Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Laos has enforced travel restraints on travelers traveling from abroad. Furthermore, Laos authorities have also implemented various other stringent regulations in areas where there has been a sudden hike in the spread of virus. Nevertheless, if you are someone who is eager to visit Laos during such trying times, make sure you go through the concerns of this post before making a decision. Keep reading to know more.
Coronavirus and its impact on tourism in Laos
Due to the outbreak of the worldwide pandemic, Laos brought into effect various travel restrictions. International flights have been highly limited to repatriation and emergencies. Suspension of flights has been extended to 30th September, 2021 and chartered flights are banned, particularly when they’re flying from high-risk countries.
Apart from cargo transport, there are restrictions on land border as well. Like, all acknowledged international land borders were also closed till June 4th, 2021.
There have been certain changes brought to Laos visa requirements as well where eVisas for Laos and visas on arrival have all been called off for the time period. The various exemptions on visas have also been temporarily annulled. Citizens of other nations who usually travel to Laos without the requirement of a visa should now get in touch with the Laos consulate or embassy for further details. As the worldwide situation is gradually improving, the standard visa policy will get back to normalcy.
What safety measures to follow for traveling to Laos?
Those travelers who can finally enter Laos should meet the requirements listed below:
- You need a negative COVID-19 PCR test result which has been done within 72 hours before your departure date.
- Take a COVID-19 PCR test on arriving at the Laos airport
- Get a 14-day reservation confirmed at a Laos hotel with arranging the commutation
- All people who arrive at Laos should provide a health declaration form
- Quarantine for a period of 14 days and the passenger needs to sign a Travel Consent form
Since the visitors need to take all these safety measures for entering Laos, they’re given extra time for the entire journey. Foreign citizens in Laos who want to get back to their countries should call the embassies who will inform the Laos government.
Must-do things in Laos – Don’t waste your time when you’re in Laos
Despite all the travel requirements in Laos, if you still manage to reach this beautiful country, here are the few things you shouldn’t miss seeing and doing.
- Visit the ViengXai Cave City
The ViengXai Cave city is situated close to Sam Nua and it is home to the residential quarters of Laotian soldiers who fought in 1960s. You can visit the quarters as they were previously. The KaysonePhomvihane Cave also has an air-circulation pump. You can also find guided tours at ViengXai Caves Visitor Centre.
- Visit the Great Stupa
Did you hear about the Great Stupa in Vientiane? If no, it is a 148-foot stupa that is covered in gold and which is deemed to be the largest monument of the country. The outer side of the Great Stupa looks similar to a fortress but the inner portion has several Buddhist animal and flower imageries. This stupa is extremely admirable even if you don’t enter it. The entry charges to the Great Stupa are 10,000 LAK.
- Don’t miss the Gibbon experience
This is undoubtedly one of the most adventurous activities to try out in Laos. There is a series of zip lines that connect few of the highest treehouses of the world where you’re allowed to stay for up to 3 nights. Once you enter these treehouses, you’ll find yourself totally off the grid. You’ll only be surrounded by gibbons and you can go out for intense nature hikes.
- The waterfalls at the Bolaven Plateau are a must-visit
The Bolaven Plateau is situated in Southern Laos which is in close proximity with the city of Pakse. It is actually a crater which eventually formed from an active volcano. You may go out for trekking in that area and explore all the waterfalls. The Bolaven Loop has the specialty of taking you closer to all the waterfalls. Each of these waterfalls have their own entry fee and parking fee.
Costs of traveling to Laos
If there is one of the poorest nations of the world, it has to be Laos. As a result, it is certainly one of the cheapest Asian countries to travel. The biggest expense that you may have to bear in Laos is the transport costs. Food and accommodation are pretty cheap.
If you choose to eat at cheap restaurants or at noodle stalls and get yourself basic accommodation by preferring public transport, you can travel in Laos within a nominal budget of $20 per day. On the contrary, if you stay in posh hotels and dine in the best restaurants, your budget may hike up to $40-$60 a day.
Bargaining is an art in Laos
When you’re in Laos, you have to master the art of bargaining as this is a part of life in this country. In fact, bargaining is considered as a form of art that requires the perfect balance of patience, humor and tact. However, while bargaining, it is vital for you to remain realistic. If you quote a price that is beyond their imagination, they might lose interest. Cut-throat bargaining above 1000K will have a poor image on both the buyer and the seller.
In general, the drivers of vehicles and souvenir sellers in Luang Prabang and Vientiane are all set to rip off tourists just as it happens in Vietnam and Thailand. You have to keep in mind that Laos is a country that is dependent on imported goods from its neighboring countries and this gives an automatic price hike in costs of food, transport and toiletries.
So, now that you’re aware of the intricate details of traveling to Laos, make sure you keep all the points in mind while traveling to the country.
Author Bio:
Daniel Moore is an experienced content writer. He is associated with many renowned travel blogs as a guest author where he shares his valuable travel tips with the audience.
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