seuang river information and packing list

This document contains important information to help you prepare for your trip to Laos. Please read carefully and contact Buffalo Tours if you have any questions.

Buffalo Tours (Lao) Ltd.Phouvao Rd., Ban PhabattaiLuang Prabang, LAO PDRTel: (856-71) 254 395 (office hours)Fax: (856-71) 253 194

Emergency “Hot Line” contact 24 hrs: +856-20-2235-0048 or +856-20-2234-4440

For parents who want to follow what is happening, updates will be posted athttp://twitter.com/seuangriver

On Arrival VisaOn arrival visa available for most nationalities at Luang Prabang Airport. Prices for on arrival visas range from $30 - $42 US depending on nationality. One or two passport sized photos are also required. The price of visas are not included in the tour price.

Please note - passports must be valid for at least six-months after arrival date and have two pages available for visa stamps. Buffalo Tours cannot be responsible for travellers who do not possess

proper travel documents.

Your Buffalo Tours guides and facilitator will be waiting for you outside the arrival hall at Luang Prabang airport.

PACKING LISTThis is not an exhaustive list, but is a good guideline of the minimum required. When packing please remember that Seuang River Experience is an outdoor education programme in rural mountain villages. Weather conditions vary. To help here is an indication of the three distinct seasons in Laos.

The Summer is from late March to early June, temperatures can be as high as 40°C. The green season is from June to October, temperatures are around 30°C, tropical downpours are frequent. The cool & dry season from November to March, low rainfall and warm temperatures that can fall as low as 10°C at night

There will be a laundry service available in village for a reasonable price (hand wash only – no ironing).

• A good day pack big enough to carry personal items – water bottle, waterproof jacket, camera, etc.• Trainer/sports shoes for trekking. These are better than boots as they dry more quickly (we are in a

river valley and shoes will get wet)! Many activities require closed shoes, so please don’t come with just sandals. Please note: we suggest old trainers which you would not mind getting wet/dirty and even leaving behind. They will get a good home.

• Sandals (no heels). Sports type ‘Teevers’ are ideal.• 2 Long trousers (1 for work & hiking / 1 for in town and travel). Cotton trousers are fine, although light

weight synthetic trousers are quicker drying once they get wet. • 2 Long Shirts (1 for work & hiking / 1 for in town and travel) you want long sleeves to give you

protection from the sun and insects! Nice on cool evenings. • Fleece / sweater – it can get cold in the evenings especially between October to February.• 2 Shorts (1 for work & hiking / 1 for in town and travel)• 4 T shirts (Please, no offensive slogans) Girls – this is a ‘conservative rural area’ halter tops /

revealing tops should not be worn.• Swimming gear / girls should additionally have a sarong or extra t-shirt to wear • Lightweight waterproof jacket • Underwear / socks• Sun hat • Sunglasses • Sun cream or sun block. • Water Bottle (1 Litre capacity). In the interests on cutting down the use of plastic, we do not

automatically provide students with bottles of water. Students can refill from large central filtered water bottles.

• Insect Repellent. Deet-based is a good idea.• Wash Kit and towels. • Any personal medication/sanitary items.• Torch/flashlight. • pens, pencils, notebook, calculators and camera as required• gloves for construction work (if required)

ADDITIONAL ITEMSWe will be visiting rural Lao villages / schools where groups often feel a strong need to provide additional items for their hosts. Here are some suggestions. Please note these do not have to be expensive and used items are perfectly fine if still in fairly good shape. • school mementos / souvenirs to present to head-teachers, etc• pencil, pens, crayons, markers, paints • notebooks, school equipment, learning aids • used clothing still in good shape (please keep in mind that most Lao villagers are of smaller stature than

many westerners)• sports equipment (soccer balls, volley balls, etc)• soap• new toothbrushes / toothpaste

TEACHING MATERIALS FOR SCHOOL VISITSMany groups want to do some teaching in local schools. For this to be effective you should be prepared. It is a good idea to bring some teaching aids to help. Remember the villagers speak LITTLE or NO English and will be shy – but very eager to participate! They will enjoy songs & games.

