Laos

• Language: Lao
• Government: Communist state
• Currency: Kip (LAK)
• Capital: Vientiane
• Religion: Buddhist 65%, Animist 32.9%, Christian 1.3%, other and unspecified 0.8%
• Best time to visit: November to February, it is the cool season when the country experiences least rains and is neither hot. May and July would be good for mountain adventures.

• Flights

There are several airports in Laos but a only a few offer international flights.
To view a list of these airports along with the airlines and their destinations, Click here.

• International Ocean Liner

Laos does not have any ports or harbors since it is a landlocked country.

• By Air

Laos has 42 airports, most of which are for domestic purposes. Much of them small and with unpaved runways.

• By Water

• By Land

Railways

Laos currently has no railway system though a plan to connect Vientiane with Thailand is underway.

Buses

There are regular bus services to provincial and district capital destinations. Bus trips are also popular when traveling to neighboring countries. There are three major bus stations in Vientiane, the Central Bus Station, Northern Bus Station and Southern Bus Station. The VIP and Express Buses would be a good choice compared to the standard non-aircon buses, especially when traveling overnight.

Others

In some areas unserviced or seldom passed by buses, the songthaew or baht bus is an alternative transportation. They are pick-up trucks or larger vehicles with two benches set at the back along with a roof.

The Tuk-tuk or auto rickshaw is also a common mode of transportation in the area. Renting a bicycle is another way of getting around Laos, cheap and pollution-free.

Renting a car is also possible but hiring a driver along with it may be necessary.

Luang Prabang

Pakse

Vang Vieng

Vientiane

Plain of Jars

Si Phan Don

Below are some listing of Tour agencies based on some countries. They have been arranged by continents:

Africa

Asia

AT Reservation Network Pte Ltd- a subsidiary of Asiatravel.com Holdings Ltd offering cheap deals for flights, hotels and tours. They have various offices found in Dubai, Hongkong. Singapore, Philippines, Thailand. Click on the name to view contact details.

Australia and Oceania

Europe

Miki Travel Limited (UK-main)- Although they are based in London, they have several affiliate offices in Europe and Asia which makes connections easier. You can check their website at www.miki.co.uk or visit their office in 18/20 Cannon Street, London EC4M 6XD, England. Affiliate offices can be found in the following Asian cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Sendai, Hongkong, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, Bangkok, Jakarta. It also has offices in the following European cities: London, Zurich, Dublin, Rome, Madrid, Helsinki, Lisbon, Frankfurt, Brussels, Florence, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Milan, Nice, Budapest, Geneva, Munich, Vienna, Venice, Oslo, and Prague.

Explore Worldwide Limited (UK-main) - the focus is not just in giving you a holiday vacation but one that is coupled with great adventure. Their office is UK based at the following address: Nelson House, 55 Victoria Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 7PA,UK. You can check their website at www.explore.co.uk or call their travel agents at # 0870 333 4801.

USA

Artisan of Leisure - located in New York City, across the street from Union Square Cafe—and just steps from the vibrant Union Square Greenmarket. Office hours is 9 a.m.- 6p.m. Mon- Fri by appointment only. Click on the name to view details.

Expedia Inc. - It by far the largest online travel agency with several interfacing famous brands, one of which is Expedia.com. You can book either flights, hotels, cars, a vacation package or a combination of any. You can visit their website at www.expedia.com or call Main Office Phone Number 425-679-7200 Customer Service phone 1-800-EXPEDIA or [1 (800) 397-3342]