Laos Mekong Cruise

Fondly known as 'the land of smiles', Thailand is commonly associated with gorgeous golden sand, palm-lined beaches, warm aquamarine waters, glorious temples and verdant jungle-clad mountains.

With sixteen million foreigners flying into the country each year, Thailand is the primary travel hub of Southeast Asia, offering a diverse range attractions and activities to suit all tastes and budgets.

Whether exploring the teeming metropolis of Bangkok, relaxing on the tropical beaches of the southern islands, scuba diving in the underwater wonderland off the coast of Koh Tao, jungle trekking in the North, or discovering the ancient cities of Chiang Mai, Thailand is filled with attractions to satisfy any interest.

Currency

Baht (THB; symbol ฿) = 100 satang. Notes are in denominations of ฿1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of ฿10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 satang.

The import and export of local currency is limited to ฿50,000. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, but amounts over US$20,000 must be declared.

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks (which have the best rates), hotels (which charge high commissions) and bureaux de changes can be found in larger towns (generally open 0800-2000). Outside large towns and tourist areas, high value notes may be difficult to exchange, so visitors are advised to carry small change.

Banking

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1530.

American Express, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are found in all major cities and almost all provincial banks.

Air: 

Main airlines: Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways 
International Airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok), Don Mueang International Airport (Bangkok), Phuket International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Chiang Mai International Airport, Hat Yai International Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes (in Bangkok) 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Use only bottled or boiled water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice. Unpasteurised milk should also be boiled, although pasteurised or homogenised milk is available.

Tinned or powdered milk is safe as long as it is reconstituted with sterile water. Beware of dairy products that may have been made with unboiled milk. Stick to meat and fish that have been well cooked, preferably served hot, but not reheated. Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit.

Thai food is traditionally fairly hot and spicy, but most tourist restaurants tend to tone down the heat for the more fragile Western palate. Most Thai food is prepared with fresh ingredients such as lemon grass and coriander and rice is commonly eaten with most meals. Popular fruits are papaya, jackfruit, mangosteens, rambutans, pomelos (similar to grapefruits) and, above all, durians, which farangs (foreigners) either love or hate. The thorny fruits have a rather malodorous scent which has even resulted in many hotels banning them from their premises.

Excellent food can be found at the stalls of the many street vendors around the country as well as top-notch eateries. There are also many Asian and European restaurants throughout the major cities and smaller towns.

Annual rainfall: 1500 - 3000 mm 
Average temperature: 28°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 33°C 
Average lows: 24°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 32°C 
Average lows: 21°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Thailand is from November to February, during the cool and dry season, when the weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type A, Type B, Type C, Type O 
Voltage (V): 220V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Wedged between a number of larger neighbouring countries, Laos is often overlooked in favour of tourism giants such as Thailand and Vietnam. But these travellers are missing out on an extraordinarily scenic and culturally rich destination.

Laos boasts a reputation as the least visited, least Westernised, and the most untouched of all Indochinese nations. Only time will tell how long this will last but, while it does, visitors who chose to explore this nation’s remote areas will be richly rewarded.

Laos’ primary drawcard is undoubtedly the mighty Mekong River which traverses the length of the country and is considered the second most biodiverse river in the world. In the north, the landscape is characterised by little explored jungle-clad mountainous areas where visitors can witness the intriguing cultures of the various hill tribes that populate this region.

Travellers on the hunt for cultural interest should head for the bustling capital of Vientiane with its innumerable temples and Buddhist monuments. It is this variety of exotic wildlife, remote wilderness and remarkable cultural treasures that make Laos a truly unique and unforgettable holiday destination.

Currency 

Local currency: Lao Kip 
Symbol: ₭ 
ISO code: LAK 
Subunit: None 
Banknotes: 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 kip 
Coins: 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 kip 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Limited 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Limited acceptance 
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM 
Weekends: Limited hours 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Lao Airlines 
International Airports: Wattay International Airport (VTE) 
Domestic Airports: Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ), Pakse International Airport (PKZ) 

Road: 
Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Limited 

Rail: 
Railway system: Limited 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Limited 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Lao cuisine is characterized by its fragrant herbs, spices, and sticky rice. Sticky rice (khao niew) is a staple, often served with grilled meat, spicy dips, and fresh vegetables. Other popular dishes include larb (spicy minced meat salad) and papaya salad (tam makhoong). 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Beerlao, Lao rice whiskey (lao-lao), and herbal teas. 

Tipping: Tipping is not expected, but rounding up the bill is appreciated. 

Annual rainfall: Varies 
Average temperature: 25°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 22°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Laos is during the dry season from November to March when the weather is cooler and there is less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Limited 
Public parks: Limited 
Libraries: Limited 

Plug Type: Type A, Type B, Type C, Type E, Type F 
Voltage (V): 230 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.