RISK ASSESSMENTThe following control measures apply to all activities: First Aid kits, Bottled drinking water, Qualified staff (travel guides, drivers, cooks, Trekking guides).Insurance It is required that all clients purchase travel medical insurance. Buffalo Tours does not provide insurance.

RISK ASSESSMENT CONTROL MEASURES ACTIONS IN CASE OF INCIDENT

Pre-existing medical conditions

allergiesdietary requirementsmedicationsheart & other

Low if declaredLow if declaredLow if declaredDepends

Declaration on participant’s information sheet to ensure Tour Leader and guides know of participant’s allergies, food or medications. All team members to bring own medications for serious known allergies and ensure Leader and guides know how to use (eg Epipen, heart medications).

First-aid and/or hospitalisation as appropriate.

Diseases & vaccination

NA – consult http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/thailand.aspx especially for malaria

All to consult family health practitioner concerning all travel-health related issues at least 6 weeks prior to departure.

Ensure team member is told to visit family health practitioner if they feel ill on return explaining where they have been.

Bites/Stings

Snakes

Mammals

Low

Low

Stick to paths. Be observant and noisy – snakes will almost always get out of your way. Don’t go out in the dark without a torch. Don’t put fingers in holes or under rocks/logs

Warn participants to keep away

Immediate first aid and/or hospitalisation.

Immediate first aid and/or

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/thailand.aspx



Mosquitoes/ malaria & dengue fever

.

Scorpions / Insects / Bees

Low in dry season (Oct - Mar) Medium in wet season (Apr - Sept)

Low risk of serious stings / bitesMedium risk of minor stings / bites

from mammals and don’t be tempted to play with them. Bites from cats, dogs, monkeys, etc. are all potentially very serious matters.

Use repellent & keep covered up with long-sleeved clothing. Take malaria medication only on advice of family medical practitioner and be aware of possible side-effects and ineffectiveness for dengue fever.

Don’t put hands or fingers in holes. Be careful when picking up rocks or handling wood, and check boots before putting on.

hospitalisation.

From no action to first-aid depending on nature of bite. Ensure team member is told to visit doctor if they feel ill on return explaining where they have been.

From no action to first-aid to hospitalisation depending on nature of bite. Seek local advice as appropriate.

Eating and Drinking

Food

Water

Low

Low

Buffalo Tours guides inspect all restaurants and cooking areas to ensure hygienic cooking conditions, all fruit/vegetables are peeled and cooked properly, all utensils and bowls/plates thoroughly cleaned. Guides observe group to ensure all eating adequate food and cater for any food allergies, and dietary requirements.

Buffalo Tours guides ensure all water is treated or bottled. Guides observe group to ensure enough water is being drunk.

Monitor throughout tour.

In the event of upset tummies / nausea initially water / electrolytes and rest for up to 48 hours. Avoid Immodium or similar unless embarking on long-distance travel. If situation not rectified in 48 hours then referral to health centre or hospital.

Monitor throughout Project.

In the event of heat exhaustion & dehydration plenty of rest and fluids. Hospitalisation in serious cases.

General TravelLost person

Pick-pocketing

Low

Low/Medium

Travel in groups. Obey route instructions. Take contact phone numbers of guides and accommodation address and number.

Warn not to wear jewellery or show obvious signs of wealth. Take out only the money you need, and split between pockets and money-belts. Do not get large amounts of money out when paying for items. Be aware while in crowds or on transport.

Guides ensure all other participants are together with supervision before going to look for missing person.

Report loss of passports or other items of value to police and get a report for insurance.

Traffic

Being approached

Theft

Low/Medium

Low

Low

Warn to watch out for bicycles, animals and cars that may not follow the same 'rules of the road' as home country.

