There are a few ways to go to Nong Khiaw. Luang Prabang is the beginning point. It used to be possible to settle by boat, but with the construction of a major dam, this is no longer a possibility.

While theoretically viable, it will cost you a significant amount of money and effort. You’ll need to take a boat from Luang Prabang to a place near the dam, then a tuk-tuk to a spot farther upstream, and finally a second boat. 

The other two options are public buses (leaving from the Northern Bus station in Luang Prabang) or minivans. These are the pros and cons:

• Public bus: It’s less expensive, and the seats are somewhat more comfy, but you can’t buy them in advance, and they’re frequently sold out when you arrive at the bus station.
• Minivan: It’s a little more expensive and less comfortable, but if you book it the day before through one of the many agencies, you’ll be assured a seat.

Luang Prabang City, located on the banks of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers in Northern Laos, exudes calm, tranquility, and pleasure. This historic capital definitely lives up to its name, which literally translates as “Royal Buddha Image,” with several Buddhist temples and shrines. Although the city’s foundations are deeply rooted in spirituality and Buddhism, Luang Prabang’s varied colonial past adds a new dimension to this humble city, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status for its outstanding culture, history, and architectural magnificence. Here are some popular locations where you can enjoy a stunning sunrise in Luang Prabang:

• Mount Phousi (Phou Si) Hill: This is a famous place in Luang Prabang for both dawn and sunset. Climb to the summit of Mount Phousi, which is located in the town center. Panoramic views of the city, the Mekong River, and the surrounding environment are available from there.
• Wat Chom Si: Wat Chom Si, a Buddhist temple, is located at the peak of Mount Phousi. The views from this temple are spectacular, especially around daybreak. It’s a bit of a trek to the top, but it’s well worth it.
• Ban Pak Khan: This is a little town located on the other side of the Nam Khan River. Early in the morning, take a boat across the river to Ban Pak Khan and enjoy a tranquil dawn over the Mekong.
• Utopia Bar: Utopia is a well-known bar and restaurant along the Nam Khan River. While it is well-known for its laid-back vibe in the nights, it also opens early in the morning, giving a tranquil location to watch the dawn along the river.
• Kuang Si Falls: While Kuang Si Falls is well renowned for its gorgeous turquoise cascades, it may also provide a lovely scene for dawn. You must organize transportation to arrive early in the morning.

If you’re planning to enjoy the sunrise, it’s a good idea to check the local sunrise time and arrive a little early to establish a good place. Also, respect local customs and rules, especially when visiting religious places such as temples. It’s a good idea to check your local sources for the latest information and recommendations, keeping in mind that conditions may have changed since the last update.

Yes, there is a train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang! In actuality, the Laos-China Railway operates five trains every day. This service will be introduced by the Laos-China Railway in December 2021, making it a highly convenient and picturesque method to travel between the capital and the historical jewel. From Luang Prabang to Vientiane, there are three options for public transportation. You may fly with Lao Airlines or Lao Skyway, ride the train, or take a long-distance bus. The 327-kilometer road trip from Luang Prabang to Vientiane takes 7 to 10 hours, depending on the bus or minivan service you select. 

The presence of rail services has made traveling between the attractive cities of Luang Prabang and Vientiane in Laos more easy and pleasurable. These cities are renowned among both visitors and residents due to their beautiful scenery and rich history. Booking a train ticket is a straightforward procedure, and several travel classes and ticket rates are available to meet a variety of demands and budgets.

When to avoid Laos depends on your personal interests and priorities. Here are some things to think about:

Climate:

• Rainy season (May to October): Due to heavy rain, travel is difficult and some outdoor activities are less enjoyable. Landslides and floods can occur, especially in mountainous areas. However, lush greenery and affordability can be attractive to some people.
• Dry season (November to April): Hot and sunny weather is the most popular time to visit, making it an ideal time to explore. However, you can expect higher prices and larger crowds, especially during the peak season (December to February).

Festivals and events:

• Bun Pi Mai (Laos New Year): This lively festival in April includes water fights, parades, and temple rituals. It can be a fun time to experience Lao culture, but be prepared for large crowds and price hikes.
• Ok Phansa: This period of religious observance lasts from July to October. Drinking and loud music are limited, but the temples are beautifully decorated and offer a glimpse into Lao Buddhist traditions.

