- What is the group size on your tours?
Most groups operate on less but the maximum will always be 20 people per group.
- What is the best time to travel?
Our comprehensive tours have been specifically designed for travel during the most comfortable seasons for travel to your destination. Please refer to the climate section for detailed information on climate in Laos.
All tours have been designed to coincide with annual festival dates ensuring travel in the finest seasons.
- What are the inclusions and exclusions of the packages?
Most items have been included in the initial cost of your fully inclusive package; International airfare, all accommodation, 3 meals per day, entrance fees to scenic attractions, all transportation and daily tours, services of your National Escort and local guides, and domestic taxes within Laos
Laos visa can be obtained on arrival and the cost is app USD30.00 payable directly to Immigration.
The only items not included in your fully inclusive package are the final departure taxes from your destination and domestic taxes within Laos, tipping, Visa fee for South African Passport holders, beverages and personal expenditure. What this means for you is that after paying the initial cost your can sit back, relax and we will take care of the rest!
- Will my South African plugs fit into overseas power points?
There is an electricity supply of 220 volts throughout Indochina, in the cities and most towns. 240-volt appliances will work safely with this supply. However, there is no universal power point, they vary not just from one country to the next but from one hotel to another. You can buy adaptors, also known as conversion plugs, from hardware, department and Duty free stores in South Africa. In Laos, they generally use the vertical two-pin (Japan) plug.
- What types of meals are served on tour?
All group tours include 3 meals per day - breakfast lunch and dinner. Breakfast is a combination of eastern and western cuisine served in buffet style. Lunch and dinner usually consist of local cuisine served in a banquet style with a wide range of dishes from which. Packed lunches or dinners may be served when travelling by train or on a day trip.
If you wish to have meals specially prepared for you, such as a Western meal, you will need to advise Wendy Wu Tours at the time of your booking so that these arrangements can be made. All beverages will be at your own cost.
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Can I drink the local tap water?
To ensure an enjoyable tour by all, we strongly recommend that you do not drink tap water, nor take ice with your drinks.
- Is it worthwhile to have travel insurance?
As a condition of travel you must have travel insurance for your overseas travels to cover you against any situations that may arise. Please enquire with one of our friendly staff or ask your travel agent for further details.
- What immunisation do I need, when travelling to Laos?
Please consult your doctor or contact the Travel Clinic in your capital city for your vaccination requirements.
- How far in advance should I book?
As a general rule, it is best to book as soon as you have made a firm decision on a particular tour in order to avoid disappointment, as our tours fill up rather quickly. To make a booking, contact our office to check for availability, then simply fill out our booking form and send a ZAR2500 deposit.
- Do you create tours specifically for my requirements?
We understand that group travel is not always suited for everyone, so we will happily custom make any itinerary to suit your specific needs.
- How much money should I allocate for tipping?
Tipping is a firm and expected element in the Tourism industry today and the Indochina region is no exception. The nominated tip amount is to be given to your National Escort at the beginning of the tour and they will do all the necessary tipping on your behalf. Wendy Wu Tours will advise the amount required per person as it is dependant on the length of the Group Tour undertaken.
- What are the coaches and train compartments like on the tours?
Coaches used whilst on tour are air conditioned and occupy seating for up to 35 people.
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How much free time do we get whilst on tour?
As indicated in our itineraries daily activities are planned, however the programs are flexible, as whilst at the attractions a period of time is allocated where you are free to roam as you please. Generally, apart from a few performances, the evenings are your own also.
- How do I get my visa?
Visas can be obtained from the Embassy of Laos in Bangkok. A visa can also be issued on arrival in Laos and the cost is app USD30.00, payable directly to Immigration.
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What is the breakaway fee?
All fully inclusive prices are based on group travel and any deviation from the set itinerary will incur a breakaway fee of ZAR700.00 per person.
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What is the fuel surcharge?
All packages that are inclusive of flights will be subject to airline fuel surcharges that will be applied from time to time by the airline and will be in addition to the cost of the tour. These fees cannot be waived.
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What is a Re-routing Fee?
A re-routing fee will be applied whenever a passenger changes the arrival/ departure city, to that of another where there is a difference in the airfare cost.
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Are there any baggage restrictions?
All passengers are limited to two (2) items of luggage each:
> One (1) suitcase or backpack, with a maximum weight of 20kg and maximum size of 70 litres.
> One (1) piece of hand luggage, with a maximum weight of 5kg. It is advisable that your hand luggage consist of a day “daypack”- a small bag which you can access during the day and carry items like your camera, drinking water, toilet paper, hat etc.
It is essential that you have a lock for each piece of luggage. Without one, railway and airline staff may refuse to handle it.