Travel and Tourist

Business Hours
Banks: 08:30 to 14:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 08:00 to 16:00, daily
Markets: 06:00 to 17:00, daily
Government Offices: 07:30 to 11:30 and 14:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday Cautions
Despite being a friendly and laid-back Buddhist country, Laos has a few unique hazards which visitors need to be aware of before arrival. Violent crime against foreigners is rare, but petty theft happens as often as you leave something unattended. Laos is an impoverished country, and desperate times create desperate people. Keep your valuables with you at all times, as even your guesthouse room should not be considered safe. Lately, bag snatchers have been plaguing Luang Prabang, so be extra careful after dark when walking around.

continue reading…

Popularity: 9% [?]

A few days ago, I made my first visa run to Laos, by bus.

Normally I go to Singapore to get a 60-day tourist visa, but the last time I went, they refused to give me a 60-day visa because I have an open e-ticket back to Canada. They now want a confirmed ticket, and will not accept an open ticket. This is stupid, if you ask me. I told the lady at the front desk that if the violence in Bangkok gets bad, I can phone Air Canada and be on my way next day, so an open ticket is much better than a ticket for a particular date. No dice. So I had to fly back to Bangkok and got the usual 30-day entry at the airport. The entire trip cost me 18,000 baht, counting hotels, flights, meals, taxis, etc. What a waste.

I did a couple of visa runs by bus to Cambodia, and find that a pain in the bum, since you only get 14 days and then have to do it again, and it costs 2000 baht each time.

continue reading…

Popularity: 19% [?]