The Grand Indochina Tour - Travel Tips

Tips for travel in Laos

Currency

Local currency in Laos is the Kip. There are approximately 8,450 Lao Kip to the US Dollar, or 13400 to the British Pound. All goods and services can be paid for in Kip or dollars, although the Kip price is often better than the corresponding Dollar price. Travellers Cheques are best carried in US dollars and can be exchanged in most major tourist town banks and hotels. Similarly credit cards can be used in major hotels, tourist shops and bigger restaurants. Do not rely on either if traveling to more remote and rural areas. We recommend that you don’t change too much money into local currency at once: the Kip only comes in low denomination notes, so you will end up with a very full wallet! 

When you pay in dollars, you may well receive your change in Kip notes or a mixture of Dollars and Kip. Any Kip will come in handy for small transactions such as cold drinks and other items worth less than the dollar. Be careful to check the notes you are given in change, as torn or damaged notes may be difficult to exchange.

Please note, visa for Laos is obtained on arrival at the airport or border crossing. It costs $35 per person and you need to carry this in cash, in addition to 2 passport size photographs each.

Healthcare

Laos is a tropical destination, so be sure to drink plenty of fluid to prevent heatstroke and dehydration. Avoid drinking tap water and taking ice in drinks. Stick to bottled water (or boiled/UV treated water available at the hotel) and ensure that the seal is opened by you/in your presence. Aerated waters (bottled soft drinks) are fine. 

Beer Lao is widely available, although you may find it quite different from its European relatives. Wine, if available, is quite costly. Check the price before ordering. Other liquors, such as “Lao Lao” and ‘rice wines’, are also available though not all meet western consumer standards. If in doubt, we recommend that you stick to the more expensive imported brands. 

The cuisine of Laos is unique: a combination of lots of aromatic herbs, plenty of vegetables and their surprisingly palatable fermented fish sauce. You will also find Western alternatives available at many restaurants and hotels. We do recommend that you eat moderately for the first few days. This allows your system to get used to the changes. We recommend you carry with you a small supply of basic health care medication such as travel sickness tablets, anti-diarrhoea tablets, antacids for indigestion, insect repellent, sun creams and selected antibiotics after discussion with your doctor. Although most of these items are available in Laos, the security provided by brands one is used to, is reassuring. We strongly recommend that all travellers be properly insured for the holiday. While taking insurance, please check that it includes repatriation costs.

Clothing and Climate

Laos has two broad seasons. The rainy season runs from May through October and the dry season from November to April. Most rain falls in the south. For the most part, Laos is hot, although there is a good deal of fluctuation between summer and winter temperatures at higher elevations. The capital, Vientiane, ranges from the mid-30s Celsius (mid-80s Fahrenheit) in April to the upper-20s Celsius (mid-70s Fahrenheit) in January. In the mountains, however, temperatures can plummet to near freezing in December and January. 

In general, during the day it is best to wear light, comfortable cottons with a pair of good ventilated walking shoes. If your trip to Laos includes mountainous areas, you will need clothes for all temperatures. Sunglasses, a hat, t-shirts, shorts that are not too revealing, long trousers, some light-weight, long-sleeved tops and a light jacket that is wind and rain-resistant will get you through most trips. If you plan to visit northern Laos in the winter, you’ll need some warm clothing. Mountainous areas can get chilly; choose clothes you can layer. If trekking is on your agenda, you will need sturdy footwear—plus lots of socks. At some of the monuments/pagodas, it is advisable to avoid sleeveless tops and short skirts. You may also be asked to remove your socks and shoes. Slip-on shoes or sandals are useful for visits to pagodas or people’s houses. Most hotels, including the more exclusive ones, do not insist on formal wear in restaurants and smart casuals are acceptable.

Shopping

Laos provides great opportunities for shopping, including beautiful silk weavings, tribal fabrics and embroidery, silverware, woodcarvings, paintings and much more. If asked, our local agents will advise on where best to buy particular items.

When purchasing an expensive item, always check the level of duty payable in the UK on your import. Please remember Customs Duty and VAT is payable on all goods above the value of £340 per person, even if an item is exempt from other import duties. 

