What are some interesting facts about Savannakhet?
Savannakhet is Laos' second largest city (after Vientiane) and is located on the banks of the Mekong River, bordering Thailand and Vietnam. The city is home to a number of ethnic communities, including Laotian, Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Sacred Buddhist stupas like That Ing Hang and That Phonh, as well as 20 national protected areas dot the Savannakhet Province, are must-sees.
Here are some interesting facts about Savannakhet:
Historical Significance: The city has a long history, stretching back to the Khmer Empire. In and around Savannakhet, you may still see relics of this heritage, including temples and ruins.
French Colonial Influence: Savannakhet, like much of Laos, was under French colonial administration for a long time. The city's architecture reflects this impact, with many colonial-era structures still intact.
Friendship Bridge II: The Second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, which connects Savannakhet to Mukdahan in Thailand, is located in Savannakhet. This bridge is critical for regional trade and transportation.
Dinosaur Museum: The Dinosaur Museum in Savannakhet exhibits a collection of dinosaur fossils and information about the prehistoric animals that once inhabited the region. It is a one-of-a-kind attraction for paleontology enthusiasts.
Laid-Back Atmosphere: Savannakhet has a more peaceful and laid-back ambiance than the busy capital, Vientiane. It's a spot where you may explore and appreciate the local culture at your leisure.
Local Cuisine: Savannakhet, like the rest of Laos, provides a variety of wonderful Lao foods, including the famed sticky rice and numerous noodle meals. Don't pass up the opportunity to sample the local food.
Natural Beauty: The surrounding area is noted for its natural beauty, with breathtaking scenery along the Mekong River and outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
Festivals: Savannakhet, like other Lao cities, celebrates a variety of festivals throughout the year, including traditional Buddhist festivals and cultural activities.
Friendly Locals: Visitors frequently comment on the warmth and friendliness of the locals. It is customary to be greeted warmly by the people of Savannakhet.
Read more: Savannakhet Travel Guide - Immerse Yourself in Lao Culture and Heritage
Can I Enter Laos If My Passport Expires Soon?
No, you cannot enter Laos if your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date. This is a requirement of the Lao government, and airlines will not allow you to board a flight to Laos if your passport does not meet this requirement.
It is important to note that this requirement is for the validity of your passport, not the date that you applied for your visa. If you have a valid visa, but your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you will still not be allowed to enter Laos.
If your passport is expiring soon, you should renew it before you travel to Laos. You can renew your passport at your local passport office.
Here are some tips for renewing your passport:
Best Time to Apply for the Renewal of Your Passport: When applying for a passport renewal, it is all about time. If your passport is likely to expire within the next 06 months or has expired within the last 12 months, you can apply for a passport renewal. If your passport has been expired for longer than 12 months, you will be unable to renew it. In that situation, you will need to apply for a new passport. It is advised that you apply at least six months before your passport's expiration date. The reason for this is that if the application procedure takes too long, you will have your passport renewed by the time your first one expires.
Online Application for Renewal of Passport: Applying online is the most convenient way to renew your passport. You will just need to go to the online official website, fill out the application form for passport renewal, and then submit the form after paying the necessary amount for passport renewal. It is advised that you apply online since it will save you a lot of time and will only take you 10 to 15 minutes. If you make an error while applying for a passport renewal, simply contact the customer support number shown on the website, and they will assist you in resolving the problem.
Pay the passport renewal fee: You must pay the passport renewal charge. The passport renewal fee varies based on the kind of passport and the applicant's age.
Can French Passport Holders Get a Laos Visa at the Airport
Yes, French passport holders can apply for a visa on arrival in Laos. French citizens should fill out the visa application form in advance to save time on arrival.
Laos visas are easily obtained on arrival at all points of entry, including the busiest international airports. Visitors wishing to get a visa on arrival in Laos must have the visa fee in cash; card payments are not accepted.
Passengers from France who choose the visa on arrival should plan ahead of time. Long lineups may form at the visa-on-arrival window.
