All posts by : Ms Rose

Laos is recognized as one of the world’s most welcome nations to visit, with a country of hopeful, kind folks. To make a Laos vacation safer, more fun, and more authentic, spend some time learning about local customs, specifically what visitors should and should not do. The following is a list of what not to do in Laos:

• Do not show affection in public: The Lao people are usually traditional, and seeing individuals kissing or hugging in public is considered impolite. It is preferable to express affection for your mate in more private settings.
• Do not aim your foot at the people or the Buddha: Because they are the lowest, the Laotians regard the feet to be the dirtiest part of the body. It is thus impolite to point one’s foot at others. Turn your feet away from the Buddha when in a temple. If sitting in a kneeling position bothers you, consider sitting cross-legged, which is typically appropriate for Westerners.
• Do not touch the head of the locals: Touching someone’s head is frowned upon in Laos because the head is considered the most holy part of the body. If you are not their parents or really close pals, do not even pat their heads.
• Do not eat anything on the temple premises: While going about the temple grounds, you may become slightly hungry or thirsty. However, it is also necessary to respect the monks, who normally only eat twice a day, once in the early morning and once before midday. So don’t eat or drink anything.
• Do not shout or argue: The Lao people have a stern demeanor and despise conflict. When bargaining with locals at the market, do not rush and keep your voice calm and unhurried, preferably with a grin. Consider it an excellent opportunity to develop patience and meet the locals. Luang Prabang’s morning market Luang Prabang’s morning market sells handicrafts.
• Do not shake hands or present or accept gifts with your left hand: Never shake Laotians’ hands with your left hand since it is considered filthy. When anything is presented to you, accept it with your right hand. Also, while giving something to someone, use your right hand.
• Do not give gifts to children: Giving money, stationery, or any other type of present to children will not benefit them. Instead, it promotes begging, which is already widespread in many developing nations. Furthermore, due to the country’s lack of dental care, it is preferable not to feed children sweets that promote tooth rot.

No, Qatari passport holders need to apply for a visa to enter Laos. However, you can choose to apply for a Laos visa online. Because the application is entirely online, you may apply from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. Visitors who have a valid e-Visa for Laos can remain for up to 30 days from the date of arrival.

Laos eVisas are valid for 60 days from the date they are granted. Qatari nationals can utilize their Laos online visa anytime throughout the 60-day period.

For Qatari nationals, the typical visa processing period is three business days. However, if there is a discrepancy between the information in your passport and the visa application form, the processing of your visa application may take longer. That is why, when filling out the application form, you must refer to your passport. Never use a different spelling of your name or make typos. Check that the information you supplied on the application form matches the information on the biographical page of your passport.

You may use your Thai SIM card in Laos. You must, however, acquire a roaming plan from your Thai carrier. Roaming packages normally cost roughly 100 baht (about US$3) per day and include internet, phone, and SMS access.

Some Thai carriers, such as AIS, offer a special roaming package for Laos that is cheaper than the standard roaming package. This package costs around 50 baht (about US$1.50) per day and gives you access to data, voice, and SMS.

If you are unsure whether your Thai carrier provides a Laos roaming plan, you may contact your carrier’s customer service department.

Here are some things to keep in mind when using your Thai SIM in Laos:

• Roaming fees can be expensive, so check with your carrier before you leave.
• The signal strength may be less than in Thailand.
• In Laos, you may not be able to utilize all of the capabilities on your Thai SIM card.

If you want a more economical alternative, you may buy a local SIM card in Laos. Local SIM cards are usually relatively cheap and provide access to internet, phone, and SMS.

Here are some tips for purchasing a local SIM card in Laos:

• Most convenience stores and mobile phone businesses sell local SIM cards.
• A local SIM card normally costs between 10,000 kips (about US$1) and 20,000 kips (about US$2).
• When purchasing a local SIM card, you must present your passport and visa.

Yes, you can cross into Laos from Thailand. Thailand has many land border crossing locations with Laos; tourists can choose the one that is most convenient for them based on their location. Regardless of the checkpoint chosen, travelers entering Laos from Thailand will be required to provide a visa for Laos.

The Laos eVisa is approved at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges I and II, making these crossings simple for foreign travelers.

Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I: Nong Khai to Vientiane

This is a wonderful choice for those who want to start in Laos’ capital city, Vientiane. The Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge I spans the Mekong River and is 1.17 kilometers long.

The bridge is close to Udon Thani, a significant Thai city with good public transit. Nong Khai, the border town, can be reached in under an hour by bus from here.

During bridge opening hours, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., a shuttle bus crosses the bridge every 20 minutes. The ticket is around 20 Thai Baht ($0.60 USD). Normal working hours are 8 a.m. to 16.30 p.m.; to cross during other times, an extra overtime charge must be paid.

The Friendship Bridge is not accessible by foot or bicycle. Passports and eVisas should be ready for examination by border officers.

Can you drive from Thailand to Laos via the Friendship Bridge?

The Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge may be driven across. Motorists should use the lane designated for private vehicles.

The exit charge for driving across the bridge is 200 baht. On the Thai side of the border, traffic drives on the right, with a switch at the opposite end while traffic in Laos drives on the left.

Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II: Mukdahan to Savannakhet

This bridge connects Thailand’s Mukdahan province with Laos’ Savannakhet province. This is a good option for people staying in or around Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, which is about 2 hours away from the border crossing.

Two buses depart Mukdahan every hour and cross Friendship Bridge II to Savannakhet. It is 1.17 kilometers long. A one-way ticket costs around 50 baht ($1.60 USD).

Anyone utilizing this border should apply for a Laos eVisa in advance to avoid long lines at the checkpoint.

Other land border crossings between Laos and Thailand

People holding an eVisa who want to enter Laos should use one of the two land border crossings described above. Travelers who are ready to wait in line for a visa on-demand at Thailand-Laos border crossings can also use any of the following:

• Friendship Bridge III: Nakhon Phanom in Thailand to Thakhek in Laos
• Chiang Khong in Thailand to Huay Xai in Laos
• Nakaxeng in Thailand to Kaen Thao in Laos
• Chong Mek in Thailand to Vang Tao in Laos
• Chiang Khong in Thailand to Huay Xai in Laos

Those crossing the border from Thailand to Laos with a visa on arrival should plan ahead of time, especially during high season.

Yes, you can get a train from Thailand to Laos. The train journey from Bangkok to Vientiane lasts around 13 hours and 30 minutes. The train departs from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station and arrives in Vientiane at Thanaleng Railway Station.

Because the train is a sleeper, you can sleep on it overnight. There are sleeping rooms in both the second and first classes on the train. Second-class sleeping cabins are less expensive, but they are also more congested. First-class sleeping cabins are larger and more comfortable, but they are also more costly.

The train ticket price from Bangkok to Vientiane is 1,500 baht (about US$45) for 2nd class sleeper and 2,500 baht (about US$75) for 1st class sleeper.

The Bangkok-Vientiane train departs at 19:00 and arrives at 08:30 the next morning. The train is operated by Thailand’s State Railway.

Here are some tips for taking the train from Thailand to Laos:

• Purchase your rail ticket in advance, especially if traveling during the high season.
• Arrive at the railway station at least one hour before departure to check in and obtain your boarding card.
• When you board the train, bring your passport and visa with you.
• Prepare yourself for a long voyage. The train journey from Bangkok to Vientiane lasts around 13 hours and 30 minutes.

Yes, Thai citizens can extend their Laos visa. However, you may only extend your visa twice and remain for a maximum of 90 days.

To extend your visa, you will need to visit the Immigration Department in Vientiane or the Immigration Division Office in the province where you are staying. You will need to bring your passport, your visa, and a copy of your passport-size photograph.

The first extension of your visa is 30 USD, and the second extension costs 60 USD. Processing time is typically 1-2 days.

Here are the requirements for extending a Laos visa for Thai citizens:

• A valid passport is valid for at least six months beyond the scheduled departure date from Laos.
• Your most recent visa.
• A duplicate of your passport-size picture.
• A visa extension application form has been completed.
• There is a cost of $30 for the first extension and $60 for the second.

If you intend to renew your visa, I recommend that you apply at least 10 days before your visa expires. This will allow you to complete your application and prevent any last-minute issues.

The penalties for overstaying your Laos e visa for Thai citizens are as follows:

• A fee of at least ten dollars per day for each day overstayed.
• In severe circumstances or if you are unable to pay the fine, you may face incarceration.
• Ineligibility for future Laos visas.

Overstaying your Laos e-visa is punishable by a charge of $300 USD. However, depending on the length of your overstay, the real fee you will be charged may be larger.

If you are detected overstaying your visa, you will be sent before the Immigration Department and fined. You may potentially be forced to leave Laos right away.

It is critical to keep track of your visa expiration date in order to avoid overstaying. You may also get the most up-to-date visa information on the Laotian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Here are some tips to avoid overstaying your Laos e-visa:

• Make sure you are aware of your visa’s expiration date.
• Keep track of how many days you’ve spent in Laos.
• If you want to stay in Laos for longer than the period of your visa, request for an extension ahead of time.

Yes. You can enter Thailand from Laos. The majority of foreigners require a visa to enter Laos; only a few nations’ residents are exempt.

An eVisa is the most convenient method to travel from Thailand to Laos. Because the whole application procedure is completed online, a Laos eVisa may be requested from anywhere in the globe with an internet connection.

Furthermore, the application is simple to complete, and most individuals receive the approved document within 1 to 3 days, making it ideal for a last-minute vacation to Thailand.

Overseas travelers holding an eVisa can stay in the nation for up to 30 days.

The Laos eVisa is accepted at five Laos entry points. Passengers transiting through one of these ports can apply for a Laos visa from Thailand online if they fulfill all of the Laos eVisa requirements.

Fill out the electronic Laos eVisa application form with a few personal data and passport information. All supporting documents are conveniently uploaded digitally, eliminating the need to show documentation in person at an embassy or consulate.

Travelers can also bypass long lineups at airports and immigration offices at land crossings by applying for a Laos eVisa online. Tourists who cannot enter through one of the above-mentioned entry points must get a Laos visa on arrival.