Where Is Laos

Lao is a landlocked nation in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, and Thailand to the west. Laos is a mountainous country, especially in the north.

Where is Laos - Area

Laos has area of 236,800 square kms, a fraction of which is mountains and plateaus. Laos has population of 6.5 million. About 85% of the populations are rural residents and the 1999 annual official population poll said that there were 60.000 more women than men. The average population density is 21 per square kilometer.

Where is Laos - Population

Laos is the lowest populated of the Indochinese countries. The scenery is centered by mountains, jungles and Mekong River, which runs for 1,800km along the western border of the country. A devoutly Buddhist country, Laos has exposed to give travelers with a chance to experience the variety, lifestyle and natural charm of the nation.

Where is Laos - Cremate

Most of the year is warm and humid. Laos has three unique seasons- the dry or cool Season will come the end of October carry on till February, with cooler weather and decreased humidity. Typical temperature might fall to 12  or 14 celcius. Summer from March to June, with temperature up to 40 celcius. Rainy during June to October with cloudy days and may through August. The average annual temperature 29 celcius varying in Vientiane and 35 celcius in April to 20 celcius in December or January.

Time in Laos is 7 hours Greenwich Mean time (GMT * 7)

There is unquestionably an increasing visitor trail in Laos, but that just indicates there are many roads in places you can make your own trail. After all, fifty percent the fun of exploring here is in the journey alone - the people you meet. are very friendly.

Laos is Prosperous in culture, rich in history, full of Buddhism, rich in rivers, mountains and forests ... Laos is a place of imagination and adventure amid a diverse and very friendly people.

Learn Lao Conversation

Conversation on the telephone

Sam: Hello. May I speak to Danny please?  = Hello khor lom kub Danny nea
Danny’s dad: Who’s calling?  = Man phai nor
Sam: = Sam na
Danny’s dad: Please wait = Ta bud neung
Sam: Ok  = Jao
Danny: = Hello

Sam: Hello Danny, this is Sam  = Hello Danny, nee man Sam na
Danny: Hi Same, what’s up?  = Sabaidee Sam, mee yang bor
Danny is not here: Danny bor yu
When will Danny be back? Danny shi kub ma ton dai/yam dai
That’s all, bye: Thor nee der, lagon
Can you please tell him that I called? Bork lao dai bor wa khoi tho ha
Can you ask him to call me back? Bork lao tho kub ha khoi dai bor
My phone no. is : Ber tho khoi man
Wrong number: Tho pid

Direction in Lao

Where is….?    = Yu sai
I want to go…. = Khoi yak pai
Toilet = Hong num
Airport = Sa-nam bin
Train Station = Sa ta ni Lod Fai
Which way? = Pai tang dai
Left = Sai
Right = Kwau
Straight = Sue
Is it far? = Kai bor
Yes, it is far = Kai
No, it isn’t far = Bo Kai
Floor = Sun
1st floor = Sun neung
2nd floor = Sun song
How much is it to go to morning market? = Pai ta lat sao thor dai

Travel to Pakse Champasack

Champasack is considered as the center of the economy, arts, culture and history in the southern part of Laos, and is home to world famous natural tourist attractions.

There are many local tribes in Champasack, such as Lao Loom, Khmer and Mon-Khmer. Champasak also preserves its unique arts and culture that differs from Luang Prabang and Vientiane, making a long drive worthwhile.

There are many famous attractions such as Wat Phu Palace, featuring Cambodian architecture built in the same area as Angkor Wat and Nakhon Thom. It has been awarded as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001, Lao's second after Luang prabang city.

The famous natural attraction is the Khonpa peng waterfall, which is the largest waterfall in Laos and nick name as the "Niagara of Asia". There is also Li Phi that has swift current and is located on Don Det with as many as 4,000 small islands that bring the name "Si Phandon".

Once in Champasak, one must not miss the chance to go and see the Pa Kha fresh water dolphin. To get there, you take high way No.13 south to approximately Km.154(5 km further down from the Khon Pa Peng waterfall). Then turn right and drive another 6 km into Ban Wern Kham port. You need to leave the vehicles there and here and rent a boat to the Lao-Cambodia border for 10 minutes. Here's the area Pa Kha lives, and you may have to pay 10,000 kips entry fee to see the dolphins closely.

Champasak district is located in the southern part of Laos and is 600 km away from Vientiane. The road is quite good and there are not as many mountain roads as in the northern part of the country.

Learn Some Lao Words

It would be a great benefit if you know some Lao words whether you travel to Laos or living here. below are some basic words you should know

The Lao word for color is “See”. It’s a must to say see first before you name any color for example White is “ See Khao” in Lao

Below are list of color

1.    White = See kow
2.    Yellow= See Lueang
3.    Orange= see som (or you can say see num mark kieng)
4.    Red= see daeng
5.    Blue= see fa
6.    Pink= see bua
7.    Beige= see keem

Counting in Lao language

One = Neung
Two= Song
Three= Sam
Four = see
Five= ha
Six= hok
Seven =jed
Eight= pad
Nine=kao
Ten= sib
Eleven=sib et
Twelve= sib song
Thirteen = sib sam
Fourteen = sib see

Once you can count to eleven then the rest is a piece of cake. When you count till 11 then the next  is 10+ 2 (sib song), 10+3(sib sam), 10+4 (sib see),…
Twenty is sao and twenty one is sao et. Then it comes to the same formula as above for example
20+2 (sao song), 20+3(sao sam),…
Thirty is sam sib
Fourty is see sib
By now you can count all the way to one hundred
50=5 X 10 (ha sib)
60=6 X 10 (hok sib)
70=7 X 10 (jed sib)
80=6 X 10 (pad sib)
90=6 X 10 (kao sib)

