Visit Laos

Laos, officially the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma (Myanmar) and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west. Laos traces its history to the Kingdom of Lan Xang or Land of a Million Elephants, which existed from the 14th to the 18th century.

After a period as a French protectorate, it gained independence in 1949. A long civil war ended officially when the communist Pathet Lao movement came to power in 1975, but the protesting between factions continued for several years.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free tourist destination, experience Laos in all its majestic beauty. Natural in almost every aspect, Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s least developed nations offering the adventurous tourist a land of many surprises.

Laos, also known as the Land of a Million Elephants, is a culturally rich, land-locked country with a population of about 6 million. The Laotians are predominantly Buddhist and are very friendly and hospitable people. The official language is Lao. French and English are also widely spoken. The capital city, Vientiane, skirts the Mekong River, which forms the border between Laos and Thailand.

Laos offers a pristine landscape, intact culture and relaxed and freindly people. If you are taking the overland passage from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, you can explore the many limestone caves of Vang Vieng enroute, or go tubing in the waterways in that area. Around Phonsavanh in Xieng Khuang Province is the mysterious Plain of Jars, a large area of land littered with stone jars weighing from 600kg up to 6 tons and thought to be about 2000 years old. Little is known about their origins or what they were used for.

Those who make the effort to explore Laos will be well rewarded with stunning landscapes, friendly people and unique glimpses of a country hardly changed for over a century.

This Laos Destination Guide gives some information about what there is to see and do in Laos. General travel information about Laos can be found by visiting our Laos Country Guide page. A great way of seeing the highlights and exploring the country is on a fascinating Laos tour.
Things to See & Do in Laos

From Thakhek, Savannakhet and other parts of the country, more adventurous travellers can venture into and even camp in one of Laos’ 20 National Biodiversity Conservation Areas, the home of several endangered species of rare birds and wildlife including tigers, bears, monkeys, deer and elephants.

Safety note: Check with a tour operator or other knowledgeable sources before hiking or camping anywhere in Laos to be certain it is not an area that may have UXOs - unexploded ordnance from past wars.

Get this wonderful opportunity to experience this untouched culture. There is some place you can visit in Laos. Vientiane, you visit Hophrakeo, Wat Si Saket, Patousay (the Arc of Triumph) and That Luang Stupa. You also have time at the end of the trip to see the National Cultural Ethnic Park, Friendship Bridge and Buddha Park. Also, don’t miss the Morning Market where you can buy anything from local handicrafts to MP3 players and traditional medicine.

Then Luang Prabang, you enjoy trips to Wat Phousy on top of the hill overlooking the Mekong River. You also get to experience the Wat Xieng Thong, the most beautiful temple. Since 1995 Luang Prabang has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage City.

Home | posted on Tuesday, April 7th, 2009 at 4:36 am| under laos | RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Leave a Reply