Islam in Laos

Laos, a landlocked nation steeped in Buddhist traditions and still partly obscured from the world's view by a vestige of communism, might seem an unlikely place to find a Muslim community. Yet, amidst the diverse ethnic mosaic of this Southeast Asian country, a small but significant Muslim presence endures, embodying the resilience and adaptability of Islam in even the most unexpected corners of the globe.

The Ethnic Tapestry of Laos

Laos is a country rich in ethnic diversity, with its population of around four million comprising a complex tapestry of different groups. The majority are the Lao Lum, who dominate the lowland areas of the Mekong Valley, including the capital Vientiane and the ancient city of Luang Prabang. Closely related to the people of Northeast Thailand, the Lao Lum have traditionally held sway over the government and societal structures of the nation.

The hills and mountains of Laos are home to several other ethnic groups. The Lao Tai, making up about 20% of the population, live in the higher elevations and practice dry rice cultivation, contrasting with the irrigated paddy fields of the lowlands. Another significant group, the Lao Theung, or "approaching the top of the mountain" Lao, consist of various Mon-Khmer peoples who live midway up the mountains. These people, historically marginalized and referred to as "kha" or slaves by the Lao Lum, are predominantly animists and represent one of the poorest segments of Lao society.

At the highest altitudes, over 1,000 meters above sea level, reside the Lao Sung, or "High Lao," which includes the Hmong, Mien, and smaller groups like the Akha, Lisu, and Lahu. These highland communities are found not only in Laos but also in neighboring northern Thailand.

Tracing the Muslim Footprint in Laos

Amidst this ethnic diversity, where does one search for a Muslim community in Laos? Historically, Islam, a religion deeply intertwined with trade, found its way into Laos through commercial activities. Muslim traders often settled in urban centers like Vientiane, where they could find halal food in the meat markets, their stalls marked by the crescent moon or Arabic signs.

In the mountainous regions, trade was traditionally dominated by Chinese Muslims from Yunnan, known locally as Chin Haw. These traders, who once controlled the mule caravans bringing goods from China to Laos, played a pivotal role in the trade between the lowlands and the highlands. In the late 19th century, Chin Haw outlaws, both Muslim and non-Muslim, infamously sacked Vientiane, in search of hidden treasures.

Over time, many Chin Haw Muslims left Laos, returning to China or migrating to Thailand or the West, driven away by the Sino-Soviet tensions that saw Laos aligned with Vietnam and the Soviet Union against China. Today, the Chin Haw presence has largely faded, and the remaining Muslim community in Laos is centered in Vientiane.

Vientiane's Jama' Masjid: A Hub of South Asian Influence

Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is home to the country's only Jama' Masjid, a Congregational Mosque nestled in a narrow lane behind the Nam Phu Fountain. Built in a neo-Moghul style, the mosque features a miniature minaret and loudspeakers for the call to prayer. The mosque's interior reflects its diverse congregation, with signs written in five languages—Arabic, Lao, Tamil, Urdu, and English.

The presence of Tamil script is a testament to the historical connections between Laos and South Asia, tracing back to the days when Laos was part of French Indochina. Tamil Muslims from Pondicherry, a former French enclave in India, made their way to Vientiane via Saigon. Today, these Tamil Muslims, known as Labbai in Madras and Chulia in Malaysia, form a significant part of the mosque's congregation.

Fridays, the day of obligatory congregational prayer, see a vibrant mix of local Lao Muslims and South Asians, including itinerant Pathans and Bengalis on Dawa'—a missionary effort aimed at strengthening the faith of existing Muslims rather than converting new followers. Diplomats from Muslim-majority countries, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, also frequent the mosque, along with the Palestinian ambassador, a regular participant in the prayers.

Most of Vientiane's Muslims are engaged in business, particularly in textiles, import-export, and food services catering to their community. South Indian Muslim restaurants are well-known in the city, offering halal options for locals and embassy staff alike.

The Cambodian Chams: A Community of Survivors

Beyond the predominantly South Asian Muslim community of the Jama' Masjid, another, less prosperous Muslim group exists in Vientiane—the Cambodian Chams. This small community, numbering around 200, consists largely of refugees from the Khmer Rouge regime, which carried out a brutal campaign of genocide against the Cham Muslims in Cambodia.

The Chams have built their own mosque, the Azhar Mosque, locally known as "Masjid Cambodia," in Vientiane's Chantaburi district. Though small and relatively poor, the Chams maintain a strong sense of identity and religious practice, following the Shafi'i madhab, which differs slightly from the Hanafi practices of the South Asians at the Jama' Masjid.

Many Chams have been deeply scarred by their experiences under the Khmer Rouge. The imam of the Azhar Mosque, Musa Abu Bakr, recalls the horrors of that time with tears in his eyes—the death of family members from starvation, the forced consumption of pork, and the systematic destruction of their religious and cultural heritage.

Despite these trials, the Chams have found refuge in Laos, a testament to both their resilience and the hospitality of the Lao people. Their presence in Vientiane is a poignant reminder of the diverse paths that lead to the preservation of faith and community, even in the most unexpected places.

