Laos Exension, Introduction and Culture, Laos Information

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 Prabang 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 river 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.