Is 2 days enough in Luang Prabang?
With just two days in Luang Prabang, you may get a good perspective of the city, see a Mekong sunset, meet some monks, and take a culinary lesson. You may also explore the surrounding area by taking a river boat to the Pak Ou Caves and seeing one of the neighboring waterfalls, or perhaps working on a genuine farm.Here’s how.
Day 1: Morning
Begin the day early, like the locals do, by waking up to witness the monks collecting alms throughout the city and participating in the rite yourself. Take in the ambiance at a wet (product) market, which is buzzing long before daylight, and then walk in the footsteps of Laos' last king at the Royal Palace Museum.
Day 1: Afternoon
Culture vultures could spend the afternoon exploring the city's iconic temples, including Vat Visounarath and Wat Xieng Thong. Others may learn about Laos' distinctive cuisine, which includes elements from Thailand, China, and even France, by taking a culinary lesson.
Day 1: Night
The colors that the setting sun reflects in the Mekong will stay with you for the rest of your life. Experience your first sunset in Luang Prabang from a sunset boat, above Mt. Phousi in the city center, or from a humble riverbank bistro with a cool Beer Lao in hand.
Day 2: Morning
Continue your Mekong adventures with a traditional Luang Prabang adventure: a river trip to the Buddha-filled Pak Ou Caves. Many boats stop in traditional villages such as Whisky community (Ban Xang Hai) and Ban Xang Khong, a weaving community.
Day 2: Afternoon
A number of beautiful waterfalls cascade through the trees just west of Luang Prabang. Spend the afternoon visiting Kuang Si Falls, a three-tiered waterfall that also houses a bear rescue facility that rescues bears from the brutal traditional medicine trade. Alternatively, visit a real organic farm and learn about the hard job of rice production.
Day 2: Night
The vibrant night market in Luang Prabang is one of the top places in Southeast Asia to browse for handicrafts. Purchase mulberry-paper notebooks, vibrant silks, and embroidered bags. Finish your tour to the city with a gourmet dining feast by candlelight in a tropical garden at one of Luang Prabang's beautiful restaurants.
Do Swiss citizens need proof of onward travel to Laos?
Yes, Swiss citizens need to show proof of onward travel when entering Laos. This is mandatory for all travelers to Laos, regardless of nationality.
A valid visa for another country, a confirmed onward airplane or bus ticket, or a letter from a travel agent confirming your further travel plans can all serve as proof of onward travel.
When you arrive in Laos, immigration officials may want to examine your documentation of onward travel. You may be refused admission into Laos if you do not have documentation of onward travel.
Here are some tips for getting proof of onward travel to Laos:
Plan your next steps ahead of time. You'll have a piece of mind knowing you have a confirmed ticket or visa.
Always have your evidence of further travel with you. This involves storing it in your passport or another secure location.
When you arrive in Laos, be prepared to provide your evidence of onward travel to the immigration officials.
How to travel to Laos from Switzerland?
Swiss citizens must print the Laos eVisa Approval Letter. Travelers must bring a valid Swiss passport as well as a printed eVisa Approval Letter.
Swiss citizens should do the following when they arrive at the Laotian border:
Go to the eVisa lane in the immigration area.
Show border authorities your Swiss passport and e-Visa.
Receive final permission to enter Laos
There are a few ways to travel to Laos from Switzerland. Here are some of the most popular options:
By plane: Because there are no direct flights from Switzerland to Laos, you must take a connecting trip. Bangkok, Hanoi, and Kuala Lumpur are all major connecting airports. The flight from Switzerland to Laos takes about 10-12 hours.
By bus: There are no direct buses between Switzerland and Laos. However, you can travel by bus to Bangkok, Thailand, and then take a connecting bus to Laos.
By car: Driving to Laos from Switzerland is possible, but it is a lengthy and difficult voyage. Switzerland and Laos are almost 5,000 kilometers apart, and the journey would take at least 5 days.
Once you arrive in Laos, you can travel around the country by plane, train, bus, or car.
What type of visa is required for Laos?