Personal preferences:

• Crowds: Avoid high season and famous tourist spots if you want quieter encounters. Consider visiting lesser-known locations such as Luang Prabang or Southern Laos.
• Cots: If money is an issue, the rainy season provides reduced costs on flights and lodging. Be prepared, however, for probable travel interruptions.
• Activities: Consider the things you want to do and make sure the weather and schedule are appropriate.  For example, trekking might be less enjoyable during the rainy season, while festivals offer unique experiences but might clash with outdoor plans.

Finally, the best time to visit Laos is determined by your priorities and the goals of your trip. You can determine the optimum period for you by evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of each season.

You need to submit 2 identical passport-style photos as part of any Laos visa application. This contains applications for the Laos eVisa online.

Applying for an e-visa in Laos online is a simpler process than going to the embassy in person, and offers the advantage of being able to fast-track through border controls upon arrival in a country. The Laos visa photo requirements are the same as applying at the embassy.

There are various conditions in addition to the Laos visa photo size requirements. The photograph must be:

• A recent photo, no older than 6 months
• Printed in color
• Lighted evenly and without shadows

There should be no patterns or shadows on the backdrop.

Apart from the applicant’s head and shoulders, there should be no other individuals or items in the shot.

The following photos are required for the Laos visa application.

As a requirement of entrance, Laos normally asks tourists to provide proof of onward travel or a return ticket. This is a typical requirement in many nations to guarantee that visitors do not overstay their permitted stay and have a way to depart the country.

When you arrive at the immigration checkpoint in Laos, you may be requested to present a return ticket or proof of further travel. This provision is often implemented for both tourists and visitors on short-term visas.

It’s crucial to remember that immigration regulations fluctuate, and your specific needs may differ depending on your nationality, the type of visa you have, and the purpose of your travel.  Before coming to Laos, be sure you have all of the appropriate papers and fulfill the admission criteria. Noncompliance with entrance criteria may result in denial of entry or other issues.

Yes, you must fill out an Arrival Card while entering Laos. It is a necessity for all travelers, regardless of country, visa type, or place of entry.

Here are some reasons why filling out your Arrival Card is important:

• Immigration: Arrival cards help immigration officials track your arrival and departure from Laos. This includes essential information about you and your visit, including passport information, arrival date, flight information, visa type, length of stay, and accommodation details.
• Security: The information on your entry card can also be used for security purposes, such as identifying potential risks or tracking individuals who have exceeded their visa period.
• Streamlined Entry: With arrival cards filled out and readily available, the immigration process on arrival in Laos can be processed fairly quickly. This means less time waiting in line and more time to enjoy the trip!

When flying internationally, you must fill out and produce Arrival/Departure paperwork at the immigration desk.

Arrival – Departure Declaration forms are available at Laos international airports before traveling to immigration counters for departures from Laos international airports. When you arrive in Laos, you will be given the paperwork at the check-in desk or by cabin staff during the trip.

Austrian citizens will require a visa to enter Laos. However, it might be one of the simplest portions of your journey. You can apply for a visa at the Laos embassy upon arrival or online (e-visa). 

You may apply for a Laos visa online using the Laos immigration services website. 

Laos e-visa for Austrian citizens can be used to enter ports of entry in the country:

• Boten International Checkpoint
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV
• Luang Prabang International Airport
• Pakse International Airport
• Wattay International Airport

Because there are no direct flights from Austria, the most convenient method to visit Laos is to fly from Vienna to a regional hub first, such as Bangkok or Hanoi, and then connect to a flight to Laos. The fastest flight from Austria to Laos is from Vienna to Vientiane, with an average flight time of 14h25m. The distance between Vientiane and Austria is 8240km

In addition, we recommend that you should buy travel insurance before traveling to Laos. Travel insurance may protect you against unexpected medical expenditures and cancellation fees, providing you with peace of mind while on the road. Your personal belongings will also be covered.

Things to consider when choosing your travel method:

• Budget: Generally, flights are the most expensive choice, followed by overland travel.
• Travel time: Direct flights are the quickest, while overland travel is the slowest. Connecting flights are somewhere in the middle.
• Comfort: Direct flights are frequently the most pleasant, although overland travel can be more difficult, with lengthy layovers and transfers.
• Overland travel provides the greatest opportunity for adventure and off-the-beaten-path encounters.