Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and less frequently Mastercard, are possible in some banks in larger towns, though minimum
amounts and commission are likely to be imposed.
Travellers' cheques
are rarely, if ever, accepted.
Opening hours and public holidays
Hours for government offices are generally Monday to Friday 8am-noon & 1-5pm. Tourist
offices throughout the country are theoretically open Mon-Fri 8-11.30am & 1.30-4pm,
though in some large towns they're also open at weekends, and offices in small towns often
open late and close early. Private businesses usually open and close a bit later, with most
opening on Saturday but almost all closed on Sunday. Details of
banking hours
are given in
the banks and exchange section.
The posted hours on
museums
are not always scrupulously followed outside the major cit-
ies and on slow days (almost every day) the curators and staff are often tempted to pack up
and head home. Unless a festival is taking place,
monasteries
should only be visited during
daylight hours as monks are very early risers and are usually in bed not long after sunset.
Government offices, banks and post offices close for public holidays - a lot of shops, espe-
cially in smaller towns, also close for the day.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
January 1
New Year's Day
January 6
Pathet Lao Day
January 20
Army Day
March 8
Women's Day
March 22
Lao People's Party Day
April 13-15
Lao New Year
May 1
International Labour Day
June 1
Children's Day
August 13
Lao Issara
August 23
Liberation Day
October 12
Freedom from France Day
December 2
National Day
Phones
The majority of internet cafés now have facilities for international calling, usually through
Skype.
