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Nov-mar is best, pack a cardie, it can get nippy; Apr is hot and hazy thanks to field burning and the Mekong runs dry; and Jun-oct is wet monsoon, but very lush Awkphansaa festival in Oct marks the end of Buddhist lent – the town lights up in colours and processions Laos New Year (Boun Pi Mai) in mid-apr is a water festival enthusiastically celebrated in Luang Prabang, prepare to get wet – waterproof mascara is in order Visa upon arrival – US$30-41 depending on nationality, payable in cash, US$, and bring a passport photo Luang Prabang Int’l Airport to town, book transfers via your hotel, or else use a van service: 15 mins / US$6 English is not widely spoken and service is well meaning but uncertain, so patience is a must The address “system” is meaningless to visitors, and street names are too, so landmarks are often used Get around using tuk-tuks or on your own two legs Medical services are extremely limited. Ensure you have medivac insurance, as you’ll be taken to Bangkok Legally, ID is required to be carried at all times Kip is the local currency, but you can pay in US$ or Thai baht and receive change in kip, but note that worn bills will usually not be accepted There are now ATMS and exchange booths all over Laos, so bring foreign currency with you, though note US$, euro and Thai baht are the most accepted Cash is king. Carry plenty of small notes; the few places that accept credit cards add a 3-4% fee Only Mastercard, Maestro and JCB will do, thank you Opening times can be flexible, go with the flow... Dress modestly when visiting pagodas and watching monks, no bare shoulders or Kylie hot pants, and wear shoes that can be easily removed In emergencies, contact your embassy (see V. Useful) Country code is +856, local calls 071 for Luang Prabang, 021 for Vientiane and 020 for mobiles

Three phrases that will be of use...

Sabai dee : Hello Bo pen nyang : No worries, anytime Khop jai : Thanks, poppet Alrighty, take a chill pill...