Most popular sites of Laos

• Luang Prabang – a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, best known for its high concentration of Buddhist temples and serene location on the banks of Mekong
• The Mekong River – runs from the north-west to the most southern tip of Laos, forming a natural border with Thailand; cruising on the river provides a great opportunity to see some of the more remote areas of the country which are often inaccessible by road
• Plain of Jars – see the dotted landscape of Laos with hundreds of mysterious and centuries-old stone jars

The best time to visit Laos is between November and March. During this time the country experiences the least amount of rainfall without becoming too hot.

Laos has two distinct seasons – wet and dry.

The dry season runs from November to April. November to February is cooler while March and April are blisteringly hot, with April being the hottest month.

The wet season runs from May to October, though it may start a little early in a couple of Laos’ Northern provinces. August is the wettest month.

Visas can be obtained prior to arrival from Lao embassies and consulates abroad, through a tour company recognized by the Lao PDR, or on arrival at the international checkpoint.
Visas must be used within three months of being issued, but the validity of the visa starts from the day of entry into Laos. Tourist & business visas last for 30 days, and can be extended twice for 30 days each time, ideally through travel agencies.
The Lao criteria for visa photos are 5 cm high x 4 cm wide (but half a centimeter off within these sizes is acceptable), on a plain or light-coloured background eg white or light cream. FYI, for those wishing to obtain a Lao passport, the passport photo criteria is the same as above, but the size is 6 cm high x 4 cm wide.

Notes: On entering Laos, ensure that you receive an entry stamp in your passport, as the fine for not having one is high.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Where to get a VOA
International Airports

• Wattay International Airport in Vientiane
• Luang Prabang International Airport in Luang Prabang
• Pakse Internatioanl Airport in Champasack
• Savannakhet International Airport in Savannakhet

Border Checkpoints

China – Laos

• Mohan, Yunnan – Botene, Luang Namtha

Thailand – Laos

• Chiangkhong, Chiang Rai – Houixay, Bokeo
• Nakaxeng, Loei – Kaenthao, Sayabouly
• Houi Koln, Nan – Nam Ngeun, Sayabouly
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I, Nongkhay – Vientiane
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II, Moukdahan – Savannakhet
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge III, Nakorn Phanom – Khammouane
• Chongmek, Ubol Ratchathani – Vangtao, Champasack

Vietnam – Laos

• Nameo, Thanh Hoa – Banleui, Huaphanh
• Namkan, Nge An – Namkan, Xieng Khouang
• Keoneua, Ha Tinh – Nampao (Lak Sao), Bolikhamxay
• Laobao, Quang Tri – Dansavanh, Savannakhet

Cambodia – Laos

• Dong Calor, Cambodia – Veun Kham, Champasack

Unfortunately, citizens of the following countries are ineligible for a VOA and will have to apply at their nearest Lao embassy / consulate, unless they are on official visits and hold a guarantee from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR:

Middle East – Turkey, Syria

South Asia – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

Africa – Algeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Jordan, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Swaziland, Tonga, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Pacific – Nauru

Booking your holiday with Indochina Pioneer cannot be easier! Follow our 3 simple steps:

Step 1: Browse our website www.indochinapioneer.com for tours, cruises and other destination information.

Should you find something that matches your interest, fill in the REQUEST A FREE QUOTE forms. Can’t find something that fits your needs? Then fill the BUILD YOUR OWN TRIP or CONTACT US form and click SUBMIT.

Then sit back! One of our travel experts will get back to you shortly with our customized package and most favorable offer!

In a hurry? Don’t like  filling forms? Then call +84 982 116 630 (Mr. Lam) or +84 983 145 799 (Mr. Quyen). We’re available 24/7 and would be more than happy to talk! Certainly your request will be carefully noted and a nicely crafted package with a pleasant price will follow!

Step 2: Reviewing/ Customizing our offer!

It’s your holiday so everything should be exactly what you want! We encourage your careful review of what we offer, letting us know what changes you would like to make. We’ll be more than happy to fine-tune the tour to fit best your interests, budget and time! This step may require several emails/call exchanges until perfect!

Step 3: Confirming/Paying/ Packing for the trip!

Once you’re satisfied with the customized tour, please let us know and Indochina Pioneer will need a few working hours to place reservations for all of the tour services. As soon as the availability and reservations of the services are confirmed, we will request a deposit. Please refer our Payment Guide for more details.

Once your deposit is received by Indochina Pioneer, we will send you the service voucher which confirms all the services of the tour and provides ground contact details and a guide for the final payment schedule.

And then you start counting down the day for your most fabulous trip!

Booking Amendment & Cancellations:

Booking Amendment: Flexibility is our strongest point. You can amend your booking even after it is made. Just contact your salesperson or contact us at sales@indochinapioneer.com with your booking number. Our reservations team is glad to amend your booking with your preferable alternatives. Please kindly note that you will be responsible for any change of the final price caused by your amendment requests.

Cancellation: Cancellations will be charged as follows:

› More than 60 days before arrival: no cancellation charge
› 14-60 days before arrival: 10% of the price
› 5-13 days before arrival: 50% of the price
› Less than 5 days before arrival: 100 % of the price
› No Show: 100% of the price

Travel smart with Indochina Pioneer!

Packing Checklist – Be sure to check them all 😉

Essentials

• Travel documents (passport, visas, travel insurance certificate, air tickets, tour voucher)
• Money (cash, credit card, debit card, traveler’s cheques and money pouch)
• Day pack for your personal needs during the day
• Camera and extra memory cards and batteries
• Cell phone and cell phone charger
• Laptop charger (if you are bringing your laptop)
• Travel plug/international adapter
• Medication (including a doctor’s letter if you are carrying a large amount of medication)
• Prescription glasses / contacts and if necessary, contact lens solution

Best to bring along

• First aid kit
• Toiletries
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Refillable water bottle with filter

Wardrobe

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Comfortable clothing, either light or heavy options, depending on the season you are travelling
• Clothes suitable for visiting temples (long pants / skirts, long sleeved tops)
• Waterproof jacket / raincoat / umbrella
• Hat & sunglasses
• Bathing suit

Optional comforts

• Ear plugs & eye mask
• Sleep sheet for home stays / trains
• Lightweight travel towel
• Local language phrasebook