Laos Description

Laos - the most mysterious and least-developed country of the three former French colonies in Southeast Asia. Full name of Laos - Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Less than ten years ago this country was almost unknown to travelers, but in the past few years, Laos has become more accessible to foreign tourists. In essence, this is very poor but very beautiful country with hospitable and kind locals.

By the mid-seventies, the devastating effects of colonial rule, ethnic conflicts and socialist experiments have placed this country to its knees, forcing the ten percent of the population to leave their homeland in search of a better life.

The lack of foreign influence helped to keep intact the traditional culture of Laos and today, after fifteen years of international isolation, when the country had grown accustomed to peace and economic stability, the travelers finally begin to think about the fact that Laos has always been one of the most interesting countries in Southeast Asia. You will find that visiting the elegant colonial capital of Laos - Vientiane, the ancient Khmer temples and ancient mountain kingdom of Luang Prabang.

Since mid-fourteenth of XVII century on the site in Laos there were powerful state Lansang - "Kingdom of Million Elephants." The state with the most unspoilt environment in South-East Asia - is famous for its amazing combination of mountains, forests and rivers, the French colonial architecture and ancient temples.

Most of the country consists of mountains, some of which are virtually unexplored by man, in remote areas of Laos are still unknown species of animals.

Travel to Laos is best combined with the rest in Vietnam, Cambodia or Thailand.

Laos is located in the heart of Indochina. This is a small country, which extends 1000 km from north to south along the middle reaches of the Mekong. By the size of the territory of Laos is almost equal to the UK - 237 ths. km. This is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Asia. Landlocked Laos has not. In the west, bordering with Thailand in the east - with Vietnam in the south - with Cambodia in the north - with the Yunnan province of China, and in the north-west - with Burma (Myanmar). Laos is covered with dense forest, the landscape consists of low hills and mountains, the largest peak - Phu Bya, altitude 2817 m. The Mekong river flows along the border with Thailand, Laos and Burma, Vietnam shares its border with Annamitsky Ridge.