Land Mass
Laos has a total landmass of 236,800 square kilometres, and is entirely landlocked. Right at the heart of Indochina, Laos shares borders with Thailand, Cambodia, China, Myanmar and Vietnam.

Capital Vientiane

Official Language Lao.

Climate
Laos enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons:

Hot Season – March to May
Rainy Season – June to October
Cool Season – November to February

During the cool season, nights can be very cool.

Official Holidays
1. International New Year 01 Jan
2. International Women Day 08 Mar
3. Lao New Year 14-15 Apr
4. Labour Day 01 May
5. Lao National Day 02 Dec


Drinking Water
Tap water is generally not fit to drink. Bottled water is strongly recommended.

Passport and Visa
Visas are required by all nationalities except Malaysian, Vietnamese and Singapore nationals.

Tourist visas can be obtained from Laotian Embassies and Consulates. Visa applicants must have a passport with at least 6 months validity remaining beyond the end of their visit to Laos. Visa applications for Canadian citizens can be handled by the Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (USA).

Washington
2222 S Street NW
Washington DC 20008
Tel. (202) 332-6416
Fax: (202) 332-4923
http://www.laoembassy.com/

New York
317 East 51 Street
New York, 10022
Tel: (+1 212) 8322734
Fax: (+1 212) 7500039

Population
Laos has a 5.6million strong population, made up of some 68 different ethnic groups, each with their own, culture and customs, clothing and dialects..

Religion There is no official religion in Laos, but Buddhism is by far the most practised religion in the country. Other religions also practised are Animism, Brahmanism, Christianity and Islam.

Electricity
The electric current for the whole country is 220 volts AC at 50 cycles.

Health Requirement
No vaccinations are required unless travelling from or though contaminated areas. It is however advisable to immunised against polio, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A&B and malaria.

Drinking water
Tap water is clean but drinking from it directly should be avoided. Bottled water is recommended.

Currency
The currency of Laos is the Kip, which comes in the following denominations: 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000 and 20,000.

Currency Exchange
Major international currencies can be exchanged at banks and by licensed moneychangers in Vientiane. Outside the capital, most banks only accept US Dollars, Euros or Thai Baht.

Travellers’ cheques are not widely accepted.

Credit cards are only accepted at major hotels and at some mark-up shops and restaurants.

It is best to carry US Dollars in small denominations..

Airport Tax
International departure tax for all passengers is US$10 per person.

All Canadian consular affairs in Laos are handled by the Canadian Embassy in Bangkok
Mailing Address:
The Canadian Embassy,P.O. Box 2090,
Bangkok,10501, Thailand

Street Address:
The Canadian Embassy,15th Floor, Abdulrahim Place, 990 Rama IV Road,
Bangkok,10500,Thailand

Tel: +66 2 636 0540
Fax: +66 2 636 0555
Email: bngkk@dfait-maeci.gc.ca