Geography
Laos is a land-locked country in the center of Indochina Peninsula. It shares border with Myanmar to the north west, China to the north, Thailand to the west, Cambodia to the south and Vietnam to the east.

About 70% of its approximately 236,800 square kilometers land area is mountainous. The landscape of northern Laos and the regions adjacent to Vietnam are dominated by hills. All three highest mountains are located in Xieng Khouang province: Phu Bia - 2820 m, Phu Xao - 2690 m, Phu Xamxum - 2620m.

Mekong river is the main geographical feature in the west land and forms a natural border with Myanmar, and Thailand in some areas. Mekong river serves as a main transport route as well as a bloodline for the agriculture. In the south Mekong river reaches a breath of 14 kilometers, creating an area with thousands of islands.

Climates
Laos enjoys a tropical climates with two distinct seasons : the rainy season from May to the end of September and the dry season from October to the beginning of May. The lowest temperatures can be felt during November to February.

The maximum temperature in low land areas ( in the west and south along Mekong river ) can be as high as 38ºC in April. The lowest temperature in this low land areas is about 18ºC in January.

In the hilly regions the weather is quite fine in the driest months of March to April. Nights can be freezing in December and January at hghlands.

People
Laos has population of 4.6 millions ( 1996 estimates ). Roughly 13% of which live in Vientiane province. There are 68 ethnic groups such as Hmong, Khmu, Yao, Akha, Ikor, Lu, etc. Each ethnic group keep their own distinctive customs, language, dresses. These minorities can be classified into three groups:

Lao Theung ( upland ): 34% of the population, living along the foothills lower than 1100 meters above sea level.

Lao Soung ( hill tribes ): 9% of the population, living in mountainous areas about 1100 meters above sea level.

Lao Lum ( lowland ): 57% of the population, living in the flat areas and along Mekong river and its tributaries where there are cities.

Languages
Lao language is the national language which is very similar to that used in north eastern Thailand ( easern ). Other languages used are French, English, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese.

Religions
90% of Lao people follow Theravada Buddhism.

Passport and Visa
All visitors entering Laos must have their valid passport. Thais, Vietnamese and Chinese  living in Yunan province may enter Laos without a passport but using a border pass.

A tourist visa can be obtained at any Lao embassy overseas or through a tour agency. Visa on arrival are possible at Vientiane's Wattay International airport and Lao side of the Thai-Laos friendship border bridge linking Nong Khai of Thailand and Vientiane. Visitor needs a valid passport, one photo, a fee of US$ 30, etc. Visa on arrival at Luang Prabang airport may be possible in the near future.

Entry Points
Wattay airport in Vientiane

Luang Prabang airport

Thai-Lao friendship border bridge near Vientiane

Chiang Khong ( Thailand ) -Huayxai border check point in Bokeo province by river ferry.

Nakorn Phanom ( Thailand ) -Thakek border check point in Kammouane province by river ferry.

Mukdahan ( Thailand ) - Savannakhet border check point in Savannakhet province by river ferry

Chong Mek ( Thailand ) - Vangtau border check point in Champassack province by road

Lao Bao ( Vietnam ) - Ban Savan border check point in Borikhamsay province by road

Kao Theo ( Vietnam ) - Ban Theo border check point in Savannakhet province by road

Bohan ( China's Yunan ) - Boten border check point in Luang Namtha province by road

Time
Lao standard time is GMT + 7

Electricity
Laos use 220 Volts, 50 Hz electricity lines.

Currency
The "Kip" is the official currency of Laos. The bank notes are present in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 Kips. All major currencies such as US$, French Franc, DM, Thai Baht, etc. can be exchanged at banks and authorized money changers.

Money changers and banks can cash travelers cheques in major currencies. Most credits cards can be used in major hotels and restaurants in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.