One hundred= neung hoi
Two hundred= Song hoi
Three hundred= sam hoi
Four hundred= see hoi
Five hundred = ha hoi
Six hundred = hok hoi
Seven hundred = jed hoi
Eight hundred = pad hoi
Nine hundred = kao hoi
One thousand = neung pan

Days of the week
 
Monday= van chan
Tuesday= van khan or you can say van ang khan
Wednesday= van phoud
Thursday= van phahud
Friday= van souk
Saturday= van sao
Sunday= van tid

Months of the year

January   = mung kon
February= kum pa
March= mee na
April= may sa
May= peaud sa pa
June=mi thu na
July= kor la kod
August= Sing ha
September= kun ya
November= pha jik
December= tan wa
 

How to Get English Teaching Job in Laos

Laos is not like Thailand, Taiwan other places that English teaching jobs are advertised via various sources like internet, newspapers and so on.

Where to find English teaching jobs in Laos.

1. Internet.
If you look for teaching job in Laos on internet you’ll find a few to nothing, sometimes those jobs are out of date already so forget about internet when you are looking for teaching positions in Laos.

2. Newspaper.
There’s only English Newspaper in Laos which called Vientiane Times. Sometime schools or other organizations advertise jobs there but it’s every now and then. It’s not a secure place to look for job.

3. Look by yourself.
You need to find English schools and apply for job by yourself. You can both go to schools directly and give your CV there or by sending your hard copy of CV to the schools. This way works for many people who teach English in Laos. Don’t forget to leave your contact information like telephone numbers and this. Some of the schools you apply will eventually call you for interview. It’s a good start.

Here are list of English schools in Laos that hire English teachers. Some school requires degrees and other teaching certificates. Be preparing for all documents you have. Some schools hire only native English speakers so if you are native English speakers with a degree, you have better chances than others.

If you are interested to work as a private tutor you can contact this email address: monika_n2003@yahoo.com


1. Kiettisack International School.
Usually they look for teacher before school year start on September. This school require only native English speaker with appropriate degrees and teaching qualifications. They open positions for other subjects too such as math, Chemistry, Computer and so on. You can find their website here: http://www.kiettisack.com/school/employment.html.

2.Vientiane International School.
They also need only native English speakers with proper degrees and qualifications. You can send CV and other relevant certificates to them. And here’s their website:
http://vislao.com/content/view/386/217/

3. Eastern Star Bilingual School.
http://www.esbs.edu.la/
You can see in one section of the website that wrote: Please fill up the job application form and send to: esbslao@gmail.com or infoesbs@esbs.edu.la

4. Panyathip International School.
http://pbslao.gmlao.com/

5. JS school
    294 NongboneSt Nongbone Vientiane Cap.
    Vientiane Cap., Lao PDR
    Tel: +856 20 7810547
 
6. Lao Top College.
http://laotop.net/laotop/index.php/contact-us.html

7. Lao-Singapore Business College
http://lsbcollege.net/

8. Vientiane College
http://www.vientianecollege.com/
    
 9. Lao-American College.
     http://www.lac.edu.la/
      
 10. Sharon School
       http://www.sharoneschool.com/

Lao New Year

Lao new year means season of change from dry turn to rainy season. Generally, 14 15 16th of April are fixed for celebrating the festival during 5th Lao Month, so it called in another name that 5th Lao Month festival.

Background of 5th Lao Month festival: When the time changes into 5th Lao Month like April, the weather will be rather hot, people is easily sick and ill.

Watering the body, wishing each other is the idea of Lao philosopher since the Ancient time, in order to make relatives happy. And there is a story narrated in the past that: a pair of millionaires got married many years but they hadn't any child, so they vowed the Xay tree. The tree pitied them and it beg for the child from Brahma, so he send Mr. Thammabankoumman to be born. When the Thammabankouman was born, grew up and finsihed Tri-genders course and became a teacher, he is famous far away to Kabinlaphom, he heard the rumor Thammabankouman is omniscient, so he came to challenge and ask 3 questions such as: Where is people's sign in the morning? Where is people's sign in the afternoon? Where is people's sign in the evening?. He gave Thammabankouman within 7 days for answeing such questions and he fixed that if the questions doesn't have answer, the Thammabankouman will be decapitated, and if know the answer, he will be beheaded the same. Finally, because Thammabankouman knew animals'languages, prior to the appointment, he got the answer fromconveration ofa pair of birds on palm tree while them staying under the tree that: in the morning, the sign of people is the face, so people wash their face every morning. In the afternoon, a sign of people is chest, so people wash chest or take a bath in the afternoon. In evening, the sign of people is feet, so people wash feet before going to bed. When 7 day is due, Kabinlaphom came to listen the answer from Thammabankouman and accepted the 3 answers are correct and defeated for decapitating, before beheading, he called his 7 daughters and asked them to use the tray to obtain the head, because the people believe that if place the head on the earth, it will cause the fire. If throw away above, it will cause the drought. If drop in the water, the water will be4 dry. Therefore, he told his seven daughters to use the tray support the head and place in the cave. Every year his 7 daughters will change the shift to sprinkle and perfume their father's head in order to make the country happy. So that there's Miss. Sang Khan contest each year.


