Laos travel guide

Laos, officially known as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) is a fascinating country to visit. Sharing border with Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and China, the landlocked Laos is said to be the most laid-back of all the countries in Southeast Asia.

Laos traces its history to the kingdom of Lan Xang, which existed from the 14th to the 18th centuries when it split into three kingdoms of Luang Phrabang, Vientiane and Champasak. It was the French who united the three kingdoms in 1893 into what is known as Laos today. The country had been isolated from the outside world for almost two decades before it opened for foreign visitors in early 1990s. Despite the least-known destination comparing to its neighbors, Laos remains a slow life with centuries-old traditions, ancient temples and its people are some of the friendliest and kindest in Southeast Asia.

Once known as the land of a million elephants, Laos has something for everyone. Adrenaline junkies can lose themselves in underground river caves, white-water rapids or jungle ziplines. Wildlife enthusiasts can trek through rugged mountains and pristine forests, still home to rare creatures. Foodies can experiment with the kaleidoscope of flavors that is Lao cuisine. Step back in time while witnessing hundreds of saffron-robed monks move silently through the streets in search of alms. From thrill-seeker to gourmand, every type of traveler finds what they're looking for in Laos.

The country also retains some of the French colonial-era influences: the familiar smell of freshly baked bread and coffee mingles with exotic local aromas in morning markets, and many of the old shophouses of its larger towns now (appropriately) house French restaurants.

For such a small country with a population of nearly 7 million, Laos is surprisingly diverse in terms of its people who mostly practice Buddhism. It is home to 49 ethnic groups whose lifestyles are still well-preserved in the flow of tourism.