Timetable

Temples are generally open from dawn to dusk, except for some historical temples. Museums are mostly open between 9am and 5pm with a weekly closing day, sometimes two. Some places have extended hours on weekends and during school holidays.

To be booked

Reservations are rarely necessary, except for some guided tours, treks in national parks, workshops and various courses. We systematically inform him if this is the case.

Main events

Laos has several public holidays. Buddhist holidays are aligned with the lunar calendar.

January ^1st. New Year's Day.

20th January. Commemoration of the founding of the Lao People's Army on January 20, 1949, the first step towards the independence of Laos.

February. Boun Khao Chi. Commemorates the sermon of Buddha's Makha Bucha

March 8th. International Women's Rights Day

April 14 to 16: Lao Pi Mai. The traditional Laotian New Year's Day.

May ^1st. National Labour Day.

May. Visakha Bousa (at full moon). Celebrates the birth, awakening and entry into Buddha's nirvana.

July. Khao Phansa, first day of Buddhist Lent.

July 19th. Lao People's Democratic Republic Independence Day

July 20th. Lao Women's Day

13 August. Free Laos Day

December 2nd. Lao national holiday

Guided tours

Guided tours are mandatory in some national protected areas and elephant rehabilitation centres, where the presence of a guide is essential. The rest of the time, you can visit the cities or sites as you wish, but the explanations of a qualified guide will often help you to understand the culture and subtleties of a place (city, museum, monument).

Smokers

Unlike Thailand, smoking is allowed in all open places in Laos. It is of course forbidden in closed places (restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, etc.). Smoking can sometimes be uncomfortable on some café or restaurant terraces. Common sense and cordiality prevail. Avoid smoking in the first place if you are invited to a Lao family, wait and see how your hosts behave.