LAOS ... where your adventure waits

LAOS

is one of the last hidden paradises in the heart of Southeast Asia. The country

is still the least developed and most enigmatic of the three former French Indo-

Chinese states. A ruinous sequence of colonial domination, internecine conflict

and dogmatic socialism finally brought the country to its knees in the 1970s, and

almost ten per cent of the population left. Now, some decades after isolation from

the outside world, this landlocked, sparsely populated country is enjoying peace.

The lack of foreign influence offers travelers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional

South-East Asian life. From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the

rugged Annamite highlands and mountains along the east of Laos, travelers who

have made it to Laos tend to agree that this country is the highlight of South-East

Asia. We have to admit, we agree!

Laos covers 236,800 square kilometers, a comparatively small country and the

only one without access to the sea. Neighboring countries are China, Thailand,

Burma, Cambodia and Vietnam. With less than 7 million inhabitants (27.5 inhabit-

ants per sq km), Laos is very sparsely populated and huge parts of the country

are still untouched. The population of Laos is composed of various ethnic minority

groups, but primarily Lao Lum (lowland Lao), Lao Theung (lower-mountain) and

Lao Sung (high-altitude hill tribes). Around 60% are Buddhists and 40% believe

in animist spirits. The country’s capital and the largest city with over 750,000

inhabitants is Vientiane, located at the bank of the Mekong and bordering Thailand.

Do’s and Don’ts Respecting the following customs will help make your stay in Laos a positive and unforgettable experience - not only for you, but also for your hosts. Use your common sense and be mindful of local ways - this will help guide you, while in Laos. Try and do as the Lao do, and you will be rewarded with hospitality and friendliness.

Religious:- Please dress properly and show respect when entering religious grounds: cover yourself from shoulders to knees and take off hats and shoes when entering buildings- Women should not touch monks or their robes- Please do not touch or point your feet at Buddha images and keep your head lower than the statues- Do not take pictures or disturb monks during prayer times Cultural:- Wearing too revealing clothing in public (hot pants, bikini) is offensive to Lao- Don’t gesture with your feet, put your feet on furniture or touch someone else’s head- Kissing and hugging in public is impolite – please be discrete- Please ask before taking photos of people- Support development by buying local food and handicrafts Environmental:- Do not take anything from the forest except fresh air- Do not leave your rubbish in nature and don’t destroy vegetation by leaving designated paths- Do not buy wildlife or wildlife products - nor let your guide buy them Drugs:- Drugs cause damage and create a false image of the country and its people. Provide a better example

Speaking basic Lao will openthe way to the heart of Lao people.... hello sabai dee how are you? sabai dee baw bye bye (see you again) phop kan mai thank you khop chai thank you very much khop chai lai lai my name is

khoy seu what is your name?jao seu nyung one, two, three nung, song, sahm no problemboh bpen nyung

The Lao way of life....

Lao people enjoy a slower pace of life. The country offers a calmness which it’s busy neighbors have almost completely forgotten.

Nam OuNam Ou

Mekong

M

ekong

M

ekon g

Nam

Tha

MUANG KHUA

OUDOM XAI

LUANG NAMTHA

MUANG NGOI

XAM NEUA

VIENG XAI

VIENG PHOUKHA

XIENG KOK

HOUEI XAI

PAK BENG

HONGSA

LUANG PRABANG

PAK OU

VIETNAMMYANMAR

CHINA

THAILAND

VIETNAM

THAILAND

CAMBODIA

PHONSAVANXAYABOURY

VANG VIENG

PAK LAYVIENTIANE

THAKEK

SAVANNAKHET

SALAVAN

SEKONG

PAKSE

PHOU ASAATTAPEU

13

16W

16E

11

20

9E

13

13

8

13

13

13

7 7

6

6

13

13

13

NONG KHIAW

1C

4

4

18A

4000 Islands

3

17

Nam Ou

PHONGSALI

Boun Tai

What to bring on a tour...We have designed this checklist, to make sure that your time in Laos will be a wonderful experience.The climate in Laos is tropical and influenced by the Monsoon, which brings three seasons. The cool season can be very cool in the mountains so be prepared and bring a few layers if you come that time of year.

