+ 6 h / + 5 h during our summer time

Viangchan (Vientiane)

Laotian

• 230 volts
• Travel adapter required for plug types A, B, C, E and F

Banks

8.00/9.00 am - 3.30/5.00 pm (Mon - Fri)

Shops

9.00 am - 5.00/7.00 pm (Mon - Sat)

• 1 January: New Year’s Day
• 8 March: International Women’s Day (for women only)
• Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) - 14 to 16 April (dates may vary and celebrations can last up to a week)
• 1 May: Labour Day
• Visakha Puja (Vesak) date varies (usually May): – Commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha
• Boun Khao Phansa (beginning of Buddhist Lent) date varies (usually July):  Marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent
• 23 August: Liberation Day – Commemorates liberation from French colonial rule
• Date varies (usually October): Boun Ok Phansa– Celebrates the end of Buddhist Lent
• Date varies (usually October/November): Boun Suang Heua – Boat festival in Vientiane
• Date varies (usually November): That Luang Festival – Festival honouring the That Luang stupa in Vientiane
• 2 December: National Day – Anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

The following documents are required to enter Laos:

• A Swiss passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and contains at least three blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
• A return or onward ticket to another country.
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the entire duration of the stay.
• For stays of up to 14 days, no visa is required.

• For longer stays, it is possible to obtain an electronic e-visa or a 30-day “Visa on Arrival” at the airport.

• Minors: Check with the local authorities regarding entry formalities for minors.

As of: October 2024

Tropical monsoon climate with three main seasons:

• Dry season (November to March): Warm and dry, an ideal time to travel, with temperatures between 15°C and 30°C
• Hot season (April to May): Very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C
• Rainy season (June to October): Humid and rainy, with occasional flooding, temperatures between 20°C and 30°C

Regional differences:

• Mountain regions (e.g. Phongsali, Houaphanh): Cooler than the rest of the country, particularly during the dry season
• River deltas and lowlands (e.g. Vientiane, Pakse): Hotter and more humid, with greater temperature differences between day and night
   

  Laos: the ideal time for your trip:

• Cultural and city trips (Luang Prabang, Vientiane, temple visits): November to February (pleasant temperatures, dry weather, ideal for sightseeing and cultural events)
• Beach holidays and island hopping (Si Phan Don, Don Det, Don Khon): February to April (warm weather, less rain, ideal for water activities)
• Adventure and outdoor activities (hiking, cycling, kayaking): November to February (dry weather, pleasant temperatures, ideal for more demanding activities)
• Festivals and events (e.g. Pi Mai Lao - Lao New Year): April (Pi Mai Lao, the Lao New Year festival, a colourful and unforgettable experience)

• Using a mobile phone in Laos may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the applicable roaming fees before departure and, where necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.

• Free Wi-Fi is now available in many hotels, restaurants, cafés and public areas.
• It is advisable to purchase a prepaid SIM card so that you can make calls and use mobile internet at low cost during your stay in Laos. 

• Wat Xieng Thong (Luang Prabang): an impressive temple complex with intricate mosaics and paintings.
• Royal Palace (Luang Prabang): a former royal palace that now serves as a museum.
• That Luang (Vientiane): a national stupa and symbol of Laos, particularly impressive at sunset.
• Wat Sisaket (Vientiane): an ancient temple with an extensive collection of Buddha statues.
• Plain of Jars (Phonsavan): an archaeological site with thousands of stone jars whose origins remain a mystery.
• Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands): a picturesque area of the Mekong with numerous islands, waterfalls and rock formations.
• Kuang Si Falls (Luang Prabang): impressive turquoise waterfalls surrounded by lush green scenery.
• Vang Vieng karst landscape: a spectacular area with limestone cliffs, caves and the Nam Song River.
• Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi Neua: villages surrounded by picturesque mountain scenery, ideal for hiking and relaxation.
• Nam Ha National Protected Area: a protected rainforest area, ideal for trekking and wildlife watching.

Laos offers authentic and hearty cuisine characterised by fresh ingredients, traditional spices and simple cooking techniques. The country’s culinary landscape strongly reflects its rural and cultural identity.

• Rice and noodle dishes: Rice is the staple food, with classics such as Khao Niew (sticky rice) and Khao Soi (fried noodles in a spicy sauce). Laap Noodle (fried noodles with meat or tofu) is also very popular.
• Grilled dishes: Grilled meat, particularly Ping Pa (grilled fish) and Ping Kai (grilled chicken), served with a flavourful fish sauce, is a highlight of Lao cuisine.
• Spices and sauces: Jeow (spicy chilli sauce) and Nam Phrik (spicy fish sauce) are essential elements of Lao cuisine.
• Seafood: Fresh seafood such as Ho Mok (fish in coconut milk) is particularly popular in regions along the Mekong.
• Tropical fruit: Laos offers an abundance of tropical fruit such as mangoes, bananas and durian.
• Desserts: Sweet treats such as Khao Tom (sweet rice balls) and Tub Tim Krob (water chestnut dessert) are popular desserts.
• Street food: Market stalls and street-food vendors offer authentic dishes such as Tam Maak Hoong (spicy papaya salad) and grilled insects as a snack.
• Drinks: Popular drinks include Beerlao, Lao Lao (rice liquor) and fresh coconut water. Coffee grown in the mountains of Laos also enjoys a strong local reputation.

