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There is a small little counter run by the Lao Development Bank at the checkpoint, just beside the immigration counter. The rate is good. You may change your KIP there. They accept USD and Thai Baht.
The rate is usually :10,000 KIP to 1 USDUse this conservative rate as a guide as you do your budgeting. You will normally get more KIP per USD. KIP is only acceptable in Laos but not elsewhere, not even at Thai Banks. [Tried to change back KIP to Thai Baht at Udon Thani Airport but it was a no no.]
Most travelers come to Huay Xai via Chiang Khong, North Thailand. Huay Xai is a small little town with a handful of guesthouses serving mainly those who reach there as a transit point to other corners of Laos.Huay Xai has a temple on top on a small hill. It is the main visible attraction there. Just walk up the steps to the top and catch a nice view of the river and Chiang Khong.
Are very easy to obtain at the border. All you need is a passport photo and 1600 baht. I arrived at chiang khong in the afternoon and my visa was ready for me the very next morning to get my slow boat to Luang Prabang
In Laos (as in China, as I discovered later) there is music everywhere. You can almost always distinguish a gentle pop song in the background, even in the countryside.After a few days, you start recognizing the songs. One which you like best could become your "Theme from Laos Trip".
When you catch the ferry to laos from chaing khong its almost as if they opperate at a differnet pace and time zone even if its only across the mekong river. Be prepared to wait a while at immigration at at the currency exchange burreau. If you do change your money to Kip. Expect to become an overnight millionaire and come out with a bag full of cash
Time in Laos is not like in other countries. It is brutally chilled back. Try not to be anywhere in a hurray because quite simply you wont be there. Expect to get places 1 or 2 hours late then if you get there roughly at the designated time then its a bonus
The currency in Laos Is Kip and in all honesty it is a poor currency. It is at times very difficlut to know what you are paying for as it is similar to monoploy money. Do yourself a huge favour and only use US dollars. They also prefer a strong currency so you would be doing both yourselves and the people a favour
I went to Laos in 1999 and it was the purest place Ive ever been. I imagine over the years more tourists have arrived and it has become more modernized. However, Im certain it must still be beautiful corner of the earth. Muang singh was the place to go to experience the hill tribe culture and enjoy the fruits of the golden triangle. THE MOON OVER THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE, NIGHTS WITH THE AKHA HILL TRIBE.
Laos is a very quite and laid back country. Funny enough, Brits seem to love Laos. Laotians are quiet and reserved - not unlike most Brits. Americans tend to prefer Vietnam. The Vietnamese are open, friendly and agressive in business - quite like Americans. I love to remember the quiet mornings spent in this one paricular Luang Prabang cafe while sipping amazing coffee, eating breakfast and reading the paper.I really enjoyed floating down the river in Vang Vieng. This is one of the most beautiful places we had been on the trip.
La Residence Phou Vao Luang Prabang
4 Reviews and 281 Opinions TOUGH MANAGEMENT While this facility may be nice, I know the management is tough and does not have...
Settha Palace Hotel Vientiane
5 Reviews and 132 Opinions Settha Palace is a small luxury family owned hotel.It has its importance as a historical example of...
Ban Sabai Riverside Bungalow Vang Vieng
84 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Laos attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Laos sightseeing.
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Q: do any VT have any experience with the VIP overnight sleeper bus from Vientiane to Luang Prabang??? is it reasonably...
A: I took the VIP bus from Luang Prabang to Vientienne in 2010. There is a toilet on the bus. I was on the upper deck and the airconditioner was very weak. So it was a VHB...
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