Nowadays, Lao New Year is the traditional festival continues every year. Activities celebration is to sprinkle the Buddha, monk, elderly people and watering each other. As the same time, There is Nang Sang Khan Palace procession, which means the seven daughters of King Kabinlaphom.

Best Places to go Shopping in Laos

When you visit Laos, you must go shopping as they are plenty of products available with a reasonable prices and the products you may not find anywhere else in the world. Below are popular shopping places in Laos.

1. Talatsao Mall or Morning Market in Vientiane.

Talatsao mall in a center shopping center for Lao and tourists. This is a must see place. You can choose plenty of souvenirs there.

There are plenty of products from local handicrafts, Jewelry, Goldsmith, Silver Wares, Painting, Wood Craving to Lao Music of Tradition Folk and Modern Fashion Hits, Books. Fashion Dresses, Shoes, Travel Bags. There is also a food court in the 3rd floor with many choices such as Lao, Thai, Vietnamese and Indian Foods. You can visit http://www.talatsaomall.com/ for more information.

2. Lao ITECC(Lao International Trade Exhibition And Convention Center) in Vientiane.

Lao ITECC is a biggest place for trade Exhibition in Laos. The trade fair is hold 1 to 2 times a month with plenty of products from various countries such as Lao, Thailand, Vietnam, and China. There is a supermarket, which called Tang Freres Lao Supermarket.

It's a popular place for local lao as there are many entertainment facilities such as bowling,  movie theater,  snooker clubs, karaoke. There's golf court outside. You can see more information about ITECC here http://www.lao-itecc.la/

3. Night Market in Luangprabang.

This is a must see night market in Laos, you shouldn't miss this market when you visit Luangprabang. There are load of handicrafts such as textiles, clothing, carvings, and a lot more. You will be amazed of wide varieties of stuffs you have never seen anywhere else. The market is open every day from 5 to 10 or 11 pm.

Apart from the 3 places I mentioned above, there are still plenty of shops and boutiques in the tourists area. You can easily find those shops when you walk around the cities of Vientiane and Luang prabang. You can also visit local markets. It would be some kind of new experience.

7 Best Restaurants in Vientiane forTourists

 If you has no idea where to eat in Vientiane. Below are list of restaurants you may enjoy.

1. Khop Chai Deu Resturant

Khop chai deu meaning thank you in Lao. They serve Lao food, Thai food, Chinese food, Indian food, and western food. They also have set menus and buffet in second floor. If you go to restaurant, you wouldn't see many lao customers, there are many backpackers and tourists and expats.

Address: 54 Setthathirat Rd, Nam Phou, Vientiane, Lao P.D.R.

Tel: +856-21 251564, Catering Service: +856-20 5619107

Email: info@khopchaideu.com

Website: http://www.khopchaideu.com/

2. Sabaidee Restaurant

They serve mixture of Lao, other asian and western food.

 Address:36 Setthathirath Road, Vientiane, Laos

Tel:+856 21 214 278

 

3. Nazim Restaurant

This is Indian restaurant. They serve authentic recipes from north and south India. Halal food is also catered for and the menu is finely balanced between vegetarian and meat dishes.

Address: Fa-ngoum Rd (Mekong), Vientiane, Laos

Tel: +856 21 223 480

Website: http://www.nazim.laopdr.com/

4. Kualao Restaurant

They serve Lao food. They have Lao music and traditional Lao dance at night. There are also VIP rooms available. 

Address: 141 Samsenthai Road, Vientiane, Laos.

Tel: +856 21215 777  

Email: lovelytouty@yahoo.com

Website: http://www.kualao.laopdr.com/

5. Le Silapa Restaurant

 Le Silapa is a high standard restaurant in Vientiane. They serve french cuisine.

 Address: 17/1 Th Sihom, City Centre

 Tel: +856 21 219689

6. Full Moon Cafe

There serve lao, thai, chinese, vietnamese, and indian foods. There are plenty kinds of foods you can select. 

It's a relaxed place to eat. 

Address: François Nginn Rd , Vientiane, Laos

Phone:+856 21 243373

7. Sticky Fingers Cafe and Bar

They serve western food. It's a place for expats to hang out.

Address: 10/3 François Nginn Rd, Vientiane, Laos

Tel: +856 21 215 972

Luang Prabang hopes for Lao visitors at Pi Mai

(Vientiane Times)Luang Prabang's tourism office yesterday encouraged Lao people to visit the World Heritage Site after more than 50 Thai tour operators cancelled visits to the province in the last few days.

Luang Prabang Tourism Department Deputy Director Khamtan Somphanvilay said yesterday that the cancellations were due to the recent political unrest in Bangkok.

“However, we still want to encourage local people to travel within Laos. Hotel and guesthouse bookings are down to 75 percent after the cancellations,” he said.

He said that encouraging Lao people to see more of Laos would also help preserve national culture and traditions as well as promoting local tourism sites.

“We are now also facing a water shortage, so some hotels, guesthouses and homes don't have enough water. This is because the water level in the Nam Khan River is very low, which we haven't seen before,” he said.

“However, visitors and local people shouldn't worry about having enough water for New Year celebrations, because we will ask trucks to bring in water from other areas, while local people who have pick-up trucks can carry water from the Mekong and other waterways in the town.”

He added that the government was trying to find the funds to improve the water supply in the province, which would be costly.

In any case, New Year celebrations, particularly the cultural and traditional activities, will go ahead as scheduled, he said.

