In the picturesque land of Laos, various abbreviations play a significant role in communication, identification, and navigation within the country. From administrative divisions to transportation infrastructure, understanding these abbreviations is crucial for effective communication and engagement across different sectors. Here, we will list the key abbreviations used in Laos and their significance in various contexts.
ISO 3-Letter Code: LAO
The ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 country code for Laos is “LAO.” This three-letter code is internationally recognized and used in various domains such as international trade, travel documents, and telecommunications to uniquely identify Laos.
ISO 2-Letter Code: LA
The two-letter ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code for Laos is “LA.” Similar to the three-letter code, this abbreviation is widely utilized in addressing systems, domain names, and international transactions to represent Laos succinctly.
Top-Level Domain: .la
Websites associated with Laos typically utilize the top-level domain “.la.” This domain extension serves as a digital identifier for Laotian entities on the internet, including businesses, organizations, and government agencies.
Currency: Lao Kip (LAK)
The official currency of Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). The abbreviation “LAK” represents the Lao Kip currency, which is used in all financial transactions within the country. The Lao Kip is subdivided into smaller units called att, with one Kip equivalent to 100 att.
Language Code: Lao (lo)
The official language of Laos is Lao, represented by the language code “lo.” Lao is the most widely spoken language in Laos and is used in government, education, media, and everyday communication.
Major Airports in Laos
- Wattay International Airport (VTE): Located in the capital city of Vientiane, Wattay International Airport is the primary gateway to Laos. It serves as the main hub for both domestic and international flights, connecting Laos with destinations across Asia and beyond.
- Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ): Situated near the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, this airport is an important aviation facility in northern Laos. It handles both domestic and international flights, catering to tourists and travelers visiting the region.
- Pakse International Airport (PKZ): Located in the southern province of Champasak, Pakse International Airport serves as a key transportation hub in southern Laos. It provides air access to Pakse and its surrounding areas, including the famous Bolaven Plateau and Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands).
- Savannakhet Airport (ZVK): Serving the city of Savannakhet in central Laos, this airport facilitates domestic flights within Laos and limited international flights to neighboring countries. It plays a vital role in connecting the region with the rest of the country.
- Xieng Khouang Airport (XKH): Situated in the province of Xieng Khouang, this airport serves the town of Phonsavan and the surrounding area. It provides essential air links for travelers visiting the Plain of Jars, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Oudomxay Airport (ODY): Located in the northern province of Oudomxay, this airport serves the town of Oudomxay and nearby areas. It supports domestic flights within Laos, enhancing connectivity in the region.
- Houayxay Airport (HOE): Serving the town of Houayxay in the northwest of Laos, this airport provides air access to travelers visiting the border region with Thailand. It facilitates cross-border travel and trade between Laos and Thailand.
- Saravane Airport (VNA): Located in the southern province of Saravane, this airport serves the town of Saravane and surrounding areas. It supports domestic flights within Laos, contributing to regional connectivity.
- Xieng Khouang Airport (XKH): Also known as Phonsavan Airport, this facility serves the province of Xieng Khouang in northern Laos. It caters to tourists visiting the nearby Plain of Jars archaeological site and other attractions in the region.
- Lao Airlines: The national flag carrier of Laos, providing domestic and international air services to destinations within Laos and across Asia.
Acronyms for Major Entities
- LAK: Lao Kip – The official currency used in Laos, represented by the ISO currency code “LAK.”
- VTE: Wattay International Airport – The main international airport serving the capital city of Vientiane and the primary gateway to Laos.
- LAO: ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 country code for Laos, widely used in international trade, travel documents, and telecommunications.
- LPQ: Luang Prabang International Airport – A major airport in northern Laos, providing domestic and international air services.
- lo: Lao Language Code – The language code representing the Lao language, the official language of Laos.