Laos, officially the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in southeast Asia, bordered by
Burma 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 fourteenth to the eighteenth century. In the Lao language, the country’s name is “
Meuang Lao“.
Laos’ isolation from foreign influence offers travelers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional Southeast Asian life. From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos is the highlight of Southeast
Asia.
Enigmatic and relatively undeveloped, Laos bears the dubious distinction of being the most bombed country in history. However, it is gradually emerging from its tumultuous recent history thanks to a combination of foreign aid, a growing ecotourism industry, and its charming, philosophical people.
Theravada Buddhism is a dominant influence in Lao
culture. It is reflected throughout the country from language to the temple and in art, literature, performing arts, etc. Many elements of Lao culture predate Buddhism.
Laos has rich vegetation, mainly monsoon forest. Parts of the Annamite chain are covered with tropical evergreen forest, where rainfall is highest and in the south, tropical pine forests can be found.
Laos has a large number of animal species, including as many as 500 different birds. Reptiles include many snakes, including king cobras. Laos is famous for its
woven silk and cotton which are found in varying designs throughout the country. Each area has its own specific design.