The programme of activities starts on April 10 and ends on April 19.

April 10 will see the opening of a trade fair in the morning at the Thatluang esplanade. On the evening of April 11 there will be performances by Lao and international singers.

The Nang Sangkhane competition and traditional performances will be held from 7.30 to 11.30pm on April 12 and 13. On April 14, a lolath (traditional market or street fair) will run from 6am to 12 noon. In the afternoon of the same day, people will gather by the river to build sandcastles, hold a baci ceremony and take part in sports competitions at Xiengman village in Chomphet district.

On April 15, there will be a visit by a group from a Lue cultural village, who will perform a show symbolising the life of the village, as well as a baci ceremony. This will be attended by leaders and visitors throughout the morning. In the afternoon, there will be a vor parade which will highlight Buddhist and Lao traditions and will run from Vat Thatnoy to Vat Xiengthong.

On April 16, leaders and local and overseas visitors will attend an almsgiving ceremony at the Royal Palace Museum in the early morning. In the afternoon, the vor procession will parade back to Vat Thatnoy from Vat Xiengthong. In the evening, there will be a procession of nagas, lanterns and traditional performances.

On April 17, leaders, laypeople and the general public will gather to accompany the revered Prabang Buddha image as it is carried from the Royal Palace Museum to Vat Mai Souvannaphoum, where it will be on display for worship. Other traditional activities will also take place on this day.

On April 18, the public will be able to pour perfumed water over the Prabang Buddha and enjoy various traditional performances.

On the last day of the programme, local authorities, laypeople and visitors will line the street as the Prabang Buddha image leaves the temple and is returned to the museum in the morning.

By Panyasith Thammavongsa

That Luang festival mixes culture and business

The trade fair associated with the annual That Luang Festival officially opened yesterday in a ceremony attended by government officials and business representatives.

Vice President Bounnhang Vorachit, Standing Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad and Vientiane Mayor Sombath Yialiher were among those in attendance.

The trade fair takes place in two venues. The That Luang esplanade accommodates 1,411 booths from October 28 to November 2, while Lao-ITECC with 778 booths is open from October 24 to November 2.

The trade fair is a lively part of the festival, bringing together a wide range of domestic products as devotees come from all over the country to worship at the grand stupa.

Vientiane Vice Mayor Somvandy Nathavong said the festival was a wonderful opportunity to preserve Lao traditions and display the rich and diverse cultural identity of Laos .

On this occasion people of ethnic groups from all over Laos come to worship at this most magnificent of festivals.

Mr Somvandy said the festival would give security units the chance to prove their worth in ensuring safety for everyone and preventing accidents.

Amid a joyful atmosphere, various activities serve to preserve the country's fine traditions.

As happens every year, people take part in a colorful wax castle procession, watch a traditional game of hockey, and process around the stupa in a grand candlelight procession.

This year the festival will give city authorities ideas on how best to celebrate the 450th anniversary of Vientiane as the capital of Laos next year.
http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/Free_That.htm

Do’s and don’t in Lao culture- showing respect for Lao religion and culture

With the increasing number of people visiting Laos every year, it is very important to know what you should do or shouldn’t. Foreign travelers may find it difficult to navigate the cultural norms of Lao culture. It is also important to consider what might be offensive to the Lao people.

Show respect and use your head and eyes and common sense will guide you well in navigating Lao culture safely.

When in Laos, try to do as the Lao do and remember; don’t touch head, don’t lose your temper with people and don’t flash your fresh. The rest is about manners, shoes left outside, accepting hosts, greeting and not upsetting religious feelings.

The Lao are very friendly and hospitable and a minimum effort will make your trip smooth and memorable. Respect the culture and you will earn its respect in turn.

Welcome

Instead of checking hand, Lao use “Nop” to greet people. The Nop is a short bow done with raising your hands in a praying gesture. The higher you go the more respect you show, but don’t be over the top. A kiss or embrace from a stranger is insulting and humiliating.

Feeling in public

Public display of affection is taboo in Lao society so don’t cause shock or embarrassment by kissing or cuddling in front of people. Modest dress and discreet behavior will ensure you don’t attract unwanted attention or embarrass others.

Foot and Head

In Buddhism and general Asian society, the head is very important to the souls and its purity, while the feet walk the earth and all that is deposited on it. Raising your feet to headheight, putting them on furniture or pointing with them is taken as a deliberate insult or sign of barbarism. Don’t gesture with your feet or touch an Asian head. You would be asking for trouble. Here, as in all things, check out what local people do with their feet and shoes and try to follow suit.

Shouting

Never raise your voice to Lao people as they never react well to it. Even shouting to friends or for taxis will cause shock and worry. Lao is a land of calm and patience, and shattering the peace will do you no favors.

Appearance

Bodily hygiene and cleanliness are of the highest standard in Lao and a visitor’s failure to meet these standards is not well received. Wash yourself and your clothes daily or prepare to be laughed at and avoided!

In a Lao House

Shoes are generally no-go indoors. Use your eyes and common sense to maximize your chances of social success. Keep your head and general profile low at gatherings.

Environment

You will rarely be alone in Laos, even when you seem to be, and pollution is not well received. Bins are scarce, so use your plastic bags to return rubbish to towns or villages.

Drugs

The penalties may be severe for you and even worse for the Lao society.

