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Population: 6,834,942 Dialing Code: +856 Languages: Lao (official), French, English, and various ethnic languages Religions: Buddhist 67%, Christian 1.5%, other and unspecified 31.5% (2005 census) Internet TLD: .la Located: Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam Area: 236,800 sq km Residents with HIV: 5,500 Literacy: 68.7% Comparative Size: slightly larger than Utah Nationality Noun: Lao(s) or Laotian(s) Nationality Adjective: Lao or Laotian currencyLAK |
For decades, Laos has been the most misunderstood destination in Southeast Asia, often overshadowed by its neighbors Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Obscured by self-imposed isolation and war, it has at the turn of the new millennium finally opened itself to the world, especially with its communist government granting the Laotians a healthy dose of personal freedom.
Since then, the country has assumed its current standing as one of the region's most popular destinations, as evidenced by the some 1.1 million foreign tourists arriving there every year since 2005. It has even been declared by the New York Times as one of the world's 53 great places to visit, with attractions ranging from its capital Vientiane's village appeal to historic Luang Prabang's centuries-old monasteries.
Unfamiliar Terrain
Years of isolation and obscurity comes with its share of advantages, though. Case in point: Laos' vastly undisturbed wilderness, which is a big draw among the adventure and nature travelers. In this regard, northern Laos' forest-carpeted mountains, Si Phan Don's four thousand islands, and the Bokeo Nature Reserve's diverse wildlife take center stage.
The country has also been able to move into the modern age without losing sight of its traditions and culture (yet), something that many of its contemporaries have. Travelers are bound to see groups of robe-clad monks make their rounds around town, as well as experience the Laotian rural life in a national capital.
Lao PDR (Please Don't Rush)
Lao PDR means the "Lao People's Democratic Republic," although it is often quipped as "Lao - Please Don't Rus." This was born out of the idea that the best way to take in the country's essence is to do it slowly - and never hurry. It is the reason why the most common attraction for travelers is to engage in community-based treks that take one through Laos's wilderness and villages.
In Laos, slow is better. Travelers like to cozy up in hammocks, suspended in time while gazing at the lovely sights along the Mekong River or the limestone massifs in Vang Vieng.