There are different types of visas for traveling to Laos, with numerous aspects to consider when deciding which one you require. Travelers should consider the length of their stay in Laos as well as the cause of their travel since Laos visa types include business, tourist, transit, and more
Tourist Visa (T): This visa is appropriate for tourists and leisure travelers visiting Laos. It enables a brief vacation to the nation for sightseeing, visiting friends or family, or immersing oneself in the local culture.
Business Visa (B): The business visa is for foreign travelers traveling to Laos for business-related activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, or exploring business opportunities.
Transit Visa (TR): The transit visa is for travelers passing through Laos on their way to another destination and requires a short stopover in the country.
Visa on Arrival (VOA): Some nationalities are eligible for visas on arrival in Laos at specified entrance ports. This sort of visa permits for a brief stay in the country for tourists or businesses. However, before flying, be sure your nationality is qualified for a VOA.
E-Visa: The Laos government unveiled the Laos eVisa (really titled Laos Approval Letter) in July 2019, an electronic visa to travel to Laos that streamlines the process of acquiring a visa to visit the nation. This website will be updated with current information regarding the Laos eVisa.
Work Visa (E): For individuals intending to work in Laos, a work visa is required. Work visas are usually obtained through sponsorship from an employer or organization in Laos.
Residence Visa: For those planning to live in Laos for an extended period, a residence visa is necessary.
Can Swiss citizens apply for a Laos business visa?
Yes, Swiss citizens can apply for a Laos business visa. A business visa is a type of visa that allows you to enter Laos for the purpose of conducting business.
The visa application requirements for a Swiss citizen are:
A valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry into Laos.
A recent passport-sized photograph.
A blank passport front page
The first page of your passport.
The processing time for a business visa for Swiss citizens is typically 1-3 working days. However, if you apply from a nation without an online application system, the processing time may be longer.
You can apply for a Laos business visa at a Lao embassy or consulate in your home country, or at the airport in Vientiane.
Here are some additional tips for applying for a Laos business visa:
Make sure your employer's or business sponsor's letter is in English or French.
A hotel reservation or a letter from a friend or family member who is hosting you might serve as proof of lodging in Laos.
A bank statement or a letter from your company confirming that they will reimburse your expenditures might serve as proof of adequate finances to sustain your stay in Laos.
Is Laos visa-free for Swiss citizens?
Yes, Laos is visa-free for Swiss citizens for a stay of up to 15 days. This implies that Swiss nationals can enter Laos without a visa and stay in the country for up to 15 days without limitation.
If you want to stay in Laos for more than 15 days, you must apply for a visa. A visa can be obtained at a Lao embassy or consulate in your home country, or from the airport in Vientiane.
The Laos visa requirements for Swiss citizens are:
Passport – Valid for 6 months from the date of arrival in Laos. Make sure there is one blank in the stamp.
Passport photo – must be current and meet the criteria for a passport photo.
Travel itinerary.
Place of accommodation – A hotel reservation confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or proof of accommodation will suffice.
Email address – Each visa we provide to our customers will be sent as an email message. Therefore, please provide an email address that you use frequently.
A Swiss national will be notified through email whether they are successful in acquiring a Laos eVisa.
If the e-Visa is not granted for any reason, Swiss applicants must contact their nearest Laos embassy or consulate to apply for a Laos visa.
How to travel to Laos from Germany?
There are several ways to travel to Laos from Germany. Here are some of the most popular options:
By plane: There are direct flights from Frankfurt to Laos' capital, Vientiane. The flight lasts about 12 hours. There are additional connecting flights from other German cities.
By train: There is no direct rail service between Germany and Laos. You may, however, take a train to Bangkok, Thailand, and then transfer to a train to Vientiane. The train ride from Bangkok to Vientiane takes around 24 hours.
By bus: Several bus companies provide direct trips from Bangkok to Vientiane. The bus ride takes about 30 hours.
By car: You may also drive from Germany to Laos. However, because it is a lengthy and tough travel, this is not the best option.
You may travel around Laos by airline, rail, bus, or vehicle after you arrive.
Here are some of the things to consider when choosing a way to travel to Laos from Germany:
Your budget: The cost of travel will differ based on the method of transportation used. The most expensive choice is to fly, while the cheapest is to take the bus.
