What to bring to Laos
What you will need in Laos and Indochina:
- Valid one month tourist Visa (you get it on the border - airport)
- Passport Photos for visa + cash for the visa (about 30US$)
-
Cool breathable clothing,
some warm stuff for evening
- light sleeping bag and flashlight / torch
- small backpack for day trips
- swimming suit and towel
- Long sleeved shirts and long pants for entry to any temples, and for protection for mosquitos
- Comfortable walking shoes, sandals, sunglasses
- Anti malaria medication
- Strong insect repellent, Deet medicated preferred
- Good general medical kit
- telephone numbers of insurance - private contacts
- an open mind, tolerance, and some patience
CLOTHING for Laos
Light
cotton clothing is the most suitable for the indochina and lao climate, wear loose
breathable clothes to stay comfortable in the heat!
Please dress sensitively in the countryside and villages, and when entering temple areas. Visitors to the Wats (Monasteries) with bare shoulders may be turned away or asked to cover up. In temples and monasteries you have to take off shoes as well when entering a house - please respect that. Remember that the mountains reach a huge altitude and cloudy, could weather can be a surprise for some individuals. Bring a jacket or fleece and something for your head when beeing in the bush...
HEAT in Laos
Do
cover up and/or use sunscreen it's HOT out there(and cool in the mountains...)!
Drink plenty of water. Heat exhaustion won't hit you until the evening, and
the last thing you want is to be feeling groggy when you should be relaxing. Cheap
rehydration salts are available at most pharmacies in Vientiane, Luang Phabang and
bigger cities, and your guide will also carry some on the tour.
BUGS
We all hate them but mosquitoes are here to stay. Use a good repellent to keep them
off you, and try to cover up with long cotton trousers and shirts around sunset
when they're at their hungriest. Wherever mosquito nets are necessary they will
be provided; make sure you tuck them under your mattress before sleeping. Natural
remedies include citronella spray, and Vitamin B12 or garlic supplements. Malaria
prophylaxis is not necessary on our tours, but contact your local physician if you
would prefer this. Doxicycline is the most commonly used preventative in Cambodia
and Laos.
MONEY
Travellers
cheques and credit cards can be cashed in Vientiane where most currencies can also
be exchanged. Some larger provincial capitals can also take travellers cheques and
credit cards, and money-changers often offer better rates on cash than banks. There
are no ATM machines.
When heading into the countryside, it's best to
carry a combination of local currency (KIP) and low/medium denomination dollar bills.
Faded or torn dollar bills won't be accepted anywhere so don't take them from anyone.
We can take you to change money before your trip if you'd like some help with this.
MEDICINES/ TOILETRIES
Most medicines such as antibiotics, painkillers etc are available at any City pharmacy, and your guide will be happy to assist should you require any help. However, if you have any specific medication requirements, be sure to bring these with you from your home country. There is no need to pack large quantities of soaps and shampoos etc as most major brands are available in major cities, and even some of the smaller towns.