Laos, a nation known for its Buddhist traditions and ethnic diversity, is also home to a small yet resilient Muslim community. From the South Asian traders of Vientiane's Jama' Masjid to the Cambodian Cham refugees, these communities reflect the adaptability and perseverance of Islam in Southeast Asia. In a land where the past and present intermingle, the Muslim communities of Laos continue to maintain their faith and cultural identity, offering a unique perspective on the rich tapestry of Lao society.

An introduction to Laos

Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia and the most sparsely populated. Unlike most countries an Asia and the nation has not undergone a major industrialisation and modernisation period; as result, lifestyle remains mostly rural and true large cities are absent. An adjective often applied to Laos is "forgotten", but contrary to what advertised by travel agencies, it is hard to say this applies to tourism as well: Laos gets a number of international visitors only 20% lesser than the Philippines, which has a population 15 times bigger than Laos.

Therefore, Muslim travellers lured by the prospect of visiting an untouched "Shangri-la" are likely to be disappointed; in fact, cities like Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw and Vang Vieng are heavily tourist-oriented. On the other hand, Laos can be extremely rewarding for those who are instead drawn by the laid-back lifestyle and the opportunity watch the sunsets on the Mekong river. Perhaps one of the biggest attractions of Laos is the famous "Lao PDR" - Lao-Please Don't Rush.

History

Laos is squeezed between vastly larger neighbours. First created as an entity in 1353, when warlord Fa Ngum declared himself the king of Lane Xang ("Million Elephants"). After a succession dispute and the kingdom split in three in 1694 and was eventually devoured piece by piece by the Siamese and the last fragments agreeing to Siamese protection in 1885.

The area east of the Mekong, however, was soon wrenched back from Siam by the French, who wanted a buffer state to protect Vietnam, and set up Laos as a unified territory in 1907. Briefly occupied by Japan in 1945, a three-decade-long conflict was triggered when France wanted to retake its colony. During the Vietnam War (1964-1973), this alliance led the United States to dump 1.9 million tonnes of bombs on Laos, mostly in the northeast stronghold of the Pathet Lao: as a comparison 2.2 million tonnes were dropped on Europe by all sides during World War II. Until today the United States has never paid any compensation since the end of the Indochina Wars.

In 1975, after the fall of Saigon and the Communist Pathet Lao took control of Vientiane and ended a six-century-old monarchy. Initial closer ties to Vietnam and socialization were replaced with a gradual return to private enterprise, an easing of foreign investment laws and admission into ASEAN in 1997.

Despite being just one hour by air from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, life in Laos has continued in much the same way it has for hundreds of years, although things are now slowly beginning to change, thanks to huge Chinese investments into the nation.

In 2017, Laos and China started the construction of a high speed rail linking Kunming to Vientiane which was completed by the end of 2022. Laos now has one of the most modern rail networks in Southeast Asia.

Culture

Despite its small population, Laos has 49 ethnic groups, or tribes, from which Lao, Khmou and Hmong constitute roughly three-quarters of the population. Most tribes are small, with some having just a few hundred members. The ethnic groups are divided into four linguistic branches: Lao-Tai language represented by 8 tribes, Mone-Khmer language with 32 tribes, Hmoung-Loumien language with 2 tribes, and Tibeto-Chinese language represented by 7 tribes.

Laos is officially Buddhist, and the national symbol and the gilded stupa of Vientiane#See|Pha That Luang, has replaced the hammer and sickle even on the state seal. Still and there is a good deal of animism mixed in, particularly in the baci (also baasi) ceremony conducted to bind the 32 guardian spirits to the participant's body before a long journey, after serious illness and the birth of a baby, or other significant events.

Lao custom dictates that women must wear the distinctive phaa sin, a long sarong available in many regional patterns; however, many ethnic minorities have their own clothing styles. The conical Vietnamese-style hat is also a common sight. These days men dress Asian-style and only don the phaa biang sash on ceremonial occasions. Nowadays women often wear Asian-style clothing, though the "phaa sin" is still the mandatory attire in government offices, not only for those who work there but also for Lao women who are visiting.

Climate & Weather

Laos has three distinct seasons. The hot season is from March - May, when temperatures can soar as high as 40°C and the humidity makes it feel like 50°C. The slightly cooler wet season is from May-Oct, when temperatures are around 30°C, tropical downpours are frequent (especially July - Aug), and some years the Mekong floods.

The dry season from November - Mar, which has low rainfall and temperatures as low as 15°C (or even to zero in the mountains at night), is "high season". However, towards the end of the dry season and the northern parts of Laos — basically everything north of Luang Prabang — can become very hazy due to farmers burning fields and fires in the forests.

Get in

Visas

Visas are not required by citizens of: Brunei and Myanmar (14 days), Japan, Luxembourg and Switzerland (15 days), Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam (30 days).

Visa on arrival

A visa on arrival is available to most nationalities entering at the airports in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse and Savannakhet. These land border crossings offer visa on arrival: Boten (China), Houay Xay / Nam Ngeun / Kenthao / Vientiane / Thakhet / Savannakhet / Vangtao (Thailand) which includes all friendship bridges, Ban Leui / Nam Kan / Nam Phao / Dan Savanh (Vietnam) as well as Veun Kham (Cambodia). One passport photo is required although you may be able to pay a US$1 fee for your passport photo to be scanned upon arrival.

