Luang Prabang

Visitors to Laos must obtain a visa from one of the Laotian diplomatic missions or online unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries or qualify for a visa on arrival. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months. Citizens of Cambodia, Indonesia, Russia, Singapore, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and South Korea enjoy visa-free access to Laos for a maximum of 30 days; citizens of Japan, Luxembourg, and Switzerland can visit Laos visa-free for a maximum of 15 days; citizens of Brunei and Myanmar can visit Laos visa-free for 14 days. Visitors of other nationalities may obtain a visa on arrival valid for 30 days for a fee at most of the 27 ports of entry to the country, except for Napao-Chalo (Vietnam), Subhun (China), Pakxan-Bueng Kan (Thailand), and Xieng Kok river port (Myanmar). All other citizens must obtain a visa before arrival from a Laotian diplomatic mission.

Planning your trip to the 'city of the Golden Buddha Phra Bang' from November to March means that you'll have the chance to experience the city with relatively dry and chill weather. However, these months are known as the peak season, meaning that the area will be overcrowded and accommodation rates doubled. This is also the period to hit several important festivals and events: Pimay (the Lao New Year) and Boun That Luang held respectively in April and October are among the most fascinating ones. An alternative to this would be visiting Luang Prabang during the rainy season (May to September), when the main chunk of tourists leaves and the weather is still pleasant enough to enjoy the city, despite the afternoon showers.

The Lao language is the official language of Laos, also spoken in northeastern Thailand. As a former French protectorate, French is still well-liked and appreciated by high-profile individuals, such as the diplomats. English is common with younger generations. Other minority languages are spoken by the different ethnicities of Laos.

Getting around Luang Prabang might be challenging for newbies, but at the same time it's an adventure. Even a short ride by bus can turn into a 'journey of hope', taking hours to reach the destination. Buses are subdivided into ordinary buses characterised by either torn cushions or a hard plank, and air-conditioned-book-in-advance VIP buses. Tickets can be bought at travel agencies or bus stations. Vans and minibuses are also available. It's best not to rely on the timetable displayed as it's often purely speculative. Ask for advice from the locals.

To live Luang Prabang to the fullest, hop on a boat and experience the most scenic and picturesque way to marvel at the city's mind-blowing scenery. The main aquatic thoroughfares are the Mekong River, Nam Ou, Nam Khan, Nam Tha, Nam Ngum and Se Kong. Boats of different sizes navigate jewel-blue streams through lush vegetation. The Mekong River is the most important route and navigable year-around. You can get from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang on the so-called 'slowboat' on a two-day journey. The fare is around 20 USD, and it is the cheapest option. If patience is not your friend, there is also the speedboat which is slightly more expensive but takes you to Luang Prabang in 6 hours. To make it more comfortable for travellers, Mekong Cruises and Mekong River Cruises organise multi-day cruises, providing the best service on board.

Medical care in Luang Prabang has improved significantly over the last few years, but the lack of medical facilities remains a major problem in the whole area. Some of the most reputable hospitals in the area of the Luang Prabang are Attapeu Province Hospital and Khammouane Province Hospital with French- and English-speaking staff ready to help travellers in need and a 24-hour emergency service, including ambulances. Most of the time, patients with more serious injuries are transferred by road or air to Thailand. As for pharmacies, please avoid purchasing medicines from markets since counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a common problem. Here are a couple of reputable pharmacies in the area: Bouaphan Pharmacy (English-speaking staff) Sakkaline Road, Luang Prabang +856 252252 Phakan's Clinic (English-speaking staff and efficient service) Phu Mok Village, Luang Prabang District +856 20 59 822 895

Set in close proximity to the night market, the main post office — La Poste — provides services such as phone calls, DHL and Western Union facilities. Stamps can be purchased at corner shops.

Country code: +586 Luang Prabang area code: (0)71

There are five different power plug and socket types, A, B, C, E, and F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. European-style power plugs with two round prongs are most common, but it's a good idea to get a universal power adapter.