| Volunteering Abroad in Laos - Destination Info |
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1. Climate & Clothing
Cool & Dry Season: November to February
Hot & Dry Season: March to May
Wet season: May to October The best season to travel is the period between November to February when weather is amicable and relatively void of rain. Best bet of attire would be that of jeans and T-shirt, with a light coat on hand. When traveling during the hot season, lightweight clothing made of natural material such as cotton would be advisable. Although sleeveless tops or shorts may be more comfortable in the hot weather, it may be good idea to wear clothing that covers the arms and legs in the evenings for protection against insect bites. During the rainy months, a lightweight raincoat will come in useful. If you intend to head further north of Laos during the winter season, it will be good to pack in some warm clothing.
An advice for travelers who intend to visit the religious places such as the temples in Laos is to avoid wearing shorts, short skirts or other skimpy clothing as such are unacceptable and considered disrespectful in temples. Laos has very distinctive religious figures and exhibits, being greatly influenced by the religious environment especially in Pha Lak Pha Lam, which is the Lao version of India's legend Ramayana. Also unique is the Lao folk music, played often with the khaen, a wind instrument made of two rows of Bamboo-like sticks placed in a wooden soundbox. The khaen is often played in accompaniment to a bowed string instrument or saw. If you find the locals dancing around in circles, you are probably looking at the local folk dance called Lamvong. Join in the fun and dance along! As in most asian countries, when visiting a Laos home, do remove your shoes before you enter. 3. Electricity 230V 50HzHz
Acceptable plugs 4. Health & Safety
Health Tap water is not potable in Laos. You are advised to buy bottled drinks instead. 5. Languages Lao is the official language in Laos, but most of the government officials speak French. You will also find the younger generation generally speaking in Thai and English. 6. Money
The currency unit in Laos is Kip. The US Dollar and the Thai Baht are also widely accepted. Credit cards such as the Visa Card and Mastercard are accepted at the larger hotels in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Buddhism is the predominant religion in Laos. 8. Transportation Laos has a very basic infrastructure comprising a very simple road system. You could get about on a bike relatively easily and bike hires are readily available. If you intend to go somewhere further, a bus or modified pickups with benches is the recommended public transport for long distance trips. Buses, which are air-conditioned and faster, can be found down busy routes in Laos. 9. Visa 30 days visa can be obtained from Lao embassies abroad and authorised tour agencies prior to travel. It is also possible to apply for visas on arrival at the airport.
Please check with the Lao Embassy in your country for prevalent visa requirements and details of application for your travel to Laos.
Weaving
Carving
Jewelery The central markets in Vientiane and Luang Prabang have a great variety of souvenirs and unlike the private shops which have fixed prices, bargaining is acceptable.
Recreation If you enjoy riding bicycles, you can rent mountain bikes at several locations such as Luang Nam Tha, Vientiane and Vang Vieng. If you are a nature lover, there is abundance of nature in Laos. Nature Parks, Waterfalls, Trekking, River Rafting, Kayaking, Elephant riding are what you could look forward to. Packages with permutations of such itineraries are rampantly available. If, however, you are looking at exploring the forests on your own, it may be quite necessary to engage a professional guide to steer clear of unexploded mines and bombs leftover from the Second Indochina war!
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