Laos

Hi. I'm trying to find out about dress standards for a 50 year old western woman working in a Laos NGO. I've been told I will have to wear a traditional sinh skirt. Really? No trousers? Even if I am not a government employee or school teacher? And what about sleeveless tops? Are bare shoulders only for tourists and prostitutes (as they were when I lived in thailand)?

This is a kinda long shot, but does anyone have any information about the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos (not interested in the 'new' trail in Vietnam). I need information about the route, the road conditions and the accommodation. I am looking for information around Sepon and the three southern provinces of Laos.

Thanks

I cannot decide how many whole days to stay in L.P. It seems that 4 days might not be enough and that 5 days might be too long. Any advice?

I will be travelling around Laos later in the year.

I would be grateful if I could have some advice as to means of payment (credit cards, etc.).

More particularly:-

1 Are US$ traveller's cheques any use and, if so, where can they be cashed? I have some AMEX TCs left from earlier trips to other parts of the world.

2 Are credit cards in use in hotels, travel agencies, etc.? I have VISA cards. I intend to stay in mid-range hotels as much as possible, neither de-luxe nor rock-bottom.

3 Are cash…

Hello,

any advice on how to go about hiring a driver (or drivers) to accommodate approximately six passengers in a (reasonably) comfortable vehicle to go from Vientiane - Phonsavan (tour Plain of Jars) - Luang Prabang? We'd fly back fro Vientiane.

Also, the approximate cost would also be appreciated.

Thanks.

Hi
I was thinkiing to travel in north laos during july.
I had in mind to take a bus e.g. from thai border to luang namtha, luang namtha to luang prabang, or luang namtha to vietnam border (not decided yet).
What should i expect in july - are the roads in reasonable shape or all full of mud?
How much delay should I expect due to the rains? E.g. by the book should take 4h from thai border to luang namtha but also in the rain season?

Many thanks!

I will be going to Laos on early July. Originally, I only planned to visit the capital but then again, since Luang Prabang is a UNESCO city, so it's a must-go for me. :)

So here's my itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive at 9am in the morning in Vientiane. Sightseeing in Vientiane - Museum, wat, Golden Stupa, morning market, Victory Gate
Day 2: Take the earliest bus to Luang Prabang. Arrive around evening.
Day 3: Sightseeing in Luang Prabang - Alms ceremony in the morning, wat, Royal Palace Museum
Day 4: Take…

Hi there
Trying to get info on best way into Laos overland. Will be heading from Danang so know the two closest border points are at Lao Bao (well-known and many posts on hassles there) and Po Y fuehrer south. Has anyone please done either or these in either direction? Once in Laos plan to head to 4000 islands first then head north.

Thanks v much!

I'd like a bit of info. from people who live in Vientiane or who know it reasonably well. I will be moving to Vientiane in August.

I used to live in Saigon and loved it how they were obsessed with the English Premier League. I loved going to outdoor bars and watching live games. Is there a similar culture in Vientiane?

In Saigon I used to get about on a motorbike even so I don't have a driving license. It was never an issue there. Will I be able to do the same in Vientiane?

Thanks in advance…

Hi fellow travellers. Have just got the Laos guide & it's soooo out of date 2010, espec costwise...... Things are changing fast in Asia.

Notice there are few accommodation recommendations on this site. Looking for decent accom (twin room) under $40 in Vientiane, Vang Vieng & Luang Prabang.

Any recommendations out there? Prefer them to be central but quiet. Does $40 get you a decent room?

Are the taxis to & from airport still government controlled? Or is it a free for all now.....& traveller…