Religion

Religion is a major part of daily life and remains the practice of the massive majority. Show respect in temples and shrines, watching how locals behave in such place. Dress neatly when visiting temples and religious shrines. You should never go shirtless, or in short, miniskirts or hot pants. It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around a temple compound, but not inside the chapel where the principle Buddha image is kept. Visitors are welcome to relax and be peaceful in all temples. Every Buddha image is regarded as a scared object, no matter how big, small, old or new. Never climb onto a Buddha image to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect.

Keep your head lower than the Buddha and monks. Buddhist priests must not be touched by a woman or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman gives anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it. Don’t turn your back on a Buddha.

Lao Airlines Special Discount for International Routes

Laos Airlines has announced a new promotion effective July 21 to October 28, 2009 for international routes.

Vientiane - Bangkok(VTE BKK) one way 105 USD, return 189 USD.

Vientiane - Hanoi(VTE HN) one way 110 USD, return 200 USD.

Vientiane - Siem Reap one way 137 USD, return 263 USD.

Vientiane - Kunming one way 137 USD, return 263 USD.

Luang Prabang - Chiang Mai one way 100 USD, return 179 USD.

Luang Prabang - Bangkok one way 126 USD, return 242 USD.

Luang Prabang - Hanoi one way 105 USD, return 200 USD.

Luang Prabang - Siem Reap one way 158 USD, return 294 USD.

Luang Prabang - Udone Thani one way 79 USD, return 147 USD.

Savannakhet - Siem Reap one way 114 USD, return 209 USD.

Savannakhet - Bangkok one way 95 USD, return 179 USD.

Thanks source from http://www.laoairlines.com/
http://www.blogcatalog.com/

Learn Lao Language

When you visit Laos it is always good to learn some words. You probably won't need to use much if you travel to only the main tourist areas. However, the lao people you meet will be impressed if you try to use a little Lao with them. Here are some Lao words you should know if you travel to Laos

"Sabaidee" that is how we say Hello in Lao.

How are you = Sabaidee bor (Lao)

I am fine = khoi sabaidee (Lao)

I am not feeling very well = khoi bor sabai (Lao)

I am sorry = Kaw tode

Never mind/ you are welcome = Bor pen yang

Thank you = khop jai (Lao)

Can you speak Lao = Jao wao pasa lao dai bor (Lao)

Can you speak English = Jao wao pasa angkit dai bor (Lao)

My name is.... = khoi sue wa......

What is your name = Jao sue yang

Nice to meet you = Yin dee ti dai hu jak jao

Yes = Chao

No = Bor

I am hungry = khoi hew

I am full = khoi im

I want to eat = khoi yark kin

I want to go.... = Khoi yark pai....

I've got a headache = Khoi jeb hua

I've got a stomachache = Khoi jeb tong

I like Laos = Khoi mak Muang Lao

I like Lao people = Khoi mak kon lao

I don't want to go back home = Khoi bor yark kub baan

You are very beautiful = Jao ngam lai

I really like you = khoi mak jao tae tae

Do you want to go out with me = Jao yark pai tiaw kub khoi bor

Do you want to go see a movie with me = Jao yark pai berng nang kub khoi bor

I enjoy talking to you = khoi mak lom kub jao

I love you = khoi huk jao

Lao culture

Questions and answers about traveling to Laos

1. I am soon going to travel up to Luang Prabang and from there I would like to travel by land to Hanoi. What is the best way to do this ? If possible I would like to avoid going back to Vientiane.

Answer: The best way to do this overland is going to Hanoi from Vientiane but since you want to avoid Vientiane you can go via XiengKhouang Province.


2. We are thinking of staying in Vientiane for 3 days at the Lao Orchid Hotel or the Le Calao Hotel. Which would you recommend?Also like to stay 5 days in Luang Prabang at the Le Calao Hotel or something similar but must have pool, any recommendations? Also could you please send me some information on tours and things to see and do in both places?

Answer: I would recommend Lao Orchid Hotel, it’s a good hotel, you can check review on internet, many people thinks the same as me. For Luang Prabang I would recommend grand hotel. You can check information on tours and things to see and do following these links:
http://traveltolaostips.blogspot.com/2009/06/laos-tours.html
http://traveltolaostips.blogspot.com/2009/06/laos-tours-luang-prabang-itinerary.html

3. I am visiting laos for 6 days starting next week. i am wondering whether i can rent a car with an English speaking driver for 3-4 days. How much will that cost? i would like to travel to LP and Van Vieng and whatever places in between.

Answer: You can rent a car with a driver, about the price, it depends on where you want to go. The price for city tour is USD 35 per day but if you traveling to Vangvieng and Luang prabang is quite expensive, they would charge USD 120- USD 150 per day.

4. I will be travelling to Laos from Siem Reap.How to get to Vientiane from Siem Reap? Bus or train? Plan to spend one night at Vientiane and how to travel
to Vang Vieng? Heading to famous Luang Prabang for 2 nights..How to go to Hanoi after Luang Prabang?

Answer: there’s no train from Siem Reap to Vientiane, you can either fly or take bus, taking a flight would be the most convenient, it would take you a very long drive if you choose to go by bus. From Vientiane you can take bus to Vangvieng, it takes about 3-4 hours. There’s direct flight from Luang Prabang to Hanoi.

5. I will be traveling with intrepid travel through Laos to Vietnam. The trip plans for us to travel overland from Vientiane to Hanoi through Lak Sao. I was wondering if this is an interesting route. Since the trip will be hours and hours in a minivan I am thinking maybe it would be preferable to fly from Vientiane to Hanoi. What do you think?

