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Laos, officially known as the Lao People's Democratic Republic -
it is an entirely landlocked country located in the center of
Indochina and shares borders with Thailand, Cambodia, China,
Myanmar and Vietnam.
In former times the country was known as Lane Xang or the Land
of a Million Elephants and today elephants can still be found
living wild and working in its great forests. Laos is a
country where visitors can really escape from the stresses of
modern life and step back into the tranquility of a world
dominated by Buddhism.
Laos is truly a fascinating country. With stunning natural
beauty, rich culture heritage and genuine hospitality, this nation
has always held a magical allure for visitors. Around 70% of Laos
is mountainous with mountains and plateaus dominating the
landscape. The Annamite Chain, known as the Truong Son Mountains
in neighbouring Vietnam, straddles the border between the
countries reaching heights of over 2,500 metres above sea level in
places. In the middle of the Annamite Chain is the Khammuan
Plateau, a region characterised by dramatic limestone gorges. At
the southern end of the chain is the Bolaven Plateau, a
particularly fertile area where mountain rice, coffee and tea are
grown while in the north of the country is Xieng Khuang, the
largest plateau in Laos and home to its highest peak, Phu Bia. The
other great physical feature of Laos is the mighty Mekong River
which flows into Laos from China in the far north and out into
Cambodia in the far south.
The capital Vientiane, and Luang Prabang the former Royal
capital in the north, are the two main centres visitors usually
head for.
However with new border crossings opening up, travellers to Laos
are now beginning to discover more of South-East Asia�s
forgotten country.
Laos
is a land of mystery. It's a land steeped in Buddhist traditions
and beliefs. It's a serene land - despite the war in China,
Thailand Vietnam, Cambodia and Burma. Only for and a half people
inhabits this country of Buddhist temples, mountains and forests.
The Mekong River is the center of life for most Laotians. Don't
expect the comforts and ease of travel that you'll find in other
countries of the region.
Laos
is new spot to tourism. However, the adventurous traveler has a
rare opportunity to interact with delightful spiritual people
who've had little contract with the outside world.
Vientiane
Vientiane,
capital of Laos is Asia's biggest village. Busy and hectic
in comparison to the rest of the country, it is quiet compared
with any other city in Asia. Vientiane, as all of Lao's
major cities, is situated on the Mekong river which forms the
lifeline of the country. Vientiane is the hub for all travel
in the country. The city has a population of 450,000, about
10% of the country.
Vientiane
is a city full of surprises. Here you can find fields of
rice and vegetables, agriculture hidden behind tree lined avenues. French Colonial architecture sits next to gilded temples. Freshly baked French bread is served next to shops selling noodle
soup.
There
is little modern in Vientiane. Old French colonial houses
are being restored as offices and as restaurants and hotels. There
are only a handful of modern buildings which sometimes look
remarkably out of place in this quiet capital.
Luang
Prabang
Luang
Praba ng
is the jewel of Indochina, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
since 1995. The ancient royal city is surrounded by
mountains at the junction of the Mekong and its tributary, the
Khan river. In the centre of the city is Mount Phousi with
stunning views of the surrounding temples and hills. Luang Prabang
is a city where time seems to stand still. As part of the
UNESCO plan, new buildings have been limited and development must
be in keeping with this magical place.
Luang
Prabang is small, and just about everywhere can be reached by
foot. Walking and travelling by bicycle is the best way to
see this tiny city.
Champassak
Province - Pakse
The
province of Champassak is home to one of Asia's great,
but least visited temples, Wat Phu. Pakse, the capital
is situated at the confluence of the Se ri ver and the Mekong (Pakse
means 'mouth of the Se') and is a busy trading town. The
province also houses much of the Bolaven Plateau, an area that is
home to a number of ethnic minorities. To the south is
Si Pan Don (four thousand islands), where the Mekong reaches up to
14km wide during the rainy season and the Khone Phapeng Falls.
Pakse
has a number of comfortable places to stay and is a good base from
which to explore the surrounding area. The town has one of
the largest markets in the region. Within Pakse is the
Champassak Museum where you can see relics from Wat Phu as well as
from the Bolaven Plateau.
>>> Visit Laos Tours <<<
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