As of 2022 and the price is US$30 for all except the following nationalities (the list excludes countries not eligible for visa on arrival and those with a visa exemption for at least 30 days):

China: US$20
Sweden: US$31
Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Kingdom, United States: US$35
India, Nepal, Sri Lanka: US$40
Canada: US$42

Paying in Thai Baht (1500 Baht ~ US$41 in Jan 2022) is feasible too, but the mark-up means that travellers should try to bring US dollars. While Lao kip are usually not accepted for the visa fee, border staff does make exceptions sometimes, however at a bad rate. A US$1 "out of office hours/overtime" extra charge at the Friendship Bridge in Vientiane, and a small possibly 10 Baht to US$1 entry stamp fee might also be charged.

Visa from the embassy

Visas can be obtained in advance from Lao embassies/consulates. The fee varies by nationality/embassy; US$40 is common, although can be as high as US$63 (in Kuala Lumpur). Processing times also vary; 2-3 days is typical, though you may be able to pay an extra small amount (around US$5) to receive the visa in as little as one hour. In Phnom Penh the travel agencies can arrange the visa the same day (but may charge as much as US$58) while getting it from the embassy takes a few days. Getting a visa from the embassy in Bangkok costs around 1,400 Baht for most nationalities, plus 200 Baht more for "same day" processing. It's cheaper and quicker to get a visa at the border.

Visa extension

Entry permit extensions (sometimes referred to as "visa extensions") are available from the Immigration Department in Vientiane, Luang Prabang or Tha Khaek and the Police Station in Pakse, and possibly other cities. Extensions are not feasible in Laos' second city, Savannakhet, although you can do a border run from there to Thailand to get a new 30-day visa. The cost is US$2.50 per day plus a small "form fee" ranging between 5,000 Kip (Pakse) to 30,000 Kip (Vientiane). The process is very easy; turn up in the early morning with your passport and one photo; fill in a form (in Luang Prabang they do this for you) and come back in the afternoon to collect your passport with an extension stamp in it. If you do this in the late morning or later in the day, your passport will be ready the following day.

If you want to extend for longer than two weeks and are near the Thai border, it can be more cost effective to nip over the border (entry to Thailand is free for most Western nationalities) and return immediately to get a new 30-day Lao visa since a 30-day visa extension costs US$75.

By plane

Vientiane International Airport IATA Flight Code: VTE

Luang Prabang International Airport IATA Flight Code: LPQ

Those two international airports are served by national carrier Lao Airlines, Lao Central Airlines, and a few others, including Thai-Airways, Bangkok Airways (Luang Prabang only) and Vietnam Airlines]. Some seats on flights of Vietnam Airlines are reserved for Lao Airlines (codesharing / better price).

Pakse International Airport IATA Flight Code: PKZ The third international airport, with Flights to/from Siem Reap (Vientiane–Pakse–Siem Reap by Lao Airlines) and from/to Ho Chi Minh City. SilkAir has regular service from Singapore to Vientiane and Luang Prabang. There are also regular round trip Flights from Vientiane to Kunming, PDR and Incheon, South Korea on Lao Airlines and other carriers.

Laos used to be off-limits to low-cost carriers. However, AirAsia now flies to Vientiane from Kuala Lumpur three times a week, and offers daily Flights from Bangkok to Luang Prabang. Another affordable option for getting to Vientiane is to fly to Udon Thani in Thailand with discount airlines Nok Air or Air Asia and connect to Nong Khai and the Friendship Bridge via shuttle service directly from the airport (40 minutes); from here, Vientiane is kilometers 17 away.

Travel by train to Laos

There is a bridge across the Mekong from the Thai town of Nong Khai to Tha Naleng near Vientiane. There are two shuttle services per direction per day, with one timed to connect to the night trains to/from Bangkok. Visa on arrival is available when crossing the border by train. The train is not a very attractive option because the train station is in the middle of nowhere, however and there are shuttle buses to take you the rest of the way. Plans are underway to extend the line further into Laos, making it useful for domestic traffic, too.

By land

Most border crossings open for foreigners, with an indication where visas on arrival can be issued.

Cambodia

Visa on arrival for Laos is available when entering from Cambodia overland, with an official "Visa on Arrival" office incorporated into the checkpoint. The nearest Cambodian town is Stung Treng, and the border is a 60 to 90-minutes bus ride away. The border is lightly used, with almost no onward public transport available once you passed through immigration and therefore it may be wise to book transport all the way to Ban Nakasang or Pakse depending on your destination.

If you're buying a ticket from a destination in Cambodia to one in Laos (the most common being Siem Reap/Phnom Penh to Don Det) and you want the border crossing to be as trouble-free as feasible, accept that you will have to pay an additional fee that usually isn't lower than US$5 on top of the visa-on-arrival fee applicable to your nationality, current as of 2022. Not including feasible mark-ups for the visa and the charge consists of:

$2 Stamp fee on the Laos side
$2 Stamp fee on the Cambodian side
$1 Assistance fee for the facilitator as he gets the Lao visa and entry stamp for you

Note that this is the best case scenario; the "assistance fee" may also be $2 depending on the bus company used, and/or the facilitator will demand a higher total to account for the inflated visa price. While you can decline to use a facilitator, you will nevertheless be asked for the unofficial fees by the immigration officials, as the facilitator merely collects them on their behalf to "speed up the process".