Lao cuisine combines simplicity and authenticity, offering something special for every palate.

• Greetings and politeness: a polite greeting is important. A traditional Wai or a handshake with the right hand is common. Khop Chai means “please” and Khop Khun Krap/Ka means “thank you”.
• Clothing: conservative clothing is appropriate, particularly when visiting temples. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Swimwear and shorts are acceptable on beaches.
• Dining etiquette: food is often taken with the right hand. In rural areas, it may be customary to sit on the floor. Wait until the oldest person begins eating.
• Smoking: smoking is permitted in many public areas, but ask if you are unsure. It is polite to ask for permission before smoking.
• Tipping: tipping is not compulsory, but it is appreciated in tourist areas and upmarket restaurants. A tip of 5-10% of the total amount or rounding up the bill is appropriate.

• Tap water: tap water in Laos is not suitable for drinking. It is recommended to use bottled or filtered water only.

• Vaccinations: no mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Laos. Before travelling, standard vaccinations should be checked and updated if necessary. Depending on the itinerary and length of stay, additional vaccinations against diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, polio, typhoid, rabies and Japanese encephalitis may be advisable.
• Mosquito-borne diseases: in Laos, there is a risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, malaria and Zika virus. Protective measures such as insect repellent and mosquito nets are strongly recommended.

• Medical care in Laos is limited, particularly outside the capital Vientiane. Most hospitals and clinics do not have modern equipment or sufficiently qualified staff.
• For serious or complex medical cases, evacuation to another country (e.g. Thailand, Singapore or Australia) is often recommended. It is advisable to take out travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
• The range of medicines available is limited, particularly outside Vientiane. There are concerns about the quality and authenticity of medicines sold in Lao pharmacies. Exercise caution and seek reliable information before making a purchase. Bring any important medication you need as well as a first-aid kit so that you are prepared for possible emergencies.

• Before and during your trip, keep up to date with the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.

• Robberies and theft occur in the tourist cities of Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. Be particularly alert to bag snatching, as thieves often approach from behind on motorbikes. 
• Unexploded ordnance and unsecured mines are present in many parts of Laos and pose a serious risk to life. As hazardous areas are often unmarked, stay on main roads and frequently used paths and check with local authorities or residents in advance about possible dangers.

• More information on the current security situation can be found on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: October 2024

• A Swiss driving licence together with an international driving permit is required.
• Road conditions in Laos are often poor, with the exception of National Road 13 and the motorway between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Combined with dangerous driving, excessive speed and disregard for traffic regulations, this significantly increases the risk of accidents. 

• It is recommended to hire a vehicle with a driver.

• The minimum age for car hire is 23 years.

• Blood alcohol limit: 0.5 ‰. 

• Long-distance and regional trains: Until recently, Laos had no significant rail connections, but this changed with the opening of the Laos-China Railway in 2021. The line connects Vientiane with the Chinese border and offers both high-speed and regular train services stopping at major destinations such as Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng.

• Buses: buses are the main form of transport for longer distances in Laos. Both state-run and private bus services connect major cities and smaller towns.

• Boats: With major rivers such as the Mekong, boats are an important form of transport, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach parts of Laos. Longboats are commonly used to carry passengers and goods along the Mekong and its tributaries. The use of “Speed Boats” should be avoided, as accidents occur regularly.

• Tickets: bus and train tickets can be purchased at railway stations, bus stations or through local travel agencies. For boat journeys, tickets are generally purchased directly at the pier or from local travel operators.

• Minivans and tuk-tuks: for shorter journeys or travel within cities, minivans and tuk-tuks are common alternatives. They are flexible and often the quickest way to get around urban areas.

There are no direct flights from Switzerland to Laos. However, connections with stopovers are available. Here are the largest airports in Laos:

• Wattay International Airport (VTE), Vientiane – This is the main airport in Laos and serves as the country’s main gateway for international flights.
• Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ), Luang Prabang – This airport serves the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang and receives flights from several Asian countries.
• Pakse International Airport (PKZ), Pakse – Located in the south of the country, this airport connects Pakse with destinations in Laos and neighbouring countries.
   

  The main domestic airlines operating in Laos are Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway. International airlines offering flights to Laos include Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines and AirAsia. Domestic flights in Laos are discouraged due to safety concerns.

00 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss area code)

• Rescue services: 1195
• Fire brigade: 1190
• Police: 1191 (+856 21 454769)
• Tourist police: 1192 (+856 21 251128; +856 21 212520 for English)
• Emergency: 1819 or 1623

192/1 Sibounheuang Road, Ban Sibounheuang, 
Chanthaboury District, Vientiane
Tel. +856 21 251 794
Email: vientiane@eda.admin.ch

• For hiking and visits to national parks, it is advisable to use a knowledgeable local guide.
• Violations of drug laws are severely punished and may result in life imprisonment or the death penalty.
• Photographing military installations is strictly prohibited.
• From 10.00 pm, access to the lower Mekong riverfront promenade in Vientiane is prohibited, as it is considered a sensitive border area. 
• Gambling is strictly prohibited in Laos and is punishable by a fine. Even harmless card games can lead to unpleasant situations on trains or elsewhere, as the authorities often make no distinction between gambling and other forms of card games.