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Laos is not a modern country and you may have to expect breakdowns with utitlities, mostly electricity. When we were in Luang Prabang, our electricity went out a few times during the night. Only places that have a generator, will have reliable electricity. You may want to bring a torch or flashlight with you just in case.
Boat travel is common in Laos as there are so many rivers. I traveled both by speedboat and slowboat when I was there. There are many postings and tips suggesting that speedboat travel can be dangerous. Yes, indeed, it could lead to some danger, more than traveling by the slowboats. To me, it was quite a thrill having to travel by speedboat from Muang Khua to Muang Ngoi, especially when the boat hit the rapid waters along the way. My boatman was waering his helmet. He did offered but… nah… On a positive note, it saves you a lot of time.Being slow doesn’t mean traveling by slowboats is guaranteed safe too.
Ladies beware. Especially Asian ladies. In Laos, I somehow still feel that Asian women traveling alone is still not entirely safe as many see you as a “weaker” being. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid dark places. In buses, try to sit next to a woman as my experience was that the men (esp in the North and mostly Chinese men, not the Laos people though), either deliberately or accidentally, tend to sit really close and try to be “touchy”. Open your mouth if you are unhappy. For instance, verbally tell them “to behave” politely if you feel uneasiness or sense anything strange. No skimpy dressing.Laos is generally safe for women travellers.
Always ask for permission if you intend to take photographs of the Lao People. They are generally camera-shy and if you do not ask for their permission, they get upset and unhappy.TIP : Always SMILE (and be sincere) when you ask for permission and be their friend.
when u want to go travel down loas on a bus, don't bay ure ticket at an turist agentsy, just bay one on the bus station, its cheaper..this is for the local busses...and u need to go to the bus station on to one and a half hour before departure, the bus leaves when its full, doesnt matter if u have booked a seet..
when u are trekking in the jungle og laos u need to know that it is a lot of lieches there..and they will get on u..when we went for a trekk one day ous feets was just ceverd by lieches..it eas a unbeliveble terrible experience...
In some parts of Laos Opium is preety rife. Every man and his dog will ask you if you want some. I had an incredible but little sad experience where this cute little 8 years old girl came up to me an said "saibadee", i smilled at her then she reached into her pocket and pulled out some opium and aksed if i wanted some. I said no thanks so she went back to play with her friends.
In vang vieng i had a few happy shakes. At the time they did very little but i was preety sick that night. Violently sick actually. There ususally cool and give an ok buzz but mine was a quite unhappy shake. I fealt really paranoid for the next few days. It tasted preety nice though and you can also try "happy pizza". Most bars sell them which is strange considering that the governments stance on drugs is "officially" tough
Unless you visit at the peak of the dry season, be ready for some dramatic rain in Vientiane. Even with an umbrella, you'll be soaked to the waist, and the streets have mudstreams going down. But it's very atmospheric, if not especially refreshing.
During the dry months (roughly between March and June) the air in the mountain regions of Laos can be quite hazy, due to slash-and-burn agriculture.If you're serious about photography, these months are probably not the best time to visit.
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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