Independent from the season and tour booked, you should always bring:

Tour Specific ItemsTrekking: Fresh food and drinknig water is provided sun glasses and a hat shoes with good grip

Biking: Quality mountain bikes and helmets are provided sun glasses closed toe shoes recommended

Kayaking: Waterproof bags and lifejacktes are provided sun glasses sandals swimwear

Home-stay: Blankets, pillows, mattresses and mosquito net are provided towel light sleeping sheet torch or head lamp

and most important an open mind and some patience...

green season cool season hot season (July-Oct.) (Nov.-Feb.) (March-June)

T-shirt and shorts for daytime and long sleeves for the evening

Good walking shoes

Sun screen

Insect repellent (Deet medicated preferred)

Sun glasses

Small backpack for the market and short excursions

Basic medical kit

Passport photos for your visa

Recommended Eat & Drinkupper range:

L’Elephant Blue Lagoon

3 Nagas

Couleur cafe

middle range:

Delilahs

Cafe Ban Wat Sene

LPB Restaurant

Big Tree Cafe

Coconut Garden

bars: S Bar - stlyish new location in the night life hub of Luang Prabang

Pack Luck Wine Bar - good wines in a pleasing atmosphere

Blue Ice Bar - pool table and happy hour in the evening

Luang PrabangLuang Prabang is surely a jewel in Indochina and since 1995 a well known UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the capital of the former kings and an important post along river trade lines, it has become a site of interest for visitors from all over the world.

The ancient royal city is surrounded by misty mountains at the junction of the mighty Mekong and the smaller Nam Khan river. The town center is lo-cated on a peninsula. Here you will find French colonial buildings, the royal palace (now a national museum), and ancient monasteries and temples. In the middle of the small city is the sacred Mount Phousi from which you can enjoy stunning views into the serene landscapes of the Luang Prabang valley. Luang Prabang is a provincial capital city where time still seems to stand still. As part of the UNESCO reconstruction plan, new buildings have been limited and old houses and streets receive reconstruction to keep Luang Prabang a magical place.

Shopping

Night Market - handmade textiles, clothes and souvenirs

Dara Market - indoor market with electronics, traditional Lao clothes and jewelry

Ock Pop Tok - high quality Lao textiles

Kopnoi - fair trade Lao products

The Yao Cultural shop

Naga Creations - beautiful jewelry

Vientianeis the capital and largest city of Laos, situated on the Mekong river. Vien-tiane became the capital in 1563 due to fears of a Burmese invasion. During French rule, Vientiane was the administrative capital and due to economic growth in recent times, it has become the economic center of Laos. It still holds several of the countries most important Buddhist sites. The estimat-ed population of the city is 754,000.

Compared to the hectic, bustling capitals in other Southeast Asian coun-tries, Vientiane’s deliciously relaxing atmosphere makes it feel like the small town that it is. After you’ve visited the famous temples, the best thing to do is wander down to the riverside, relax with a cold Beerlao, “the Lao

national beer” and watch the sun set over the Mekong.

Recommended Eat & Drinkupper range:

Makphet Restaurant

Le Silapa

L’Adresse de Tinay

Aria Italian Culinary Arts

middle range:

Kongkhao

Makphet Restaurant

bars:

Spirit House Bar

Douang Deuane Wine Bar

Chokdee Bar

In case of an emergencySafety is always a priority for Tiger Trail, but one cannot rule out the possibility, that an accident or sickness might occur. As Health care is not comparable to western standards here in Laos, we have compiled a list of hospitals and contact information.

In Vientiane, the medical situation is better, than the rest of the country and simple medical treatment is possible. For all other serious issue, we recommend transfer to Thailand.

Hospitals and medical care Laos:

Luang Prabang: Chinese Hospital 254026; Ban Phu Mok

Luangprabang Province Hospital Phoumok LuangPrabang Tel: (+856) 71 2540 24

Vientiane: International Clinic (Mahosot Hospital) FaNgumRd KaoNyot Vientiane Tel: (+856) 21 2140 22

Hospitals Thailand:

Nongkhai-Wattana General Hospital 1159/4 Moo 2, Prajak Rd., Nongkhai, 43000 Tel: (+66 42) 465201

Aek Udon Hospital Udon Thani 555/5 Posri Rd. Amphur Muang Udon Thani 41000 Tel. (+66 42) 342555