The Best of Cambodia & Laos

ead in cafes and bakeries. You will have to line up to get your hands on them,
since many people will be catching up on the outside world with the single
newspaper available. Bookshops also sell international magazines such as Time
and Newsweek for a fairly hefty price.
Pharmacies Laos, like Vietnam and Cambodia, largely replaces proper medicine
with self-diagnosis. As a result, there are many pharmacies around town selling
antibiotics and other drugs using diagnosis methods that lack rigor or, in fact,
any process of diagnosis whatsoever. If you get sick, head to a clinic. If you need
something simple, the better pharmacies are to be found on Nong Bon Road
near Talat Sao. Try and avoid Chinese-made drugs if you can and go for European
and Thai imports and check the expiration date. The Australian Embassy Clinic
(see “Doctors & Hospitals,” above) also runs a fully equipped modern pharmacy.
Post Office The general post office is at the corner of Khou Vieng Road and
Lane Xang Avenue, opposite the Morning Market. Hours are Monday to Friday
8am to noon and 1 to 5pm, Saturday 8am to noon. EMS and FedEx services are
just next door. For international calls, you are better off using one of the many
Internet cafes.
Safety Vientiane is a safer city than most, but it’s still a good idea to take all
the usual precautions, especially at night. There have been reported cases of bag
snatching, so it’s best not to leave things lying about or dangling invitingly from
your shoulder. Also be aware that some of your fellow travelers might be the
ones with light fingers. One aspect where the city can be difficult is on the road
on a motorbike or car. Belying the gentle reputation of the country, Lao drivers
can be downright aggressive. Keep space about you and take extra care at night
when there will be a fair number of drunks behind the wheel.
Telephone The city code for Vientiane is 021. For international calls, go to an
Internet cafe. It is cheaper, quicker, and more efficient. You can also buy a Lao
sim card for your mobile for approximately $5, if you want to make local calls.
Calls are cheap and refill cards can be found everywhere.
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FAST FACTS: VIENTIANE