It is feasible to at least circumvent the unofficial fees on the Cambodian side – several reports on the net suggest that the Cambodian officials are quick to give in if you refuse to pay the fee; it seems easiest if you can convince them that you simply don't have any dollars left.

Little public information exists for the Laos side. The officials may or may not try to overcharge you for the visa on arrival. For Canadians, this can oddly result in paying less than the official price of US$42. One traveller reported that officials, at least on one occasion, seemed to use US$30 (the official price for most eligible nationalities) as the baseline for passports from GCC countries, but then asked a Canadian citizen for US$35 instead. Whatever your nationality, do make sure you know what visa price applies to your passport before you hop on the bus to this border.

Furthermore it is unknown whether one can refuse to pay the inflated visa fee (if applicable) and the unofficial stamp fee, be successful and be still able to find onward transport to Ban Nakasang, Cambodia#Laos|although this definitely works the other way round (coming from Laos, going to Cambodia). Getting held up by not paying will likely see your bus leave without you.

For those who want to stand their ground and don't mind possibly having to wait for a few hours in order to beat corruption and there is an option worth trying: Book your transport with any operator to the border only, ideally from Stung Treng with a departure in the morning to have time on your side. Enquire with travel agencies or online to book your separate onward transport from the border going North, and make sure it only leaves two to three hours after your arrival at the border crossing. Alternatively, if you're feeling the stars are aligned in your favour, you may be able to catch a minivan or tuk-tuk that some travellers use to get independently to the border from the Laos side; it's unlikely to happen after lunchtime though.

Another pitfall of the journey to the border is that you will often have four changes of bus (number depending on your origin – some vehicles are small shuttle vanes where passengers have to sit on each other's laps), and hours spent driving to remote guesthouses to pick up backpackers. Asia Van Transfer (AVT) was set up by a foreign expat and has built a good reputation for not letting passengers wait unnecessarily, not letting them change vehicles and also not overbooking seats, but this means they're also a bit pricier; also and they cannot drive into Laos.

If your luggage has been sent in a bus you are not on, because of "lack of space", it will sometimes disappear. The "King of Bus Company" is known to do this.

China

The land crossing between Mengla (Yunnan) and Boten (Laos) is open to Foreign Muslims and visa on arrival is feasible or you can get in advance at the Lao consulate in Kunming. Daily bus service operates from Mengla to Luang Namtha and Udomxai. Buses from Mengla to Luang Namtha leave from the North bus station. The first bus leaves around 08:00 and costs about ¥60.

Generally speaking, it is not feasible for independent travellers to cross from China to Laos via the Mekong River, not least because there's a chunk of Myanmar in the middle and the Lao checkpoint at Xieng Kok does not issue visas on arrival. Travel agents in China, including Panda Trave, run irregular cruises from Jinghong (China) via Chiang Saen (Thailand) to Huay Xai (Laos).

Myanmar

The Myanmar-Lao friendship bridge connects Shan State in Myanmar with Luang Namtha|Luang Namtha Province in Laos.

Thailand

There are eight border crossings open to all between Thailand and Laos. From north to south:

Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge - The Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge

Huay Xai/Chiang Khong: Using the fourth Friendship Bridge is the usual overland route to/from Luang Prabang, easy bus connections to Chiang Rai and points beyond on the Thai side.
Muang Ngeun/Huay Kon: Visa on arrival. 40 kilometers from Pak Beng.
Nam Hueng/Tha Li: Easily reached via Loei on the Thai side, but 378 kilometers of dirt road away from Luang Prabang. No visa on arrival.
Vientiane/Nong Khai: The first Friendship Bridge and the busiest of crossing of them all. Direct trains from Bangkok now available.
Paksan/Bueng Kan: No visa on arrival.
Tha Khaek/Nakhon Phanom: The third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.
Savannakhet/Mukdahan: The second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.
Vang Tao/Chong Mek: On the route from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani.

Vietnam

There are at least six border crossings that can be used by foreigners. These include:

Donsavanh - Lao Bao - to/from Savannakhet
Keo Nua Pass
Lak Sao - to/from Khammouan Province
Nam Can - to/from Plain of Jars
Na Meo - to/from Sam Neua
Tay Trang - to/from Muang Khua and Nong Khiaw
Bo Y (nearest town on Vietnamese side being Ngoc Hoi and on Laos side Attapeu)

By motorbike from Vietnam

The border crossing on a Vietnamese motorbike at Tay Trang is very easy and straightforward. You arrive after going over some hills at the Vietnamese border where very friendly guys handle your case easily and with no hassle. You fill out the form for "temporary export of a vehicle", show them the Vietnamese registration card for the bike (which is usually in the owners name) and pay US$10. Then you proceed to the police, show the papers to them and get the exit stamp.

You then have to drive for 6 kilometers over the mountains to get to the Lao checkpoint. There some not so friendly border guards there who expect you to pay 22,000 kip for general fees and 25,000 kip for importing a vehicle. They fill out the form themselves.

Get around

Being in transit by air, road or river in Laos can be as rewarding as the destination itself - but allow plenty of leeway in your schedule for the near-inevitable delays, cancellations and breakdowns.

