Although as with other countries in the world, the seasons seem to be going a bit haywire, generally the dry season lasts from around February to June. Particularly around March to May it can get very, very hot and humid. At this time, farmers cut down forests in the mountains to make sticky rice fields, and the resulting smoky haze means that visibility is reduced. It starts to rain in about July, but is still quite hot. In December and January temperatures generally drop and can get quite chilly, particularly in the evening, although it never hits zero and doesn’t come anywhere close to snowing. Northern towns are more mountainous and get colder still, although most foreigners from Canada or England don’t find it cold at all.

How do I get from the airport into town?
Both Vientiane and Luang Prabang have international airports. Both have taxis (Vientiane) or tuk tuks (Luang Prabang) waiting to take passengers after each incoming flight. Prices are set, and placards advertise what they are. From the airport to the centre of Vientiane town costs $5 and this small car will hold a maximum four passengers or three if you have even a moderate amount of luggage. If you’re really struggling for cash it is often possible to go out of the airport to the highway and flag down a passing share tuk tuk, which will cost around $2-3 per person, but the hassle, time and energy required make this an option only for those on the tightest of budgets. In Luang Prabang the only option is to take a tuk tuk to town at the set price of 50,000 kip ($5). These will take up to 5 passengers and the drivers will often do the work of finding other passengers if you are alone.

What is the best way to bargain?
With a smile and a friendly attitude. The point of bargaining is not to make sure the merchant loses money but rather to get a price that both you and the merchant will be satisfied with. Often bargaining in Lao -- all you really need to know are the numbers, how much (tao die), cheap (took) and expensive (peng) -- will reap great rewards.

Are credit cards accepted?
Not generally, but most top-range hotels and some large-ticket item shops will accept them. Very few restaurants and bars accept them. Most travel agents prefer cash but can organise credit card payment. Most will take a 3.5% fee on top of the price.

Are there ATMs in Laos?
While a few ATMS were recently installed in Vientiane, they do not accept international cards so are useless to tourists. It is rumoured that one international ATM is on the way.

Should I bring travellers cheques, credit/debit cards or cash?
Most people now go a mix of cash, credit and debit cards and travellers cheques. Laos has no ATMs, so you need to rely on exchange booths and will need to manage your money a bit more carefully than in say Thailand, where every corner has an ATM. You can get an advance on a Visa card in most major towns, but need to go inside the bank during its limited opening hours. For cash, bring US dollars or baht, which you can exchange nearly anywhere, and occasionally use directly.

Should I tip?
In most places in Laos, tipping is not expected though as always it is appreciated. If you want to tip, 10% percent is pretty generous.

What should I pack?
First on your list should be an open mind and a sense of humour. Don’t come with too many preconceived ideas about what Laos is like, as media and friends’ experiences have a habit of distorting reality.

Otherwise, bring as little as possible. Most things can probably bought in Bangkok if you’re passing through on your way in. Take enough padlocks for every double zipper to stop wandering hands and lock up your sacred belongings, even in your hotel room.

Essentials start with a day pack and a raincoat or umbrella in the rainy season. You will only need a couple of changes of clothes as you can get washing done anywhere cheaply. Remember dark clothes do not need to be washed as often, as long as you do not have a BO problem or sweat profusely. Sandals are a good idea as the climate is too hot for boots. These are best bought before arriving. Pack shoes you can easily and frequently remove such as flip flops, thongs or sandals, for when you enter houses, temples and some shops.

A good map is a good idea. GT-Riders produce a detailed one of all the roads in Laos, with decent town centre information. This is widely available incountry.

Take earplugs for when you’re stuck in a noisy room or want to sleep on the bus. Take a mirror for shaving, as often budget places won’t have any. String is very handy for hanging up washing. Travel scrabble can be great, or a pack of cards. Cigarette rolling papers can be difficult to find, except in tourist centres. Tampons are not commonly available, and can be bought only in a few expat grocery stores.

A spare pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses plus a copy of your prescription is a good idea. Bring a book you’re prepared to swap. A personal music player is great as music is fairly easily available.

Into the toiletries bag throw sun screen and insect repellent. Mosquito coils are also a good idea. A small pocket size torch will come in handy when the electricity goes out or for investigating caves. Condoms, of course. Passport photos come in handy for visas.

If you plan to travel long distances by motorbike, purchase a good quality helmet, which you can do in Vientiane. Last but not least, pack your stuff in plastic bags to stop them from getting wet, especially when travelling in the rainy season or on boats.
Aside from the above, the following are essential:
Passport with minimum 6 month validity left
Travel insurance
Blood donor/type card
Details of your next of kin
Prescriptions for any medication you require. Most chemists will sell medicine over the counter without a script, but if you are searched by immigration it’s good to be able to show you require what you’re carrying.
A second photo ID other than your passport

Is Laos a safe place to travel alone to?
In a word, yes.

One of the best - or worst things, depending on your viewpoint - is how easy it is to meet other travellers while exploring Laos. If you’re travelling by yourself, chances are you’ll meet even more people and, when you come to leave the country, you’ll realise you’ve developed a collection of friends from all over the globe. It’s rare indeed for a lone traveller to not hook up with others for at least a part of their trip. When this is combined with the very gregarious nature of the Lao it’s actually pretty difficult to stay alone for long periods.

As with just about anywhere in the world, you are safer travelling with others, but as long as you use your common sense, travelling alone is generally perfectly safe -- tens of thousands of people do it every year.

Take all the usual precautions: have copies of all your documentation and try to keep in touch with family or friends overseas. There’s no shortage of internet cafes across the country, so there’s not really any excuse for not occasionally dropping an email in to placate the worriers at home. Better still, send a postcard -- some people still use those.

If you ever find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, don’t hesitate to ask a local for assistance -- by and large the Lao are very helpful, and even if they don’t speak your language, they’ll be able to help you find someone who does.

Are there many internet cafes in Laos?
The major cities have internet cafes, smaller cities will have one or two, although some much smaller country towns (such as Muang Ngoi) have none.

Can I drink the tap water?
 No, not even the locals drink it. Rely on bottled water, which is cheap and available everywhere. If you want to reduce the plastic you use, many places will refill your bottle for even less than it costs to buy a new one, or even for free. In larger cities the tap water is OK to brush your teeth with, but be careful not to swallow.

I have a food allergy -- what should I do?
Find someone in your guesthouse when you first arrive and get them to write down your allergy for you in big clear Lao writing. Show this card whenever you’re eating somewhere where nobody speaks English

Is western food available?
Western food is widely available in all the main tourist centres, and even small towns will have omelettes, fried eggs, fried rice, French fries, stir-fried vegies, noodle dishes and occasionally bread.