LAOS Travel Information

LANGUAGE & CURRENCY

Language : The official language of Laos is Lao, as spoken and written in Vientiane. As an official language it has successfully become the lingua franca between all Lao and non-Lao ethnic groups in Laos. Lao is a monosyllabic, tonal language but it contains many polysyllabic words borrowed from Indian, Pali and Sanskrit as well as words from Khmer. It has 6 tones, 33 consonants, and 28 vowels. Lao is also spoken in north-east Thailand and north Cambodia, which was originally part of the kingdom of Lan Xang. There are five main dialects in the country, each of which can be divided into further sub-dialects.

In colonial days French was introduced in the country and is still spoken in towns today, particularly by the older generation. Increasingly, the government is using English and the younger generations in the towns are also learning to speak English.

Currency : The local currency is the kip. The US dollar and the Thai baht are very popular alternatives that are widely accepted, especially for bigger purchases. It is not unusual to be quoted a price in kip, pay in US dollars and receive Thai baht as change. US dollars and Thai baht can be changed at hotels, banks or any foreign exchange shop licensed by the Bank of Lao PDR. Credit cards are accepted at more and more shops and restaurants in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. All major banks, even in provincial towns, accept traveler's cheques and currencies other than US dollars or Thai baht. It is best to carry US dollar bills in small denominations.

EATING, DRINKING AND SHOPPING
Lao food is spicy and delicious. There are many similarities between Lao and Thai food, although the former is slightly influenced by Chinese cuisine. Lao dishes are distinguished by the use of aromatic herbs and spices. Rice, especially sticky rice served in small bamboo containers, is the foundation for all Lao meals, and almost all dishes are cooked with fresh vegetables, freshwater fish, poultry, duck, pork, beef or water buffalo. Lime juice, lemon grass and fresh coriander give the food its characteristic taste, and various fermented fish condiments are used to salt the food. A traditional Lao dish is laap (also meaning 'luck' in Lao), made from raw fish or meat crushed into a paste, marinated in lemon juice and mixed with chopped mint. It is called laap sin if it has a meat base and laappaa if it's fish based.

Sabaidee Laos Market

There is also a well-ingrained Vietnamese culinary tradition, and Chinese food is never hard to find. Laos has inherited a sophisticated and tasty colonial legacy. French cuisine is widely available, with street cafes serving delectable fresh croissants, baguettes, pain au chocolat and a selection of sticky pastries.

Shopping : Laos is an ideal place for buying handicrafts and souvenirs. Best buys from Laos are hill-tribe crafts and textiles. Antique textiles from north Laos are occasionally available. There are a wide variety of modem materials that are used to make the pha sin, the Lao sarong, and pha baeng, or shawl, worn by Lao women.
Making silverware is a traditional craft in Laos -most of it is in the form of jewelry and small silver pots. Chunky antique tribal jewelry, bangles, pendants, belts and earrings are often sold in markets in the main towns or antique shops in Vientiane. The tribal belts (sai a6) that are part of the traditional dress of Lao women are especially popular with tourists.
Craftsmen in Laos still produce carvings for temples and coffins. Designs are usually traditional, with a religious theme. Craftsmen produce carved panels and statues for tourists that are available in outlets in Vientiane. Elephant statues ranging in size from small to huge are also very popular. The export of antiques, Buddha statues and important cultural or historical items from Laos is prohibited.

ACCOMODATION
The main tourist centers—Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, boast a good selection of hotels and guesthouses. Outside these cities, accommodation is available in the form of village hostels, at a more basic level. Camping facilities are few.

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