Your time constraints: Flying is the greatest alternative if you are short on time. If you have more time, you may take the train or bus and take in the sights along the route.
Your preferences: Flying is the finest alternative for a comfortable and convenient mode of transportation. If you want to have a more adventurous experience, you may go by train or bus.
Do German citizens Need Passport Photos for the Laos Visa?
Yes, German citizens need passport photos for the Laos visa. The photos must meet the following requirements:
Size: The photos must be 4x6 cm (1.6x2.4 inches) in size.
Color: The photos must be in color.
Background: The photographs must have a white backdrop.
Pose: The photographs must be shot in the passport posture, with your head forward and your eyes open.
Clarity: The photographs must be clean and free of flaws.
Passport photographs can be shot in a photo booth, a photographic studio, or a post office. There are other online firms that can assist you obtain passport photographs done.
If you apply for a Laos visa online, you must provide images of your passport to the application website. You must bring your passport photographs to your appointment if you are applying for a Laos visa at a Lao embassy or consulate.
Here are some additional tips for getting passport photos for your Laos visa:
Make sure that your photos are recent. The photos must be taken within the last 6 months.
Wear plain clothing that does not have any distracting patterns or logos.
Avoid wearing glasses or sunglasses in your photos.
If you have long hair, make sure that it is tied back or pinned up.
Can I Obtain A Laos Tourist Visa for German Citizens In Advance?
Yes, German citizens can apply for a Laos tourist visa in advance before their travel to Laos. There are two main options to apply for a Laos tourist visa:
Online: You can apply for a Laos tourist visa online through the Global Visa Services website. The application process is simple and straightforward, and you will receive your visa electronically within a few days.
At a Lao embassy or consulate: You can also apply for a Laos tourist visa at a Lao embassy or consulate in your home country. When you apply for a visa at the embassy, it will take you quite a while. That's why we recommend you apply for a visa online
When applying for a Laos tourist visa, you will typically need to submit the following documents:
A current passport - Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Laos. The scan must be clear, and all of your information must be legible. There are no spliced images, blurring, or glares. A hazy scan is a typical reason for the rejection of an Indian tourist visa to Laos.
A current passport-size photo; if you don't have one, you may get one fast by using our Passport photo service.
Two blank pages in your passport
Your passport's first page
Birth certificate (only for minor applicants)
An email address - Make sure you input it correctly while filling out the application form since you will receive your online visa by email.
The processing time for a Laos tourist visa for German citizens is typically 1 to 3 working days. However, the processing time may be longer if you are applying from a country that does not have an online application system.
Where to buy a SIM card in Laos?
Fortunately, Asia is one of the greatest countries to get a SIM card quickly.
Almost anyplace in Asia, you should be able to get an inexpensive SIM card.
In reality, most data bundles are reasonably priced, which simplifies the process!
Here are some places where you can buy a SIM card in Laos
Airports: In large towns such as Vientiane and Luang Prabang, international airports provide kiosks or businesses where you may purchase SIM cards upon arrival.
Mobile Network Shops: SIM cards are available from official outlets or authorized resellers of local mobile network companies as Lao Telecom, Unitel, and Beeline. These stores are often found in Laos' cities and towns.
Convenience Stores: Many convenience shops, such as 7-Eleven and Mini Big C, also offer SIM cards and mobile network provider top-up credits.
Street Vendors: Street sellers selling SIM cards may be seen in prominent tourist spots. However, purchasing from authorized merchants is suggested to verify the legitimacy of the SIM card and correct registration.
Hotels and Guesthouses: Some hotels and guesthouses may offer SIM cards for sale or can guide you to nearby places where you can purchase one.
Prepare to give identification, such as your passport, when purchasing a SIM card in Laos, as SIM cards must be registered in your name. You may select from a variety of prepaid plans that provide varying data, voice, and text allowances according to your needs. It is essential to evaluate the options of many mobile providers to pick the one that best meets your needs.
Check for coverage in the locations you intend to visit before acquiring a SIM card, especially if you will be going to more rural areas. Furthermore, double-check the activation procedure and make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the local network frequencies.