To have a better travel experience in Pakbeng District, there are some useful Pakbeng District travel tips which may be helpful for your Pakbeng District tour. When plan your trip to Pakbeng District, view our answers to questions about Pakbeng District travel to get better understanding of Pakbeng District.

Useful Numbers

• Emergency services: 195 (ambulance), 190 (fire), and 191 (police)
• Pakbeng Health Center: +856 81 212 276
• Pakbeng District Administration Office: +856 81 211 009
• Pakbeng Post Office: +856 81 212 006
• Pakbeng Immigration Office: +856 81 212 020

Please note that if you are calling from outside Laos, you will need to include the country code +856 before the local phone number.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Pakbeng, Laos is during the dry season which typically runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is generally pleasant with low humidity and cooler temperatures compared to the hot and humid rainy season. Additionally, the Mekong River, which is a popular mode of transportation for tourists visiting Pakbeng, is usually at its lowest level during this time, making boat trips more comfortable and safer. However, it's worth noting that Pakbeng can be visited year-round, with the rainy season typically starting in May and lasting until October. During this time, the landscape is lush and green, and the waterfalls in the surrounding area are at their fullest. Just be aware that travel by boat on the Mekong River may be more difficult due to higher water levels and stronger currents. Overall, the best time to visit Pakbeng depends on your personal preferences and travel plans. If you're looking for cooler, drier weather and comfortable boat trips, plan your trip during the dry season. If you're interested in seeing the area at its greenest and fullest, and don't mind the occasional rain shower, the rainy season may be the best time for you.

What to Pack

When packing for your trip to Pakbeng district, here are some essential items you should consider:

• Lightweight and Breathable Clothing: Since Pakbeng is located in a tropical climate, it's important to bring lightweight and breathable clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable. You may also want to pack long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: You'll likely be doing a fair amount of walking in Pakbeng, so it's important to bring comfortable shoes that are suitable for uneven terrain and possibly muddy trails.
• Sun Protection: The sun in Laos can be strong, so be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
• Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes and other insects are common in the area, especially during the rainy season, so it's important to bring insect repellent to protect yourself from bites.
• Rain Gear: If you're traveling during the rainy season, you'll want to bring a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella to protect yourself from the occasional rain shower.
• Medications and First Aid Kit: It's always a good idea to bring any necessary medications with you, as well as a basic first aid kit with items such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
• Cash: While there are a few ATMs in Pakbeng, it's always a good idea to bring enough cash with you to cover any expenses, as some places may not accept credit cards.

Currency

The currency in Pakbeng, Laos is the Lao kip (LAK). The kip comes in banknotes of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 denominations, and coins are also used for smaller amounts, though they are not as commonly used. While some places in Pakbeng may accept US dollars or Thai baht, it's generally recommended to use Lao kip for transactions, as it is the official currency of the country and offers the best exchange rate. There are a few ATMs in Pakbeng where you can withdraw cash in Lao kip, but they may not always be reliable, so it's a good idea to bring enough cash with you to cover your expenses. Some guesthouses, restaurants, and shops may also accept credit cards, but it's always best to carry cash as a backup.

Banks

Lao Development Bank

This bank is near the market. And it has an ATM that has been known to run out of money at busy times.

BCEL (Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao)

This is the largest commercial bank in Laos, with branches throughout the country, including Pakbeng District. BCEL offers a range of banking services, including savings accounts, loans, money transfers, and foreign exchange services.

Agricultural Promotion Bank

It is a state-owned bank that provides various financial services such as savings accounts, loans, and money transfers.

Language

The official language of Laos is Lao, and it is spoken by the majority of the population, including in Pakbeng. However, due to the country's history and geography, there are also several other languages spoken in the region. In Pakbeng, you will likely encounter people speaking Lao, as well as a few other languages, including:

• Thai: Due to the close proximity of Thailand, Thai is also commonly spoken in Pakbeng, particularly by those who work in the tourism industry.
• Hmong: Hmong is an ethnic minority language spoken by some people in Pakbeng and other parts of Laos.
• Khmu: Khmu is another ethnic minority language spoken in Laos, including in Pakbeng.
• French and English: While not as commonly spoken as the local languages, French and English are also spoken by some people in the tourism industry, particularly in guesthouses, hotels, and restaurants.

Overall, while Lao is the dominant language in Pakbeng, you may encounter a variety of other languages depending on the people you interact with and their backgrounds. If you don't speak the local language, it's always a good idea to learn a few basic phrases in Lao or another language to help you communicate with the locals.

Etiquette and Taboos

Here are some etiquette and taboos to keep in mind when visiting Pakbeng, Laos:

• Dress Conservatively: In Laos, it is considered inappropriate to wear clothing that is too revealing or tight-fitting, particularly when visiting religious sites. Women should avoid wearing shorts or short skirts, and men should avoid wearing tank tops or sleeveless shirts.
• Remove Your Shoes: When entering someone's home or a temple, it is customary to remove your shoes as a sign of respect. In some cases, you may be given a pair of slippers to wear instead.
• Be Respectful of Local Customs and Beliefs: Laos is a predominantly Buddhist country, and it's important to show respect for local customs and beliefs. For example, it is customary to bow your head and press your palms together in a prayer-like gesture when greeting someone, particularly elders or monks.
• Use Your Right Hand: In Laos, the left hand is considered unclean, so it's important to use your right hand when eating, shaking hands, or giving and receiving items.
• Avoid Pointing Your Feet: Feet are considered the lowest part of the body, both literally and figuratively, so it's important to avoid pointing your feet at people or religious images, particularly Buddha statues.
• Show Respect Towards Monks: Monks are highly respected in Laos, and it's important to show them respect by avoiding physical contact, especially if you are a woman. If you want to give a donation to a monk, you should place it in the monk's alms bowl, rather than handing it to them directly.
• Refrain From Public Displays of Affection: Public displays of affection, such as kissing or hugging, are considered inappropriate in Laos. It's best to avoid any behavior that might be seen as disrespectful or offensive.
• Stay Safe: Pakbeng is situated within the Golden Triangle, which is notorious for being a hub of drug production. As soon as you arrive in Pakbeng, you will likely encounter individuals offering a variety of drugs such as weed, opium, cocaine, and amphetamines, with the latter typically originating from Burma. However, it is unwise to purchase any of these substances, as a common scam involves encountering a person posing as a police officer with a fraudulent badge who threatens to report you to the authorities unless you pay them a sum of money, usually ranging from USD20-50.

Hospitals

Pakbeng Hospital

Pakbeng Hospital is a medical facility located in the town of Pakbeng, which is situated in the northwestern part of Laos, along the Mekong River. The hospital provides healthcare services to the local population, as well as to visitors and tourists who may require medical attention during their stay in Pakbeng. The hospital is staffed by medical professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses and injuries. While the hospital may not have the same level of resources and medical technology as larger facilities in more developed areas, it plays an important role in providing accessible healthcare to the local community and visitors to the area.

Tourist Center

Tourist Office

Opening Time: 7am-noon & 2-9pm It offers free maps of town and can help arrange guides.