Useful Questions for traveling
FAQ's
DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO LAOS?
Yes. We can provide you with assistance in obtaining either an eVisa before you travel or with completing the process at the border if you are arriving from a neighbouring country.
Visitors to Laos require a visa that will allow you to travel to the country for tourism purposes, with a maximum stay in the country of up to 30 days. These can be easily obtained both online and at each border entry point such as an airport. However you will require a suitable photograph, and may face long delays with additional charges if you do not have this at the time.
We recommend your Visa be obtained in advance of your arrival and can assist in doing so. Many companies offer eVisa services online but these often include their own additional fees on top of the usual cost. We consider this a necessary part of your travel to Laos and as such we do not charge anything additional for provision of this service, however you will need to cover the cost of your Visa at the current rate for your period of travel, (which is usually around $30 – $45 USD dependant on your nationality). This can be obtained up to 60 days prior to your date of arrival.
Please note if you are already in Laos when you join one of our tours then this will not be necessary as you will already have your tourist Visa.
WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH MY TOUR COST?
All our tours include:
- An experienced, English speaking, local, tour guide.
- Provision of all tour transport.
- All accommodation throughout the tour.
- 3 daily meals; breakfast, lunch and dinner, (along with various snacks and drinks where stated).
- All entry fees to historical sites and entertainment attractions.
- All activity costs and necessary equipment hire.
- Assistance with Visa services.
- Travel Insururance
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED WITH MY TOUR COST?
- Any additional food/drink outside of stated meals, (including any supplements for premium menu items).
- Your travel to and from Laos, (e.g. your plane or train ticket).
- The cost of your Visa.
- Personal items; Our tours feature a variety of different accommodations ranging from luxury guesthouses to traditional village home stays, and in some places facilities will be basic and may not include all the usual home comforts you are used to. Whilst this is part of the overall experience and we encourage you to embrace the different environments you are in, we understand you may wish to bring along your own items such as toiletries. (We also recommend you bring any of your own items for comfort such as insect repellents, or during homestays a towel, and a light sleeping bag, if you do not wish to use those provided.)
- Spending money. Our trips cater to a variety of budgets and whilst it is not necessary to spend anything additionally during any of our tours, we do encourage travellers to support the Laos economy and purchase items such as gifts and souvenirs from the local craftspeople we visit. You can find a variety of unique and useful items, and in contributing to this you can help to ensure that these traditional crafts and processes stay around in the modern age.
WHAT ABOUT MY DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?
Most meals will be from local restaurants and of traditional Laos cuisine. Although there are western options available at some locations, much of the options available will be Laotian cuisine.
If you have any specific dietary requirements such as allergies or intolerances, or if you have any preferential or religious needs, then please advise us of this prior to travel, and we can make arrangements to ensure your needs are met throughout the tour.
WHAT IF I CAN'T MAKE MY TOUR?
We understand plans can change especially when you are travelling, if for any reason you are unable to attend your tour please contact us, and we may be able to make adjustments to your tour to suit your needs.
Please note we may be able to rearrange your tour for a different date and time however this may incur additional costs as this affects outside operators such as pre-planned activities or accommodation bookings.
WHAT ABOUT MY DEPOSIT?
Your deposit is used to secure placements with accommodations and external activity providers, and as such all deposits are non-refundable.
Bookings may be amended or altered however this may incur additional costs. If alternative arrangements cannot be made then a full refund will be offered of everything except the non-refundable deposit.
WHY AM I PAYING IN USD?
Although the official currency of Laos is the kip, this is not as stable of a currency as US dollars, and as such is subject to more fluctuations as well as having a high exchange rate.
1 USD can equate to many thousands in the currencies throughout South East Asia, and as such for ease most places will accept USD for payment, some as a preference. We also recommend travellers bring either USD or a mix of dollars (USD) and kip (LAK) in smaller denominations with them when they travel, (no one is going to be able to give you change from $50, if you’re buying street food) 1, 5, 10, 20 dollar bills are helpful.
Also don’t be surprised if you are given 2 different prices in kip and dollars which do not directly equate, or if you are given change in a different currency to that which you paid in. Both currencies are used interchangeably, especially for settling lower value transactions, and your guide can help you if you are unsure of anything.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
After booking you will receive a confirmation including information pertaining specifically to the tour you have booked, this will include recommendations of items you may wish to bring.
Generally speaking Laos is a lush jungle paradise, and for most of the year it is hot and humid. You should pack light for ease of mobility, and dress for a tropical climate. We recommend a suitable rucksack for our tours although a bag or suitcase is fine.
Insects and weather can pose an issue for some travellers so we recommend you bring repellents and sun-cream along with any medications you may require, as although many places will be built up areas with available facilities, some are not and you may find it difficult to find items you require at these locations.
All of our tours involve some aspect of walking and paved roads are not always an option so please ensure you wear sensible and comfortable footwear, especially for any tours that involve trekking or watersports, (we would also recommend laces if ziplining).
The main thing we ask you to bring above all else is your sense of adventure. We feel our tours sample the magic and natural splendure Laos has to offer, and hope in sharing this journey with us you will enjoy unique and exciting experiences making memories that will last a lifetime.
WILL MY GUIDE BE WITH ME ALL THE TIME?
Your guide will be present with you throughout the tour operating hours, however they will not be with you 24 hours a day, (unless at one of the traditional village homestays, where your guide will remain with you). Many of the places we visit have a vibrant nightlife and most of the evenings are yours to explore the exciting night markets and unique bars.
If you require assistance outside of tour operating hours either your guide, or a member of our team will be contactable by telephone at all times.
WILL IT JUST BE MY PARTY OF TRAVELLERS ON THE TOUR?
That all depends on the size of your group and the dates that you travel. Our tours are catered around the requirements of the individual travellers and can be adjusted to suit the needs of your party.
At different stages of your tour you may share your experience with other passengers either doing the same tour, or another of our tours, that are also visiting the same location at that time. As such our tours can be a great place for small groups, or solo travellers, to meet others doing the same.
If you would prefer that it was just your group on your tour then this can be arranged, however please note that this may incur additional costs as alternative arrangements may be required.
WHAT IS THE TRANSPORTATION FOR THE TOUR?
Our tours include a variety of different modes of transportation. Primarily you will be travelling by private minibus stopping at regular intervals for sightseeing, activities and comfort breaks. However, where stated, different tours also include transportation by boat, ferry, tuk-tuk, train, coach, kayak or a combination of these.
Please note that although every effort is made to adhere to the schedules given, travel and journey times can be affected by outside influences, and are subject to change as necessary throughout the day.