French travelers are urged to apply online whenever feasible for a speedier and more convenient process.
Laos visas for French citizens may be obtained upon arrival at the following international airports:
Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital.
Luang Prabang International Airport in Luang Prabang Province.
Pakse Internatioanl Airport in Champasak Province.
Do French Citizens Need A Visa For Laos?
Yes. French nationals need a valid visa corresponding to their purpose of visiting Laos. Additionally, the Government of Laos has a list of countries whose nationals are exempt from visas when they visit Laos.
There are several ways that French passport holders can apply for a Laos tourist visa. So let us explore all those options:
On the Global Visa Services website: You may also apply for a Laos tourist visa on the website of the Global Visa Services. The visa application process is simple and quick. In less than 20 minutes, you can complete the online application form with some essential information. At present, applying online is one of the most popular ways to apply for a visa.
Through the Embassy of Laos: You can apply for additional Laos visas listed earlier in this article at the Laos Embassy in France. To apply, fill out the application form, submit your papers, pay the visa money, and wait for your Visa to be issued.
On Arrival: French nationals can apply for a tourist or business visa at the airport. However, if the port of entry is crowded, the visa application procedure might be lengthy.
How long is a bus from Vientiane to Vang Vieng?
The bus journey from Vientiane to Vang Vieng takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the type of bus.
The fastest way to get from Vientiane to Vang Vieng is by minivan. Minivans are small, comfortable buses that can carry up to 12 passengers. The trip by minivan typically takes 2 hours.
You can take a public bus from Vientiane to Vang Vieng with enough budget. Public buses are more significant and less comfortable than minivans but are also cheaper. The travel time for public buses is generally 3 hours.
There are also a number of private travel agencies that offer transfer services from Vientiane to Vang Vieng. These transfers may cost more than taking the bus, but they are more convenient.
Here are some of the bus companies that offer transfers from Vientiane to Vang Vieng:
Green Discovery
Soutchai Travel
Vientiane Express
When choosing a bus from Vientiane to Vang Vieng, it is essential to consider the following factors:
Price: Bus prices vary depending on the type of bus you ride and the company you book with.
Comfort: Minivans are the most comfortable option but also the most expensive. Public buses are the cheapest option but also the least inconvenient.
Convenience: Private transfers are the most convenient and expensive option.
Is Laos Safe for Myanmar Citizens?
Generally, Laos is safe for Myanmar citizens. The Laotian government has a solid track record of protecting tourists, and no severe events involving tourists have occurred in recent years. However, there are a few things to consider if you want to go to Laos from Myanmar:
Be aware of your surroundings: As with any other tourist location, stay alert of your surroundings and take measures against petty theft. Never leave valuables unsecured, and use caution when wandering about at night.
Avoid remote areas: There have been stories of violence in isolated parts of Laos; therefore, avoid these places if possible. Travel with a guide or in a group if you visit a distant location.
Be respectful of local customs: Because Laos is a Buddhist country, it is critical to observe local customs. Dress modestly, avoid public shows of affection, and refrain from photographing monks without their consent.
Overall, Laos is a safe destination to visit for Myanmar nationals. However, staying safe requires being aware of the hazards and taking measures.
Here are some additional tips for staying safe in Laos:
Travel with travel insurance: Travel insurance will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or theft.
Stay in reputable hotels: Reputable hotels will have reasonable security measures to protect their guests.
Avoid drinking too much alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can impair your judgment and make you more vulnerable to crime.
Be aware of scams: Tourists fall prey to a few classic scams in Laos. Be careful of anyone who approaches you and offers you unwanted assistance or tries to sell you something.
Trust your gut: It probably isn't if something doesn't feel right. Don't be afraid to walk away from a situation that makes you uncomfortable.
Do Myanmar citizens need visas for Laos?
