - VIDEO: A must!
LODGING: Accommodation is either in traditional huts, guesthouse or dormitory.
FOOD: Food will often include rice, noodles, beef, fish, pork and chicken. Chopped meat or green papaya salad and a large variety of season fruits. Vegetarian options are available.
Please ensure your passport has six months of validity beyond the date of return of your trip.
COMPULSORY VACCINATIONS: None
USEFUL VACCINATIONS: There is no compulsory vaccination to travel in Laos. However, we strongly recommend the Tetanus/Polio vaccine, the typhoid vaccination (Typhim VI) and Hepatitis A and B vaccinations. Be careful to ensure that you receive all the vaccinations in sequence. Vaccination against rabies and Japanese Encephalitis are also recommended. Please contact your general practitioner to discuss this.
MALARIA AND DENGUE FEVER: The risk of exists in Laos. It is important to protect yourself against mosquitoes, especially at night for malaria and during the day for dengue fever. The best way to do so is to wear light coloured long sleeved tops and trousers, together with mosquito repellent. Malaria can also be prevented with medication. We will provide you with a mosquito net. Please contact your general practitioner for further information.
MEDICAL VISIT: It is essential to be in good health for your trip! It maybe advisable to consult with your doctor before leaving. A visit to your dentist is also recommended.
Check our proposed list of equipment to bring along here
