Visitor Information
The Lao Tourism Authority serves as more of an administrative arm of the government than an information service for visitors. It provides some basic brochures if contacted at the National Tourism Authority of Lao P.D.R., 08/02 Lane Xang Ave., P.O. Box 2511, Vientiane, Lao P.D.R. (tel. 021/212-248 or 021/212-251; fax 021/212-769; www.tourismlaos.gov.la). The information office in Vientiane has a few good English speakers and is not a bad place to start.
Sayo Magazine (www.sayolaos.com) is available at hotels and bookstores for US$2.50/£1.40 and features articles on local dining, fashion, and happenings.
The official Visit Laos website, www.visit-laos.com, is sponsored by both the Lao government and private organizations. This site is detailed and accurate, and provides links to other sources of information in the region. For current domestic and international news and government affairs, log on to www.laoembassy.com, sponsored and maintained by the Lao Embassy in Washington, D.C. Below are Lao embassy and consulate locations overseas.
In the U.S.: 2222 S St. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202/332-6416; fax 202/332-4923; www.laoembassy.com); or 317 E. 51st St., New York, NY 10022 (tel. 212/832-2734; fax 212/750-0039; www.laoembassy.com/laomission/index.html).
In Australia: 1 Dalmain Crescent, O'Malley, Canberra, ACT 2606 (tel. 02/6286-4595; fax 02/6290-1910).
In Thailand: 520/502/1-3 Soi Sahakarnpramoon, Wangthonglang, Bangkok 10310, Pracha Uthit Road (end of Soi Ramkhamhaeng 39; tel. 539-6667-8 or 539-7341; fax 539-3827 or 539-6678; www.bkklaoembassy.com).
