Welcome

Here is the Google Maps link that will lead you to Le Thatluang D'or Boutique Hotel.

There is limited parking at the hotel (~10 spots) and across the street at Green Pepper Restaurant (~20 spaces). Street parking would be your main option.

It is recommended to arrange a taxi or rideshare so you don't have to worry about finding a spot. Maxim, Green SM, and Loca are good options.

It will be hot! Dress accordingly with formal attire while keeping the weather in mind.

Of course! Feel free to reach out to Chris or Nott any time and we will respond as quickly as we can!

All non-Lao national guests, please make sure to have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity before you travel.

You have two options: VOA (Visa On-Arrival) or E-Visa.

VOA costs $40 cash. Make sure you have crisp and pristine bills. You will have to wait in-line for visa processing at the airport.

E-Visa costs ~$55 per person (for US Passport holders). It is done on their website. You will need to upload passport pictures and info to their site. Payment is made by credit card and you will print off the visa approval letter. You will not wait as long at immigration but still need to do the arrival form. FYI in terms of processing time, I applied and paid for mine on April 30 and received the approval letter on May 4. Please plan ahead.

If you transit through Thailand, make sure to do the TDAC as well. Print it off for immigration officers to scan and keep your boarding passes throughout the journey. Provide proof of onward travel too, such as a flight itinerary.

If your phone is unlocked, you can get an e-sim at Wattay Airport. My service provider is Lao Telecom and it works well. After you get an e-sim with a Lao number, you can get a phone plan for 25GB that lasts 1 month, costing just under $3.

Calling is usually done through WhatsApp or Messenger so make sure you have those apps installed and working with those you need to contact. Standard calling will cost extra money.

Credit cards are rarely used here and you don't want to pay 3% CC fees. Cash is king. I recommend having the Charles Schwab ATM card. It is free and you can apply online here. Each time you withdraw money from an ATM, technically there is a fee. However, this card is special because they reimburse you for all the ATM fees that you incur at the end of each month so you never have to pay any ATM fees.

In Laos, the purple ATM is Indochina Bank. They give you the highest limit at 3,500,000 kip which is ~$155. The red ATM is BCel bank and yellow one is Phongsavanh Bank. They give you a limit of 2,000,000 kip which is about $88. ATM fees are roughly 40,000 kip, a bit higher for Indochina Bank but you can withdraw more there.

Be prepared and bring crisp USD with you on your trip as well and you can exchange it for kip at any MoneyGram location.

After you have a Lao number, you can install a rideshare app on your phone. Maxim is the cheapest based on my experience. Others include Green SM and Loca, although they are a little more expensive. If you are staying in the city, Maxim has plenty of drivers and you should never have to pay more than 100,000 or $4.50 per ride in the city. Drivers accept cash and QR code, tipping not required.

Kokkok Move is an even cheaper alternative if you dare to ride in the electric orange tuk-tuk. Air pollution is a common issue so if you have respiratory issues, wear a mask or get a car from the apps above. Do not get in a traditional tuk-tuk because they will rip you off and charge astromonical prices.

Be careful with checked baggage fees and check what you are paying for when you purchase your ticket. Speaking from experience, I had to pay extra on my separate ticket from Bangkok to Vientiane. You live and learn.

When planning your journey, it usually takes 2 days to arrive. Since you are travelling into the Indochina time zone, you will lose a day. Keep that in mind when planning accommodations.

Pharmacies are everywhere and chances are you will not need a prescription if it is a common medication.

If you do not plan on going into rural areas, you do not need any vaccinations.

Just drink bottled water. Ice is generally fine. City tap water is good for showering and brushing teeth but I would NOT recommend it for drinking. A standard sized water bottle costs 7,000 kip, or roughly 30 cents.

There is no shortage of restaurants/cafés in Vientiane and the food sanitation depends on the location. Use your best judgment. If you are worried about stomach problems, pack some immodium tablets with you. We appreciate you being adventurous and trying new things but if something seems questionable, just avoid it. For more specific requests, feel free to contact Chris or Nott.

Of course it is! Just be aware of your surroundings and belongings. Frequently check for your phone, id, purse, wallet, etc., especially after getting out of a taxi.

Honestly, the most important thing is to watch where you are walking so you don't hurt yourself. Loose ground tiles, holes in the street/sidewalk, uneven pavement can lead to injury. Go slow and be careful.

Also, drivers do not yield to pedestrians. Be careful when crossing the street and watch out for motorbikes. Otherwise, have a nice time!

Unfortunately, we cannot offer accommodation for guests. It would actually be an inconvenience for you since I do not live in the city center.

However, there are several hotels and guesthouses available in the area that you can book in advance. Five-star luxury hotels are around $100 per night. Cheaper options can be as cheap as $20 per night. There are so many places to choose from!

It will be hot! Dress accordingly with formal attire while keeping the weather in mind.

Main Attractions: Pha That Luang, Patuxai/Patuxai Park, Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang), COPE Visitor Centre, Lao National Museum, Lao Textile Museum, Lao Art Museum, Hor Phra Keo Museum, That Dam Stupa, Chao Anouvong Park, Mekong River Night Market

Temples: Wat Simeuang, Wat Sisaket, Wat That Khao, Wat Mixai, Wat Ong Teu Temple

Malls: Vientiane Center (has bowling alley and movie theater), Parkson, Itecc (has movie theater), Kokkok Mega Mall, Talat Sao (Morning Market)

Food/Drink: Try a restaurant or café. For specific requests, contact Chris or Nott.

Other: If none of the above interests you and you have time, you can ride the Lao-China Railway train for a day trip to Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang. The trip takes 1 to 2 hours respectively.

Of course! Feel free to reach out to Chris or Nott any time and we will respond as quickly as we can!