Tourism Information centre

Tourism Information Centre

Tourism Information Centre

luangprabang Tourism department/information centre

Alms giving in the morning

Luangprabang Photos

Entering Laos

PASSPORT/VISA

All visitors entering Laos must possess valid passports. Visa can obtained from Lao Embassies and Consulates abroad. In addition, visa can also be obtained on arrival at the international Checkpoint.

30 days visas are available in advance of arrival at Lao embassies. This can be done in several ways through a tour company recognized by the Lao PDR from Lao Embassies or Consulate in countries such as: Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Cambodia, Cuba, PR of China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, DPR of Korea, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, USA and Vietnam. The visa fee varies from between US$8- 42 depending o the agreement with the various governments.

For those wishing to extend their stay, it is possible to extend your visa at the Immigration Office in Vientiane, through travel agencies.

It is also possible to obtain a Visa-on-Arrival at the following international checkpoints:

China (Mohan) - Luang Namtha Province (Boten)
Thailand (Chiang Khong) - Bokeo Province (Houay Xay)
Thailand (Nong Khay) -Vientiane Capital (Friendship Bridge)
Thailand - Xayabouly Province (Nam Heuang Friendship Bridge)
Thailand (Nakhon Phanom) - Khammouane Province (Thakhaek)
Thailand (Moukdahan) - Savannakhet Province (Friendship Bridge II)
Thailand (Chong Mek) - Champasak Province (Vang Tao)
Vietnam (Nam Kanh) - Xieng Khouang Province (Nong Haet)
Vietnam (Kao Cheo) - Bolikhamxay (Nam Phao)
Vietnam (Lao Bao) - Savannakhet Province (Dene Savanh)
Wattay International Airport (Vientiane capital)
Pakse International Airport (Champasak Province)
Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang)

ENTRY POINTS

International Airports:
Laos has three International Airport :
- Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital.
- Luang Prabang International Airport in Luang Prabang Province .
- Pakse International Airport in Champasack Province .

A departure tax of 10US$ in levied for international flights, while 5.000 kips is levied for domestic flights.

Border Checkpoints

China-Laos
-Mohan - Botene , Yunnan to Luang Namtha Province .
- Xiangkok riverport on Mekong River in Luang Namtha Province (no visa on arrival).

Thailand-Laos
- Chiangkhong - Houixay, Chiang Rai to Bokeo Province.
- Nakaxeng - Kaenthao, Loei to Sayabouly Province.
- Nongkhay - Friendship Bridge , Nongkhay-Vientiane Capital.
- Bungkan - Pakxan, Nongkhay-Bolikhamxay Province (no visa on arrival).
- Nakorn Phanom - Thakhaek, Nakorn Phanom-Khammouane Province.
- Moukdahan - Savannakhet, crossing the Mekong River by boat.
- Chongmek - Vangtao, Ubol Ratchathani to Champasack Province.

Vietnam-Laos
-Taichang - Sobhoun, Laichau to Phongsaly Province (no visa on arrival).
-Nameo - Banleui, Thanh Hoa to Huaphanh Province.
-Namkan - Namkan, Nge An to Xieng Khouang Province.
-Keoneua - Nampao (Lak Sao), Ha tinh to Bolikhamxay Province.
-Napao - Chalo, Quangbinh to Khammouane Province (no visa on arrival).
-Laobao - Dansavanh, Quang tri to Savannakhet Province.

Cambodia-Laos
- Dong Calor - Veun Kham, Cambodia to Champasak Province.

 

Tourist Attraction

• Royal Palace Museum:  The National Museum, former Royal Palace. Constructed as a place between 1904 and 1909 A.D. During the reign of King Sisavangvong, now turned into a National Museum, It houses the Royal throne of Lane Xang Kingdom in its original splendor, and many other regalia and religious treasures. it is located on the bank of the Mekong river, facing mount Phousi. The building itself features a mixture of French beaut - arts style and traditional Lao motifs. The ground floor of the museum is divided into several halls and rooms in which are displayed gifts from other countries  to the Lao king and collections of swords and Buddha images. The room to right of the entry, hall, once the King's reception  room has walls covered with large-scale murals painted in 1930 by the French artist Alix de Fauteau. They depict scenes from traditional Laos life. A room in the rear of the former palace contains a small collection of traditional musical instruments and dancers' masks used for performances of the great Indian and southeast Asia epic the Ramayana.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Phousi Mountain: Phousi Mountain and That Chomsi situated 150 m and about 328 steps zigzag stair up above the peninsular views of the city and surrounding countryside. The climb is tiring, but the views from the top are certainly worth it. From the top  you can see the  old Royal palace museum, the river and surrounding villages. The temple has a gold spire stupa that can be seen from the parts of the city.  That Chomsi of Luang Prabang was constructed on top of the Phousi hill in 1804 A.D. During the reign of King Anurut. It is a meaningful symbol as it stands in the center of the town. At mid-slope, and at the foot of the hill are several religious  sites including caves, Buddha footprints, and templates. Drumming on top of Phousi hill was once a tradition of Luang Prabang people. The sound of the drum, every three hours could be heard from miles around.  

Do's and Don'ts in Laos

Photo of Luang Prabang