Answer: Yes, flying is the best option.

6. am going to Laos in August. My plan is to first stop in Vientiane and then goes to Luang Prabang. In Luang Prabang, I plan to take my Visa to Vietnam and then head to Hanoi.Could you please advise me on the possibilities for going from Luang Prabang to Hanoi? Bus and Airplane?

Answer: There’s direct flight from Luang Prabang to Hanoi, if you want to go over land you can go back to read question 1, I already answered it there.

Learn Lao

If you have questions about Laos please post your questions here or send me email at traveltolaos@gmail.com. I would be willing to answer to all questions.

Naga Rockets and Wat Phabat Phonesane

Wat Phabat Phonesane is one of the most important temples and tourist sites in Bolikhamxai province. It is situated km 82 from Vientiane on the left hand side of road N.13 south.

Wat Naganimid phonesane was first build on the right hand side and 2 km from the national road to the Mekong river.

Wat Phabat Phonesane is the Lord of Buddha foot print temple and stupa. It is very beautiful place to visit and worship.

Wat Naganimid was build of the top of the hill and has 100 stairs and surrounded by the big trees which made the temple more attractive.

Wat phabat Phonesane and Wat Naganimid are not the same temples.

There is an old saying which say that Wat Phabat Phonesane place the Lord Buddha sit for lunch, when he arrived from Somphoutavib to teach the Buddha's word. When he looked for a place to sit for lunch, there were no places for him, because everywhere were his former graveyards. because of that, the king of the dragon named Soukahathinak collected the rocks and soils to from the hill for him to have lunch.

After lunch, before he said good bye, the two dragons named Soukahathinak and Sangkalanak requested him to print his foot print as the symbol of Buddhism in Kokchiviengngoua hill which was as far as the shout of an elephant from the place where he took lunch. The Lord Buddha printed his foot print on the rock as we have seen in Wat Phabat Phonesane.

The size of the foot print is 40 cm deep, 120 cm wide and 240 cm length. The nails of the foot are the same length. The images of the wheel, the lotus and one hundred and eight types of animals marked in the central of the foot. It was his right leg and facing to the Mekong river. After the image of the Buddha foot was printed the dragon arranged a religious ceremony then returned to their kingdom.

Since then, at the end of the Buddhist lent, the king of the Naga and his followers have organized rocket festivals to worship the foot print in an annual ceremony. That is because people see the man made rockets lights launched from the land and the river. it is called Bangfai PhaNhanak(The Naga rocket).

Wat means temple, Phabat means foot important person and Phonesane means the hill where Lord Buddha sit for lunch. Unknown another temple on the top of the hill which has 100 stairs called (The dragon conjured the temple) to the Mekong river and green big trees which made the site.

Learn Lao language

Boat racing festival and loy Krathong Ceremony

Maha Sila VIRAVONG wrote in the book of Hidsipong, the twelve customs. This ceremony was performed for thoundsands of years and it was the original ceremony of Brahmanism to worship the god and floating the Loy Krathong. Some countries organize the ceremony from the full moon of the 14-15 in the twelve month to the 1st dark moon of the first month, the same time as in Thailand, Lanna Xiangmai. In Laos, we do not know the exact time because there is of no evidence, but we know the exact time that the illuminate ceremony was officially organized in the king of Soulignavongsa in 1641 as noted by Van Wustop, trade diplomatic from Holland, who met the king of Soulignavongsa in 1641. (His detailed notes is too long, but there is the part of his note on the illuminated boats as written below).

After meeting the King in That Luang festival, the Holland trade diplomatic envoys had an opportunity to see the ceremony on the illuminated fire boats. Van Wustop said: "The king sits on a seat made of gold. the king saw the illuminated fire boats. We were sitting close to the King camp. The ceremony was organized on the Mekong river. There was one bamboo pole. It was high as the pole at the head of the ship on the sea. Four men climbed up and jumped down to the river to show people. The four men could be injured or hurt.

When it was dark, more than two hundred fire boats were running down along the Mekong. Among these, there were three illuminated fire boats which had fire like the four square stupas. These made the river bright. After the ceremony was over, the king and his followers and I returned back."

The illuminate ceremony in Vientiane as written in the note of Van Wustop was organized in the twelfth month, after That Luang festival was over. In that time, That Luang festival organized in the 1st dark moon of the twelfth month.

Now the illuminated boats and Loy Kathong ceremony is organized in the full moon of the eleventh mounth. The fire boats are made of forest bamboos and banana trucks. Banana truck sheets are placed on the boats to put kikouang, burning powders for fire lighting. Heua fai Kok, the land fire boat is also made in the yard of the pagoda. The purpose is to make the illuminated boats or Loy kathong or Loykamot, as Brahmanism are made to worship the god and to drive away the sin or the bad luck. In Laos, these are made to worship Lord Buddha, the god of the rivers, the god of the dragons to send the rain to us.

Racing Boats Competition: After the end of the Buddhist lent, at the 1st dark moon of the 11th month, Lao people in the villages, districts and provinces organize racing boats festival along the main rivers such the Mekong, its tributaries and streams, particular in Vientiane municipality, Pakxe, Champasak boats racing was also organized in the 1st dark moon of the eleventh month, except in Luang Prabang where people organized in the nine month and at the same time of Boun Hokhaopadabdine(worship the food for the deads), because Luang Prabang uses Namkane river so in the middle of this month Namkane river level is high enough for the racing boats competition.

