Frequently Asked Questions About Laos
General FAQs for Laos
What is the capital of Laos?
What is the currency of Laos?
What languages are spoken in Laos?
What is the best time to visit Laos?
How many days do you need for a trip to Laos?
What are the emergency numbers in Laos?
Places FAQs For Laos
Which places should I visit in Laos for the first time?
Some of the best places to visit in Laos include:
– Vientiane – the capital city, full of cultural sites and landmarks.
– Luang Prabang – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful temples and colonial architecture.
– Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) – an area of stunning natural beauty perfect for kayaking, swimming, and relaxing.
– Vang Vieng – a popular tourist destination offering activities such as cave exploration and rock climbing.
– Thakhek – home to the Kong Lo Cave and an array of outdoor activities.
– Phonsavan – a gateway to visit the Plain of Jars, a mysterious archaeological site.
– Pakse – the gateway to southern Laos and the Bolaven Plateau, with its lush tea plantations and waterfalls.
What is the best way to get around in Laos?
Budget FAQs For Laos
How much will Laos trip cost?
How much does a meal cost in Laos?
How much does accommodation cost in Laos?
What is the cheapest time for Laos trip?
Culture FAQs For Laos
How do the people behave in Laos?
What are the popular dishes in Laos?
• Laap: a spicy, minced meat salad often served as an appetizer
• Khao Soi: a noodle dish with coconut milk and curry spices
• Tam Mak Hoong: green papaya salad flavored with lime juice, garlic and fish sauce
• Or Lam: stewed vegetables cooked in bamboo shoots
• Kaipen: thin strips of deep-fried seaweed
• Khao Niaw: sticky rice served with grilled meats and vegetables
• Ping Kai: grilled chicken marinated in garlic, ginger and fish sauce.
Which sports are popular in Laos?
What are the common religions in Laos?
Which festivals are celebrated in Laos?
• Boun Khao Padap Din: This is an annual rice planting festival celebrated in late June or early July.
• Boun Suang Heua: This is a festive boat racing event held on the Mekong River during the full moon of April.
• That Luang Festival: A Buddhist celebration held in November to honor the patron saint of Laos.
• Boun Bang Fai Rocket Festival: This is a unique festival that sees rockets launched into the air in order to bring luck and prosperity for the coming year.
• Lao New Year: Also known as “Pi Mai Lao,” this celebration takes place in April and marks the end of the dry season.
• Boun Ok Phansa: This is a new moon festival in October that marks the end of Buddhist lent and the beginning of a three-month period of celebration.
• Xieng Khuan Buddha Park Festival: A colorful event held in November at the famous Buddha Park near Vientiane.
What are the best souvenirs to buy in Laos?
• Handmade silk products: Laos is famous for its high-quality, handmade silk textiles.
• Local handicrafts: Look for traditional items made of bamboo and rattan, as well as hand-painted pottery.
• Coffee and tea: Buy locally grown coffee beans or tea from the southern provinces of Laos.
• Lao whiskey: A popular souvenir, especially among visitors who like to sample the local spirits.
• Silver jewelry: Silver jewelry and other accessories are widely available in markets throughout Laos.
• Wooden masks: Unique wooden masks carved by artisans in northern Laos are a great way to bring home a piece of Lao culture.
• Spices: Buy a variety of spices from Laos such as cinnamon, coriander and lemongrass.
• Musical instruments: Traditional Lao musical instruments like the khaen and khene can make for unique souvenirs.