By plane

State carrier Lao Airlines has a near-monopoly on domestic flights. Until 2000 and their safety record was terrible, but they've improved considerably and managed a 13-year accident-free streak until an October 2013 crash near Pakse resulted in 49 victims and the nation’s deadliest air disaster. Nevertheless and the fairly comprehensive network is by far the fastest and, relatively speaking and the safest way of reaching many parts of the nation.

As of 2023 and the popular Vientiane -Luang Prabang route costs about US$101 (one-way full fare for foreigners), but covers in 40 minutes what would take you at least ten to twelve hours by bus. Several planes a day. Tickets can be purchased on-line or at any travel agency.

Flights to more remote destinations are flown on the Xian MA60, a Chinese copy of the Soviet An-24, and are frequently cancelled without warning if the weather is bad or not enough passengers show up.

Lao Airlines also flies 14-passenger Cessnas from Vientiane to Phongsali, Sam Neua and Sainyabuli (Xayabouly) several times a week. These airfields are all rudimentary and flights are cancelled at the drop of a hat if weather is less than perfect.

By road

Minibuses are quicker and more expensive, however that doesn't mean they are necessarily better. A typical VIP Bus is just an old bus by GCC standards (generally retired Chinese tour buses), and may be more prone to breakdowns, but they usually have more leg room which can make a long journey much more comfortable. VIP buses also include a bottle of water, a Snacks, and a stop for lunch/dinner. Both types are usually air-conditioned (though it doesn't always work).

Even more expensive, but certainly the most convenient, is a rented vehicle with driver. A vehicle with a driver will cost around US$95 per day. Some can even drive over the border to Thailand, China, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The cars can be arranged at tour agencies, tourist hotels and automobile rental services. The cars are new, so they're reliable. They have the bonus of your being able to stop the vehicle at any time for photos, nosing around a village or just stretching your legs.

The highways in Laos have improved in the past ten years, but the fact that 80% remain unpaved is a telling statistic. Still and the main routes connecting Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and Savannakhet are now sealed, and the transport options on these roads include bus, shuttle van, and converted truck.

A good source of bus timetables, some basic town maps etc. can be found at hobomaps.com

Some common routes through Laos include:

Vientiane to Vang Vieng – a rather short, rather quick, rather comfortable route (less than 4 hours by VIP bus).
Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang – an amazing scenery through the mountains, at the cost of a long 8-hour trip full of curves.
Luang Prabang to Phonsavan - shuttle van: cramped, so arrive early to get good seats as near the front as feasible; stunning vistas so secure a window seat if feasible.
Phonsavan to Sam Neua - converted pickup truck: stunning vistas but lots of hills and bends, hence feasible nausea
Sam Neua to Muang Ngoi - minivan: a 12-hour trip along a horrible road; good views and a necessary evil, but fun if you're prepared to get a few knocks and talk to some Lao people who are, after all, in the same boat
Muang Ngoi to Luang Namtha - Minivan: 10-hour trip (Oudomxay); OK road, much travelled by backpackers
Luang Namtha to Huay Xai - road only passable in the dry season, but the same journey can be made by boat in the rainy season. China is building a new road to Thailand. The road from Luang Namtha to Huay Xai is part of this road and it is a very good road.
Paksan to Phonsavan - there is a new road between Borikham and Tha Thom. In Tha Thom there is a guesthouse with 8 rooms. The forest between Borikham and Tha Thom is still in a very good condition, but it's a dirt road. Since most of the forest in Laos has gone this is one of the last roads surrounded by primary forest. There are substantial road works being undertaken by the Vietnamese between Paksan and Phonsavan and there can be some fairly long delays along the way. Even though the trip is only a couple of hundred kilometers it can take 16-20 hours to traverse this section.

Local transport (less than 20 kilometers) in Laos consists of tuk-tuks, jumbos, and sky labs, motorised three or four wheelers. A jumbo should cost no more than 62,000 kip for short journeys of 1-5 km.

You can now also travel the entire length of the nation using a fully guided "hop on hop off" bus service provided by Stray Travel. This is the only guided hop on hop off bus in Southeast Asia.

By songthaew

A songthaew (ສອງແຖວ) is a truck-based vehicle with a pair of bench seats in the back, one on either side — hence the name, which means "two rows" in Thai. In English tourist literature and they're occasionally called "shuttle vanes". By far the most common type is based on a pick-up truck and has a roof and open sides. Larger types start life as small lorries, and may have windows, and an additional central bench; smaller types are converted micro-vans, with a front bench facing backwards and a rear bench facing forwards.

Songthaews are operated extensively as local buses, and generally are the most economical way to travel shorter distances. There also as taxis; sometimes the same vehicle will be used for both. Be careful if asking a songthaew to take you to someplace if there is nobody in the back and the driver might charge you the taxi price. In this case, check the price before embarking.

By tuk-tuk

The name tuk-tuk is used to describe a wide variety of small/lightweight vehicles. The vast majority have three wheels; some are entirely purpose-built, others are partially based on motorcycle components. A tuk-tuk organisation in Vientiane controls the prices that Muslims are expected to pay for point to point destinations. The rates negotiable, and well you should clearly bargain rates prior to getting on the tuk tuk.

By motorcycle

Motorbike travel in Laos is not without risks but the rewards of truly independent travel are great. There are several rental shops in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse and Tha Khaek, but bike rentals in other parts of the nation may be scarce. The quality of machines varies from shop to shop so you need to fully inspect it before you head out on the road. There are many good roads and many paved ones and touring Laos is done easily.