Yes, Myanmar citizens need a visa to enter Laos. Myanmar citizens can stay in Laos for 14 days visa-free, but if they want to stay for more than two weeks, they must apply for a visa. The Laos eVisa given to Myanmar citizens is valid for up to 30 days.
You can apply for a Laos visa online through the Global Visa Services website. On our website, we strive to make obtaining an India visa online a quick and painless procedure that can be accomplished in three simple steps:
Step 1: Begin by filling out the online application form on our website. Fill out your personal information and select the type of visa you wish to apply for.
Step 2: After completing the form, double-check your information to confirm it is correct. Then, choose the processing method that best meets your requirements.
Step 3: Pay the service charge with PayPal, Visa, Master Card, Amex, or a credit/debit card, and submit any needed documents, such as a passport photo and a passport photo scan.
Step 4: Once you have completed the payment, you will receive a confirmation email. The Visa processing time usually takes 1 to 3 days, in case you apply for a rush visa, it will take about 1 day.
Can I get a visa at Luang Prabang Airport?
Yes, you can get a visa on arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport. The visa on arrival is available for citizens of most countries, including Myanmar.
To apply for a visa on arrival, you will need to bring the following documents:
A valid passport with a validity period of at least six months beyond your expected stay in Laos.
A recent passport photograph.
An application form for a visa.
Proof of future travel.
The visa-on-arrival process is often short and straightforward. You should anticipate waiting around 30 minutes for your visa to be processed.
You will be allowed to enter Laos and begin your trip after you have obtained your visa.
Here are some more hints for obtaining a visa on arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport:
Arrive early at the airport, especially if traveling during the high season. You don't want to miss your flight since the visa-on-arrival counters are often crowded.
Prepare all of your documentation. This will expedite the procedure and reduce the likelihood of being turned down.
Expect to pay with cash. The cost of a visa on arrival is not accepted in all currencies.
Be courteous and patient. The visa-on-arrival counters might be crowded, but the personnel is typically kind and helpful.
How to travel to Laos from Myanmar?
There are several methods to go to Laos from Myanmar. Here are the most common alternatives:
By plane: Direct flights are from Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw to Laos' capital, Vientiane. The flight lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
By bus: Some buses travel from several cities in Myanmar to Luang Prabang, a popular tourist destination in Laos. The journey takes about 24 hours
By train: There is a railroad that connects Mandalay, Myanmar, with Boten, Laos. The trek takes around 12 hours.
Overland: Overland travel from Myanmar to Laos is also viable. The most common route connects Tachilek in Myanmar with Houayxay in Laos. The trip takes around three days.
Whichever way you travel, check the visa requirements for both Myanmar and Laos before you go. You can apply for a Laos visa online through Global Visa Services.
Here are some additional tips for traveling to Laos from Myanmar:
Laos' official currency is the kip. You may exchange your Myanmar kyat at the border or Laos banks for a kip.
Myanmar and Laos have a one-hour time difference. Myanmar is one hour ahead of Laos.
The voltage in Laos is 220V. You will need a travel adapter to use your electronic devices in Laos.
Laos is a relatively safe country, but it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.
Can you still go tubing in Vang Vieng?
Yes, you can still go tubing in Vang Vieng. However, it is no longer the same as it once was. Tubing in Vang Vieng used to be a party scene, with people drinking extensively and doing drugs. A number of mishaps occurred, including drownings.
The Laotian government prohibited tubing at Vang Vieng in response to these issues. Many of the river's pubs and restaurants were shuttered, and more robust safety measures were implemented.
Tubing in Vang Vieng is now considerably more sedate. There are a few pubs and restaurants along the river, although they are not as boisterous as they once were. People continue to consume alcohol while tubing, but they are more cautious not to overdo it.
If you plan on tubing in Vang Vieng, you should know the safety restrictions. You must always wear a life jacket and not consume alcohol to the point of drunkenness. You should also be mindful of your surroundings and avoid hitting your head on rocks or branches.
Tubing in Vang Vieng is still a pleasant pastime, but it is essential to be safe and responsible.