Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
sure, or plan to use a border where visas are not issued, consulates and travel agents in Vi-
etnam, China, Cambodia and Thailand can all issue/arrange visas.
Visa Extensions
021-212250; Th Hatsady; 8am-4.30pm Mon-Fri)
, which is in the Ministry of Public Security
building in Vientiane. Extensions are available up to a maximum of 30 days. If you over-
stay your visa, you'll have to pay a fine on departure (US$10 for each day over).
VOLUNTEERING
It's not easy to find short-term volunteer work in Laos. The Organic Mulberry Farm
(
Click here
)
in Vang Vieng needs volunteers occasionally, as does Big Brother Mouse
(
Click here
)
. If you're professionally skilled as an orthoptist, physio or surgeon, you may
be able to work at the
COPE
( 021-218427;
www.copelaos.org
;
Th Khu Vieng;
9am-6pm)
Centre in Vientiane.
WOMEN TRAVELLERS
Stories of women being hassled are few. Lao men are more likely to be a little intimidated
by you than anything else. Much of the time any attention will be no more than curiosity,
as Western women are so physically different to Lao women.
Remember, you're in a strictly Buddhist country so the revealing of flesh, despite the
heat, is seen as cheap and disrespectful. Sarongs and long-sleeved T-shirts are a good idea.
Lao people will almost never confront you about what you're wearing, but to them wear-
ing a bikini is no different to wandering around in your underwear.
WORK
English teaching is the most common first job for foreigners working in Laos, and schools
in Vientiane are often hiring. There is also an inordinate number of development organisa-
tions - see
www.directoryofngos.org
for a full list - where foreigners with technical skills
and volunteer experience can look for employment. Ask around.
Getting There & Away
With over a dozen border crossings into Laos, visiting the country has never been easier.
Also, the once wobbly Lao Airlines has replaced its ailing fleet with nine new Chinese
planes, and is servicing most corners of the country and neighbouring countries with fre-
quent flights.
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