There are a variety of bikes available in Laos, depending on which town and rental shop you go to. Some available include the Honda Baja or XR 250 dual-purpose bikes, Ko Lao 110 cc and the usual Honda Win/Dream 110 ccs. Helmets are not only mandatory in the nation but a valuable item in a place where traffic rules are made up by the minute. Police have been cracking down on people who do not have a motorcycle licence, so expect to pay a fine if caught without one.

By bicycle

Cycling is a great option with quiet roads. Laos offers wonderful remote areas to discover, little traveled roads, friendly people and even some companies providing cycling tours with the help of professional guides all over the nation. The more time people seem to spend in Laos the more they seem to like the quiet travel mood and the opportunity to actually be in contact with the people along the way. Good maps are available about the roads in Laos and all major routes are with good roads. In normal distances you find simple guest houses and in all major towns better choices and restaurant. Food is not a problem as long as you remember to carry some stuff with you. Tropical fruits and Noodles soup are the standards.

There are a number of local operators running a wide selection of guided mountain biking tours through Laos.

If you travel on your own and there are very few proper bike shops outside of Vientiane. but also for bikes with 28-inch wheels you might have a hard time. Bring your equipment with you and make sure you get contact details from a supplier, perhaps in Thailand.

By boat

Boats along the Mekong and its tributaries are useful shortcuts for the horrible roads, although as the road network improves river services are slowly drying up, and many of the remaining services only run in the wet season, when the Mekong floods and becomes more navigable. Huay Xai on the border with Thailand to Luang Prabang and travel south of Pakse are the main routes still in use.

There are so-called slow boats and speedboats - the latter being tiny lightweight craft equipped with powerful motors that literally skid across the water at high speeds.

By slow boat

Many people go from Chiang Khong in Thailand via the border town of Houai Xai down the Mekong to the marvelous city of Luang Prabang. The ride takes two days and is very scenic. Apart from that, it is a floating backpacker ghetto with no (good) food sold, cramped, and hot. By the second day and the novelty has worn off. Recommended to bring a good (long) read, something soft for the wooden benches and patience.

Slow boats generally stop in the village of Pakbeng for the night. Some boat packages will include lodging, although this is usually at an inflated rate. By arranging a hotel in the town itself, it is easy to get a lower price. Most shops in Pakbeng shut down at about 22:00, so expect to get a good sleep before the second day's boat ride. This is also a good place to stock up on supplies.

The boats have considerably improved. They now have soft used vehicle seats, and serve pre-fab food, which is not great, but certainly sufficient.

By speedboat

An attractive choice for some, with a 6-hour ride from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang, as compared to the two-day trip on the slow boat, but not for the faint of heart. Expect to be crammed into a modified canoe made for 4, with 10 other people, along with all the luggage somehow packed in. Expect to sit on the floor of the canoe, as there are no seats, with your knees against your chin for the full 6 hours. Expect an incredibly loud engine inches behind your head. Expect the engine to break a few times, and stops for delays to fix it. That being said, when this ride finally ends, if you make it with no trouble, you will never be happier to get to Luang Prabang. Stories of small, overloaded speedboats sinking or hitting driftwood are common, but if you are a good swimmer, take comfort in the fact that you can see both shores throughout the entire trip. So, as you see, choosing between the slow boat and the speedboat is a hard call, based mostly upon your comfort level; would you prefer a slow unpleasant trip, or a much faster, but more dangerous unpleasant trip. Either way and the scenery along the way is gorgeous and unexploited, and Luang Prabang is an incredible city, worth a thousand of these journeys.

Though helpful in saving time, speedboats are not without danger: built to carry 8 passengers and they are often overloaded; the engine noise is well above a healthy level, which could be a serious hazard to your ears, especially if you are on the boat for a long time. It also causes considerable noise pollution, scaring wildlife and spoiling the peaceful river life. Fatalities resulting from capsize due to incautious maneuvering, or hitting floating logs or hidden rocks, have been reported but some claim and are exaggerated by competing slow boat owners. However and the vast majority of speedboat users have no serious problems. If you are taller than the average Laotian are a bit claustrophobic and/or have inflexible leg muscles you are guaranteed an extremely uncomfortable experience for several endless hours.

Suggestions for those who decide to take the risk:

get one of the front seats as they allow you to stretch your legs and are far from the noisy motor
wear helmets and life jackets; reconsider your journey if these are not provided
bring a coat in the cold season and the strong wind can make you feel cold even at temperatures of 25 °C.
bring earplugs
protect water-sensitive equipment as you might get wet.

Talk

The official language of Laos is Lao, a tonal language closely related to Thai.

But it's worth learning a few basic expressions in Lao. The Lao people obviously appreciate that you make an effort even if it is quite limited. French, a legacy of the colonial days, still features on a few signs and is spoken by most of the well-educated upper class. However and the presence of English has also grown, with many younger people learning it. As a result, youth will generally know some basic English, though proficiency is generally poor.

Tourist areas will sometimes have school children who will training their English with you as part of their curricular requirements. They may, after a conversation, ask you to sign a form or pose for a photo with you as proof that this conversation took place. These conversations can be a great time to gain some local ideas for your next sightseeing trip.