Go out in groups. Guides recommend be wary of those offering 'good deals' or some 'special' services.

Recommend strict care of personal belongings. Use safety deposit boxes for valuables at hotel.

Report incident to police as appropriate.



Hotel Accommodation Dangers

Low Listen to guides briefings to 1) keep rooms locked at all times. 2) know where fire escape is.


Vehicular Travel Low Buffalo Tours uses only fully licensed and properly maintained vehicles in accordance with local laws & transportation regulations.


Cultural Issues

Culture Shock

Local traditions/customs

Alcohol and Drugs

Low

Low

Low

Briefing by guides as to what to expect in tour orientation.

Briefing by guides as to what to expect in tour orientation on clothing, language/swearing, physical contact and eating.

Adults follow responsible use of alcohol. No alcohol permitted for students. Strictly no illegal drugs are allowed.

Monitor individuals and address concerns as they come up.Monitor individuals and address concerns as they come up.

Monitor individuals and address concerns as they come up.

Construction Work

Cement

Sand and rocks

Tools

Working at height

Low

Low

Low/Medium

Low/Medium

Wear gloves and take care not to breathe in dust

Wear gloves at all times. Use manual handling procedures to protect back. Use more than one person to lift heavy items. Listen to briefing from Leaders and local workmen. Wear gloves, and make sure your back and other limbs are protected by using proper manual handling procedures. Wear appropriate safety equipment, goggles etc.

Students only allowed 2m off the ground while on ladders. Another person to hold the bottom ofthe ladder. Listen to Leaders briefing.

Observation then possible First Aid / hospitalisation.




Falling bricks/tools Low/Medium Students to wear hardhats when working under constructions or other workers.


School Program Rural Evacuation Protocol Evacuation from rural areas is required for any injury or suspected injury that teachers / guides or facilitators cannot deal with it in a safe and effective manner. Teachers / guides or facilitators may deal with minor scraps, bruises, lacerations, minor illness (such as car sickness, upset stomach, headache, common cold, etc). Medical emergencies beyond this will be dealt with on a case by case basis and deemed serious enough for evacuation by the 1) teacher 2) guides or 3) facilitators.

1. At least 1 vehicle driver is “on call” the entire time a school group is in a rural area. All guides and facilitators are aware of which driver is available. In cases of serious injury requiring evacuation, the accident victim will be stabilized and transported to Luang Prabang hospital.

2. One guide and one teacher will accompany the accident victim to the Luang Prabang hospital. During transportation the guide will call

Lao Operations Manager +856-20-2235-0048 or +856-20-2234-4440

or

Laos Country Manager+856-20-2235-0048 or +856-20-2234-4440

Either Lao Operations Manager or Laos Country Manager will call and warn the Luang Prabang hospital of emergency and give a contact phone number. They will then proceed to the hospital to meet the arriving vehicle with accident victim.

Luang Prabang Hospital Luang Prabang City, Lao PDREmergency 24 hr. service: +856 30 514 1743

3. Facilitator and remaining guide & teacher(s) will take care of the remaining group to ensure students stay calm and continue program if possible. If it is deemed impossible to continue program then students will be transported back to town as soon as possible.

4. At the Luang Prabang Hospital it will be decided by teacher in consultation with doctor if injury can be treated or if further evacuation to Bangkok is required. If required contact:

Bangkok Hospital Medical Center2 Soi Soonvijai 7, New Petchburi Road Bangkapi , Huay Khwang Bangkok 10310Tel. (+66) 2310-3000 or 1719 Fax. (+66) 2318-1546 2310-3327Email: [email protected]

Contact CenterTel. (+662) 310-3344 Fax. (+662) 755-1310

Emergency Services Tel. (+662) 310-3456 Fax. (+662) 310-3132

5. During treatment guide stays with accident victim at all times to translate, reassure and provide comfort as required.

