Thatluang Festival, Vientiane

Laos-Guide-999.com is all about Laos. It is written by a person who was born in, grew up in, lives in and loves this country.

I created this website to be a place to share the first-hand information and experience that I have accumulated over the years, growing up, living and travelling in this small, charming country.

The aim of this website is not just to provide a travel guide for those who come here for travel, business or other type of short visits, but also to act as an information source for those who work or live here for a longer period of time.

This website consists of several sections:

• The Getting to Laos section provides detailed information about different ways to get there from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, and Malaysia.
• The Travel in Laos section gives information about how to get around in the country, including how and where to catch buses and hire cars and motorbikes.
• The Accommodation section gives information about Lao hotels, apartments and houses, ranging from budget friendly to high-end or luxury.
• The About Laos section provides background information and some need-to-know facts
• You will learn there is much to do and see in this gentle, special land in the Laos attractions section
• If you come here to work or live you might want to learn more about the language, the people and Lao culture to prepare yourself for your new cultural experience. For those planning a short visit it is always helpful to get a better understanding of the Lao people's traditions and customs to ensure you can easily observe customs and enjoy your trip without any upsets.
• You can find many more must-read topics on the navigation menu on the left.

This country is not just another off-the-beaten-track destination, there is much to do and see in this beautiful country and you will be welcome, for Laos is known for its friendly people with their ready smiles. Few visitors leave here without remembering a happy encounter with those whose land they have travelled through.

A piece of advice: Don't come here looking for big shopping centres, cinema complexes, skyscrapers, crowded streets or fancy nightlife – if you do you will be disappointed. These are the things that it does not have and most visitors love the country for all the things it lacks.

If you are after a breathtaking getaway, being close to nature, enjoying a relaxing lifestyle, peace and quiet and meeting with friendly people, then Laos is your ideal destination. I'm sure you will fall in love with it when you come.

Take your time to explore this website. I hope that all the information I have shared here can help make your travel preparations stress free and enjoyable. And I hope it is enough to inspire you to come and see this special land of Laos - the hidden gem of Southeast Asia.

Enjoy exploring, and stay tuned for more updates.

 

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LAOS GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS

About Laos - Background information on Laos This provides a brief background information about Laos

Laos border crossing points and other ports entry Crossing Laos border? Learn where Laos border crossing points are, which ones issue visa on arrival and which ones don't

Border Crossing Procedures at Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge #1 Detailed information about border crossing includes steps to cross Laos border to/from Thailand includes departure/arrival procedures either by bus or private car

From China by Road and Water All information you need for getting to Laos from China by road or water including China-Laos border crossing and available transportation

Flights from Thailand to Laos - Flights information, price and schedules of Laos flights from various places in Thailand Find Cheap Flights from Thailand - All information you need about your connecting flights to Laos from Thailand by Thai Airways international, Laos Airlines, and Bangkok Airways

Lao History Lao history is conventionally traced to the establishment of the kingdom of Lan Xang by King Fa Ngum in 1353

Laos Climate, Climate and Weather in Laos What the weather is like in Laos? Learn about Laos Climate and Weather before you go so you know what to expect and you make informed decision and can prepare the right clothing for your trip to Laos

Laos Capital - Vientiane, the capital of Laos Laos capital or the Capital of Laos (Vientiane), is a small, relaxed city and has more of a small town feel than that of a capital. It is stretched out on the north-eastern bank of a bend in the Mekong River

Laos blog - laos-guide-999.com The Laos Guide Blog keeps you up-to-date with all additions and changes to the laos-guide-999.com website. Subscribe here.

Lao Festivals - Lao New Year, Boat race festival, Rocket festival... See this Lao festivals page to discover the land of festivals and celebrations. The Lao people love any excuse to have a party or family get together, but while they are all celebrated with enthusiasm, the majority of these festivals are based in the Buddhist faith

Hmong New Year celebration Discover one of many festivals celebrate in this culture rich country, Laos. Historically, the Hmong New Year celebration was created to give thanks to ancestors and spirits as well as to welcome in a new beginning

Lao New Year celebration Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao), takes place in mid April every year, is the liveliest holiday of the year and one that everyone looks forward to, as it is a time when many people visit their families all over the country

Boun Khao Phansa - A three month "rains retreat" Boun Khao Phansa marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent. A traditional three month rains retreat from early July to early October, during which Buddhist monks are expected to stay in their own temple to study the Buddha's teaching

Lao History Lao history is conventionally traced to the establishment of the kingdom of Lan Xang by King Fa Ngum in 1353

Boun Awk Phansa - The end of Buddhist Lent" Boun Awk Phansa marks the end of Buddhist Lent. It's a day of many celebrations which occurs some time in October which falls on the 15th day of the 11th month of the lunar calendar

Flights to Laos from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and China All available flights to Laos from its neighboring countries with details on flight schedules and prices provided as a source of info to estimate your travel cost and plan your trip ahead effectively

Laos Culture Laos Culture is rich which related to Theravada Buddhism with influences extending from lifestyle to art and architecture, as goes with alms giving every morning upon sunrise

Laos Population latest information about Laos population including population dispersion, poulation density and the well being of the Lao population

Baci - Laos national custom Baci or sou khuan is specific ceremony in Laos. It involves the tying of white cotton strings around persons' wrists and the prayer saying and well wishing for the person that the baci is intended for