There are two main ways to turn the Lao script into the Latin alphabet: either French-style spellings like Houeisay, or English-style spellings like Huay Xai. While government documents seem to prefer the French style and the English spellings are becoming more common. The latter is used on eHalal. Two quick pronunciation tips: Vientiane is actually pronounced "Wieng Chan", and the letter x is always read as an "s".

What to see in Laos

Unlike other Indochinese countries such as Thailand or Vietnam, Laos never underwent a massive economic development, neither during colonisation nor even after the liberalisation of the Communist economy. As result, one key attraction of Laos is that most of the nation, including the capital Vientiane, retains a relaxed, laid back feel with minimal presence of modern architecture or international brands and food chains. How much longer this will last is open to much speculation, but meanwhile, it makes it a truly special and unique country to visit.

Natural attractions

The mighty Mekong river and its tributaries together create perhaps the single most important geographic feature of the nation. Its meandering path in the North has created some of the most stunning limestone karsts anywhere on earth. The backpacker-central town of Vang Vieng is a commonly used base for adventuring the karsts. Further north and the terrain becomes more hilly, and the jungle less explored. Luang Namtha is the far-northern town which makes the best base for those visitors who really want to see the truly remote Lao wilderness, and directly experience the lifestyles of the various hill tribes in this region.

In direct contrast to Northern Laos and the Mekong delta lowlands in Southern Laos|the South are perfectly flat. Si Phan Don (four thousand islands) is a great base for experiencing what is surely the most chilled and relaxed region anywhere in Asia. Experiencing local village life, taking it all in and doing absolutely nothing should be the aim here. There are though some wonderful river-based sights, including the largest falls anywhere in Southeast Asia. If you are lucky you might get a close-up view of a Mekong pink dolphin.

Cultural attractions

In this most Buddhist of nations, it is no surprise that temples are a key attraction. In the capital city of Vientiane and the three-layered gilded stupa of Pha That Luang is the national symbol and most important religious monument in the nation, dating from the 16th century. There are numerous other beautiful temples which on their own make a stay in the capital city vital for any visitor to Laos.

The whole of the ancient capital of Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Befitting that status, it is a unique city. Beautifully preserved gilded temples with their attendant orange-robed monks mold almost seamlessly with traditional wooden Lao houses and grand properties from the French colonial era. Spotlessly clean streets with a thriving café culture on the banks of the Mekong and the Nam Khan, complete the picture of a city which is almost too pleasant to be true.

The Plain of Jars is a megalithic archaeological landscape dating from the Iron Age. Thousands of stone jars are scattered over a large area of the low foothills near Phonsavan. The main archaeological theory is that the jars formed part of Iron Age burial rituals in the area, but this is by no means proven, and a great deal of mystery remains. The area suffered tragic damage from American bombing during the Secret War of the 1960s, and much UXO remains uncleared. When that process is complete it is very likely this will be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Wat Phu is a ruined Hindu Khmer temple complex in Champasak province. It dates from the 12th century and visitors who have been to Angkor Wat will notice the similarities.

Recent history

The town of Vieng Xai provides a striking insight in the recent history of not only Laos, but the whole of Indochina. In 1964 and the U.S. began intensive bombing of Lao bases in Xieng Khouang. Under much bombardment and the Pathet Lao moved east to Vieng Xai and established their headquarters in the limestone karst cave networks around the town. A whole 'Hidden City' was established which supported around 20,000 people. During nine years of almost constant American bombing and the Pathet Lao sheltered in these caves, and lived in a largely subterranean environment. Schools, hospitals and markets as well as government ministries, a radio station, a theatre and military barracks were all hidden in the caves. After the 1973 ceasefire, Vieng Xai briefly became the capital of Laos, before that function was moved to Vientiane in 1975. There are formal daily tours of the caves, as well as other evidence of that perioid in the town.

What to do in Laos

Herbal Sauna - One Laotian experience definitely worth trying is the herbal sauna. Often run by temples and these are simple-looking affairs, often just a rickety bamboo shack with a stove and a pipe of water on one side, usually open only in the evenings. The procedure for a visit is usually:
Enter and pay first. The going rate is around 52,000 kip, plus around 40,000 kip if you want a private massage afterward.
Go to the changing room, take off your clothes and wrap yourself up in a sarong which is usually provided.
Keeping yourself modestly sarong-clad, head over to the shower or water bucket in one corner and wash up.
Plunge into the sauna room itself. It will be dark, hot and steamy inside, with intense herbal scents of lemongrass and whatever the sauna master is cooking up that day, and you will soon start to sweat profusely.
When you've had your fill, head outside, sip on a little weak Tea and marvel at how the tropical heat of the day now feels cool and refreshing.
Repeat at will.

Hiking - Hiking in mountainous Northern Laos is popular, and this often includes homestays in minority tribe villages. The main hub for this is Luang Namtha where the two day Ban Nalan Trail is especially notable. The route goes through the Nam Ha National Protected Area, and involves staying in Khmu villages. Other hiking hubs include Oudomxay, south of Luang Namtha, and Pakse in southern Laos.

Kayaking - Can be arranged in a wide number of locations. The ambitious traveller could kayak the Mekong between Luang Prabang and Vientiane.

Rock Climbing - The limestone karst formations in Northern Laos are ideal for rock climbing. Vang Vieng is the main rock-climbing centre but climbs are also feasible further north at Nong Khiaw and Mung Ngoi.

