Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SHOPPING
In either city, you can safely expect to find bottled water and Beerlao at virtually any con-
venience store. The further you get from the cities, the rarer the stores tend to be - though
do note the tendency for stores to congregate around tourist destinations.
CULTURAL NOTES AND WARNINGS
Lao people are generally good-natured, laid-back, and easy to get along with. This isn't all
that different from Thailand, although it's a good idea to be skeptical of anyone approach-
ing you with good English.
Thegovernment considers itillegal forLaocitizens tohavesexwithnon-Laocitizens. This
doesn't stop the ladies of the night from making appearances at the bar - just don't be sur-
prised when you get more than you bargained for.
Theft, while still uncommon, is possible. Don't put anything in the basket of your bike
(most motorbikes won't have one, but some pedal bikes will).
WHAT TO BRING
• Small packs of toilet paper. Like in most of Asia, TP is not commonly used or eas-
ily found in most bathrooms; you may find a sprayer in some bathrooms for your
nether regions, however.
• Sunscreen - and don't forget to use it either! Some aloe vera lotion wouldn't hurt
either.
• (Women only.) A sarong, long dress, pants, or skirt that covers your knees. Quite
a few temples and some museums require 'respectful' or 'modest' clothing. Men,
you're subject to this rule as well - no sleeveless shirts / tank tops or super-short
shorts.
• Sunglasses and bandanna, if you're driving the motorbike. Dirt roads get dusty, and
your face will thank you for the extra protection.
• A small first-aid kit - bandaids, aspirin, antiseptic, etc.
• Blindfold and/or ear plugs. It makes little sense to most Westerners, but hotel
rooms with air-conditioners may not necessarily have glass windows that keep the
cold air in. This also means sounds leak in from everywhere - and construction
sometimes starts as soon as the sun comes up.