Laos is a wonderful place. It was one of our favorite places to visit. We had not met anyone else that had been there, so when we were figuring out the things to know before traveling to Laos, we had to piece a lot together.
There is so much to explore here. We only scratched the surface with our time in Luang Prabang, but we cannot wait to return.
6 Things to Know Before Traveling to Laos
Visa on Arrival
This is a bit similar to the process in Cambodia. Once you depart the plane, make sure to have your paperwork filled out for arrival and US$35. You will hand over your passport along with this information and then wait to be called. In Luang Prabang, there is just one line to hand in your documents and then another line to wait to be called. If you have all your information with you, this process is extremely simple, but is not signed well.
Embrace Laoness
Laoness is defined by Lonely Planet as the national psyche. There is a very laid back feel about the country and the people who call Laos home. Inspired by Buddhism, the people believe that karma has the strongest influence on life. It’s important to remain cool and calm and not get worked up. This attitude is very contagious and really adds to the experience of Laos.
Kip
After paying for your visa at the airport in US dollars, you will want the local currency for everything else. The money is called Kip and it’s hard to find to exchange outside of Laos. We used our Charles Schwab account to withdraw money from ATMs. Cash is the best way to pay for everything because many places do not accept credit cards.
Land of a Million Elephants
Laos was once called the Land of a Million Elephants. Realistically, it was never quite a million, but the population of these beautiful giants have rapidly declined due to the timber industry, poaching and breeding problems. Why is this important to know? There are many different tour operators that advertise tours to see the elephants. It is so important to understand the practices behind these companies. I encourage you to read this article and do as much research as possible. Also, this article outlines some of the positive things happening and might inspire you to participate.
Respect the Saffron Robes
One of the most popular things to do in Laos is to see the morning alms. Each morning, the Buddhist monks take a route through town collecting the offerings of the locals. We did not rush out in the morning to see this because it felt off to take pictures or witness something that is to sacred to the people of the community. I know lots of people go to watch, so I’m not saying to skip it, but make sure you understand the customs and expectations. This article helps ask a few questions of travelers before attending. I would suggest a sunrise hike up Mount Phousi instead where you may catch a glimpse of the monks before climbing the stairs of the best local sunrise spot.
I would also recommend Orange Robe Tours if you are visiting Luang Prabang. It gives you an amazing look into the daily life of a novice and it’s incredibly educational.
Support the Locals
Make sure to stop at the night market or one of the local family run restaurants and spend a little money. Find a piece of art you love or try some new food. The people here are some of the kindest we met on our travels. Supporting local artists and businesses should always be something you are thinking about when traveling.
