Laos & Cambodia travel information
 Laos travel information:
1. Visa Information
In order to enter Laos, you will need a visa. When you book your holiday with Travel Authentic, we will send you an information pack including visa application forms and instructions for application.
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2. Airport Departure Taxes
Airport taxes are now included in ticket prices for both domestic and international departures, and you should not have to pay anything at the airport.
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3. Disruption to Air Services
Please note that for domestic and some international flights in Laos we are obliged to use Laos Airlines whose reputation for short-notice schedule changes and cancellations is well established, although the situation is now much improved. Although we will make every effort to carry out your agreed programme, short-notice changes may sometimes be unavoidable. Under these circumstances, we will make every effort to reinstate your programme to the best of our ability, by rearranging flights or hotels as necessary.
4. Money Matters
The currency in Laos is called the 'Laos Kip (LAK)'.
At the time of writing £1 = 13,103 LAK approx.
US$1 = 8000 LAK approx.
There is no point in trying to obtain Kip from home, it is best to buy what you need on arrival. We recommend that you change only a modest amount into Kip, enough to cover your immediate needs.
The US dollar and the Thai Baht are accepted in many places. In summary, we recommend you carry US dollar bills and a credit card for settling hotel incidentals bills and major purchases.
5. Mobile Telephones.
If your mobile phone is enabled for roaming, you will find it works in the main towns and cities of Laos but may not work in more remote areas.
6. Health.
We strongly recommend you take medical advice from your doctor before visiting any part of Indochina. He or she will be be able to advise you on the latest health-related recommendations and preventative measures. Water is drinkable in major hotels, but we recommend you stick to bottled water which is available everywhere. When ordering beer or other drinks, it is best to avoid ice - just ask for drinks 'No Ice'.
7. Sensible Precautions.
Laos is a safe destination and visitors rarely experience crime or other difficulties, and the tourist 'hassle-factor' in Laos is low, but please remember that there are bad people everywhere and petty crime can be a problem. Please take sensible precautions as for any 'third-world' country.
Please do not carry passports, important papers or a lot of money when walking in the street: make use of hotel safes where available. Handbags and cameras are tempting targets for thieves, as is ostentatious jewellery or watches.
8. Weather in Laos
Laos lies in the tropical zone and is suitable to visit all the year round. The weather is usually warm or hot but the months between late November and April are dryer and a little cooler. Please note that in December and January, cold weather can occur, especially in Northern Laos and in elevated or mountainous areas such as the Plain of Jars and the Bolaven Plateau. Light sweaters and jackets should be taken. From late May to late October rains can be expected, however it is not often that a whole day is ruined by rain: the tropical pattern is for short rainstorms, especially in the afternoon & evening.
Best time to visit: November to April.
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Cambodia Travel Information
1. Visa Information
In order to enter Cambodia, you will need a visa. When you book your holiday with Travel Authentic, we will send you an information pack including visa application forms and instructions for application.
2. Airport Departure Taxes
You should remember to retain sufficient funds to pay international departure taxes (airport service charges). At the time of writing, these are:
Phnom Penh: US$25
Siem Reap: US$25
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3. Money Matters
The currency in Cambodia is called the 'Riel'.
At the time of writing £1 = 6700 Riel approx.
US$1 = 4100 Riel approx.
There is no point in trying to obtain Riel from home, it is best to buy what you need on arrival. We recommend that you change only a small amount into Riel, just enough to cover your immediate needs.
The US dollar is also universally accepted, as is the Thai Baht. In summary, we recommend you carry US dollar bills and a credit card for settling hotel incidentals bills and major purchases.
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4. Mobile Telephones.
If your mobile phone is enabled for roaming, you will find it works in the main towns and cities of Cambodia but may not work in more remote areas.
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5. Health.
We strongly recommend you take medical advice from your doctor before visiting any part of Indochina. He or she will be be able to advise you on the latest health-related recommendations and preventive measures. Water is drinkable in major hotels, but we recommend you stick to bottled water which is available everywhere. When ordering beer or other drinks, it is best to avoid ice - just ask for drinks 'No Ice'.
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6. Sensible Precautions.
The parts of Cambodia that we visit are very safe destinations and visitors rarely experience crime or other difficulties, but please remember that there are bad people everywhere and petty crime can be a problem. Please take sensible precautions as for any 'third-world' country.
Please do not carry passports, important papers or a lot of money when walking in the street: make use of hotel safes where available. Handbags and cameras are tempting targets for thieves, as is ostentatious jewellery or watches.
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7. Weather in Cambodia
Cambodia lies in the tropical zone and is suitable to visit all the year round. The weather is hot all year but the months between November and March are a little cooler. From late May to late October in the monsoon season and rains can be expected, however it is not often that a whole day is ruined by rain: the tropical pattern is for short rainstorms, especially in the afternoon & evening. The sandstone monuments at Angkor are particularly beautiful after a rainstorm. In April and May, water levels in rivers and lakes may be low.
Best time to visit: November to March is best, but all year round is fine.
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