The official language of Laos is Lao, a language closely related to Thai, and it's worth learning a few basic expressions before you go. French, a left over from the colonial days, still features on signs and is understood by some older people, but these days English is far more popular.

Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR)borders with China to the North, Myanmar (Burma) to Northwest, Thailand to the West, Cambodia to the South and finally Vietnam to the East.

The highways in Laos have improved in the past ten years, but 80% still remain unpaved.  However, the main routes connecting Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and Savannakhet are now sealed, and the transport options on these roads include bus, minibus, and converted truck.  

The Lao currency is the kip andas of March 2009, there are around 8500 kip to the dollar and 13,500 kip to the Euro. Make sure that you get rid of all your Kip before you leave Laos. There will be no possibility to exchange it in other countries just like you cannot buy it before you go there.  

Laos is a very poor country and it is possible to get by for less than 10 USD per day. A basic room with shared bathroom costs from US$2 - US$8, meals are usually under US$5 (western food is more expensive), and plain local dishes can cost less than US$1. A local bus from Vientiane to Vang Vieng costs US$2.50; the slow boat from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai costs US$20 for a two days journey.  

Three rules for visiting Laos; 1: Do not have sex with a local, (Sexual relations between a Lao national and a foreigner are illegal unless they are married) 2: Do not use drugs (If caught it will result in heavy fines and expulsion at best, and imprisonment or even execution at worst) and do not criticize the Lao government or the Communist Party in any way. Laos is known for being very corrupt and if you are accused of any offense - your legal rights may be slim or non-existent.  

The capital of Laos is known as the sleepiest capital in the world. There is not really a lot to do in Vientiane besides from visiting temples, the Buddha Park, the Morning Market or chilling out in one of the many bars by the Mekong riverside sipping beerlao or lao-lao (Rice Whiskey).  

If you are fine with a laid-back holiday, soaking in the atmosphere of a low-rise authentic Lao city surrounded by lush, green jungle - Luang Prabang in the North is the place to be. Especially if you are a temple-maniac.  

Imagine a charming mixture of French colonial architecture and rough & ready wooden shags, add some colourful market stalls, a bunch of orange cloaked monks', quite a few ancient temples, waterfalls and lush jungle... and you will start to get the picture; This is Laos...