Laos travel guide: faq, questions Laos, answers laos

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F.A.Q.

Please find below some of the more frequently asked questions (FAQ) people have about travelling to Laos.

Accommodation
Is it possible to rent rooms or dormitories for longer periods of time?

Yes. In most cases a discount is available for longer stays. If you're planning on staying in one place for more than a couple of months, consider looking for a house as the costs will be lower.

Rooms: Is a fan room ok, or should I budget for air-on?
It depends. An air-con room can bring the sniffles along with cold air. Fan rooms are generally better ventilated and have easily opened windows - which is often preferable in a small hut. Cheaper air-con rooms in particular can be grimy and stuffy, often with air-con that doesn't actually work very well or is very noisy. If you can't open the windows and there is a blackout, they can be downright unpleasant.

On the other hand, if you're travelling in the steamy heat of March to May and you haven't acclimatised or you find it difficult to function in hot weather, air-con can be invaluable and worth the extra couple of dollars. Another issue with fan rooms is that in leaving the windows open at night you open yourself to the risk of theft.

Should I take my own padlock for the door of my room?
No. Some people do, but many budget places insist that you use their padlock as they'll have a spare key and won't need to kick the door down when you lose your key.

Regardless of whose padlock you are using, losing a key can result in expensive fines. If you really don't feel you can trust the place enough to use the locks they supply, you should probably reconsider where you are staying.

Once inside, do consider some type of cable to lock your bags to something too big to fit through the door or window.

Why are there so few hostels in Laos?
Because in Laos they call them guesthouses. There is really no difference between the two, except hostels in Asia have much less stringent rules than in Europe

Bargaining
Should I bargain for everything?

No. If an item has a price tag then you're not expected to bargain. You are not expected to bargain in a grocery store or restaurant either. The main venues for bargaining are the local markets, where the price will probably be a little flexible, although not as much as in neighbouring countries.

What is the best way to bargain?

With a smile and a friendly attitude. The point of bargaining is not to make sure the merchant loses money but rather to get a price that both you and the merchant will be satisfied with. Often bargaining in Lao -- all you really need to know are the numbers, how much (tao die), cheap (took) and expensive (peng) -- will reap great rewards.

What shouldn't I do when bargaining?
Yell, scream or behave like a rude foreign tourist, throw your money at the vendor, refuse to buy after the vendor has accepted your price or go red in the face arguing over 1,000 kip. And don't lose your sense of humour -- you are supposed to be having fun.

Food glorious food

Can I drink the tap water?

No, not even the locals drink it. Rely on bottled water, which is cheap and available everywhere. If you want to reduce the plastic you use, many places will refill your bottle for even less than it costs to buy a new one, or even for free. In larger cities the tap water is OK to brush your teeth with, but be careful not to swallow.

How can I avoid MSG in Laos?

MSG is commonly used in restaurants throughout Laos, although those aimed at foreigners often don't. The easiest way to avoid it is to say bo sai peng nooa. Most restaurants and even street stalls are used to foreigners asking this, and it is not uncommon for Lao people to have problems associated with eating it.

How do I avoid peanuts?

If you see one coming, cross the road. Peanuts are usually used in sauces, such as for spring rolls, or in the traditional Luang Prabang salad, and occasionally in papaya salad. Your best option is to try explaining your requirements to staff before you order.

I have a food allergy -- what should I do?

Find someone in your guesthouse when you first arrive and get them to write down your allergy for you in big clear Lao writing. Show this card whenever you're eating somewhere where nobody speaks English.

Is there good vegetarian food in Laos?

The Lao as a rule are not vegetarian, and generally do not understand why foreigners would choose not to eat something that is traditionally prized on the dinner table. In many restaurants, however, they are becoming used to foreigners' odd culinary tastes. Vegetarian options are often highlighted or in a separate section, although it's not unusual to see items such as "vegetarian salad with pork/chicken/beef." They mean meat, not a soy substitute. If you're in doubt, tell them kin sinh bo dai.

If you're really strict, it is probably worth learning how to make it clear that you do not want fish sauce: bo sai nam pa. A dash is often used to add salt to a dish. Vientiane has a limited range of vegetarian-targeted places, but other than that you're in for a lot of variations on vegie stir-fries.
Is western food available?

Getting there and away
How do I get from the airport into town? Answers here
Is it safe to fly with Lao Airlines?

Money madness
Are credit cards accepted? Answers here
Are there ATMs in Laos?
Can I send money out of Laos?
How can I have money sent to me in Laos?
Should I bring travellers cheques, credit/debit cards or cash?
Should I tip?

Packing purgatory
What should I pack?
What shouldn't I pack?

Security
Can I use drugs in Laos?
Is Laos a safe place to travel alone to?
Is Laos safe?

Technology
Are there many internet cafes in Laos?
Can I travel with a laptop?
What is mobile phone coverage like in Laos?
What is the voltage in Laos?

Things to learn
Where can I learn Lao?

Vexed by visas?
What are the Laos visa requirements? Answers here

Weather
What is the weather like in Laos? Answers here

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