Raing boats and the end of the Buddhist lent are organized concurrently, but the day for boats racing, old and young gather to see whose boat will be the champion and on this occation there are chanting team in boats, on the roads and pagoda yards and having fun.

Usually, the boat racing purpose was the social sport to gather friends and to worship the Lord of Buddha, the rivers and the god of the dragon. It was not rowed for a prize but small gifts were given as incentives.

Lao culture

Buddhist Lent End

After performing the Buddhist lent for three months, in the rainy season starting from the 1st dark moon of the eight month to the 1st dark moon of the the eleven month, the closing ceremony is organized. Firstly, the performance of buddhist lent activities is the responsibilities of the monks, not the lay people.
There after, the form of the ceremony change as the villagers decide to prepare the offerings for merit making. So in the morning of the fifteen day of the eleventh month, the villagers take the offerings to the temples and listen to Buddha's teachings while the candles ceremony, light worshipping, and fire boat festivities are performed in the evening.
In the next day, the 1st dark moon of the eleven month, boat racing is organized on the Mekong river.
The Buddhist Lent closing ceremony is performed in the same way as the beginning of Buddhist Lent, Boun Hokaopradabdine and Boun khao Sark or Salark. At the festival day Buddhist villagers, dressed in new and beautiful clothes take the silver bowl of plateful of food and materials to offer the monks for merit making.

How to organize the ceremony: The term "Watsa" means the rain or rainy season. The monks complete the practices of Buddha teachings during the period of three months in the rainy season without spending any nights in other places. On the 1st day of the dark moon of the eleventh month the closing ceremony for Buddhist Lent should be arranged. But, in practice, it is organized in the full moon of the fifteen in the eleventh month, one day before the due date. In the Buddha's teaching, the closing ceremony was instead made after three months of Buddhist Lent ended. So, in practice the monks made Palavana on the evening of the full moon of the fifteen in the eleven month. It is one day before the real closing date.

The term Pavalana means to announce something in advance or warn or advise each other for example when the villagers say to the monks in advance that " if the monks need to have the 4 main factors such as; clothing, bedding, medicines or something else, please advise us." This also means Pavalana. It's to say something to do in advance.

Pavalana is the task of the monks violate the Buddhist rules, they should warn each other. The reason that the Lord of Buddha allowed the monks to give advise is that when the monks stay together during the Buddhist Lent in the same place it would a few of them might behave badly or make mistakes. After the Buddhist Lent ends, they warn or advice each other before leaving. This means "Pavalana."
To conduct the ceremony for Pavalana, the oldest monk has make a decision first. He may say three, two times or one. Then the others say like him or saying one by one. The words are said in Pali language. it means that " To you all the monks, please listen to me today is the full moon day. It is the day to give prior notice that we have completed the Buddha practice."

in front the others in After the decision is made, the oldest monk sits on his knees, joins his hands and says Pavalanapali language: " To you all the monks, may I notice you in advance and do not in doubt that I made mistakes or sins caused by a breach of the rules of the monastic order(Patimakkha), please warn me, to change my bad behaviour for proper behaviour acting." Then all the monks have to say the same words until its completion. The monks who completed the Buddhist Lent, can again Anisong 5, merit making.

Illuminate ceremony: an illuminate ceremony is the custom of Brahmanism to worship the gods whose names are; the God of Pha Phom(Brahman), the God of Pha Ixuan, and the God of Pha Nalai(Vishnu). Illuminated boats made of bamboo trucks. The oil for the lights screened from the cow fats. After the lamp making the lamp, it was fixed on the top of the pole which is about of 10 Wa high, each unit of Wa lenght equivalent to 2 metres (About 20 metres) from the ground of worship the tree gods above. It is organized in the twelve month. After the worshipping period is over. The lamps are sent along the rivers.

The illuminate ceremony begins in the full moon of the 14 or 15 to the 1st day of the dark moon in the eleventh month. They made the fire place in the yard of pagoda. The oil for fire are from the oily fruits namely Marktumka and fix the cotton coils for fire lighting.

The perfume sticks are made of perfume powder called Omnien. Firstly Omnien powder is dried under the sun, then mixed with the coconut skins and covered with paper. It is called Pathub or Phan Thub.

The worship place for perfume sticks lighting is called Vongkotkhili which means the mountain. According with the story of Vetsantala, it was the place where Phravet lived. To perform the lighting perfume sticks ceremony, some pagodas make camps with many complicated and curved roads inside. There is one entrance in and many doors out and curved roads inside. There is one entrance in and many doors out. Entering to this place, some people lost the way out. Therefore the ones who enter to burn the perfume sticks should consider for not forget the way out. It just made for fun.

Tourist spots in Laos
Laos tourism
Tourist attractions in Laos
Luang Prabang first class flight
Boat racing festival

Tourist spots in Laos

Sisavangvong, street of heritage city
Mekong River is a source of food for Lao and people that Mekong gets through. Beside Mekong River Luang Prabang has Nam Kane River as a source of food for Luang Prabang people. There’s a street in Luang Prabang which is also a source of income for Luang Prabang people, that street is Sisavangvong Street, the local night market is located here, and this is the popular market in Luang Prabang , local people in Luang Prabang sell their handicraft, silk, clothes, cloths, drawing pictures, carving stuffs for tourists.

At night is a place to sell stuffs from local people but day time is cultural street for tourists to visit many places such as: former palace, old temples especially Sisavangvong museum (former palace), Wat Xiengthong.

