Laos, known as "the kingdom of the million elephants" is one of the most welcoming and beautiful countries. Golden temples, orange robes, rice fields, jungle, mountains, coffee, waterfalls, the mighty Mekong River, spectacular cities such as Luang Prabang (the former capital of Indochina), Khmer archaeology, ethnic and cultural diversity, gastronomy - all these and more are the attractions Laos has to offer the traveller and make each trip unique.
Tak Bat Luang Prabang
In neighboring Cambodia we enjoy one of the wonders of the world, the Temples of Angkor, which was the political and religious center of the Khmer empire that extended to Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, part of Burma and Malaysia. The Cambodian people have also suffered a lot, French colonialism, civil war, Khmer Rouge rule. A large part of the territory is still covered by anti-personnel mines.
Bayon Temple
Visa
The visa is compulsory to enter Laos, you can do it online or at the border as we did, always carry a recent photo and a photocopy of your passport.
To enter Cambodia it is obligatory visa, you can do it online as we did it or on arrival, it costs 25 € per person.
Tat Sae surroudings
Money
In Laos the official currency is the Laotian Kip (LAK). In Cambodia the official currency is the Rail (KHR) although the American dollar is valid too. Nevertheless the street stalls do not admit dollar.
Language
In Laos the official language is Lao and also the language of other ethnic minorities. Useful Lao words: sabadii (hello and goodbye).
In Cambodia is the Khmer, useful words: hello suasdei, thank you aw kohn.
Sŏrngtăaou
Transport
Laos is a country with a very poor road network, the road that covers north and south is paved, but in the north the rest of the roads are unpaved, it is important to take into account that during the rainy season the roads become impracticable.
In the south of the country there are some more paved roads but not much. The cheapest way to travel is by public bus. Especially in the south it works better. You have to be very patient because the transports usually leave when they are full and they are never in a hurry. In the north there is no possibility of night travel, but in the south it is allowed. In the Laotian cities it is difficult to take advantage of the days you travel to visit sites because the transport is very slow and almost everything closes at 4 pm.
The planes are not always cheap and not all the cities have airport. Although there is no coast in the rainy season it is possible to navigate the Mekong River by boat.
In Cambodia, the area of Siem Reap is perfectly communicated, the roads are in perfect condition.
Vang Vieng
Accommodation
The accommodations in Laos and Cambodia are quite cheap and have a good relation between quality and price. It is not necessary to book in advance except in high season.
Health
Before starting your trip contact the international disease service. Mosquito repellent is better not to forget, as well as sunscreen.
Don't forget a first aid kit with the essentials: medicines, betadine, antibiotic ointment, syringes, flint, bandages, band-aids, scissors, water pills, mosquito net, mosquito repellent, sun cream.
Angkor Temples
Safety
Before you travel it is advisable to have a travel insurance, not only health but also liability. Asian countries in general are quite safe although you should take basic precautions.
Luang Prabang market
Gastronomy
Laos has a French colonial heritage so there is never a shortage of baguettes. The food in general is delicious, especially the roasts, either meat or fish from the Mekong, grilled.
The glutinous rice is a delicacy and so are the soups. The street pancakes are great, don't miss them.
In Luang Prabang we found a shop where they made homemade natural yoghurt, we couldn't help but eat at least one every day. Breakfast with baguette, eggs and coffee is around 3.50.
Don't miss the pancakes from the street stalls in Siem Reap, they are delicious.
Wat Champasak
Society
Laotians are quite traditional in their dress, they wear the sinh and they wear the sarong. They are very friendly and always welcome you with a smile.
In Cambodia it is common for people to dress in a more western manner.
Bas relief Angkor Wat
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