Laos

• Laos

There are many reasons why you will love Laos

The Local Food || The Friendly People || Vibrant and Diverse Heritage || Untouched Scenery || The History || Lush Rice Paddies || Ethnic Minorities

USP of Laos

Location:

Laos is the only landlocked country in the area, with the Mekong River as the primary body of water.

Cuisine:

Lao cuisine is heavily influenced by Thai food.

Ecological Tourism:

Laos strongly promotes ecological tourism with rich in mineral wealth and hydro-power potential.

The Land of One Million Elephants:

Laos is nicknamed the Land of a Million Elephants. This nickname comes from the country’s name, Laos, derived from the word “Lan Xang” (elephant). Interestingly, Lao people also consider elephants to be animals that bring prosperity.

Was the most bombed country in the world:

During the Vietnam War, Laos became the most bombed country in the world. Millions of unexploded cluster bombs are still strewn across the country. Always respect warning signs in the destinations you go.

Hmong Artifacts and Night Markets:

Laos is a great place to shop for traditional Hmong (one of the tribes in the country) handicrafts, such as jewellery and fabrics, especially in Luang Prabang. And a good place to find small treasures is the Night Market, which comes alive from around 5 pm each day.

LAOS VISA

The Laos e-Visa service was launched in July 2019. It is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance and its holders may stay for up to 30 days in Laos. E-Visa can be issued within 7 business days for Indian Passport Holder. Indian nationals must have a valid visa to enter Laos. Indians can apply for the Laos e-visa, which allows them to visit for tourism.

Laos visa on arrival (VOA) for Indians:

• Documents required
• Visa on arrival at the airport / border gate in Laos. Here are the documents required and fees:
• Original Passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and 3 blank pages for a visa sticker.
• A visa application form, filled out and signed by the applicant (available at visa window at Lao ports of entry or given before landing if you are arriving by plane)
• 2 Scanned recent colour photograph
• Visa fee payment in cash at the Laos Entry Airport
• Visitors to Laos must obtain a visa from one of the Laotian diplomatic missions unless they are citizens of one of the visa-exempt countries or citizens eligible for a visa on arrival or an e-Visa. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months.
• According to the Ministry of Public Security of Laos, holders of ordinary passports of the following countries (including all ASEAN member states) may enter Laos without a visa for stays up to the duration:
• 30 days – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand
• 15 days – Japan, Luxembourg, Switzerland
• 14 days – Myanmar

PLACES TO COVER

OPTION A

3N4D: DAY 1 VIENTIANE CITY TOUR

Visit Wat Si Saket, Wat Ho Phra Keo and Presidential Palace, COPE Visitor Centre, Patuxai Victory Monument, That Luang Stupa, Mekong River stroll

3N4D: DAY 2 BUDDHA PARK AND NIGHT MARKET

As this city is not so big and crowded, you will get the special charm here. Budhha Park is a must visit point in Vientiane City, it many statues and its impressive to see, you will see so many butterflies flying around. In the evening visit Open-air market next to the Mekong River with stalls selling local handicrafts, clothes & homewares.

3N4D: DAY 3 NAM NGUM LAKE

It is the largest lake in Laos and the largest artificial lake in the Mekong sub-basin. Laos has no sea. This lake feels very like the sea. The sparkling water surface is blue, and more than 300 small islands in the lake and mountains are more than enough. It is dotted with this blue picture of the water and sky.

OPTION B

3N4D: DAY 1 LUANG PRABANG

It was the royal capital of the country until 1975. Mountain ranges the PhouThao and PhouNang encircle the city in lush greenery. The Living Land farm, Wat Xiengthong, Royal Palace Museum, Night Market are the attractions here with many more.

3N4D: DAY 2 TREKKING TO KUANG SI WATERFALL

Kuang Si Falls known for its milky turquoise waters and multiple pool scattered throughout the area, the main pool has rope swings, also visit, Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park, there’s also lookout point just a short hike away, which offers panoramic views of Lao’s countryside.

3N4D: DAY 3 CRUISING TO PAK OU CAVES

Pak Ou Cave means “mouth of the Ou river’ is about 25 kms to the north of Luang Prabang, where the Nam Ou River joins the Mekong River. The cave is a group of two natural limestone caves including the Tham Ting (lower cave) and the Tham Theung (upper cave). Over 4,000 statues various in materials, sizes, and postures were found here. Due to its significance of history and culture, Pak Ou Caves is one of the most popular stops on many Mekong River cruises.

OPTION C

3N4D: DAY 1 VIENTIANE CITY TOUR

Visit Wat Si Saket, Wat Ho Phra Keo and Presidential Palace, COPE Visitor Centre, Patuxai Victory Monument, That Luang Stupa, Mekong River stroll

3N4D: DAY 2 COPE VISITOR CENTRE – LAO NATIONAL MUSEUM

COPE Visitor Centre is also known as Vientiane Cathedral, this is the spiritual home of Catholicism in Laos, built during the French colonial period in 1928. It is a small museum and charity for victims of the bombings in Laos. Lao National Museum formerly called Lao Revolutionary Museum, a very interesting museum. Most notably by a group of archaeologists from Germany.

3N4D: DAY 3 NAM NGUM LAKE AND NIGHT MARKET

It is the largest lake in Laos and the largest artificial lake in the Mekong sub-basin. Laos has no sea. This lake feels very like the sea. The sparkling water surface is blue, and more than 300 small islands in the lake and mountains are more than enough. It is dotted with this blue picture of the water and sky. In the evening visit Open-air market next to the Mekong River with stalls selling local handicrafts, clothes & homewares.