Laos has been known since ancient times as Lan Xang, or Land of
the Million Elephants, and offers visitors a glimpse of old
Indochina. It is less developed than its Chinese, Thai and
Vietnamese neighbours, and traditionally the most reserved, but
offers natural beauty and shy hospitality combined with a mix of
original Buddhist culture and French influences. It also shares its
borders with Burma and Cambodia.
A mountainous, landlocked country, situated at the heart of
South East Asia, Laos' lifeline is the Mekong River that flows the
length of the country, providing water for agricultural lands and a
major means of transport. Vientiane, the unassuming capital, is
situated on its banks, and the city provides a comfortable
introduction to the charms of the country. Laos's most enticing
destination is the town of Luang Prabang, the former royal kingdom,
with a legacy of splendid golden temples and whitewashed
houses.
A troubled history of French colonisation, internal conflicts
and assertive communism chased much of Laos' population away in the
1970s and isolated the country from the outside world. Today,
though, the doors stand open, and services for travellers are
gradually being instituted so that visitors can enjoy an unrivalled
look at the old-fashioned way of life of a country still largely
unscathed by the harsh effects of mass tourism. Tourists willing to
brave the lack of infrastructure will discover charming towns and
rural villages, smiling, endearing people, splendid scenery, and a
slow, relaxed pace of life.
