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Luang Prabang | Vientiane Luang Prabang Laos hostels Luang Prabang hostels, a royal city voted a World Heritage Site in 1995 due to its remarkably well-preserved architectural treasures. This is a place where time seems to stand still and conveys a feeling of peace and relaxation. It reflects an exceptional fusion of French tropical, Location, and religious elements. The National Museum, Wat Xieng Thong, Phousi Hill, Pak Ou Caves, Khouang Si Waterfall and Hmong Villages are the major attractions should not be missed.

hostels Vientiane Vientiane hostels, the capital city of Laos, located on the bank of the Mekong River about 20 kilometers away rom the border at the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. It is the country's center of culture and commerce, and also serves as the seat of the government. Wat Sisaket, Wat Haw Pra Kaew, Wat Ongtu, That Luang Stupa and Patuxai are the major attractions in Vientiane's. Also the beautiful Buddhist monasteries and important monuments surrounded by striking scenery should definitely not to be missed.

hostels Xieng Khouang Xieng Khouang, this region was heavily bombed during the Indochina War and located to the northeast of Vientiane. The Plain of Jars where just few distance from Phonsavanh and this place famous with the huge jars scattered around the countryside. These jars were carved out of solid hunks of rock from the surrounding mountains and are estimated to be between 2,500-3,000 years old. The jars were made by Stone Age men that lived in the area, according to popular belief.

hostels Savannakhet Savannakhet, has the reputation of the most traditionality Lao region in the country and the most populated province of Laos. Kengkok, an area can be found most of the typically beautiful villages. Savannakhet is also very active as a trade junction between Thailand and Vietnam. That Ing Hang, That Phone Stupa and Pagoda Wat Sayaphoum with its well-known Pali school are the major attractions with all the interesting spots to explore.

hostels Khong Island Khong Island, located at the southernmost point of Laos next to the Cambodian border, it is blessed with the magnificent Khonephapheng Waterfall, the biggest in Southeast Asia. We can reached this peaceful island by boat or by road. The rare Mekong River dolphins can also be seen in the dry season between November and May.

Infrastructure--for example, roads, bridges, and aviation services—are fast improving. It is much easier today getting around then it was even 5 years ago. Vientiane, the capital, and Luang Prabang, the former royal capital, have new international airport terminal buildings. Flight time between the two cities is only 30 minutes. However, it is getting increasingly popular to drive between the two cities, something which can be done in a day, although many people overnight in Vang Vieng due to its scenic beauty.

The coolest months are December through February. Air conditioning is then unnecessary. And notice that houses in Luang Prabang have chimneys—nighttime temperatures can approach freezing but daytime can be like spring in Europe, North America and Japan. March through May are the hottest months, sometimes exceeding 40C for a few days at a stretch. June through August are the wettest months, and high temperatures seldom exceed 28C or 29C due to extensive cloud cover. It is lush then, and the sun does poke through from time to time, making it excellent for photography. September through November the rains taper off and the dry season starts to dominate rural and city life. There is something special about every season. There is no reason to procrastinate.

You are welcome everywhere. The International press tends to sensationalize the occasional blip on the domestic radar screen. Backpackers and families are equally secure in moving around. And travel insurance is easily purchased and the premiums are remarkably reasonable. Embassies and local travel personnel are in perfect positions to know the ins and outs what’s hot and what’s not. New destinations constantly open up throughout the year. It is always advisable to ask what’s going on when you get there

Visas are available upon arrival at Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport and the Friendship Bridge. The price is US$30 and they are vaild for 15 days. 15-day extensions are easily granted in Vientiane at the Immigration office. Custom formalities are relatively simple as X-ray machines are increasingly popular. The whole process usually takes 10-20 minutes, a bit longer if several airplanes land more or less simultaneously.

Commonsense prevails. Watch what the locals do. Generally speaking, Lao culture is conservative. It is best to keep a low profile while maintaining patience and poise. And remember, wherever you go, local people will always be observing you, primarily out of curiosity due to the fact that foreigners are such a minority. Smile a lot. Laos is a very personal place. Smiles are returned more quickly than you might expect, even when you don’t speak the local dialect.

Travelers checks are accepted, and just about all credit cards too. US dollars and Thai baht are equally welcome. It is unnecessary to carry around wads of kip, the local currency. Cash advances can be taken on major credit cards in most Vientiane banks but there are no ATM machines yet. International transfers can also be arranged—funds can be available within 48-72 hours if you are in, say, Vientiane.

English is the language of tourism. Russian no longer appears anywhere. French is an endangered species. Guides are available, however, who speak European languages. English appears more and more on road and building signs. The phonebook is printed in Lao and English. Cyber cafes are popular--the staff, mostly young, will undoubtedly speak English.

Foodstalls on sidewalks and roads are best avoided but guesthouse and restaurant food is acceptable. Bottled water is a must. hostels have doctors on call and there is an International Medical Clinic in Vientiane. If you are going on a daytrip, it is advisable to take a box lunch prepared by your guesthouse or guesthouse. But your guide, if you have one, can provide good advice about clean eating establishments along the way. Use insect repellant when traveling overland as well as whenever eating at outdoor cafes, etc.

Travel destinations cater to foreigners. You will find international cuisine of almost every description, including Indian, Japanese and Korean. guesthouse restaurants are a good place to start and are not necessarily expensive. Then try restaurants, like Kua Lao in Vientiane that specialize in Lao dishes known to be popular with foreigners. Fish and vegetables are local and excellent. Lao beer is excellent. Locals prefer spicy food but chefs know that foreigners prefer mild spices to strong ones. Still, it is smart to remind your waitress to go light on the sauce!

It is designed for locals and not so much for foreigners. But handicraft shops are on the increase. The best buys are in Vientiane due to the competition between vendors. Prices are seldom marked. Offer half the amount quoted, then bargain to somewhere in-between. Nobody is insulted. It is part of the fun of haggling, and expected.

Many eating establishments add 10% to the bill for service. Look for it. If it isn’t there, tip, say 10%. There is no need to tip tuk-tuk drivers or taxi drivers unless you really want to, but always negotiate the price of the ride first. Guides, by the way, look for tips to supplement their modest salaries. Remember, most waitresses, waiters and guides support their families with the hard currencies they received as tips. Try to be as generous as you can—it is sincerely appreciated, especially after years of isolation and incomes below the poverty line.

There is no mass tourism. Thus Laos remains very much a family place. In other words, everybody knows everybody. Crime is practically unheard of. Look for signs in airports and border checkpoints explaining typical tuk-tuk and taxi fares to frequent destinations. Should you experience anything odd or suspicious, contact your guesthouse desk or the police. Local police are very helpful. There is a strong sense of social responsibility among officials of every stripe. Never be reluctant to ask for assistance when you feel uncomfortable about something. Officials have probably been there before. They will know what to do—they are more efficient than they may appear at first glance.