The most common way to enter the Lao People’s Democratic Republic is via Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, which has regularly scheduled flights from/to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phnom Penh, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Kunming. Land crossings with the Lao People's Democratic Republic's neighbours are permitted in many areas, but some of these are only for local residents. The major international land crossings are from Nong Khai, Thailand to Vientiane via the Friendship Bridge and at Thailand's Chong Mek (Ubon Rachathani Province) to Champassak. Several bus routes also run between Vietnam and the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

A passport and visa are required of all foreigners visiting Lao People’s Democratic Republic, except for citizens of countries that have a visa exemption agreement: Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, Eastern Europe countries, Malaysia, and Thailand (exemption only for diplomats, but border passes can be obtained).
Tourism visas are available on arrival at Wattay International Airport, the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, Luang Prabang Airport, and Ban Muang Kao. All other international checkpoints require a visa in advance of arrival.

Validity period of visa:
• For business people collecting information or contacting local businesses, the visa is good for one month and can be extended
• For tourists, the visa is valid for one month
• For foreign invested companies' employees and their families, visas are typically granted for the duration of the investment projects

The following immunizations are normally recommended for all travellers to Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and other countries in South-East Asia.
• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid
• Diptheria and Tetanus
• Hepatitis B
• Polio
Other vaccines are recommended, depending on where one is located in the country.

The unit of currency in the Lao People's Democratic Republic is the kip, which is available in 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 100 and 50 kip notes. In major towns, Thai baht and US dollars are readily accepted in markets, hotels and restaurants.
Travellers cheques can be changed in major banks in Vientiane but are of limited use elsewhere. Credit cards can be used in major hotels in Vientiane but are also limited to a few areas of the country.

In total there are 19 embassies in Lao People’s Democratic Republic:

Australia Nehru Street, Vat Phonsay area Tel: 41-3610, 41-3805, 41-3602	China Vat Nak Street, Sisattanak Area Tel: 31-5103, 31-5100, 315101	Bulgaria Sisangvone Area Tel: 41-110
Cuba Saphathong Nua Area Tel: 31-4902	Cambodia Saphathong Nua Area Tel: 31-4952, Fax: 31-2584	India That Luang Road, VatPhonsay Area Tel: 41-3802.
Indonesia Phon Kheng Road Tel: 41-3910, 41-3909, 41-3907,41-3914	Japan Sisangvone Road Tel: 21-2623, 41-4400-2, 414406, Fax: 41-4403	Russia Tel: 31-2219, 31-222
Democratic People's Republic of Korea Vat Nak Street, Sisattanak Tel: 31-5261, 31-5260	Malaysia That Luang Street, Vat Phonsay Area Tel: 41-4205	Sweden Sokpaluang Street, VatNak Tel: 31-5018, 31-5000, 31-3772, Fax: 31-5003
Myanmar Sokpaluang Street, Sisattanak Area Tel: 31-2439, 31-4910	Poland Thadeua Road, Km 3 Tel: 31-2219, 31-2085	Thailand Phonekheng Road Tel: 21-4581-3, 21-4585
Vietnam That Luang Road Tel: 41-3400, 41-3409, 41-3403	U.S.A. That Dam Tel: 21-2580-2, 31-2609, Fax:21-2584	France Setthathirath Road Tel: 21-5258, 21-5259, Fax: 21-5255.
Germany 26 Sokpaluang Road Tel: 31-2111, 31-2110

Numerous hotels can be found throughout Vientiane, and the other major areas such as Luang Prabang and Pakse are offering a wider variety of accommodations each year. Most business travelers to Vientiane stay in the following hotels:
Asian Pavilion Hotel, Lane Xang Hotel, Tai-Pan Hotel, Novotel Belvedere Vientiane, New Apollo Hotel, and the Lao Plaza Hotel.
Rates vary widely depending on the type of room, but start as low as US$20 for a standard room.

Among the country's key attractions are the following:

That Luang (Vientiane)
That Luang is the national symbol of Lao People’s Democratic Republic and is the country's most important Buddhist monument. Built in 1566 by King Say Settathirath, it symbolizes the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty.

Wat Si Saket (Vientiane)
Wat Si Saket is the oldest standing temple in Vientiane. Built in 1818, this famous temple has its walls inlaid with over 2,000 silver and ceramic Buddha images.

Morning Market (Vientiane)
Morning Market (Talat Sao) is the city's major marketplace and offers a variety of goods including clothing, electronics, jewelry, traditional textiles, and souvenirs. Buddha Park (Vientiane) Also known by its real name Xieng Khuan, this spacious park contains numerous Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, many of which are extremely large.

Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is the old royal capital but also contains some of the country's most stunning Buddhist temples. This beautiful city is situated 500 kilometres from Vientiane along the Mekong River and nestled between scenic mountains. The main attractions are the historic temples, the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Wisunlat. On the outskirts of Luang Prabang are the Pak-Ou caves (inhabitant to thousands of Buddha statues), Ban Phanoma weaver’s village, and the Khoung Sy Waterfalls.

Plain of Jars (Xieng Khuang)
The Plain of Jars is famous for its ancient stone jars, which remain one of South-East Asia's great mysteries. The origins and purpose of the huge stone jars that cover the plain are still unknown.

Khone Phapheng Falls (Champassak)
These virtually unknown waterfalls are among the largest in South-East Asia. Located near the Lao-Cambodian border, the Khone Phapheng Falls and the surrounding Si Phan Done area is one of the Lao People's Democratic Republic's most scenic regions.