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LAOS INFORMATION |
| Location and area The Lao's People Democratic Republic is located in Indochina, between latitude 14-23 degrees North and longitude 100-108 degrees East. It has common borders with China (505km), Cambodia (435km), and Vietnam (2,069km). Lao PDR is 236,800 square km, the major part being moutainous and forested. The country is divided into three geographical areas: the Northern, the Central, and the Southern areas. The Mekong river flows through 1,865 km of Lao PDR territory and forms the major portion of the border with Thailand (1,835 km). 60% of the water entering this major river system originates in Lao PDR. The three highest "phu" (mountains) are all located in Xieng Khuang province. The highest is Phu Bia (2,820 km), then Phu Xao (2,690 km), and Phu Xamxum with 2,620 m.
Lao PDR has a population of 4,474,000 inhabitants (projected 1993) comprising over 47 different ethnic groups, such as Hmong, Khmer, Yao, A'kha, Ikoh, Lu etc. Each tribe has its own distinctive customs, dialects and costumes. These minorities can be classified into three groups: 56% in Lao Lum (Lowlanders), 34% in Lao Theung (uplanders), and 9% Lao Soung (hill tribes) The population density is 19.0 persons per square km, with a life expectancy of 50.9 years, and an adult literacy of 50% in 1992. Climate Lao PDR has a tropical climate with only two distinctive seasons. From the early May to the end of September it's the reainy season, and from October to April it's the dry season. The average temperature is about 28 degrees centigrade, but in may raise up to 38 degrees centigrade in April. In the moutainous area, however, the weather is cold from December to February, in the neighboorhood of 15 degrees centigrade. Language The official language is the LAO, but English and French are also used, often for business purpose. Currency The KIP is the official currency of the Lao PDR and bank notes are presently in domination of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5 Kip. There are money exchange facility at the airports, and several licensed bureaux in towns. Although it is best to always use cash to ensure the best bargains, a few businesses and restaurants do accept travellers' cheques. Traveller's cheques in other currency are best changed in Vientiane and the major provinces. In general, US dollar traveller's cheques can be cashed at most banks in Lao PDR nationwide. Major international credit cards, such as VISA, Master Card, and American Express are now being accepted in foreign banks, restaurants, hotels and businesses shops. Culture Lao PDR used to be called Lane Xang, "The Land of A Million Elephants". It was the name given to the country by King Fa Ngum when he reunified the country in 1353 A.D. Lao folk music features the khan, or Lao panpipe, a wind instrument that is devised of a double row of bamboo like reeds fitted into a hardwood sound box. The khean is often accompanied by a bowed string instrument or saw. The National Dance is a flok dance called the Lamvong, or Circle Dance, in which couples dance circles around one another until there are three circles in all: a circle prescribed by an individual, a circle danced by a couple, and one by the whole crowd. The cultural history of Lao PDR has been shaped by a blend of three religions. The early Lao were animists, belivers in spirits, and many of these traditions still prevail; then Brahmanism spread eastward from the Indian subcontinent, and finally Buddhism, the most obvious influence on Lao culture today, made its unique influence on Lao PDR. Many Lao males choose to be ordained as monks temporarily, normally spending anywhere from a few days to three months at a wat or temple. Lao art and architecture is often unique and expressive. Most tourists will visit a wat or temple during their visit to Lao PDR, and see the traditional turnet-up roofs of the wat. Wat is the compound where monks reside. Sculptures usually depicting the image of Buddha are distinctively Lao: the "calling for rain" posture, which depicts the Buddha standing with his hand held rigidly at the side, fingers pointing to the ground. The flat, elongated earlobes, arched eyebrows and cauline nose are typically Lao. Another unique feature is that the bottom os the image's robe turns up on both sides in a perfectly symmetrical fashion.
The generally accepted form of greeting among Lao people is the Nop, placing one's palms together in a position of praying, at chest level, but not touching the body. The higher the hand, the greater the sign of respect, although they should never be held above the level of the nose. This is accompanied by a slight bow to show respect to persons of higher status or age. The Nop is not only an expression of greeting, but also of thanks, of regret or saying goodbye. However, it is appropriate to shake hands with westerners. As in many Asian cultures, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body, and the soles of the feet are the lowliest. One should not touch a preson's head nor use one's foot to point at a person or any object. Men and women rarely show affection in public. It is forbidden for a women to touch a buddhist monk. It is customary to remove one's shoes or sandals when entering a Buddhist temple or private home. In Lao PDR, homes are raised off the ground, shoes or sandlas are left at the stairs. In a traditional home, one sits on low seats or cushions on the floor. Men may sits with legs cossed or folded to one side. Women sits with legs gracefully folded to the side. Guest me be served tea or fruit, which should not be refused. On should at least take a taste. Transportation Taxis : On arrival at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, taxis are available to take you into town. The airport is about ten minutes from the town centre and though some taxis have no meters, there is a price list posted at the airport lounge for your guidance. Domestic Flights : Lao Aviation offers multiple flights from Vientiane to the following provincial capitals: Luang Prabang (daily), Savannakhet (daily), Luang Namtha (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun), Xieng Khouang (daily), Pakse (daily), Oudomxai (Tu, Th, Sat, Sun), Xayyabuli (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun), Houixay (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat), Thakhek (Fri), and Saravane (via Savannakhet, Sun. only). River transport : The Mekong River is the longest and most important water route, flowing through 2030 km of Laos, providing a natural means of transportation. However, its navigability is limited to 1330 km, mainly because of rapids between Savannakhet and Pakse, the Khong Falls, and low water levels during the dry season. Beside the Mekong River, the following rivers are also used for water transportation: Nam Ou, Nam Khan, Nam Tha, Nam Hgur, and Se Don. Road Network : Lao PDR has 13100 km of road network, excluding forest and mining roads, consisting of national, provincial and local roads. The 3390 km of national roads link major towns, provincial capitals and provide connections to neighbouring countries. 1620 km of them are paved. The rest are mostly earth-surfaced, connecting towns and large villages within provinces. The backbone of the road system is the National Road No. 13, 1370 km long, linking Pak Mong in the North with Khong in the South, passing through major urban areas of Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Savannakhet and Champasack. National Road No. 9 leads to the Vietnamese border. Emergencies Contacts Medical Care : International medical clinic is operated by Mahosot Hospital, situated at the Bank of Mekong River on the Fa Ngum road. It is daily opened 24 hours. Tel: 21-4018, 21-4022, 21-4025. The Australian Embassy Clinic
The Swedish Embassy Clinic Police : Emergency Tel: 41-2536 (Police of Prefecture) Chanthabouri District: 21-3907-8 International phones : The central telephone office is located on Setthathilath Road near Nam Phu Circle (Nam Phu Fountain), and is opened from 08:00 to 22:00 daily. Fax, and telefax services are also available. International Direct Dialing is available in Vientiane. When calling from overseas: the country code is 856, and the city code is 21. |
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