Laos is still developing, and so its people can be very persistent when trying to make money, especially around tourists whom they perceive as very wealthy. People will try to overcharge you, but rather than becoming irritated, join the game and bargain hard! It is also recommended to check prices of the same items in the neighbourhood before reaching a deal. If you being followed by street vendors and do not wish to make a purchase, often the best course of action is say “no” firmly and politely, and continue on your way. Do not hesitate or linger, as this will encourage the seller to try and engage you further.

Please note, TransIndus does not endorse any shop or factory outlet. We, or any of our associate offices, are not responsible for any shopping and related problems, although we assure you of any help that we can provide.

Voltage

The electric voltage in Laos is supplied at 220 volt AC. Most English electric appliances work well, but a universal adapter is needed.

Others

If you encounter any problem please have faith in our local associates and bring it to their attention. 

 

Tips for travel in Cambodia

Currency

Local currency in Cambodia in the Riel. There are approximately 4,100 Riel to the US Dollar and 6,800 to the UK pound. All goods and services can be paid for in Riel or dollars, although the Riel price is often better than the corresponding Dollar price. 

Dollars, or Dollar traveller’s cheques, are the best currency to take with you to Cambodia. Travellers Cheques can be exchanged in most major tourist town banks and hotels. Similarly credit cards can be used in major hotels, tourist shops and bigger restaurants. Do not rely on either if traveling to more remote and rural areas. When you pay in dollars, you may well receive your change in Riel notes, the native currency of Cambodia, or a mixture of Dollars and Riel. Any Riel will come in handy for small transactions such as cold drinks and other items worth less than the dollar. Be careful to check the notes you are given in change, as torn or damaged notes may be difficult to exchange. Although the major hotels will also accept credit cards, cash withdrawals on credit cards and from dispensing machines should not be relied on for funds.

Please note, visa for Cambodia is obtained on arrival at the airport or border crossing. It costs $20 per person and you need to carry this in cash, in addition to 1 passport size photograph each.

Healthcare

Cambodia’s climate is warm year round, so be sure to drink plenty of fluid to prevent heatstroke and dehydration. Avoid drinking tap water and taking ice in drinks. Stick to bottled water (or boiled/UVtreated water available at the hotel) and ensure that the seal is opened by you/in your presence. Aerated waters (bottled soft drinks) are fine. Khmer beers are widely available, although you may find them quite different to their European counterparts. Other liquors are also available, though some are not ‘legal’. If in doubt, we recommend that you stick to the more expensive imported brands. Wine, if available, is also quite costly. Check the price before ordering. 

The cuisine in Cambodia is usually spicy and contains a high proportion of fish but you will find Western alternative available at most restaurants and hotels. We do recommend that you eat moderately for the first few days. This allows your system to get used to the changes. We recommend you carry with you a small supply of basic health care medication such as travel sickness tablets, anti-diarrhoea tablets, antacids for indigestion, insect repellent, sun creams and selected antibiotics after discussion with your doctor. Although most of these items are available in Cambodia, the security provided by brands one is used to, is reassuring.

We strongly recommend that all travellers be properly insured for the holiday. While taking insurance, please check that it includes repatriation costs.

Clothing and Climate

Two monsoons dictate Cambodia’s climate. From November to April, a north-eastern monsoon brings cool air but little rain, while a south-western monsoon, which occurs from May to October, causes heavy winds and rains. During the summer rainy season, rains tend to take place in the late afternoons. 

In general, during the day it is best to wear light, comfortable cottons with a pair of good ventilated walking shoes. Sunglasses, a hat, t-shirts, shorts that are not too revealing, long trousers, some light-weight, long-sleeved tops and a light jacket that is wind and rain-resistant will get you through most trips. At some of the monuments/pagodas, it is advisable to avoid sleeveless tops and short skirts. You may also be asked to remove your socks and shoes. Slip-on shoes or sandals are useful for visits to pagodas or people’s houses. Most hotels, including the more exclusive ones, do not insist on formal wear in restaurants and smart casuals are acceptable.

Shopping

Cambodia provides great opportunities for the shopper, including beautiful textiles, silverware, carvings, handicrafts and much more. Cambodian silk clothing can be bought in many outlets in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. If asked, our local agents will advise on where best to buy particular items.