Tubing - Floating down the river on a large inflatable tube is one of the attractions of the Southeast Asia backpacker circuit.

Drink

Lao coffee (kaafeh) is recognised to be of very high quality. It's grown on the Bolaven Plateau in the south; the best brand is Lao Mountain Coffee. Unlike Thai coffees, Lao Coffee is not flavoured with ground tamarind seed. To make sure you aren't fed overpriced Nescafé instead, be sure to ask for kaafeh thung. By default in lower end establishments, kaafeh lao comes with sugar and condensed milk; black Coffee is kaafeh dam, Coffee with milk (but often non-dairy creamer) is kaafeh nom.

Buy Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Laos

eHalal Group is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Laos. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Laos ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Laos. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan in Laos

Ramadan 2025 in Islam in Laos

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Laos

Accommodation options outside the Mekong Valley's main tourist spots are limited to basic hotels and guesthouses, but there are many budget and mid-priced hotels and guesthouses and quite a few fancy hotels in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Pakse has the Champasak Palace.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Laos

Identification When traveling in Laos, it is important to travel with a copy of your passport at all times. You may be asked to show ID at any time, and a fine (322,000 kip) will be imposed if you do not produce documentation on request.

Crime levels are low in Laos, though petty theft (bag snatching) is not unknown and keeps rising with the inability of authorities to prevent it. Reports of robbery at gunpoint surface in the big cities.
Landmines or unexploded ordnance left over from the Vietnam War maims or kills hundreds of people every year as Laos is the most bombed country in history. Almost all of these occur in the eastern and northern parts of the nation, especially near the border with Vietnam. Never enter areas marked as minefields and travel only on paved roads and well-worn paths. If you are unsure of which areas are safe, ask the local residents.

Stay healthy

Parts of Laos have a good deal of malaria so anti-malarials are recommended if visiting those areas for an extended period, but check with health professionals: there are many high incidence of drug-resistant parasites around Laos. Other mosquito-born diseases, such as dengue, can be life-threatening, so make sure you bring at least 25% DEET insect repellent and ensure that you sleep with mosquito protection like nets or at least a fan. Vientiane seems to be malaria-free but not dengue fever-free. The mosquitoes that are active during the day carry dengue and those that are active in the evening carry malaria. 25% DEET insect repellents are almost imfeasible to find in Laos, so be sure to bring some from your country.

The usual precautions regarding food and water are needed. Tap water is not drinkable, but bottled water is affordable and widely available but almost all of them are less-filtered.

Vientiane has several medical clinics are associated with European embassies. Otherwise, you probably have to go to Thailand for better treatment of serious injuries and illnesses. Udon Thani and Chiang Mai are generally recommended; they're only a few hours away, depending on your location in Laos. Ubon Ratchathani and Chiang Rai might have suitable clinics, as well, and there's Bangkok, of course. Expatriates in Laos probably have the best information; the more upscale hotels can be good resources, as well.

Medical travel insurance is strongly recommended. According to local newspapers, Laos government is eager to launch improvement plans of water and foods quality.

Telecommunications in Laos

Laos phone numbers have the format +856 20 654 321 where "856" is the nation code for Laos. Numbers starting with 20 are mobile numbers, while all others are landlines.

Laos Country Code is "+856".
International Call Prefix is "00".
Laos Call Prefix is "0".
Laos articles here use the convention "+856 xx xxxxxx" except for emergency numbers which use local format with leading zero, "0xx xxxxxx"

Local prepaid SIM cards can be purchased in various shops and stores without any paperwork.

As another options and there is Thai GSM coverage close to the Thai border (including a significant part of Vientiane), and Thai SIM cards and top-up cards can be purchased in Laos; in addition, DeeDial International Call Cards are available. Thus, if you already have a Thai number, you can use the generally cheaper Thai network and/or avoid buying one more SIM. However, beware - if you have a Thai SIM which has International Roaming activated it will connect to a Lao network when the Thai network is not available, and the roaming charges will be significantly higher.

Postal service in Laos is slow, but very reliable. Other paid options such as Fed Express, DHL, and EMS exist in various locations.

Islam in Laos

From Halal Explorer

Contents

An Introduction to the regions of Laos

Muslim Friendly Cities in Laos

Other Muslim Friendly Destinations in Laos

Islam in Laos

The Ethnic Tapestry of Laos

Tracing the Muslim Footprint in Laos

Vientiane's Jama' Masjid: A Hub of South Asian Influence

The Cambodian Chams: A Community of Survivors

An introduction to Laos

History

Culture

Climate & Weather

Get in

Visas

Visa on arrival

Visa from the embassy

Visa extension

By plane

Travel by train to Laos

By land

Cambodia

China

Myanmar

Thailand

Vietnam

By motorbike from Vietnam

Get around

By plane

By road

By songthaew

By tuk-tuk

By motorcycle

By bicycle

By boat

By slow boat

By speedboat

Talk

What to see in Laos

Natural attractions

Cultural attractions

Recent history

What to do in Laos

Drink

Buy Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Laos

Ramadan in Laos

Ramadan 2025 in Islam in Laos

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Laos

Stay safe as a Muslim in Laos

Stay healthy

Telecommunications in Laos