6. At Luang Prabang Hospital either Lao Operations Manager or Laos Country Manager will assist teacher to inform the student’s insurance company of accident and gain approval for treatment:

7. At Luang Prabang Hospital either Lao Operations Manager or Laos Country Manager will ask teacher to call school administration and family.

8. If the victim needs to be moved to Bangkok or back to their home country, they will be accompanied by one teacher. Buffalo Tour staff will prepare travel arrangements and gather the victim’s luggage/belongings and that of any accompanying teacher. Remember passport, money, and any insurance information! A medical note from the doctor in Luang Prabang should also accompany them.

9. Keep all receipts (any money you spend starting from the moment of emergency) and submit to accounting.

10. When emergency is under control and all above steps have been taken, resume program if possible.

LAOS BACKGROUND

Official name: Lao People's Democratic Republic, or more commonly known in English as LaosGovernment type: Communist stateCapital: VientianeIndependence: 19 July 1949 (from France)Chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Chounmali Saignason

Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, established in the 14th Century under King FA NGUM. For three hundred years Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos. After centuries of gradual decline, Laos came under the domination of Siam (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century when it became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand. In 1975, the Communist Pathet Lao took control of the government ending a six-century-old monarchy and instituting a strict socialist regime closely aligned to Vietnam. A gradual return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in 1986. Laos became a member of ASEAN in 1997.

Area:: 236,800 sq km (slightly larger than Utah) mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateausClimate: tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstonesEnvironment - current issues: unexploded ordnance; deforestation; soil erosion; most of the population does not have access to potable waterPopulation: 6,521,998 (July 2007 est.)Ethnic groups: Lao Loum (lowland) 68%, Lao Theung (upland) 22%, Lao Soung (highland) including the Hmong and the Yao 9%, ethnic Vietnamese/Chinese 1%Religions: Buddhist 65%, animist 32.9%, Christian 1.3%, other and unspecified 0.8% (1995 census)

Exchange rates (estimate)1 US Dollar = 8,000 Lao Kip 1 Thai Baht = 270 Lao Kip

USEFUL WORDS AND GREETINGS

English LaoHello Sabai dee How are you? Sabai dee baw I’m fine (Koy) sabai dee And you? Jao de

What’s your name? Jao seu nyang My name is.. (Koy) seu..

Nice to meet you Yin di ti dai hu jak Where are you from? Jao ma dtae sai I am from.. Koy ma dtae.. (your country)

America –Ameliga Ireland Ai lan England –Ang git France –Falahng Laos –Lao Thailand –Tai Australia –Oht sa dtahli

Excuse me/I’m sorry Kaw tohd Never mind/no worries Baw Bpen Nyang

I don’t understand (Koy) baw kao jai Please repeat Wao mai dai baw

Where are you going? Bpai sai I am going to.. Koy bpai

School hohng hian Temple wat The market dtalaht Restaurant hahn ahahn going home koy meua heuan

Have you eaten yet? Gin kao laeo baw Yes, I’ve eaten. Gin laeo I haven’t eaten yet. Yang baw dai gin teuaI’m full. Eem laeo

NumbersNumber Pronunciation Lao 1 neung 2 sawng 3 sahm 4 si 5 ha 6 hok 7 jet 8 bpaet 9 gao 10 sip 11 sip etz

12 sip sawng 13 sip sahm 20 sao 21 sao et 30 sahm sip 40 si sip 100 loy, hoy 1000 pan 10,000 sip pan 100,000 saen 1,000,000 lahn

At the MarketHow much? Tao dai Can you discount some? Lut noy dai baw

expensive paeng cheap Teuk

At SchoolSchool hohng hian Teacher (Elementary) ku Teacher (Higher level) ahjahn Student (Primary, Sec.) nak hian Book bpeum Paper jia Pen bik Pencil saw Read ahn Write kian Say/Speak wow

DOS & DON’TS in LAO