When the time of Lao New Year arrives, this street becomes the street of festival. There are people marches through this street; there are also ceremonies for good bye old year and welcome new year.

This street is very important for Luang Pabang people. It’s one source of income for people who sell stuffs there and it’s also a tourist spot where you shouldn’t miss if you go to Luang Prabang.

Buffalo Horn Mountain
Buffalo Horn Mountain is located 70 km far from Vientiane. Buffalo Horn Mountain is a protected area which has a charming nature and this is a place to find the true Lao way easily.

If you want to be in nature and relax, picnic, camping, boat ride to see nature and animals like tigers, elephants, bears, wolves, monkeys, birds, butterflies and other spices that they are hard to be seen in Laos this is a great place for that.

This mountain is the most beautiful reserve area which covers the area of 2000 square kilometer and the mountain is 1671 meter high which include mountain river, waterfalls straight from east to west 80 km long and 40 km long from north to south.

In 1993, Lao government announced that Buffalo Horn Mountain is a national protected forest area in purpose to reserve this wonderful forest for animals to live forever and it’s a spot for tourists to touch the real Lao nature in this wonderful forest.

Lao culture
Learn lao language
Naga rockets and Wat Phabat Phonesane
Buddhist Lent End
http://www.travelfish.org/
itravelnet.com Destination Travel Guide Worldwide travel and tourism information destination guides.
http://www.blogcatalog.com/directory/travel
The Expat Directory

Laos work visa

If you want to stay longer in Laos, say like 1 year and up you would need 1 year Laos visa, in order to get this kind of visa you must have a job in Laos. The employer will take care of the work permit, once you have 1 year work visa stamped(it is written B2 visa) in your passport then it's easy to apply for work permit and resident card.
Obtaining the Laos work permit, documents needed:
1. Passport
2. B2 visa (1 year visa)
3. Resident card.
4. photos.
In order to get B2 visa, first of all you would need a document from your employer, it's a confirmed document that you're working with the company, your employer should give you that document , if you are in Laos you would need to leave the country and re enter again before they issue you a B2 visa. You would enter Laos with the document provided by your employer and give them at the border crossings or international airports then they would give you B2 visa, you still have to pay fee same as cost of Laos visa on arrival
After you have the B2 visa then it's easy to apply to either work permit or resident card, your employer would take care of that, the fee of resident card is about $90 for the first time but the next time when you extent the cost would lower to $60, the most expensive thing is work permit, the fee is about $240, your employer might pay for you, it depends on agreement between you and your employer. It's pretty easy to get 1 year work visa as long as you have a job in Laos.

Laos visa
Cost of living in Laos
Laos tourism
Laos news
Tips from Backpackers - Travel tips and guides by Backpackers

Laos Airlines Announcement

Pakse airport will close for 2 months.

Referring to the notice of the Department of Lao Civil aviation No. 721/DCA dated 12/06/2009 informing that Pakse Airport will be closed from 1st July to 30th August 09 for its renovation work. Otherwise during this period Lao Airlines flights to/from Pakse will be suspended, thus the Savannakhet Airport will be used for the operations of the flights instead.

We would like then to inform that our previous notice is replaced by this one.
Remark: Passengers who has already bought or reserved his/her ticket for Pakse as destination or as point of departure, Lao Airlines will provide him/her with mini bus service from/to Pakse airport on the day of flight.

(Vientiane times) Champasack province, Pakse Airport will be close from July to the end of August for repairing work.
Mr.Yakua Laopangkao said that some part of the runway was feeling the pressures of several decades’ wear and tear and the country’s tropical climate.

These parts are needed to be fixed to ensure a smooth return to earth for planes, their passenger and cargo.

It’s necessary to for the airport to close temporary due to schedule plan for improvement the airport. The repair work will reconstruct the oldest section of the runway which is showing signs of potholing which cause undue wear and tear on the plane.

To facilitate the construction, the airport would be closed from July 1 to September.

If the construction is facing heavy rain for many days, it would cause delays to the contraction and it wouldn’t be able to finish the work on time. The reason that that chooses this time for renovation is it’s a low travel season so it’s the most suitable time to repair the runway.

Lao airlines will add more flight to Savannakhet airport. People who will fly to Pakse Airport will transfer to Savannakhet airport instead then continue over land to Pakse using public transport or tour services. The flight from Vientiane to Savannakhet normally leaves three times a week but now increase to nine flights per week.

For the passengers already booked on flights for Pakse Airport would be flown to Savannakhet then transferred by Lao airlines chartered bus or Van to Pakse.

It was the responsibility of Lao airlines to serve those passengers to ensure they reached their destination.

For more information please contact Lao airlines office:
Address: pangkham street P.O.Box 6441, Vientiane Lao PDR.
Tel: (+856 21) 212-016.
Fax: (+856 21) 212-058.
Email: info@laoairlines.com
Website: www.laoairlines.com
Once again we do apologize for the changed.

Lao airlines discount
Laos airlines promotion
Laos airlines announcement
Laos visa
Laos tourist visa
Cost of living in Laos
Laos tourism
Introduction to Laos
Laos jobs
Laos elephant festival
Hotels in Vangvieng
Luang Prabang first class flight
Vientiane itinerary
Luang Prabang itinerary
Tourist attraction in Laos
Vientiane Hotels
Luang Prabang hotels
Laos transportation
Management of two World heritage sites in Laos
Laos embassies abroad
Foreign embassies in Laos