Laos is the last, largely untouched country in South East Asia where you can still enjoy peace and tranquillity that is so hard to find in our hectic world.
Isolated for decades, visitors are now re-discovering this remote Asian backwater, its beautiful scenery, generous and friendly people and interesting cultural history. For anyone open to a more adventurous style of holiday, a trip to Laos will certainly offer a rich and rewarding cultural experience unlike anywhere else in the world.
Laos has its own unique cultural identity, which can be found as equally in the local rice shops and noodle stands of Vientiane as it can be in the colourful hill tribes of the north.
The former Royal Kingdoms of Vientiane and Luang Prabang display a wealth of superb Buddhist temples side by side with more modern French colonial architecture, and of course, the enigmatic Plain of Jars is certain to leave you wondering.
A wide range of distinctive traditional handicrafts is available, including silverware, ceramics, woodcarvings, textiles, and tribal crafts. The hilly, jungle-clad landscape is home to a bewildering variety of rare and beautiful wildlife, including Javan mongoose, leopard cats, gibbons and langurs, goat-antelopes, bears, gaurs and the majestic Asian elephant.
Flowing through the entire length of the country, the majestic Mekong River is home to the very rare Irrawaddy Dolphin and also helps to support many species of resident and migratory birds.
Above all, Laos is a country of people - genuine, friendly and always with a warm smile. Their relaxed approach and the unhurried pace of life is a really refreshing change to the chaotic hustle and bustle that marks much of the rest of Southeast Asia.
More information about Laos tours
Do you want to know more about Laos and its beauty? Or do you need accurate visa information?
Contact the Laos tourism board for more information.
